From a press release issued by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum:

Willie G. Davidson, Harley-Davidson’s styling guru and certainly the most famous face on Main Street, was one of the many individuals honored during the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s “Evening of Heroes,” a special event held during Daytona Bike Week 2003 to celebrate the opening of the Museum’s landmark exhibit, “Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance.” The new exhibit celebrates the people, personalities and products that helped transform the Motor Company from a backyard experiment into a major American success story.


Willie G. Davidson takes a break from the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s Daytona Bike Week party to “customize” an Anniversary Edition 2003 Heritage Softail (R) Classic, donated to the Museum by Harley-Davidson. The bike will be raffled off, and the winner announced during Daytona Bike Week 2004.

The by-invitation-only event, held Tuesday, March 4 in Daytona Beach, drew nearly 200 industry and media guests, including many of the “Heroes” whose stories are showcased in the expansive exhibit. Spirited benchracing between modern-day and “vintage” heroes provided plenty of entertainment as well as a priceless collection of anecdotes. Racing legends like Everett Brashear–one of the most talented riders of his era–swapped stories with fellow Hall of Fame members like Tammy Kirk, the first woman ever to qualify for a starting position in an AMA Grand National Final, and Brad Lackey, the first American to win the 500cc World MX Championship. Today’s racing talent was also represented, including top-ranked Harley-Davidson factory rider Rich King and Jennifer Snyder, as were the people who keep the machines in motion, such as legendary Harley-Davidson tuner Bill Werner. Many of the industry’s best-known names, such a Willie G. and Bill Davidson and Erik Buell shared their stories and gave generously of their time. The motorcycle industry’s closely entwined family tree was much in evidence–where else could you catch television personality Larry Maiers catching up with his first boss, the eternally young-at-heart John Penton?

“An Evening of Heroes” also featured a Silent Auction, benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Unique auction items–many bearing famous autographs–ranged from one-of-a-kind racing memorabilia to exclusive artwork, such as an Edsel Ford II signed lithograph tracing Ford Motor Company’s century of heritage.

“Heroes of Harley-Davidson, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance” is now open to the public. For a closer look, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony and ride-in event is planned for May 3, 2003.