Hall of Fame Class of 2014 Features Motorcycling’s Best & Brightest
MotoAmerica: The Future Of AMA Road Racing
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EagleRider offers a 15 percent discount on Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW and Polaris rentals and tours. Call (888) 900-9901 or book at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Membership/EagleRider. aspx, using discount code AMA014.
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In the United States, call Federal Companies, an agent for Specialized Transportation, Inc., at (877) 518-7376 for at least $60 off standard rates. For international shipments, call Motorcycle Express at (800) 245-8726. To get your discount, be sure to have your AMA number handy. Motorcycle Express also offers temporary international insurance.
Car Rentals
Save Money When You Drive
Get up to 25 percent off prevailing rates at any Avis or Budget car rental agency. For Avis, enter discount code: D388100. For Budget, enter code: Z942000. AMA Members save up to 25% on year-round Hertz rentals with discount code CDP# 497193.
AMA Gear
Buy AMA Stuff Online
Find unique patches, pins, posters, T-shirts and books at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio. Details at www. MotorcycleMuseum.org.
Rider Accident Medical Plan
All members of the AMA are eligible to purchase coverage. Benefits are paid when a covered member is injured. See http:// www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Membership/Members_Only/ DiscountCodes for details.
the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio.
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Save on advanced tickets; AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Supercrossonline.com and use password SXAMA5. AMA members can get $5 off when they buy tickets online at Arenacross.com and use password AMA5OFF. Certain restrictions apply, call (800) 2625646 for details.
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the touring expert of North America, providing info on the best places to ride. AMA discount code is CRIAMA at www.roadrunner.travel/promo/ama.
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As an AMA Member, you can join or renew your Sam’s Club membership and receive a $10 gift card (for a Sam’s Savings membership) or a $25 gift card (for a Plus membership) using a special members-only certificate. Visit the Members Only section on www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com to download the coupon.
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NAVIGATION
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2014. Printed in USA.
Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $19.95 covered in membership dues.
Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.
November 2014
Volume 68, Number 11
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
STREET COVER
Read about Rob Muzzy and the rest of the Hall of Fame Class of 2014 starting on page 34.
PAGE 18. UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF TRACTION CONTROL
DIRT COVER
Read about Scott Summers and the rest of the Hall of Fame Class of 2014 starting on page 34.
PAGE 18. AMA TO SANCTION MOTOAMERICA PRO ROAD-RACING SERIES IN 2015
To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.
Kevin Crowther, Director SX & Pro Racing Relations
Bill Cumbow, Director of Racing
Chris Harrison, Road Riding Manager
Alex Hunter, MX Operational Coordinator
Tamra Jones, Racing Coordinator
Ken Saillant, Track Racing Manager
Cherie Schlatter, Organizer Services Manager
Serena Van Dyke, Organizer Services Coordinator
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations
Danielle Fowles, Grassroots Coordinator
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Sean Hutson, Legislative Assistant
Sharon Long, Legislative Affairs Coordinator
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway
Marie Wuelleh, Government Affairs Specialist
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst
Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director
MARKETING
Mark Christian, Director of Marketing
Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Specialist
MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY
Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative
Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative
Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative
Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager
Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative
my buddy Kurt Kurtzweg, also a lifetime member, decided to make the 830-mile trip from Minnesota to Ohio for the show and swap meet. It was one of those bucket-list things that we needed to do, and boy are we glad we did!
We hauled 13 motorcycles and a boatload of parts down and set up on Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, we had sold five bikes and a lot of parts. When the weekend was over, we had sold 10 of the bikes and almost all of the parts we brought down.
That was worth the trip alone, but then I get my American Motorcyclist magazine and start reading the write up on the event and on page 40 of the October issue is a
Sound Off!
win that race! What a great way to end the weekend. We will definitely be coming back.
Steve Drew Hutchinson, Minn.
OFF-ROAD SUPPORTER
I’ve been a member for more than 20 years on and off, and I’d like to thank our association for all it’s done. In the 1980s when I was a soldier, the AMA helped to take my mind of things while stationed in Germany.
It was also during that time in the Army that I got interested in enduro racing. I was lucky enough to put some money up
A roundup of recent comments on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/americanmotorcyclist
On MSF training… Howard Dusenbery: “One should always revisit their skill set. Should be a fun winter project to tune up for spring.”
Responding to a photo of one of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Gary Nixon’s racebikes... B.J. Keller: “One of Maryland’s finest racers and a great guy. R.I.P., Gary.”
Sarcastically commenting on the potential for more ethanol in fuel… Allen J. Gordon: “Let’s see—it harms consumers, voids vehicle warranties and addresses an issue that no longer exists and even increases carbon emissions. Why wouldn’t the EPA approve it?”
went after the bike I had always wanted—1981 YZ465—and it has not disappointed. By far, it’s the fastest and most fun bike I have ever ridden. Thanks for the vintage love this month!
Steve Kirby Rock Hill, S.C.
RIDE SAFE
Here are two situational safety tips. Stay out of the blind spot: When riding in the same direction as other drivers (cars or bikes), the easiest way to know if you are not in the other driver’s blind spot is if you can see the driver’s face in his mirror. If you can see their face (on either side mirror) they can see you during a normal mirror sweep.
The strategy when your lane is moving just a tad faster is to hang in the visible spot for a moment until the gap ahead of you in your lane increases. Then pass.
Morning/afternoon visibility: Your shadow knows. In low-angle-sun periods anytime your shadow is aiming at a car, that driver has the sun in his eyes. At that point, having your headlight on and that safety vest you’re wearing are meaningless. Just assume they can’t see you, because they can’t.
Chuck Foster Napa Valley, Calif.
2013MembershipCard_Scooter.indd
VIEWPOINT
MOTOAMERICA AND THE AMA
In April, I received a letter from threetime MotoGP champion and two-time AMA Superbike Champion Wayne Rainey. Wayne, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, was writing to me in my capacity as president of FIM North America on behalf of a partnership he is part of called the KRAVE Group. He was seeking sanctioning from FIM North America to establish a continental motorcycle road racing series with events in the United States and possibly Canada.
The Future Of Road Racing Is Now
would also diminish greatly. Further, if FIM North America agreed to sanction the new series during my term, we would be in a better position to minimize the impact on DMG’s series calendar. I also expressed a concern that the FIM might circumvent its North American continental union and its member federations and sanction such a series directly— because this has already been done in Europe and Asia.
This was a reasonable inquiry. FIM North America is the North American continental union of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the international body for motorcycle sport of which the AMA is a member federation. The AMA makes up FIM North America along with Canada’s FIM member federation, the Canadian Motorcycle Association. In addition to my role as president and CEO of the AMA, one of my responsibilities for the last four years has been to serve as FIM North America president. My term ends this month when the presidency will rotate to my counterpart at the CMA.
In order for an event or series to be sanctioned by FIM North America, it must first be sanctioned by the AMA or CMA. This requirement is intended to ensure that the continental unions provide support for, rather than compete with, their member federations. However, because the rights to AMA professional road racing had been sold by the AMA to the Daytona Motorsports Group in 2008, the AMA—and, therefore, FIM North America—could not grant a sanction to the KRAVE Group without getting the consent of DMG.
DMG has faced many challenges since it took control of the professional road racing series in 2008, and a competing series was the last thing they needed. The best thing for DMG, the KRAVE Group, the AMA, the FIM, and the riders, teams and
develop an enforcement, appeal and rider-licensing procedure. The AMA will be responsible for issuing professional road racing licenses for the series. Class champions in the series will earn AMA national No. 1 plates.
MotoAmerica, with the consultation of the AMA, will develop the classes, the rules of competition and event procedures. While details of the rulebook were still in development when this issue went to print, classes and event procedures will conform to prevailing international standards. The group also will sell sponsorships, develop other commercial relationships for the series, secure tracks, create the calendar, process crew and media credentials, and have responsibility for fan engagement.
DMG, which has operated the series for the last seven years, is no longer going to be involved in the series.
fans was for an agreement to be reached that would prevent two competing series. At a point during the discussions, DMG put the rights to AMA professional road racing on the table. I was asked to be the go-between and broker a deal that would ensure one series and make way for a brighter future for professional road racing in America.
When I presented the idea of FIM North America sanctioning a continental road racing championship to DMG, they were understandably resistant. DMG was running the AMA-branded professional road racing series in the United States, and a North American continental championship series would have been a competitor. I explained that because my term as president of the continental union would expire soon, my ability to influence whether FIM North America would sanction the KRAVE Group’s series
I’m very pleased to say that our efforts were successful. Early in September, we announced that the AMA had reacquired the sanctioning, promotional and commercial rights to professional motorcycle road racing in America from DMG. This allows the AMA, as well as FIM North America, to sanction the new professional motorcycle road racing series proposed by Wayne.
The AMA will have an important operational role with the new series. We will staff officials at each round and
Many times in this space you’ve read about the importance of your membership to the AMA. Membership is the fuel that drives the success of your association. More members provide for a stronger AMA, and a stronger AMA is in a better position to protect motorcyclists’ freedoms.
That goal was our guiding light as we worked with the KRAVE Group to structure the sanctioning agreement for MotoAmerica. Codified in the arrangement is the AMA’s responsibility to issue professional road-racing licenses for the series. This empowers the AMA to establish a clear path for the amateur motorcycle road racer to the pro ranks. Done correctly and with the support of the sport’s stakeholders, this strategy will facilitate the growth of a robust grass-roots amateur road-racing program, allowing us to focus on the present, and future, of the thousands of amateur racers who have dreams of their own Hall of Fame-worthy careers.
I look forward to sharing more about our efforts soon. For now, I want to thank all of you for your support as we work together to shape a brighter future for motorcycle road racing in America.
Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.
By Rob Dingman
required permits for groups of four or more riders, as well as for any modifications to the land associated with riding, and imposed fines for any OHV-generated dust crossing a property line.
AMA member Mark Silvia, of Pawcatuck, Conn., brought the Stonington situation to the attention of the AMA.
The AMA helped Silvia get the word out before the Aug. 26 vote on the proposal, and the meeting was packed with people calling the ordinance “overkill.”
“I am pleased with the results, as it supports the rights of property owners, and those of us who use our dirt bikes and ATVs in a respectful and responsible manner,” Silvia writes to the AMA. “Thanks for your advice and support.”
Ric Foster
FIRST PHASE OF RATTLESNAKE BAY TRAILS REOPEN
USFS Promises Larger Section To Come In 2015
About 25 riders and supporters celebrated the re-opening of Phase One of the Rattlesnake Bay OHV Trails in Mississippi’s DeSoto National Forest on Sept. 20.
The Friends of Rattlesnake Bay offhighway-vehicle group joined U.S. Forest Service officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for 9.5 miles of trails in an area that has remained “temporarily” closed for more than 11 years.
“We are elated that the Forest Service has begun the process of re-opening these trails, and we want to thank the Forest Service officials and the Friends of Rattlesnake Bay member volunteers for their hard work that made this day possible,” says Dale Tallman Jr., volunteer coordinator for the Friends of Rattlesnake Bay.
Fred Pittman, Robert Rockco and other Mississippi riders in forming Friends of Rattlesnake Bay to facilitate Forest Service negotiations with a unified voice.
The AMA became involved in the effort at Tallman’s request. Steve Salisbury, AMA government affairs manager for off-highway issues, assisted Tallman,
The initial reopening was made possible by the February approval of a recreation fee structure by the U.S. Forest Service Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee and cooperation between the USFS and Friends of Rattlesnake Bay.
Volunteers from the OHV group helped USFS crews complete the needed repairs to the trails in late August.
The trails reopened in September consist of a 7.6-mile loop and a 1.9mile loop. A second section of trail, encompassing nearly 28 miles, is in the planning stages and may open in the spring or summer of 2015.
The Rattlesnake Bay trail system is in the special use permit area for the Camp Shelby Military Training Site near Hattiesburg, Miss.
Dale Tallman Jr.
Forest Service apparently thought it could fl y under the radar and close this trail without meaningful analysis or public process. We are calling their bluff .”
camp, hike, hunt, fish, ride horses, collect firewood, picnic, sit by the water, or for a number of other activities. People come to the forest to ride on roads and trails in pickup trucks, ATVs, motorcycles and
STATEWATCH
CALIFORNIA
At a September meeting, the Forest Service indicated that “it will be at least several more years before any more trails are actually available,” Werkmeister says.
Senate Bill 1077 provides for the study of a Road Usage Charge (RUC) as an alternative to the current gas tax. As electric vehicles increase in number and gas-powered vehicles become more effi cient, gas taxes have become an inadequate source of funds, the bill states. The purpose of the bill is to establish a pilot program headed by the State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) that would establish an RUC Technical Advisory Committee. The committee would study viability of an RUC in providing a more effective revenue
stream for maintaining and improving highways and local roads. This bill was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 9.
ILLINOIS
also provides exceptions for emergency situations — such as kidnappings — in which imminent danger to life can be expected and the ability to obtain a court order may be delayed.
Public Act 1104, The Freedom From Location Surveillance Act was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn on Aug. 26. The law restricts the ability of law enforcement agencies to obtain location information for individuals without a court order. It provides exceptions for agencies to use information the individual has chosen to make available through certain channels, such as social media. It
MICHIGAN
House Bill 5726, introduced by state Rep. Douglas Geiss (D-Taylor), introduces severe financial penalties for any motor vehicle repair facility that modifies an exhaust system to produce sound in excess of the original equipment manufacturer’s stock decibel level. State law already restricts motorcycle and moped sound to 86 dbA on streets with speed limits greater than 35 miles per hour and 82 dbA on streets with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Gov. Pat Quinn
Gov. Jerry Brown
President and CEO Rob Dingman when he announced the deal. “Our goal has always been to entrust the promoting and commercial rights for professional racing to a talented, dedicated, well-capitalized professional entity, and the KRAVE Group offers all that and more.”
Rainey thanked the AMA for facilitating the acquisition.
“The AMA was instrumental in this deal coming together, serving as negotiator and mediator at all points of discussion,” Rainey said.
are expected to reflect prevailing international standards.
“The structure of our agreement with the AMA serves the goal of developing riders to be successful on the world stage,” Rainey said. “It allows a framework that supports advancement from youth competition to novice, from novice to Pro-Am, from Pro-Am to National Championship contention and, for the best of the best, an opportunity to race for a world title.”
The AMA, as the U.S. affiliate of the FIM, sanctions FIM-affiliated events in the United States. The AMA, along with the
Chuck Aksland, a former racer and 20-year manager of Team Roberts; Terry Karges, a former motorsports marketing executive and team owner who spent 17 years at Roush Performance before being named executive director of the Petersen Museum; and Richard Varner, a motorcycle manufacturer, energy sector entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman.
As part of the agreement, the AMA reacquired the sanctioning, promotional and commercial rights to professional motorcycle road racing from the Daytona Motorsports Group, which purchased those rights from the AMA in 2008. DMG will no longer be involved in the series.
“We’re eager to build a fair, exciting and commercially viable professional road racing series not just for today’s stars, but for those who will stand on top of the podium for years to come.”
— Wayne Rainey, MotoAmerica Principal and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer
Millville, N.J., Sept. 6-7.
“New Jersey Motorsports Park provided a formidable test for AMA members racing for AMA national No. 1 plates,” says AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “It’s our pleasure to recognize the achievements of all of our national champions, but particularly the outstanding performance of Anthony Mazziotto III from Hammonton, N.J., who earned the AMA Road Racing Horizon Award, amateur road racing’s highest honor.”
Mazziotto, who won the AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year Award in 2013, returned to the AMA Road Race Grand Championship to win multiple titles in 2014. He won every AMA class he entered on three different bikes, a Yamaha R6, a Suzuki SV650 and a Kawasaki Ninja 250, demonstrating versatility in his first season on a middleweight bike. Mazziotto won the AMA 600 SuperSport and SuperBike classes, as well as AMA Moto 2.
“[Winning the Horizon Award] has been a goal of mine, and I got it this year, and it made my day,” the 14-year-old Mazziotto says. “When I turn 16, I want to start racing AMA Pro, and then World Superbike, and what I’m really hoping is one day to be MotoGP World Champion.”
The 2014 AMA Youth Road Racer of the Year was 13-year-old Brandon Paasch. The eighth grader from Freehold,
dominant all season in the US Grand Prix Riders Union, leading in both the Moto 3 and 250GP classes.
Richard Smith from Wayne, N.J., won the AMA Novice Road Racer of the Year award. Smith started riding track days just over two years ago at the age of 40. He obtained his racing license shortly after, and has been winning races ever since. A prolific competitor, Smith has won more than 30 amateur races in the 2014 season alone. At the AMA Road Race Grand Championship, he won AMA Amateur 1000 SuperSport, AMA Amateur Formula 40, and was second in AMA Amateur 1000 SuperBike on a Honda CBR1000RR.
The AMA Vet/Senior Road Racer of
Helmbach’s team is the defending overall and GTO Team Challenge Champion, and is leading both again in 2014 with two races left in the season. Helmbach dominated the field in the AMA Formula 40 race, and finished third in AMA 1000 SuperBike on his BMW S1000RR.
The AMA partnered with the Championship Cup Series to help run the AMA Road Race Grand Championship.
The 2014 AMA Road Race Grand Championship welcomed amateur racers with a competition license from recognized road-racing organizations.
To watch a video interview with Mazziotto, see www.youtube.com/ americanmotorcyclist.
Richard Smith
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“As long as we’re having fun, we’re going to keep coming out. I am enjoying my racing, which is the biggest part of it. My whole family and many of my friends come out every week, so it more than just a racing thing.”
— Billy Janniro
fifth championship.
Janniro came into the last round with wins at the first three competitions at Costa Mesa, Ventura and City of Industry. He had a nearly perfect season in individual races as well, winning 27 of the 28 championship races with only one loss at round two.
Heading into Auburn, Janniro was followed in points by Southern California speedway phenom, 17-year-old Max Ruml. Local rider Bart Bast was third in points, with Charlie Venegas fourth. Only Ruml had a slim mathematical chance of beating Janniro for the title.
“I had it kind of easy coming into tonight’s race needing just 6 points to win the championship,” Janniro said after winning the title. “But with the slick track and Bart (Bast) as fast as he is on a slick track, you never know what could happen.”
Ruml’s chances evaporated in the second heat race of the first round of the evening program, however, when Ruml and Tommy Hedden went down in turn three. Ruml didn’t finish
first-place finish, followed by Novratil, both transferring into the grand final.
In the second semi, Bast faced off against Venegas, Ruml and Hedden. Bast and Venegas both got inside after turn one, with Bast just ahead. The two stayed close for the four laps, finishing first and second for a trip to the grand final.
In the grand final, Janniro, being high points leader, chose lane one. Venegas chose lane two. Bast took three, leaving Novratil outside in lane four.
Janniro got a great start. Although the riders were tight, he slowly pulled away and put distance between himself and Bast in second. He then increased his lead over Bast and made his night perfect with a final first-place finish.
Bast finished second, Venegas third and Novratil was fourth.
“As long as we’re having fun, we’re going to keep coming out,” Janniro said. “I am enjoying my racing, which is the biggest part of it. My whole family and many of my friends come out every week, so it is more than just a racing thing.”
Bast and Ruml were tied in points for second place, necessitating a runoff to determine the runner up position. Bast prevailed on his home track, defeating Ruml, who finished the national championship in third.
Rob Hargraves
The AMA’s Nick Haris presents Billy Janniro with the 2014 AMA Speedway No. 1 plate.
2013 Yamaha Super Ténéré
As the proud sponsor of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Touring Series, Yamaha is awarding one lucky member a new 2013 Super Ténéré! Riders participating in the series will also be automatically entered.
had kind of an up-and-down year, but thanks to my team we were able to pull it all together and come away with the championship.”
The race was also notable in that it was the last of eight-time champion Mike Lafferty’s career. Lafferty got off to a quick start, and took the early lead on his FMF/ KTM after winning the first three tests
The final three tests were all Bobbitt, however, as the Georgia rider picked up the pace to pull away to take an impressive win, beating Lafferty by a minute-and-a-half at the end of the race.
“I am so happy to end my career this way,” says Lafferty. “Of course, I would have liked to have won the race, but I’m happy that if I had to lose it, that it was to Russ.”
expected to win this thing,” says Bobbitt. Fourth, behind DeLong, went to KTM support rider Grant Baylor, who was hot off his first career win just two weeks before in South Carolina.
Rounding out the top five was N-Fab Am Pro Yamaha’s Brad Bakken, who was second-fastest in the opening test of the day and might have challenged for a
AMA west HAre scrAMbLes won by JAcob ArgubrigHt
Title Is Husqvarna Rider’s First
A third overall finish was all it took at the Sept. 7 Anza AMA National Hare Scrambles for Husqvarna’s Jacob Argubright to lock up the 2014 AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship.
Argubright started the race with the holeshot and an early lead. After a restart due to unexpected land issues and a small get-off, Argubright finished in third.
Mark Kariya
the standings at one point, and then falling to fifth at the end of the schedule thanks in part to a knee injury he suffered two months ago.
Another rider making his return to the series after sitting out due to an injury was Cory Buttrick. The Beta USA rider was seventh at the end of the day.—Shan Moore
“I was really happy with how I rode, and the hard work I put in showed the first half of the race,” he said after the race. “I had the sweetest holeshot and I never looked back. I just felt like I had such good flow on my Husqvarna.”
Argubright praised the club for revising the course quickly.
“The club did a great job of restarting the race on a modified course,” he said. “With only four laps left, it was a sprint and the top guys were all in on it. I was riding as hard as I could and got caught up in some sand whoops and swapped out.
“This year has had some ups and downs, but I’m happy to come out with at least one championship,” he added.
for the day.
N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley led the way through the first turn, followed closely by his teammate Josh Strang. A third N-Fab AmPro rider, Jordan Ashburn, worked his way into the lead by the end of the first lap, however.
Russell, meanwhile, steadily made time on the leaders. By the second lap, he was up front and battling Ashburn for the lead.
The top three running order tightened up on the third lap with less than 15 seconds separating Ashburn, Russell and Strang as all three headed into the pits for fuel at the same time.
in fifth.
In the overall tally, which is adjusted to compensate for the delayed start of the XC2 class, XC2 leader Grant Baylor was firmly in third. Soon, the 17-year-old rider had pushed his way into the second-place position.
By the last lap, Russell had edged around Ashburn and continued to put time on the challenger, winning the overall by about a minute.
With his Somerset win, Russell has 21 career GNCC overall wins, which ties Scott Plessinger for fifth on the all-time bike-win list.
“It feels great to get the championship wrapped up early,” Russell said after the race. “My team worked so hard to help me accomplish this goal, and I am so grateful for their hard work. I hope to continue my win streak at the next two rounds to finish the season off with a couple more victories.”
After leading four of the six laps, Ashburn’s performance vaulted the Tennessee native into second in the championship standings, passing Strang, who wasn’t able to finish on Sunday. Strang now sits 1 point back in third. Ken Hill
for adventure riders seeking a turnkey experience.
Greg Munn, founder and co-owner of High Desert Adventures, has been riding since he was about 12 years old. In his later teen years, he had to give up motorcycling but always dreamed of riding again. Finally, in 2003, he and his wife bought their son a motorcycle. From that, it evolved into Greg getting himself a bike to go riding with his son.
“After a while, I was bored with riding the same OHV recreational areas over and over again,” Munn says. “I did some research and found the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route. I was mesmerized by it. So, I ended up organizing a trip in 2004 with a bunch of guys. Our GPS didn’t work, we had the wrong tires on our bikes, and a few other bumps along the way—but it was fun. I
interesting geological features along the way.”
He says sightseeing is part of the experience. The tour stops along the route to allow the riders see old Native American art and other historical sites.
“I always try to put myself in the frame of reference that I’ve never seen this before,” Munn says. “I try to look at it through the riders’ eyes.”
Munn says that High Desert is also unique because it is the only off-road motorcycle tour with a special-use permit in the state of Oregon. They work closely with the forest service to get the routes approved.
The current High Desert Adventures team includes two lead guides, Munn and Ace Nilson, and six assistant guides who help with sweep and manning the chase rig. Nilson has been riding since he was a
start of the race in Ensenada.
“When it comes to adventure riding, you will see and experience things you could never do in a car,” Munn says. “You’ll also meet interesting people along the way.
Our goal at High Desert Adventures is to make sure everyone always has smile on their faces.”
Ace Nilson
Supercross and Motocross
1 - 450MX: Ken Roczen
1 - 250MX: Jeremy Martin
1 - 450SX: Ryan Villopoto
1 - 250SX West: Jason Anderson
1 - 250SX East: Justin Bogle
2*: Ryan Villopoto
3*: Eli Tomac
4*: Blake Baggett
5*: Ryan Dungey
6**: Jeremy Martin
7*: James Stewart
9*: Ivan Tedesco
10*: Justin Brayton
11*: Kyle Chisholm
12*: Jake Weimer
14**: Cole Seely
15*: Dean Wilson
16*: Zach Osborne
17**: Cooper Webb
18*: David Millsaps
19**: Justin Bogle
20*: Broc Tickle
21: Jason Anderson
22*: Chad Reed
23: Weston Peick
24*: Brett Metcalfe
25*: Marvin Musquin
26*: Michael Byrne
27*: Nicholas Wey
28: Jessy Nelson
29*: Andrew Short
30: Christophe Pourcel
34: Malcolm Stewart
35: Kyle Cunningham
36: Matthew Goerke
37: Joey Savatgy
38: Matthew Bisceglia
39: Fredrik Noren
40: Shane McElrath
41*: Trey Canard
42: Ben Lamay
43: Matthew Lemoine
44: Zachary Bell
45: Vince Friese
46: Phillip Nicoletti
47: Martin Davalos
48: William Hahn
49: James Decotis
50: Adam Cianciarulo
51*: Justin Barcia
52: Mitchell Oldenburg
53: Jimmy Albertson
54: Ryan Sipes
55: Kyle Peters
56: Cole Thompson
57: Jackson Richardson
58: Killian Rusk
59: Dakota Tedder
60: Jake Canada
61: Michael Leib
62: Anthony Rodriquez
63: Chris Blose
64: AJ Catanzaro
65: Scott Champion
66: Christopher Alldredge
67: Dean Ferris
71: Cole Martinez
72: Blake Wharton
73: Gannon Audette
74: Zachary Williams
75*: Josh Hill
76: Evgeny Mikhaylov
77: Justin Starling
78: Preston Mull
79: Jace Owen
80: RJ Hampshire
81: Tommy Weeck
82: Jacob Baumert
83: Levi Kilbarger
84: Jesse Wentland
85: Landon Powell
86: Zackery Freeberg
87: Cody Gilmore
88: Dakota Alix
89: Brady Kiesel
90: Topher Ingalls
91: Chris Howell
92: Cade Clason
93: Dillian Epstein
94*: Ken Roczen
95: Nick Gaines
96: Sean Collier
97: Darryn Durham
98: Gavin Faith
99: Paul Coates
800*: Mike Alessi
*Career numbers
**New career numbers for 2015
experience for the rider who loves to ride together with others,” says AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “Helmetto-helmet communicators, such as the numerous systems from Cardo, have done just that, particularly for those who enjoy long days on the open road with fellow riders or passengers.”
Cardo Systems is a pioneer in Bluetooth
support the association’s mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.
“Supporting the AMA is for us a badge of honor and it gives us great pleasure to support this fine organization that does so much for defending the freedoms of motorcyclists in this country,” says Cardo CEO Abraham Glezerman.
AMA PROVIDES VOTING GUIDE FOR MEMBERS
Website Highlights Motorcycle, ATV Issues
With campaign season in full swing and the election quickly approaching, the AMA is encouraging its members to find out where the candidates stand on issues that affect motorcyclists the most.
The AMA is a nonpartisan organization that does not make political endorsements. The AMA encourages members to cast ballots and work on political campaigns based,
in part, on candidates’ positions on motorcycling-related issues.
The AMA Vote Like A Motorcyclist guide includes candidates’ stances on motorcycle-only checkpoints, public land grabs, increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline, health insurance discrimination and a variety of other motorcycle rights issues on Capitol Hill.
The AMA’s Government Relations Department devised and distributed questionnaires on these issues, then compiled the answers and made them available at www.americanmotorcyclist. com/votelikeamotorcyclist.
Members must log in to view the voting guide.
Convention can rent a motorcycle from Orlando EagleRider for just $99 a day—$60 off the standard rate of $159.
In addition to the significant savings on bike rentals, Orlando EagleRider is hosting an AMA National Convention kick-off party 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 16 at the company’s 1150 Jetport Drive location.
The kick-off party, which is free to attend, will feature live music, a motorcycle vendor area and an autograph session with AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers. Food and drink will also be available during the party, and fans can rub shoulders with AMA board member, avid motorcyclist and Hollywood actor Perry King.
The kick-off party also includes a two-hour guided ride that departs from the convention center and ends at EagleRider. The guided ride will start staging at 2 p.m. in the north/ south parking lot adjacent to the free motorcycle parking area.
For more on the AMA National Convention, see the ad on page 11. To register, see www. americanmotorcyclist.com/events/ AMAConvention.aspx.
Fowles, AMA Grassroots Coordinator
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of political campaigns. Without them, you guarantee your defeat on Election Day.”
advertisements, but, at the end of the day, the most effective way to get a voter to the polls is by having a volunteer ask for their support directly,” Jones says.
People tend to place more trust in someone they know personally who is passionate about a candidate or a cause than they do the media, a campaign ad or a paid consultant. And there is the adage that states, “Decisions are made by those who show up.”
Ed Waldheim, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, president of the Friends of Jawbone and lifelong advocate for motorcyclists’ rights, suggests contributing money to candidates or campaigns if you are able. But the real impact comes from direct personal contact, he says.
“They have to get involved with their local representatives or staff—from supervisors, City Council to state and federal legislators,” Waldheim says. “Be at the table. That is key. If you are not there, you do not exist.”
Jones recommends studying the issues and the candidates’ visions, getting comfortable with the positions before starting to spread the word.
“Successful campaigns garner support by casting a wide net of influence, and [it] is mainly done through volunteers,” he says. “Each volunteer comes from a different background and has influence
Danielle
Adam R. Jones, political strategist
Photos Ed Waldheim/Friends of Jawbone: Tom Varden; Danielle Fowles: Jason Dixson; Adam R. Jones: Mavila
motorcyclists’ rights issues must go beyond showing up at campaign time.
Attending a rally or debate helps demonstrate a person’s support for a cause or candidate. But the event must be focused in message and target audience.
“Before you go to a big demonstration, you have to have done your homework,” Waldheim says. “Those people you demonstrate against -- legislators, City Council members or county supervisors -need to know what your issue is.”
And, while such a huge show of support has an immediate and significant impact, persistent and consistent advocacy work usually results in longer-lasting successes.
“Demonstrations are OK, but your key legislators or elected officials need to know who you are, what you are about, and then they will feel comfortable with your demonstration and actually help you,” Waldheim says. “You cannot do this one year and disappear. I have been doing this so long, it is just second nature.”
Over the years, Waldheim has established trusting relationships with local, state and national politicians and agency officials. At the same time, he
makers, Waldheim says.
Another effective approach is to make motorcyclists’ rights a campaign issue.
“Working on a campaign will give you direct access to the campaign staff and often times the candidate,” Fowles says.
“Your presence at campaign activities will give you the opportunity to highlight issues that are important to you. Are you a member of an AMA-chartered riding club? Do you participate in any amateur racing events? Invite the candidate to the event. Ask them to make comments.
“If you want your voice to be heard, you have to be an active player in the process,” he says. “Nothing in politics moves unless it is pushed.”
And Fowles offers this advice:
“Remember that election cycles are not the only times you should be contacting your elected officials. Schedule at least an annual visit to the office.
“When candidates and elected officials know that you will be in their office regularly, they will pay more attention to you and the things you care about.”
Ed Waldheim meets with Friends of Jawbone workers and Wendy Walker of Transition Habitat Conservancy to discuss trails projects.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America.
The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.
Photos Alison Grogan
AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2014
A motocross pioneer, motorcycling’s greatest collector, a Supercross and motocross ironman, a legendary tuner and team owner, a motorcycle industry ambassador, one of America’s greatest o -road champions and an iconic tuner and businessman are the latest heroes to be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
HISTORY
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2014 will be inducted on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
The American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson, is being held in conjunction with the American International Motorcycle Expo and the AMA National Convention.
Tickets for the American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony range from $25 to $150 and are available online at www.motorcyclemuseum.org/events/halloffame2014.aspx.
The AMA National Convention includes a kick-off party, hosted by AMA member benefit partner EagleRider, bike rental discounts, exclusive seminars on a variety of motorcycling topics on Friday, street and adventure rides, outdoor demonstrations, the annual AMA member meeting, the annual AMA business member meeting, and more.
AIMExpo is a diverse powersports event that features the latest motorcycles and gear, with many products being introduced at the event. AIMExpo is open to trade and media on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16-17, and open to the general public Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18-19. AMA National Convention and induction ceremony attendees who are not members of the industry or media are encouraged to attend AIMExpo Oct. 18-19.
In addition to the Class of 2014, the induction ceremony will honor the career of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of Harley-Davidson founder William A. Davidson, as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing members of the Hall of Fame whose lifetime accomplishments are showcased as part of the annual induction ceremony of new Hall of Famers.
The induction ceremony is a fundraiser for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which is located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.
TOM WHITE Mr. Motocross
Tom White wasn’t born with motocross boots on, but the Villa Park, Calif., resident has spent nearly his entire adult life trying to make up for that anomaly.
The sport has factored immensely in White’s professional, competitive and charitable efforts, many of which rank among the most influential in motorcycling.
They include co-founding White Brothers Cycle Specialties in 1975, creating the World Vet MX Championship and the World Four-Stroke Championship, establishing the Early Years of Motocross Museum, and competing as AMA National No. 80 in flat-track competition from 1971 to 1976.
White first tasted motorcycling at the age of 15.
By the time he was in his early 20s, he was ranked among the top 100 motorcycle racers in America. Soon after, he founded White Brothers, which became one of the top off-road motorcycle accessory companies in America, sponsoring many of the greatest motocross racers in history. When White sold the company in 2000, the firm listed more than 30,000 items and had more than 150 employees.
“Few have done more to advance the sport of motocross racing, and the history of motocross racing, than Tom White,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the AMA board of directors. “By virtue of his early racing success, his long and successful career in motorcycling, his personal dedication to promoting both the past and present of this great sport and his selfless dedication to the Hall of Fame, Tom White is personally responsible for improving the experience and opportunity for motocross racers and motorcyclists of
curator of his Early Years of Motocross Museum, which features 160 historic motorcycles and related displays.
“There is no higher honor in motorcycling than being inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” White says. “This is special because it comes from your peers in the industry and existing Hall of Famers. I am humbled to think that my heroes, these great people of the sport, believe that I’m worthy of this acknowledgement of my life and career. It’s a real testimony that if you love motorcycling enough, sooner or later people will notice.”
White’s lasting contributions also include the Edison Dye Motocross Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the person or persons who have made the largest impact on the growth of motocross in America.
“I’ve always had the attitude that we as an industry need to work together for a common goal, and that’s to make this activity of motorcycling so cool that everyone wants to do it,” White says.
It’s his contributions toward that effort that White counts among his most important accomplishments.
“I’m probably most proud for carrying on after the sale of my company,” he says. “I’ve been able to spend a lot of positive energy to promote the sport. One of my goals has been to make more of today’s motorcyclists more appreciative and aware of the pioneers and trailblazers of the past, and I’m blessed that I’ve been in a position to do that.”
all ages.”
Today, White feeds his passion by racing motocross, as a race announcer, and as owner and
White says that many of those legends are enshrined in the Hall of Fame—one of whom is Malcolm Smith, a legend that White helped honor in 2007 by curating the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame exhibit “Malcolm!”
“You look at the Hall of Fame, and you look at the people who are in the Hall of Fame, and you realize the significance of it,” he says. “You come to realize that when your name gets added to that wall, it will go on for generations. It’s such a huge tribute. Besides being married to the love of my life and the birth of my children, this is one of the most wonderful things that has happened to me.”
The museum is part of the Barber Motorsports Park, which also features a racetrack and hosts motorcycle and automobile events throughout the year.
The complex has spurred tourism in the Birmingham area, leading to increased economic development nearby.
“George Barber’s incredible collection of motorcycles at his museum, as well as his world-class racing facility, are evidence of a love for the history of motorcycling and an appreciation for the passion we all share,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the AMA board of directors. “His investment has produced a world-class shrine to the design, manufacture and enjoyment of motorcycles.”
George Barber Jr. is a businessman and philanthropist whose passion for preservation of fine machines led him to build by one measure the world’s largest collection of historic motorcycles.
Guinness World Records recognized the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Ala., in April as the world’s largest motorcycle museum, with more than 1,400 bikes.
Barber is the son of George H. Barber, who founded Barber Dairy and helped establish the U.S. standards for milk pasteurization. The senior Barber bought dozens of small independent dairies in the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, making Barber Dairy Alabama’s largest milk producer. The operation is now part of Dean Foods.
Barber Jr.’s early interest in motor vehicles manifested itself in Porsche racers during the 1960s, when he wrenched on his own cars and notched 63 first-place finishes.
But he soon became intrigued with motorcycles, especially the variety of ways designers solved similar problems.
Barber then decided to open a museum and hired skilled workers, who restored the vintage bikes at a facility that once housed a refurbishing business for commercial vehicles. He also operated a vintage motorcycle racing team that campaigned across the United States and in Europe.
In 1994, the collection became the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum when Barber obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
In 2002, Barber closed the original museum, reopening it at its current location in September 2003. Each year, “several hundred thousand” people visit the 830-acre Barber Motorsports Park that includes a 2.38-mile road racetrack.
Barber says his first reaction on learning of his Hall of Fame election was “disbelief.”
“I know that there are so many great people in the Hall of Fame that I wondered, “How in the hell did I get in?’” Barber says. “It truly is an honor.”
GEORGE BARBER JR. The Collector
Marc Bondarenko
MIKE ‘THE ROCK’ LAROCCO Giving It His All
Mike LaRocco began his professional racing career in 1988, at age 17, and retired in 2006 as the elder statesman on the circuit, totaling 228 Supercross starts.
Along the way, he collected championships in the 1993 AMA 500 National Motocross Series, the 1994 AMA 250 National Motocross Series, and the 2000 Supercross World Championship.
“I was the guy who gave it everything I had every time I raced, through the whole race,” LaRocco says. “That was what made me successful—that I was always pushing myself for the entire race.”
The Indiana native raced with Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda, the latter as a factory-supported Factory Connection rider.
LaRocco won Supercross races in three decades in two classes, 125cc and 250cc. He says the 1994 AMA 250 Motocross National Championship meant the most to him.
“At that time in my career, everything was going so smoothly, I felt like all my hard work had paid off,” he says.
LaRocco was trying to defend his 250cc title in 1995 when he broke his arm, then injured his knee.
“Mike LaRocco was a tough competitor who gave it his all every time he got on the track,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the AMA board of directors. “He was a huge fan favorite throughout his 19-year professional career.”
He retired in 2006 with 53 podium appearances in the 450cc class and 16 in the 125cc class.
His retirement came after a broken wrist made him question his future in the sport.
“I wanted to stay healthy,” LaRocco says. “I found that I was not willing to take the same risks that the people who were winning were taking. Without the opportunity to win, my motivation just wasn’t there.”
Since 2010, LaRocco has managed the GEICO Honda Supercross/ Motocross Team, which has won a title each year he has been involved.
“After I retired, I took a couple of years off,” LaRocco says. “But I was close to the guys who run this team, and it was a
good fit. I learned a lot over my career, and I felt I had something to share.”
LaRocco says he is honored to be included in the Hall of Fame Class of 2014.
“You know, when I was racing, I was very focused on the competition, and the fan thing was a distraction,” LaRocco says. “But now, looking back, I recognize how important the fans are in making all this possible. And I appreciate the support they gave me.”
Simon Cudby
PIERRE KARSMAKERS Breaking New Ground
Pierre Karsmakers was among the early European motocross champions who brought their expertise to America, arriving in 1971 to compete for the Trans-AMA Series and finishing ninth after 11 rounds.
Karsmakers goal: To force the motorcycle manufacturers to acknowledge more European riders and reward them with contracts.
“All the Japanese (sponsorship) contracts were going to Belgian riders,” says Karsmakers, who was a three-time motocross champion in his native Holland before traveling to America. “I got mad, because other European riders were not getting noticed. But after I started winning in 1972, it began to open doors.”
Karsmakers also brought to America the concepts of proper training and nutrition for riders and proper setup for their machines.
Racing for Yamaha in 1973, Karsmakers won the 500cc motocross national championship series. He also won the AMA Florida Winter Series that year, winning four of six events. He won seven of 11 AMA National motos and claimed 17 victories in 36 races overall.
In 1974, a three-round “Yamaha Super Series” was launched, and Karsmakers was ready. He won the inaugural 250cc AMA Supercross Championship in 1974, taking a win at Daytona, scoring a runnerup finish in Houston and finishing fourth in Los Angeles.
“Pierre showed Americans what motocross was all about,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the American Motorcyclist Association board of directors. “From his performance on the track to his training regimen, he demonstrated a firm resolve to wring the most from himself and his machines.”
Karsmakers switched from Yamaha to Honda for the 1975 season, finishing second overall in the 250cc class of the AMA National Motocross Championship and first in the 1975 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme 500cc MX World Championship.
Karsmakers returned to Yamaha in 1977. He continued to win races, but a second championship eluded him.
He retired from competitive motocross in December 1979, at the age of 34.
Returning to Europe, Karsmakers opened a business that imported U.S. parts and accessories for dirt bikes and other motorcycles. He also opened a Honda dealership.
Now, he is officially retired from his business interests.
But he may not be completely finished with motorcycle racing.
According to the official Dakar Rally website, Karsmakers debuted at the competition in 1987, finishing 10th overall. After competing with a truck and a car a few times, he returned on a motorcycle in 2000, bringing along his then-23-year-old son, Jyrki. At age 53, Karsmakers finished 13th overall, while his son finished 25th. In 2009, at age 62, Karsmakers again competed in and finished the Dakar Rally on a BMW G650X. In all, Karsmakers has competed in 11 Dakar rallies, seven on a motorcycle.
Even with these more recent successes, Karsmakers considers his American motocross experiences among his best.
“That was a great time of my life,” he says. “I met many wonderful people.”
Karsmakers says inclusion in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2014 is a great honor.
“It’s been a long time since I raced, so it means a lot that America still recognizes me as one who brought motocross to the United States,” he says.
Peter Nackaerts
Tuner, engine builder and race team owner Rob Muzzy describes himself as “a man who knows what he likes and what he likes is winning.”
With a career touching on seven decades, Muzzy ranks among the top engine builders and tuners in motorcycle racing history.
At the same time, his knack for spotting talent helped create the highly successful Team Muzzy racing group.
Muzzy got started in drag racing during the 1950s and raced dirt track as a novice in Southern California. He always built and tuned his own race engines.
“When it was time to move up to the next level—by then I was married and had a kid—I just decided that I wasn’t that serious about it,” Muzzy says. “I always had medium success as a rider. But I always had the quickest bike. So, the other guys were asking me to build engines for them. So moving from racing to tuning is just something that happened.”
Muzzy’s first shot at a performance business, in the 1970s, proved unsuccessful, largely due to an economic downturn at the time. So he responded to a Kawasaki ad for a motorcycle mechanic, landed the job and never looked back.
“That was the beginning of my real success, October 1980,” Muzzy says.
During the 1980s, Muzzy built and tuned engines for the Kawasaki and
ROB MUZZY Building Speed
Honda racing teams. The Kawasaki team scored AMA Superbike championships in 1981, 1982 and 1983.
In 1984, Muzzy moved to Honda as crew chief for the team that won the AMA Grand National Motocross Championship.
From 1985 through 1987, Muzzytuned machines won the 125cc AMA National Motocross Championship, the Daytona 200 and the AMA Superbike Championship.
Winning with Muzzy as crew chief or tuner were Hall of Famers Eddie Lawson, Ricky Graham, Scott Russell and Doug Chandler, as well as Ron Lechien, Miguel Duhamel and Rickey Gadson.
In January of 1988, at the strong urging of his wife, Muzzy re-opened his own business, producing engines and exhaust systems for racers.
“I just wanted an easy, 40-hour-a-week job someplace, but my wife convinced me that I should take advantage of my reputation and skills,” he says.
Muzzy Performance Products is still operating in Bend, Ore., and Team Muzzy is still racing.
In 1988, Muzzy learned that Kawasaki planned to release a new 750cc bike.
“I got in touch with them and said, ‘Gee, you ought to race that thing,’ ” he says.
Kawasaki provided Muzzy with a “minimal budget” to build a bike and hire a rider. He recruited Russell and Chandler, who finished first and second in the 1990
AMA 750cc Supersport Championship. Chandler also won the AMA Superbike Championship that year.
Kawasaki then asked Muzzy to run its FIM World Superbike team. The team won two world championships.
“Those were probably my most successful days,” he says of managing U.S. and world racing teams while running a business. “But that almost killed me.”
Muzzy says the 1993 season was his most memorable, working with teams that won the AMA Supersport Championship and the FIM World Superbike Championship and notching Kawasaki’s first victory in the Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race.
“Rob Muzzy’s successes stretch from his 1950s drag racing ventures to his current performance business,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the AMA board of directors. “Throughout his career, Rob’s determination, skills and strategies have placed him and his race teams at the top.”
Muzzy remains humble.
“To me, it doesn’t seem like anything I do is particularly outstanding,” he says. “I have a good eye for talent, and I have been fortunate to work with a lot of really good talent. We always have a strong team atmosphere, with everyone working toward the same goal.”
Joe Kline
Scott SummerS Defying Convention
Scott Summers raced, won and trained his way.
He won off-road titles on an unorthodox motorcycle. He fostered a new level of professionalism in his discipline. And he helped usher in an era of commercial success for his sport.
While fans may remember the Kentucky native for famously racing Honda XR600Rs to nine AMA national off-road racing championships, the industry also respects Summers’ contributions to the off-road industry.
Summers’ race program itself—his training, his team, his interactions with fans and sponsors—inspired his competitors to emulate his professionalism. Bolstered by his status as a member of the venerable factory Honda racing team, Summers and his mechanic and manager Fred Bramblett helped offroad competition reach new levels of commercial success while maintaining its ties to its sportsman roots.
competitive and my friend, Fred Bramblett, was my mechanic, my business manager, my agent and my publicist. I was blessed in that I don’t know if any off-road racer ever had the support that I had. I don’t feel like I’m responsible for all the accolades that I received while competing, and I’m happy to share the limelight with all those who drove my success.”
“Scott won and thrived, becoming one of the most prolific off-road champions in AMA-sanctioned national competition, and in the process helped bring a new level of professionalism to off-road racing in America,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the AMA board of directors.
Summers won the 1990, 1991 and 1992 Grand National Cross Country championships racing a Honda XR600R against riders on much lighter and more agile motorcycles. After a three-year GNCC dry spell, Summers reclaimed the AMA national No. 1 plate in 1996 and successfully defended his title the following year. Summers also won four AMA Hare Scrambles National Championships in 1990, 1991, 1993 and 1995. In addition, he collected three gold medals competing for the U.S. team at the International Six Days Enduro.
“I’m humbled and honored, but to be honest, I feel like any success I achieved was a result of a group effort,” Summers says. “I was surrounded by some visionary people who contributed to my racing— my dad, Wade, was instrumental in persuading me that four-strokes could be
Summers earned a reputation for versatility and skill for racing a big fourstroke Honda that was primarily designed for high-speed, open terrain. Summers raced in mostly tight, rocky woods in the eastern United States.
Although Summers acknowledges that the XR600R had a weight disadvantage compared to the smaller two-strokes
ridden by his rivals, he says its smoother power delivery and torque gave him a performance edge.
“In 1982, I got a Honda XR200 for Christmas, and I fell in love with the type of power that bike made,” he says.
The humble XR200 helped Summers develop the skills that would one day win nine national titles.
“There came a day when I felt I was capable of going faster than that bike would let me,” Summers says. “That was in 1985 when I got an XR600. It was very similar to the XR200, only much more in every way. I loved the power characteristics, and it more than compensated for the fact that I was riding a bike 50 to 100 pounds heavier than the other bikes. Because of the smooth power, I could relax more, and that paid big benefits during a three-hour race.”
Byron Hines Tuner, Innovator, Entrepreneur
Byron Hines has always tried to be the best at what he does. Quite often, he is.
Hines’ success tuning engines and managing race teams has spanned five decades, starting in the 1970s with his partnership with Hall of Famer Terry Vance on the drag racing circuit. More recently, his Harley-Davidsons have excelled in professional road racing.
“One mark of exceptional talent is the ability to forge success regardless of your circumstances,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the AMA board of directors.
“As a tuner, Byron Hines has won in the 1970s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. He has won in drag racing and road racing. He has won on brands as different from each other as Yamaha, Ducati and HarleyDavidson. Few understand the ingredients to long-term success in motorcycle racing as well as he, and it’s my pleasure to welcome Byron Hines to the 2014 class of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”
For Hines, induction isn’t an opportunity to look back on a completed career. He says he’s far from done racing.
“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a huge honor, but it feels a little odd
because I’m not done yet,” Hines says. “Being in a competitive arena, it seems like you’re never done. You’re going to keep doing what your doing and striving to be the best at what you do.”
Hines’ attraction to motorcycles came at an early age.
“I just always liked the physical size of the motorcycle,” he says. “Cars were too hard to work on and a lot of times you had to have someone with you to move stuff.”
Even then, the tuning spirit was alive in Hines, who saw more performance potential in motorcycles than cars.
“I had this perception of motorcycles as being capable of a higher state of tune, and it was easier to make them go fast,” he says. “To me, motorcycles just represented a more technologically advanced and capable package.”
With drag racer Vance, Hines earned national drag-racing championships into the 1980s, leveraging on-track achievements into the successful aftermarket company Vance & Hines.
The company branched into road racing in the 1980s, becoming one of the top AMA Pro Superbike teams, winning individual races as well as class titles, including the 1990 AMA SuperSport Championship with rider David Sadowski.
In the late 1990s, they switched to Ducati and experienced further success with Anthony Gobert and Ben Bostrom at the controls. For the 2014 season, Hines team competed in, and sponsored, the AMA Pro Racing Vance & Hines HarleyDavidson Racing Series, part of the AMA Pro Road Racing program.
Hines says that one element of his success has been an appreciation for the fundamentals of motorcycle tuning.
“There are principles of engine performance and operation that will always be there—basic cam timing, compression ratios, cylinder head porting, the basic concept of how engines are put together,” Hines says. “There’s a set of rules, and you can’t break those rules. As soon as you go outside those boundaries, your performance is going to suffer.”
Vance & Hines, based in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., not only remains competitive in professional racing, but it develops and sells aftermarket products for a wide range of motorcycles today.
“What have been most important to me are the people I’ve run into, the acquaintances I’ve made and the relationships I’ve maintained,” Hines says. “I’m thankful to work some place where everything just clicks, meeting the right people and having enough staying power to work out the kinks and have an opportunity to achieve what I want to achieve.”
William ‘Willie G.’ DaviDson
The AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Honors A Legend
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Willie G. Davidson, the grandson of HarleyDavidson founder William A. Davidson, has helped craft what is perhaps American motorcycling’s most enduring motif: the V-twin-powered cruiser.
“Willie G.,” as he is known by his admirers, has also played a critical role in the growth of America’s largest motorcycle company, contributing a long list of innovative designs that ushered in a new era for the iconic company.
“Few motorcycle designers have contributed more to the modern motorcycle landscape than Willie G. Davidson,” says Ken Ford, a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame executive committee and assistant treasurer of the AMA board of directors. “Willie G.’s name is synonymous with style, freedom and the American-made motorcycle. We’re very excited to recognize him as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at this year’s induction ceremony.”
“I feel the same humility today receiving Legend status as I did 15 years ago when I was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” says Davidson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. “It’s an honor to know that the creativity and emotion that’s part of every Harley-Davidson motorcycle has helped fulfill dreams of personal freedom for millions of motorcyclists around the world.”
Davidson, who graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in graphic arts and then attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., joined the design department at Harley-Davidson in 1963.
From the outset, Davidson’s designs broke convention. Among his earliest projects was the FX Super Glide. The Super Glide was one of Harley-Davidson’s factory customs, a production motorcycle with styling cues that reflected the custom motorcycles being built in shops across the country at the time. Today, the Super Glide is considered to be a milestone in the history of Harley-Davidson. The original
FX led to many variations that would produce some of the company’s bestselling machines.
In addition to his work at the design table, Davidson was a savvy businessman. He was one of the 13 company executives who raised the funds to buy Harley-Davidson back from conglomerate AMF in the 1980s.
As such, he was crucial in laying the foundation that would allow HarleyDavidson to become one of the most successful, profitable and fastestgrowing corporations in the United States over the next three decades.
“By securing this place in history as part of an iconic American brand like Harley-Davidson, I’m living out my dream and those of my family members who founded the company 111 years ago,” Davidson said. Today, Davidson serves as a brand ambassador and has become a legendary symbol for both his Hall of Fame family and for HarleyDavidson.
GO RIDE
A few of the hundreds of AMA-sanctioned events this month, detailed on the following pages.
1
The Virginia Championship Hare Scrambles Series closes out the year with a grand prix on Nov. 2 in Spring Grove, Va. Info: www.vchss.org
2
If you’re searching for an adventure, then look no further than the Arizona Trail Riders Adventure Ride on Nov. 8-9 in Wickenburg, Ariz. The event is also a part of the AMA National Husqvarna Dual Sport and Yamaha Adventure Riding Series. Info: www.arizonatrailriders.org
7
3
Head out to the Desert Scrambles in Barstow, Calif., hosted by Rovers MC, on Nov. 23. The club was named #1 Desert Club from 2004-2008. Info: www.roversmc.org
4
If you’re looking to support a great cause and have fun, then consider the Ride For Kids event on Oct. 26 in Ridgeland, Miss. benefiting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Info: www.rideforkids.org
6
On Nov. 1, take the whole family riding for the sixth annual Turkey Gobbler Family Enduro in New Paris, Ind. It’s all offroad and no license plate is required for this ride. Cruise the trails with your whole family. Key time is 11 a.m. Info: www.ridersmc.org
COMING UP
On Jan. 17, 2015, the AMA will honor its 2014 national champions at the AMA Championship Banquet at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Columbus, Ohio. The AMA Championship Banquet honors the top three national championship finishers in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between. It includes dinner, door prizes, refreshments and a bike show.
5
The final round of the 42nd GNC Texas Series Top Texan, a motocross series, will take place in Alvord, Texas, on Nov. 16. The event is hosted by RTW Race Promotions. Info: www.oakhillmx.com and www.gncmxracing.com/gnc-gnctexas-series-top-texan.htm
If you’re headed to AIMExpo, don’t miss the road ride to the AMA National Convention kick-off party from 6-10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, hosted by Orlando EagleRider. The party will feature live music, food, a motorcycle vendor area and an autograph session with AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers. Fans can also meet Hollywood actor Perry King, an avid motorcyclist and AMA board member.
NOVEMBER EVENTS
ARIZONA
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
NOV 8: WICKENBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, ARIZONA TRAIL RIDERS, (623) 8261092, ARIZONATRAILRIDERS.ORG
DUAL SPORT RIDE
NOV 8: WICKENBURG: 2 DAY EVENT, ARIZONA TRAIL RIDERS, (623) 8261092, ARIZONATRAILRIDERS.ORG
NOV 22: AMADO: 2 DAY EVENT, TRAIL RIDERS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA, (520) 400-8147
COMPETITION
OBSERVED TRIALS
NOV 16: GLOBE : CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 840-3640, CENTRALARIZONATRIALS.ORG
CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
NOV 28: PALMDALE: 2 DAY EVENT, AMA DISTRICT 37 DUAL SPORT, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM
DUAL SPORT RIDE
NOV 28: PALMDALE: 2 DAY EVENT, AMA DISTRICT 37 DUAL SPORT, (626) 446-7386, LABARSTOWVEGAS.COM
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
NOV 1: LANCASTER: LOST COYOTES MC, INC., (661) 951-7078 ROAD RUN
NOV 15: OAKLAND: DISTRICT 36, ROAD RIDING DIVISION, (510) 534-6222, OAKLANDMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM
MECHANICSVILLE: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM
NEW JERSEY
RECREATIONAL
ADVENTURE RIDE
NOV 1: PORT ELIZABETH: 2 DAY EVENT, TRI-COUNTY SPORTSMEN MC INC., (888) 274-4469, TEAMHAMMER.ORG
NOV 14: HAMMONTON: BMW OF MANHATTAN, INC., (732) 714-8874
DUAL SPORT-OFF ROAD
NOV 1: PORT ELIZABETH: 2 DAY EVENT, TRI-COUNTY SPORTSMEN MC INC., (888) 274-4469, TEAMHAMMER.ORG
COMPETITION
ENDURO
NOV 23: NEW LISBON: CENTRAL JERSEY COMPETITION RIDERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (732) 558-6475, CJCRMC.ORG
MOTOCROSS
NOV 2: ENGLISHTOWN: RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800, RACEWAYPARK.COM
NOV 9: (ATV only) ENGLISHTOWN: RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800, RACEWAYPARK.COM
NEW MEXICO
COMPETITION
OBSERVED TRIALS
NOV 2: SAN YSIDRO: NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 7802551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM
NEW YORK
RECREATIONAL TOY RUN
NOV 22: BROOKLYN: BIKERS OF BROOKLYN, (917) 385-0867
NORTH CAROLINA
RECREATIONAL
SCHOOLS - ROAD
NOV 3: PISGAH FOREST: 2 DAY EVENT, MOTOMARK1, LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1.COM
NOV 8: WILKESBORO: MOTOMARK1 LLC, (919) 637-0947, MOTOMARK1.COM
High Adventure. No Hassle.
The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes.
For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding
NOVEMBER EVENTS
OHIO
rEcrEATIONAL
rOAD ruN
NOV 8: COLUMBUS: ABATE OF OHIO, INC., (614) 332-0198, ABATE.COM
cOMPETITION
ENDurO
NOV 9: GREENVILLE: TREATY CITY MOTORCYCLE CLUB INC, (937) 459-0508, TREATYCITYMC.COM
OBSErVED TrIALS
NOV 2: TORONTO: TRIALS INC, (500) 251-5651, TRIALSINC.ORG PENNSyLVANIA
rEcrEATIONAL rOAD ruN
NOV 2: LEESPORT: CLASSIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON, (610) 9167777, CLASSICHARLEY.COM
cOMPETITION
MOTOcrOSS
2014 EVENTS
HALL OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
AMA M OTO rcycLE H ALL O F FAME
MotorcycleMuseu M.org
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: Recognizing those who have made significant contributions to all aspects of motorcycling.
Bike c raft: New-world craftmanship meets old-school motorcycles.
2 Wheels + Motor, A Fine Art Exhibition: The spirit, excitement and adventure of motorcycling is expressed through fine art.
Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.
AMA PrO r AcI N g
M ONSTE r ENE rgy AMA S u PE rcrOSS
a M asupercross.co M
Oct. 18: Las Vegas, Nev.: Monster Energy Cup
AMA PrO FLAT Tr Ack
a M aproracing.co M
Oct. 11: Pomona, calif.: Flat Track Season Finale
AMA PrO H ILLcLIMB
a M aproracing.co M
Oct. 12: Oregonia, Ohio: Dayton
MC
AMA PrO rOAD r AcIN g
a M aproracing.co M
NOV 9: PINE GROVE: PINE CREEK MX PARK LLC, (717) 507-8459, PINECREEKMX.COM
TENNESSEE
cOMPETITION
HArE ScrAMBLES
NOV 9: BYBEE: APPALACHIAN TRAIL RIDERS, (865) 322-0193, SETRA.ORG
TEXAS
cOMPETITION MOTOcrOSS
NOV 8: WORTHAM: 2 DAY EVENT, FREESTONE COUNTY RACEWAY, LLC., (713) 962-3386, FREESTONEMX.COM
NOV 16: ALVORD: RTW RACE PROMOTIONS, (940) 577-2225, OAKHILLMX.COM
NOV 23: HOUSTON: EVO MX, (281) 454-4440, RIOBRAVOMX.COM
Nov. 8-9: Wickenburg, Ariz.: Howlin’ at the Moon, Arizona Trail Riders, Don Hood; (623) 826-1092; www.arizonatrailriders.org
Nov. 14-16: Hammonton, N.J.: Pine Barrens 500, BMW of Manhattan Motorcycles, Jack O’Connor; 732-714-8874; pinebarrens500.org; info@pinebarrens500.org
Nov. 28-29: Palmdale, Calif.: LA-Barstow to Vegas, AMA D37 Dual Sport, Paul Flanders; (626) 446-7386; www.district37ama.org
AMA PREMIER TOURING SERIES
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies.org
Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: rideforkids.org
AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jan. 1-May 24: Big Money Rally Grand Tour: bigmoneyrally.com; bigmoneyrally@hotmail.com
April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: tourofhonor. com; regis@tourofhonor.com
March 1-Oct. 31: Team
Strange Airheads 30th Anniversary Memory Lane Grand Tour: teamstrange. com/2014/grandtours; bigmoneyrally@hotmail.com
AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Feb. 2-Dec. 15: USA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycle Association
TBA: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycle Association
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 charitable donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year. Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and an 8-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your company logo, almost anything. It’s up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!
I was becoming suspicious about Bob’s motives, and purchased a helmet for Ron. Given the number of times our helmets have saved our skulls, we never ride without them. (Once I stumbled and fell over backward at a rest stop, and the back of my head would have been split open on a curb had it not been for my helmet!)
Ron had never ridden a Harley, but when I saw him throw his leg over the V-Rod and take off with Bob as though he had never been off a motorcycle, I knew it was time to take over! The next week, I visited our local Honda dealer, fell in love with a 2012 electric
The following day we made the grueling ride from Driggs to Grand Junction via every back road Bob knew, all 617 miles. The longest ride I’d had by this time was to Driggs, only 245 miles from Helena, with several stops. One of the “stops” was the bike falling over when Ron hit a pothole on gravel at a stop sign. He had the nerve
We made it home, safe and sound, with new and exciting stories to tell. Since May 2013, we’ve put almost 13,000 miles on the bike, met some fantastic people on our trips (bikers are the friendliest folks!), and in June rode more than 2,000 miles in four days through Arizona and Utah, including the Coronado Trail with its 10-mph twisties. Bob did us a huge favor by rekindling Ron’s love for biking, and we are having the time of our lives, especially in the curves.
Vivian Drake has been married to AMA member Ron Drake from Helena, Mont., for 44 years.
