LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nine motorcycling legends took their place in history Friday, Nov. 19, at the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by JT Racing, held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa.

Hosted by actor and motorcyclist Perry King, the event kicked off the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. . . . → Read More: Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by JT Racing, inducts nine legends]]> LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Nine motorcycling legends took their place in history Friday, Nov. 19, at the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by JT Racing, held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa.

Hosted by actor and motorcyclist Perry King, the event kicked off the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. It recognized the Hall of Fame Class of 2010: legendary two-stroke engine tuner Eyvind Boyesen, dirt-track racer Don Castro, sidecar roadracing champion Larry Coleman, off-road rights activist Clark Collins, AMA 250cc Roadrace Champion David Emde, competition apparel pioneers and JT Racing founders John and Rita Gregory, desert racing champion and team manager Bruce Ogilvie, and championship team owner and Pro Circuit founder Mitch Payton.

Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money to support the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, welcomed a sold-out crowd to the induction ceremony and voiced appreciation for their support.

“This Motorcycle Hall of Fame is your hall of fame,” Heininger said. “What we’ve done, we couldn’t have done it without you — the new exhibits at the museum in Pickerington, Ohio, and events like AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and of course this induction ceremony here tonight. Your support is so important, and we’ve got a lot more ideas and plans to keep this thing going and to spread the word of the heritage of motorcycling.”

Also honored at the event was Bob “Hurricane” Hannah. Hannah, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, was recognized as a Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. Hannah’s immense popularity helped the sport of motocross grow by leaps and bounds in the late 1970s. He has seven AMA National Championships to his credit, and was one of only two riders in the history of AMA racing to win championships in 125 and 250cc motocross and Supercross competition.

“I was having breakfast this morning, and I was just kind of reflecting back and thinking about the guys who couldn’t be with us tonight,” Hannah said. “David Emde, Bruce Ogilvie — one of the greatest off-road racers of all time — and Eyvind Boyesen. Boyesen and I had a heck of a relationship. We both loved motorcycles, and we both loved making things better.”

Hannah went on to single out several others in motorcycling.

“I know a lot of people in here, and I like a lot of people in here, and I know most guys don’t look at their buddies and say they love them, so I’m going to do it,” Hannah said. “John Penton, I love you. Bevo Forte, I love you, too. Keith McCarty is here. I love you, McCarty.”

The 2010 inductees were honored with videos chronicling their careers, Hall of Fame rings and induction speeches given by a special person from their pasts.

pb_carousel group=”1″

Eyvind Boyesen

Boyesen, inducted for his enormous contributions to motocross engine development, tragically passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 17, just two days before the ceremony. His sudden death, the result of illness, was marked by a moment of silence and remembrance at the event.

Perry King read comments prepared by Boyesen’s son, Dag Boyesen, who was going to speak in honor of his father at the event.

“Early on, I saw my father’s commitment to new ideas, spending countless hours in the basement porting cylinders,” Dag Boyesen wrote in his remarks. “His perseverance and belief that anything was possible guided his world.

“Beyond all the accomplishments and success, there is another Eyvind Boyesen. I know I speak for our family and friends when I say that Eyvind Boyesen was a person’s person. His spiritual faith, his love for his wife and his happiness showed me how to love and dream and how to appreciate life,” read King.

Boyesen founded Boyesen Engineering in 1972 in Lenhartsville, Pa., and built a worldwide reputation as a two-stroke engine expert. In addition to his reed-valve innovations, Boyesen was also known for a special porting technique that has been used in motorcycle, snowmobile and watercraft two-stroke engines. He also refined methods of water pump design and developed enhanced accelerator pump operation used in four-stroke carburetion. Boyesen held more than 40 patents for the aftermarket motorcycle industry, and his company continues to thrive today.

“I will say that my career has been balanced by my ability to do what I truly love,” Eyvind Boyesen said when his 2010 induction was announced in June. “To this day, I will always remember the first time I saw a motorcycle. It was magical.”

Don Castro

Castro joined the professional dirt-track ranks as an Expert in 1970, riding both dirt-track and roadrace motorcycles for Triumph. He finished his rookie season fifth in the standings. For 1973 he was picked up by Yamaha and accomplished what many consider to be his greatest victory: winning the San Jose, Calif., half-mile against the likes of Scott, Lawwill, Palmgren, Roberts and other extremely talented racers. Castro went on to win another National the next year: the 250cc roadrace at Daytona, defeating teammate and race favorite Roberts.

Castro retired from the sport in 1976.

In accepting his award, Castro acknowledged the help he received during his career.

“I couldn’t get up here all by myself,” Castro said. “I had a lot of great help. I was lucky enough to have two factory rides, one from Yamaha and one from Triumph. I’d like to thank my peers for voting for me, and I’d like to thank everybody for coming out.”

Larry Coleman

Coleman’s interest in fast, grand-prix-style sidecar racing came when he was a U.S. serviceman in Europe in the 1970s. Upon returning to the United States, he raced a Kawasaki 500 H1-based sidecar with Wendell Andrews, and was a success in both AFM and AMA racing. The pair won two AMA national championships in 1976-77. Then, teaming with Mark Bevans as passenger, Coleman won the 1979 AMA national championship.

For the 1980 season, Coleman built up a Yamaha TZ750-based bike that was one of the most advanced machines of its type and helped advance the cause of sidecar racing in the United States. After retiring from racing in 1981, Coleman worked in the motorcycle industry, ultimately starting his own marketing and public relations consultancy.

In his acceptance speech, Coleman cited the importance of teamwork to his success.

“I would like to thank the Hall of Fame for the honor of being a member of the class of 2010,” Coleman said. “The different disciplines of the AMA are well represented by this group of inductees. From racing to product development, political action to business development. This group is a very good representation of the patchwork quilt that makes up the AMA.

“Regardless of the type of racing, it takes teamwork to become successful,” Coleman continued. “Any success in racing, business, or any aspect of our sport is only as good as the team that you are able to assemble to make things happen.”

Coleman continues to add to his legendary status in the sport. This summer, he set a land-speed record at the AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships.

Clark Collins

In 1987, Collins created the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), which is a national non-profit organization dedicated to protecting responsible recreational access to public lands and waters. Collins and the BRC have come to be nationally recognized by public land agencies as authorities on responsible motorized recreation. He served as executive director of the organization until his retirement in 2004.

Collins thanked those who have supported the BRC when he accepted his award.

“In the words of a friend who I’ve gotten to know over the years, Malcolm Smith, ‘This is really neat,’” Collins said. “I really want to thank you all, collectively, for helping me with the BlueRibbon Coalition. You’ve helped us make it mean something, and I’m proud of the relationship between the BlueRibbon Coalition and the AMA because teamwork is what makes it work.”

Today, Collins continues to serve the off-road recreation community in Idaho as president of the Idaho State ATV Association.

David Emde

Following in the footsteps of his father, Floyd, and brother, Don, both Daytona 200 winners and Motorcycle Hall of Famers, David’s versatility became obvious when he began racing in the early 1970s. After starting in dirt-track, he switched to roadracing in 1975, competing alongside some of the fastest roadracers ever: Kenny Roberts, Steve Baker, Gary Nixon and others.

Emde’s breakthrough came at the famed Laguna Seca Raceway, when he beat Roberts in a heat race, then finished second to him in the main. David’s 1977 AMA 250cc Roadrace Championship was marked by nine wins in a hard-fought competition. He also raced Superbikes and proved himself adept at endurance racing, setting in 1978 what was then the fastest qualifying time for the famed Suzuka 8-Hour endurance race in Japan.

David Emde died in a street motorcycle crash in 2003.

“Several years back, David shared me with me his dream of being inducted into the Hall of Fame along with his father Floyd and brother Don,” said David’s sister Nancy, who along with David’s son Brian accepted the award on the late Emde’s behalf. “This is such a great honor. Thank you very much for making his dream come true.”

John and Rita Gregory

Under the Gregorys’ leadership, JT Racing sponsored just about every big-name motocrosser of the 1970s and ’80s, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Joel Robert, Roger DeCoster, Marty Smith, Ricky Johnson, David Bailey, Bob Hannah, Johnny O’Mara, and Jeff Ward. They brought revolutionary nylon motocross pants to the United States, created a variety of innovative products including jerseys, pants and chest protectors, and were masters of marketing in the creation of their global business.

Speaking at the event, Both John and Rita Gregory said they were honored for the induction and used the occasion to recount many great memories they have of their careers in the sport.

“I am so surprised and honored to be recognized among this group,” Rita Gregory said. “I am sincere in my heartfelt thanks to all those who remembered me. I always considered myself the ghost of JT. I was usually the one who stayed home and minded the business and the kids while John went off to the races. You know, though, it takes a team, and while John and I started this, it took a team to make it successful.”

Added John Gregory: “Most of the people we worked with over the years, there’s just no way — there’s just no way — to express our appreciation for everything they did. The bottom line here, is people make the world go ’round.”

Bruce Ogilvie

Ogilvie, who grew up attending TT scrambles with his father, Donald, began racing in his teens. He soon became one of AMA District 37′s most accomplished desert racers, and set out to tackle one of motorcycle competition’s most challenging events: Baja. Ogilvie developed into a master Baja racer, collecting victories in the San Felipe 250, the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000 over four decades. Ogilvie was the only racer in history to win the Baja 1000 overall in four different decades, getting his last win in 2003 at the age of 51.

While still competing, Ogilvie branched into management. In 1984 he was hired by American Honda, where he coordinated the company’s off-road racing efforts, served as senior test evaluator for American Honda’s Product Evaluation Department, and developed some of the most impressive racing talent of the next generation.

Ogilvie passed away on April 13, 2009, following an extended illness.

Bruce Ogilvie’s son, Nick Ogilvie, accepted the award along with Bruce’s wife, Marcia Ogilvie, and his daughter Isabella.

“For me, he was the ultimate dad,” Nick Ogilvie said. “He taught me how to ride and live. I only had 14 years with him, but my memories will last a lifetime.”

Mitch Payton

Payton is arguably the most successful motocross and Supercross team owner of all time. His privateer teams have won more championships than any other — 26 since 1991.

Payton’s parents, James and Norma Payton, introduced him and his brother, James Jr., to motorcycling at a young age. By the time he was 10, Payton was competing in family enduros and a few years later was racing competitively in AMA District 37. In 1977, at the age of 17, Payton was one of the district’s top desert racers and won the 125 class in that discipline. Unfortunately, the next year Payton’s racing career was cut short by injury.

Instead of allowing discouragement to turn him away from motorcycling, Payton refocused his efforts on the business side of the sport. At 18, he bought and ran a local Husqvarna shop. His skill and reputation as a tuner grew, and his parts were being used by some of the biggest motocross teams of the mid-1980s. Then, in 1991, Honda asked Payton to run its 125 team. Payton accepted, and over the next 19 years, racing other brands as well, his teams won more championships than any other.

In his acceptance speech, Payton recognized all the employees, mentors, racers and friends who helped him throughout his career.

“We’re all here because we all love motorcycles,” Payton said. “I started riding with my mom, dad and brother. It was something I was really passionate about and wanted to do every day. Then, when I got hurt at 17 and couldn’t ride anymore, I had some really good friends in my life at that time. When I was 18 years old, we bought a Husky shop that was losing money. Now, 32 years later, here we are as Pro Circuit, and we have a very successful race team.

“I feel real fortunate and really lucky to have achieved more in my life than I thought was possible,” Payton continued. “I couldn’t have done it without all my friends. Friends are the most important thing.”

AMA Legends & Champions Weekend

The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend is a two-day celebration of motorcycling’s greats held at Las Vegas’ Red Rock. In addition to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by JT Racing, the celebration includes the 2010 AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by World of Powersports, and the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance bike show, which features some of the country’s most-stunning original and immaculately restored classic motorcycles. Both the racing banquet and the Concours d’Elegance are Saturday, Nov. 20, also at the Red Rock.

In addition, the weekend features the final round of the AMA Racing GEICO Powersports EnduroCross Championship Series on Saturday evening as well as the Las Vegas debut of the movie “Carlsbad USGP: 1980,” a look at an iconic motocross race that has been dubbed “the Woodstock of motorcycling.”

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org

BMW Motorrad Motorsport is heading into the future with a new management structure. Bernhard Gobmeier will replace Berthold Hauser as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director with immediate effect. The move comes two weeks after BMW Motorrad and Team Manager Davide Tardozzi agreed to part company by mutual consent. Gobmeier will be responsible for all BMW . . . → Read More: Changes at the top at BMW Motorrad Motorsport]]> BMW Motorrad Motorsport is heading into the future with a new management structure. Bernhard Gobmeier will replace Berthold Hauser as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director with immediate effect. The move comes two weeks after BMW Motorrad and Team Manager Davide Tardozzi agreed to part company by mutual consent. Gobmeier will be responsible for all BMW Motorrad Motorsport activities, including the company's factory involvement in the Superbike World Championship.

"I'm pleased to announce this fundamental realignment," says Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director of BMW Motorrad. "The new structure puts BMW Motorrad Motorsport in extremely good shape to meet the challenges of the future. Bernhard Gobmeier has filled a variety of roles within the BMW Group over the years and brings his experience in motor sport to the job. I'm in no doubt that he will continue to take BMW Motorrad
Motorsport forwards with his analytical and structured approach. He will bring himself up to speed with the current situation as quickly as possible and put the necessary measures in place."

And von Kuenheim continues: "I would like to thank Berthold Hauser for all his good work over recent years. He can look back on some impressive successes in his career as BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director. Under his leadership Richard Sainct won the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1999 and 2000 as BMW Motorrad made its return to the event. And Berthold Hauser was also responsible for the team's successful start to life in the Superbike World Championship and its first podium finishes. He will continue to perform a managerial role for BMW Motorrad."

New BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Gobmeier, adds: "I'm looking forward to taking on this new challenge in a top-class race series with a professional racing team and two strong riders. Our aim is clear: to build consistently on the positive foundations which Berthold Hauser and his team have put in place over recent years, so that we can be in a position to win races on merit as soon as possible."

Gobmeier, a qualified engineer, has worked for BMW AG for more than 16 years, during which time he has performed a variety of roles. In 1994 and 1995 he was responsible for overhauling the company's sales activities for BMW M vehicles in North America and restructuring its racing activities in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with the BMW M3 GT. The native Bavarian then filled various management positions within BMW M GmbH between 1996 and 2008, before taking over as head of chassis development at BMW Motorrad in 2008.

HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK enjoyed a successful season opener at the Maxxis British motocross championship at Little Silver, Exeter yesterday with Jake Nicholls finishing on the podium, Graeme Irwin taking his first ever MX2 win and Natalie Kane dominating the women’s races.

In the all-new qualifying format for the . . . → Read More: SUCCESS FOR HM PLANT RED BULL KTM AT SEASON OPENER]]>

HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK enjoyed a successful season opener at the Maxxis British motocross championship at Little Silver, Exeter yesterday with Jake Nicholls finishing on the podium, Graeme Irwin taking his first ever MX2 win and Natalie Kane dominating the women’s races.

In the all-new qualifying format for the MX2 class, in which the top twelve from the timed session are given a superpole flying lap to establish their gate pick, Nicholls earned himself third place with teammate Irwin, who didn’t expect to be lining up to race this weekend due to a shoulder injury, close behind in fourth in the wet and muddy track conditions.

In the opening 20-minute plus two-lap moto, which forms part of the new-for-2010 three race schedule, Nicholls fired away from the start clinching the holeshot with Irwin in second place. Although Nicholls had pulled a small lead, Irwin was able to take advantage of a mistake from his teammate on lap three, and the Irishman continued with blistering form to stretch out a nine second lead at the chequered flag to spectacularly win his first ever British Championship moto and the first race of the season. Nicholls ended an eventful race in a strong sixth position.

In race two Nicholls scored another holeshot aboard his KTM 250 SX-F, while Irwin didn’t quite get the start he had hoped for and was in 11th place by the end of lap one. Nicholls engaged in a battle with Zac Osbourne and lost out to the American rider on lap three, but maintained a good rhythm to finish in a solid second position. Meanwhile Irwin, who had fought his way to eighth by lap three, had another fall and clawed his way back to a respectable ninth place.

For the final moto of the day the track had dried somewhat, but was tough and rough in many places. Both HM Plant Red Bull KTM riders got good starts with Nicholls taking the lead and Irwin in fourth place at the end of lap one. 19-year-old Nicholls engaged in another fierce battle with Osbourne to finish second and runner-up overall, while Irwin battled with a number of riders to finish in an eventual fifth position and an impressive fifth overall.

In the women’s races Kane demonstrated an almost-flawless performance after taking pole position, and winning both of her 16-minute plus two-lap races. The 18-year-old, who made her KTM debut this weekend, took the overall honours, as she kicks off her season with the aim to build her speed for the first Women’s World Championship round in April.

Jake Nicholls #45: MX2 2nd Overall
“Fifth in Superpole was good, as doing a one-off flying lap is not particularly one of my strong points. In the first race I got the holeshot, but crashed after a few laps, which was just a lack of concentration on my part with it being the first race of the year. I got up and managed to salvage sixth place. In the second race I holeshotted again, and plugged away as much as I could after Zac came past. I didn’t ride so good, as I was a little pumped up, but I was happy enough with second place. In the last race I holeshotted again, and I wasn’t quite finding my lines. It was a pretty similar story to the second race really, and with two laps to go I thought I was on my own when Martin Barr was just close behind me and I had to fight to the finish. I ended up second overall, which is a good start to the year for me, as I’ve worked hard, and I haven’t done that much riding recently with the weather. The plan now is just to keep riding and training to build things up for the first Grand Prix with some good speed.”

Graeme Irwin #555: MX2 5th Overall
“Overall I’m really happy with today. Qualifying wasn’t too bad we were third after the timed session then fourth after superpole, which I was happy with, as it’s a new thing to me and not something I’ve had a lot of practice at. The first race was mega. I got a good start and was close behind Jake. He got away a little, but I managed to start catching him back when he made a mistake and I took the lead. The bike was feeling good and I was able to pull away to take my first ever win, which I’d like to dedicate to my Granda who passed away three months ago today. It was certainly a really great feeling to win the first race of the season. In the second race I got a bit boxed in off the start. I tried to make some headway but aggravated my shoulder, which I injured a week ago, when I came off on one of the tabletops, although I managed to come back to ninth. I got a good start in the third race and ended up fifth with fifth overall, which I’m really happy with because we weren’t sure I’d be racing this weekend during last week. It’s a good start to the season and now I’ll be continuing my training and riding the bike as much as possible, as well as getting my shoulder up to full strength for the next few weeks.”

Natalie Kane #44: MX Ladies Winner
“Qualifying was good; we were first by over five seconds, so I was happy with that. In the first race I was second off the line going into the first turn but took the lead two corners later. I came round on the first lap but hit one of the kickers off the tabletops and nearly went over the bars, so I hurt my chest and winded myself, which I struggled with over the next couple of laps. I tightened up and managed to ride tight, so towards the end of the race I had got myself properly going again and took the win. In the second race I got the holeshot, and felt good, so I just kept my head down to lead to the finish. I’m really happy with everything and the KTM. It’s taken a while to get used to it, as it’s different from any other bike I’ve ridden and a little taller, which has also been a challenge as I’m quite short, but now I’m really loving it. We’re just working on doing some races to get myself ready for the first Women’s World Championship race in April.”

HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK Team Manager: Roger Magee
“This has been a very positive start to the season. We were running one-two in the first race for quite a while when Jake had a slight off. It was good to see Graeme take up the baton and run with it to take his first win at the Maxxis British Championship, with Jake also having a good outing to finish second on the podium overall. It shows the work that the riders and the team have put in over the winter has really paid off. Natalie had two easy wins today for her KTM debut, and we are looking at moving her up into the MX2 class, as it’s important she has some competitive racing ahead of the World Championship season, which starts in April. Overall I’m happy with today and we will now to continue with this form at the Hawkstone Park pre-season international next weekend.”

Related posts:

1. HM Plant Red Bull KTM UK line-up confirmed for 2010
2. NUNN TAKES OVERALL WIN AT RED BULL SERIES OPENER
3. Success for Team Ireland at Red Bull Motocross of Nations

Whilst the official team riders participate in the test at Sepang, Franco Battaini yesterday concluded a series of tests on the Ducati MotoGP prototype at the Jerez circuit.

Italian Luca Scassa will line up for his second full World Superbike season after signing a deal to race a Ducati 1198R for the Parma-based Supersonic Racing Team. The The 26-year-old from Arezzo will make his debut with the team at the Portimao round seeing as there is not enough time to get ready . . . → Read More: Scassa goes Superbike with Supersonic!]]>

Talented Italian rider Michele Pirro will join the Hannspree Ten Kate Honda WSS team to contest the 2010 World Supersport championship.

Now 23, Pirro, from San Giovanni Rotondo in southern Italy, had a successful test of the Honda in the post season Portimao sessions, after finishing 12th in the 2009 series. He scored . . . → Read More: Pirro steps up for Ten Kate in 2010]]>