Roger DeCoster’s name is practically synonymous with the sport of motocross, and he is generally recognized as the best-known MX racer in the first 50 years of the sport. On Friday, Nov. 18, he will be honored as a Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend at the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.
When DeCoster was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, his racing accomplishments were simply remarkable: five 500cc Motocross World Championships, numerous 500cc Motocross Grand Prix victories and four Trans-AMA Motocross Championships. He also was a member of six winning Belgium Motocross des Nations teams, was a Gold Medalist in the International Six Day Trial (Enduro) and earned numerous national championships in his native Belgium, including a national Trials title.
DeCoster continued to find success after his racing career. He was the manager of the first U.S. team to win the Motocross des Nations in 1981, and managed many U.S. teams at the prestigious event over the years to the present day. He currently is in charge of KTM’s Supercross and motocross efforts in the United States. His stature is such in the world of motocross that he is often simply referred to as "The Man."
"Roger DeCoster is not only a motorcycling legend in America, but around the world," said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame. "It’s truly an honor for us to be able to honor him." DeCoster, who joins Kenny Roberts as Legends honorees at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, said he was humbled to receive the honor.
The Class of 2011 will officially be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 18 as part of the AMA Legends Champions Weekend. More information about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
