Seven historic figures took their places among motorcycling’s greatest legends Friday, Nov. 16, at the 2012 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM. The ceremony was part of the AMA Legends Weekend, powered by Paul Thede’s Race Tech, held at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas.
Hosted by actor/motorcyclist Perry King, the event honored the Hall of Fame Class of 2012: the late Rod Bush, KTM North America president and industry visionary; world championship roadracing tuner Nobby Clark; off-road racing champion Ty Davis; 1975 AMA Supercross Champion Jimmy Ellis; pioneering female motocrosser Sue Fish; world-class bike restorer Brian Slark; and the late iconic race starter Al Wilcox.
In addition to the class of 2012, the induction ceremony recognized the outstanding careers of two existing Hall of Famers as Hall of Fame Legends: 1998 inductees Mert Lawwill and Malcolm Smith. Harley-Davidson honored Lawwill’s recognition, while Tucker Rocky/Riders’ Choice sponsored Smith. Troy Lee Designs honored filmmaker and Hall of Fame member Bruce Brown, the director of the 1970 film "On Any Sunday," which featured Lawwill and Smith.
Kawasaki Motors Corporation, USA, was the sponsor for the dinner that preceded the gala ceremony. Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, welcomed a sold-out crowd to the dinner and ceremony, voicing appreciation for their support.
"Tonight, we induct some of motorcycling’s best and brightest into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame," Heininger said. "Those of us gathered here tonight strive to make the Hall of Fame the best it can be."
The 2012 inductees were honored with videos chronicling their careers, induction speeches and the presentation of their official Hall of Fame rings, sponsored by Zero Motorcycles.
The weekend concluded with the Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance bike show, which featured some of the country’s most amazing restored and original motorcycles.
