The seven members of the Class of 2014 were recognized for their achievements and contributions to motorcycling during the 2014 American Honda AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Company, at the Chapin Theater in the Orange County Convention Center last Friday.
During a ceremony hosted by actor, motorcyclist and American Motorcyclist Association board member Perry King, the new inductees are: race tuner and innovator Byron Hines; motocross pioneer Pierre Karsmakers; Tom White, acclaimed motorcycle collector, former nationally ranked racer and founder of White Brothers Cycle Specialties; George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and the Barber Motorsports Park; national off-road racing champion Scott Summers; AMA motocross champion and current Supercross/motocross team manager Mike LaRocco; and legendary tuner, engine builder and team owner Rob Muzzy.
Also honored was AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend William "Willie G." Davidson. Willie G. is the grandson of Harley-Davidson founder William A. Davidson and is responsible for many of the innovative motorcycle designs that ushered in a new era for the iconic company.
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.
"In surveying the Hall of Fame Class of 2014, I am struck by the wealth of talent, intelligence, competitive spirit, vision and imagination that these men represent," said Ken Ford, a member of the Hall of Fame executive committee and treasurer of the AMA board of directors. "And it is inspiring that these new inductees, along with all the other members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, devoted so much of their time, energy and resources to building, sustaining and expanding motorcycling."
The audience was treated to a short video chronicle of each inductee’s motorcycling history. Then each new Hall of Fame member was presented with a Hall of Fame ring, sponsored by Zero Motorcycles.
"There’s really something extraordinary about motorcycling, something that absolutely transcends its description as a ‘sport’ or a ‘lifestyle.’" King said. "It’s as if motorcycling captures the essence of who we are: The exhilaration we feel when we ride, the competitive spirit we tap into when we race, and the unbreakable bonds of lifetime friendship forged with other motorcyclists. And that is exactly what makes the mission of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame so noble: This unwavering desire to honor, preserve and protect the legacy of this passion that we share. It is, quite simply, beyond words."
