Kit Palmer Named Editor of Cycle News

The MAG Media Group has announced that Kit Palmer will take over as the editor of Cycle News, effective November 1. Palmer, who has worked at the weekly publication and website for 31 years, will replace long-time editor Paul Carruthers, who will become the Communications Manager for MotoAmerica, the company that will produce the North American Road Racing Series beginning in 2015.

“Kit has been my wingman for what seems like forever as we’ve worked together at Cycle News for close to 30 years,” said Carruthers, who started his career at Cycle News in 1985 and has been its editor since 1993. “I’m excited that he’s getting the opportunity to take Cycle News into the future and I know he’s the right man for the job.”

Palmer is being promoted from off-road editor to editor.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be the editor of Cycle News and continue to build on the success we’ve had here,” Palmer said. “I’m disappointed to see Paul leave after all these years, but I wish him well in his new endeavors. I definitely have some big boots to fill, but look forward to my new challenges as the editor of Cycle News.”

Don Becklin, the President of the MAG Media Group, says Carruthers will be missed, but he’s also confident of Palmer’s ability to carry Cycle News into the future.

“Paul’s departure from Cycle News is obviously a big change for the publication,” Becklin said. “His strong editorial leadership has guided the magazine and made him synonymous with the Cycle News brand for close to three decades. But we recognize the new opportunity for Paul (and all of American road racing) and wish him all the best at MotoAmerica.

“And we are thrilled that Kit Palmer will be stepping into the editor role. His experience and passion is exactly what the organization needs to propel Cycle News into the future. I believe that readers and the motorcycle industry can look forward to seeing Kit’s stamp on the iconic Cycle News brand. In addition, we are also currently beginning a search to find an additional editor to help Kit and associate editor Andrea Wilson.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.