The American Motorcyclist Association has named Triumph, one of the most historic and popular names in motorcycling, as the 2008 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marque of the Year. As Marque of the Year, Triumph motorcycles will be featured in special displays, events and seminars during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the country’s premier gathering of vintage motorcycles. The 17th edition of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is scheduled for July 25-27, 2008, at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Triumph’s long history makes it a natural choice for Marque of the Year. The company dates to the late 19th century, when two German brothers began selling bicycles in London. Motorcycle production began in 1902. 2008 also marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of production of perhaps Triumph’s most beloved and sought-after model of all time: the Bonneville. Named to commemorate the company’s achievements in land-speed competition on the Utah salt flats, the Bonneville won success for both its styling and performance, and the name lives on as one of the best-selling Triumph models of today. “For many people, the Bonneville represents the essence of what a motorcycle should be. Its style reflects the classic Triumph lines first penned in the 1930s by famed Triumph designer Edward Turner and the Bonneville’s combination of style and performance is a perfect example of what makes vintage Triumphs so popular with collectors and enthusiasts to this day,” said Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Proceeds from VMD support the Museum’s mission of preserving motorcycling’s heritage. One of the special activities planned for 2008 Vintage Motorcycle Days is a display of 1980 and earlier cafe racers, a style that’s closely associated with Triumph. Owners of cafe racers of any brand who would like to participate can learn more at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com. The Classic Club for 2008 is the North American Laverda Owners Club, which will have a special display at VMD. In addition to the special activities for 2008, VMD will once again include all the traditional elements that draw about 50,000 motorcycle fans to the event each year: the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum auction, the 35-acre swap meet, three bike shows, demo rides of new motorcycles, stunt shows, seminars and a full slate of American Historic Motorcycle Racing Association competition in road racing, flat-track, motocross and trials. For more information on AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, visit www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com. Advance tickets will be available at www.midohio.com or by calling (800) MID-OHIO. To learn more about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org