AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Marty Smith Dies In Crash

Wife Also Passes On

April 29, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Marty Smith dies in crash
National championship-winning motocross racer’s wife also killed

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Marty Smith, a 2000 inductee into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, died Monday, April 27, from injuries sustained in a dune buggy crash in Southern California. He was 63.

Also killed in the crash was Smith’s wife, Nancy Smith.

A three-time AMA Motocross National Champion, Smith won the inaugural AMA 125cc Motocross Championship in 1974. He successfully defended his title in 1975, and also won the 1977 AMA 500cc Motocross Championship and the 1975 and 1976 125cc U.S. Motocross Grand Prix events. Smith also competed in AMA Supercross for four seasons (1978-1981).

Born in San Diego, Calif., on Nov. 26, 1956, Smith started riding with his father, Al, on a step-through Honda 50 in the California desert. He took part in his first motocross race at age 14. Smith became a regular at Southern California tracks and started winning races on a regular basis. During his formative racing years, he had no professional trainers and learned by carefully observing the fast guys, then applying what he saw.

Smith became known as one of the most precise riders in motocross history. His riding style remained smooth throughout his races and he rarely crashed.

Smith won all of his championships with Honda, and the company featured him in its advertising, using his long hair and youthful good looks as a selling point. He was on dozens of magazine covers riding the legendary Honda Elsinore, donning the famous red, white and blue racing colors. Smith became the first teen idol in motocross and legions of young fans followed his every move.

He retired from racing in 1981 and developed a motocross school called the Marty Smith Motocross Clinic.

Read Marty Smith’s complete biography at https://tinyurl.com/y7aztwq3.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/mobile-join

Polaris and The Minnesota Vikings

have partnered to create a limited-edition Unite The North hat in recognition of healthcare workers on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. All proceeds from the hat sales ($20 donation each) will go to North Memorial Foundation in support of healthcare workers. To show additional support, the Polaris Foundation will also match the donation with every hat sold.

Hats are available for pre-order now at Vikings.com and will ship to customers the week of May 25, 2020. Fans can also interact and try the hat on via Snap or Instagram as they await for their hats to ship out in May. Polaris will donate an additional $1 for every #UnitetheNorth hat selfie shared with the hashtag, and @PolarisInc and @Vikings tagged, up to $5,000.

 Please visit Vikings.com for additional details.

INFORMATION – FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship

2020 Calendar Update 24 April

Please find enclosed the Press Release / FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship
2020 Calendar UPDATE 24 APRIL
Dutch and Czech rounds cancelled

Due to the ongoing pandemic of the Coronavirus, and the extension of the restrictions put in place by the local government concerning the ban on organising sports events, the FIM, the promoter APO Multimedia, the Dutch Motorcycling Federation (KNMV), the Autoklub of the Czech Republic (ACCR) and the local organisers regret to announce the cancellation of the rounds which were rescheduled to take place in Oss (NED) on 14 June and Kramolin (CZE) on 21 June.

As the situation remains in a state of constant evolution, we will continue to monitor and to communicate in a timely manner if further schedule changes are required.

The 2020 calendar in attached file.

FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship - 2020 Calendar, UPDATE 24 APRIL - Dutch & Czech rounds cancelled

POLARIS SLINGSHOT TO CELEBRATE AND RECOGNIZE

TODAY’S UNSUNG HEROES WITH A SUPERHERO RIDE

 Because Every Superhero Deserves a Superhero Ride! Polaris Slingshot In Search of Stories About Those Going Above & Beyond In Everyday Life; Four Heroes will Win a Three-Month Rental of an All-New 2020 Slingshot Roadster

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (APRIL 16, 2020) – In a time of unprecedented events, millions of Americans are going above and beyond; whether it’s a battle through new adversity in daily life or helping someone in need. In an effort to shine a light and celebrate these individuals, Polaris Slingshot is asking its community to share stories about the superheroes in their lives.

Whether a medical professional, a first responder, grocery worker, an educator learning to teach from afar, a seamstress supporting a local medical facility, a young adult delivering food to the community, or a stay-at-home mom turned school teacher – Slingshot wants to hear these stories and say “thank you.” From now until June 3, Slingshot will be celebrating and acknowledging these local heroes on its social media channels. And to show appreciation, the company is awarding four of the submitted heroes a free three-month rental of an all-new 2020 Slingshot roadster.

“During these unprecedented times, Americans have had to adapt and stretch to unimaginable lengths,” said Chris Sergeant, Vice President of Polaris Slingshot. “Everyday tasks are more challenging. Jobs are significantly more demanding. These are the individuals we want to show our gratitude for, share their story and, in some cases, reward them with a free three month Slingshot rental. Because every superhero deserves a superhero ride.”

To submit, anyone can post to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #SlingshotSuperhero. In the post, submitters should explain the hero’s story and how they are battling through adversity, lending support, or committed to their trade during these trying times. Slingshot will highlight a number of submissions throughout the program, while one winning submission will be awarded every two weeks until early June. Consumers can also register online at: https://slingshot.polaris.com/en-us/nominate-a-superhero/. Prize fulfillment will come at a time when the winner can get out and fully enjoy all the fun Slingshot has to offer.

For more information on Slingshot’s superhero program, visit PolarisSlingshot.com. Follow Slingshot on social media:Facebook.com/PolarisSlingshot, @Slingshot on Twitter and @PolarisSlingshoton Instagram.

-MORE-

About Polaris Slingshot

Polaris Slingshot, a wholly-owned brand of Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), continues to define the category through style, ride experience and community with our three-wheeled autocycle. With AutoDrive and manual transmission options, an open cockpit, side-by-side seating, 5” ride height and a 2.0-liter 4 cylinder engine, Slingshot comes in a variety of models that are sure to make a statement. Step into a Slingshot for an adventurous and unrivaled ride experience. Learn more, visit slingshot.polaris.com.

 Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile. It does not have airbags and it does not meet automotive safety standards. Three wheel vehicles may handle differently than other vehicles, especially in wet conditions. Always wear a DOT-approved full-face helmet and fasten seatbelts. The Driver may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Drive within the limits of the law and your own abilities. Read, understand, and follow your owner’s manual. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc. © 2020 Polaris Industries Inc.

UPDATE: FIRST POLARIS SLINGSHOT HERO AWARDED

Local Hero from Bedford Ohio, Dezaray Mcmullin-Currie

 Dezaray Mcmullin-Currie is a Superhero. A U.S. Army veteran currently on the front lines as a registered nurse outside Cleveland, Ohio at a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. From 2a to 8p, she selflessly cares for her patients, some who have COVID-19. But, her superhero prowess doesn’t stop there.

When she goes home, she cares for her husband, who seven years ago became paralyzed and two years later, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Always at his side, she juggles his well-being alongside raising her two daughters.

Giving up any free-time to be there, always, for them.  And, amidst all of that, earlier this year she founded a nursing school in her community of Bedford, Ohio, called Ambitious Academy, instructing aspiring nurses and hosting free community events. Relentless in her pursuit to help those in need and giving back to the community she calls home.

As she celebrates her wedding anniversary later this month and a few days later her birthday, there is no better way to honor and celebrate an individual that without question is dedicated to not only her patients and her job, but her family and community. Thank you for all you do, Dezaray Mcmullin-Currie.

Infront Moto Racing Official Statement

Following the latest announcements of some Governments concerning the postponement of mass events, Infront Moto Racing and the FIM are closely following the situation in the jurisdictions where MXGP takes place in 2020 and awaiting further news. Once the reopening phase post Covid-19 lockdown and its impact to events such as MXGP is clearly defined, a 2020 MXGP Calendar review will be completed and further information on the next Grand Prix events will be released.

EDITORS NOTE: Infront Moto Racing is the company that manages the exclusive television, marketing and promotional world wide rights of the FIM Motocross World Championship, the FIM Motocross of Nations, the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, the FIM Veteran’s Motocross World Cup, the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the Motocross European Championship and the Motocross of European Nations.

Recipients Of 2020 AMA Board Of Directors Awards

Sel Narayana selected for AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award

April 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Motorcyclist Association announces recipients of 2020 AMA Board of Directors Awards

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association Board of Directors has selected three recipients for its 2020 national awards. The awards recognize outstanding contributions in the world of motorcycling and acknowledge support of the AMA mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

The 2020 AMA Board of Directors awards include:
AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award — Selvaraj Narayana, Executive Director, KTM North America, Murrieta, Calif.
AMA Bessie Stringfield Award — Wendy Crockett, Rapid City, S.D.
AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award — National Youth Project Using Minibikes, Torrance, Calif.
“Each year, AMA Board members have the opportunity and privilege of recognizing individual motorcyclists, groups, and organizations who have contributed to motorcycling in a variety of ways that improve, promote and protect the sport we all love,” said AMA Board Chair Russ Ehnes. “Some award recipients are well known, while others work diligently away from the spotlight to help motorcyclists continue to ride or to introduce people to motorcycling in ways that improve their lives. Recognizing these motorcycling heroes is the highlight of our year as Board members.”

AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award
The 2020 AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Selvaraj Narayana, executive director of KTM North America Inc. His involvement in motorcycle competition began five decades ago, and his successful career at KTM has included leadership roles in virtually every aspect of the company’s international business: parts and accessories, apparel, dealer development, sales and service.

Narayana also has served on the Motorcycle Industry Council Board of Directors and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Board of Trustees. He received the MIC Chairman’s Award 2008.

“It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award,” Narayana said. “This means lot to me. I joined the AMA in 1969. It was my longtime dream to be involved in the motorcycle industry. My dream came true, and it’s been my goal to serve the industry with passion.

“Thanks to the AMA for creating such a great organization,” he said. “I am proud to be a Lifetime Member.”

AMA Bessie Stringfield Award

Worldwide motorcycle ambassador Wendy Crockett is the recipient of the 2020 AMA Bessie Stringfield Award. The award memorializes the accomplishments of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bessie Stringfield and recognizes efforts to introduce motorcycling to new or underserved markets.

Crockett is a longtime AMA member and factory-trained technician who has traveled the Americas extensively on two wheels, from to Mexico to Newfoundland, and Key West to the Arctic Circle. She specializes in long-distance and endurance riding as part of the AMA LongRider program, the Iron Butt Association and the Motorcycle Endurance Rider Association.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be included among some of the most influential motorcyclists of the past decade, not to mention the iconic trailblazer Bessie Stringfield herself,” Crockett said. “I am extremely lucky to be in a position to share my passion with a broad spectrum of riders and future riders, and I hope to continue inspiring people to get out and enjoy life on two wheels.”

AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award 

The 2020 AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award, which honors the memory of ambassador and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Hazel Kolb, is presented to the National Youth Project Using Minibikes. The NYPUM program was created in 1969 by the YMCA as a way to engage at-risk and disadvantaged youth. American Honda has supported the program since its inception, providing funding and donating more than 20,000 minibikes.

“On behalf of everyone affiliated with NYPUM, we are very honored to receive the 2020 AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award,” said NYPUM President Steve Morikawa. “In its 50-year history, NYPUM has transformed the lives of nearly 300,000 young people and encouraged them to set a positive example in their communities. Thank you, AMA, for recognizing the great impact motorcycling can have on society through meaningful programs like NYPUM.”

Vice President of the Motorcycle Division at American Honda Chuck Boderman added: “Our Honda associates and dealers are grateful to the AMA for its advocacy on behalf of the motorcycling community and its recognition of NYPUM with this important award. Honda believed in NYPUM’s mission when the program launched 50 years ago, and it’s been our privilege to be involved ever since. It’s inspiring to see NYPUM have such a positive impact on so many young lives.”

For more information about the AMA Board of Directors Awards Program, to see past recipients and learn how to submit individual’s names for future consideration, please visit http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/For-Members/AMA-Awards/Board-Of-Directors-Awards/board-of-directors-awards.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com

Two Close Friends Of The Biker Book For Charity Have Passed

Editors note: I received this news from Louise Lewis, the author and felt this should be shared. We extend our condolences.

“The Biker Book for Charity family mourns and sends condolences for the recent passing of two of the book’s participants, Brenda Mlodinoff and Charlie Brechtel. When asked to submit a meaning-of-life quote for the book, both Brenda and Charlie immediately raised their hands, demonstrating their Generosity of Spirit. They join the many women and men of the motorcycle community and generous photographers who have helped create a thought-provoking and visually stunning book.”

INFORMATION – FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship

2020 Calendar UPDATE 15 APRIL – French round cancelled

Please find enclosed the Press Release / FIM Sidecar Motocross World Championship
2020 Calendar UPDATE 15 APRIL
French round cancelled

Due to the ongoing pandemic of the Coronavirus, and the extension of the restrictions put in place by the French government concerning the ban on organising sports events until July 15, the FIM, the promoter APO Multimedia, the Federation Française de Motocyclisme (FFM) and the local organiser the Moto Club d’Iffendic regret to announce the cancellation of the French round which was rescheduled to take place in Iffendic on 05 July.

As the situation remains in a state of constant evolution, we will continue to monitor and to communicate in a timely manner if further schedule changes are required.

The 2020 calendar has been amended as follows:

Date    FMNR    Venue    Country
14 June    KNMV    Oss    Netherlands
21 June    ACCR    Kramolin Czech Republic
12 July    EMF    Lange Motokeskus Estonia
23 August FMB    Gooik    Belgium
30 August FMS    Roggenburg     Switzerland
06 September AMZS Orehova Vas Slovenia (Subject to re-inspection and homologation of the circuit)
13 September ACCR Jinin    Czech Republic
20 September DMSB Rudersberg     Germany

INDIAN’S CLICK.DELIVER.RIDE PROGRAM

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES LAUNCH 

New Online Ordering & Home-Delivery Service Aims to Support Dealer Network & Riders Looking to Buy

MINNEAPOLIS (April 9, 2020) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today introduced its Click.Deliver.Ride program, providing riders with of the option of purchasing a motorcycle from the comfort of their own home. Riders have long had the ability to search for their desired model and customize it to their preference, but they can now work with their local dealer, either online or via phone, to complete their purchase and have their dream bike delivered right to their doorstep.

In the same way that Click.Deliver.Ride is providing Indian Motorcycle’s customers with convenience, it is adding value to its network of dealers as well. Dealers play a crucial role in their local communities and economies, which is why Indian Motorcycle has dedicated itself to help them navigate through this unprecedented business situation, with Click.Deliver.Ride at the forefront.

“Over the last month, we’ve all had to adjust to a new way of life and have had to alter the ways in which we conduct our business,” said Mike Dougherty, Indian Motorcycle President. “Our hope is that Click.Deliver.Ride. will help bring peace of mind to both our loyal customers and our network of dealers.”

Click.Deliver.Ride. is available for a limited time only at participating dealers based on applicable laws and is subject to change. To learn more visit: https://www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/click-deliver-ride/ and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle is America’s First Motorcycle Company®. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

INDIAN and INDIAN MOTORCYCLE are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC.  Always wear a helmet, protective clothing and eyewear and insist your passenger does the same.  Ride within the limits of the law and your own abilities.  Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

KTM AG GET PROACTIVE AND WITHDRAW MOTORCYCLE SHOW PRESENCE IN 2020

Dear Sir or Madam, below you can find our latest press release:

KTM AG have assessed their overall strategy for the rest of 2020 and have decided to make several key decisions in the wake of COVID-19 impacting public health, communities, the motorcycle industry and business on a global scale. In the best interest of their employees and customers, the company will withdraw from global trade shows for the rest of the year, including INTERMOT in Cologne, Germany and the EICMA exhibition in Milan, Italy.

The proper planning of such events is currently at risk due to the uncertainty surrounding public gathering restrictions in most countries. The annual success of these indoor shows also sees hundreds of thousands of visitors gathering in enclosed spaces for a period lasting days and even weeks. For these reasons, KTM AG have identified their exclusion as way to contribute towards a safe and strong return to normal activity.

Husqvarna Motorcycles will push ahead with current and future projects in order to provide the motorcycling market with exciting and innovative models and look for the best ways to show-off these developments. The KTM AG board of directors wish to communicate that the coming months represent a small squeeze on the brake, but hands are very much poised on the throttle for the rest of 2020.

Hubert Trunkenpolz, KTM AG CMO: “Trade shows are key business milestones for the entire motorcycle industry but given the situation, public health and the welfare of our staff are higher priorities over the coming months. We have taken this course of action with a great deal of thought and, as a company, KTM AG would be pleased and interested if show promoters, EICMA in particular, would consider moving dates to 2021, where we hope and expect the situation to be settled and back to normal.”

KAWASAKI WILL DELIVER THE GOOD TIMES

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