The American Motorcyclist Association has welcomed American Honda’s and Indian Motorcycle’s support for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s 2016 induction ceremony, which will be held Thursday, Oct. 13, during the American International Motorcycle Expo at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
“Numerous AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, from engine tuners to ambassadors to champions, made their marks with Honda motorcycles,” said AMA Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey. “The Class of 2016 expands those ranks even more, perhaps most notably with the induction of multi-time AMA road racing champion Miguel Duhamel, one of the greatest motorcycle racers to ever compete in AMA Superbike.”
“As America’s first motorcycle company, Indian Motocycle made an indelible impact on motorcycling in America,” said Massey. “Much of that can be traced to the vision and work of Class of 2016 member Charles Franklin, who gave the world the original Indian Scout and created the first Indian Chief, two models that have played a key role in Indian Motorcycle’s recent resurgence. The support of iconic brands, such as Indian Motorcycle, for the Hall of Fame is welcomed validation of the lasting importance of its mission to promote and preserve the heritage of American motorcycling.”
Reservations for the induction ceremony can be made now at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/induction. Tickets to the ceremony, which includes a formal sit-down dinner, are $130 per person. AMA Life Members pay $120, and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers can attend for no charge.
“Honda has supported the induction ceremony since its move to the American International Motorcycle Expo, so it’s particularly gratifying for us to welcome such an important member of the Honda family into the Class of 2016,” said American Honda Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications Lee Edmunds. “During his time racing with American Honda, Miguel collected seven AMA crowns and five Daytona 200 victories, all while admirably representing the brand off the bike as well. We can’t imagine a more deserving recipient of this award.”
“It’s our job as stewards of this great brand to build the best modern Indian Motorcycles we can,” said Steve Menneto, President of Indian Motorcycle. “Honoring the past is an important part of building a strong future, and we applaud the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame for recognizing the powerful impact Charles Franklin had on the industry and Indian Motorcycle.”
The Class of 2016 includes eight new members of the Hall of Fame. In addition to Duhamel, they are motorcycle designer and engineer Charles Franklin, racer and tuner Chris Haines, engine builder Dennis Mahan, race frame builder Jeff Cole, desert racer Jack Johnson, motorcycling pioneer Gloria Tramontin-Struck and dirt track racer Ronnie Jones.
In addition, Dick Burleson will be recognized as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. Selected from existing Hall of Famers, Legends’ accomplishments transcend their categories in impactful ways. In addition to Burleson, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends include Mark Blackwell, “Willie G.” Davidson, Roger DeCoster, Torsten Hallman, Bob Hannah, Mert Lawwill, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts and Malcolm Smith.
