Rider Files

Nick Phillips recently sent me some cool shots from the mid-to-late 1970s and early ’80s. You can see more of Nick’s Pix at http://pickeringvalleyroadracers.shutterfly.com/

Back in my AMA PR days we did a media/riders golf outing at the Brickyard Crossing in Indianapolis in advance of the Indy Mile in 1999. This photo shows riders Bubba Shobert, who was an honorary Grand Marshal for the race, Will Davis, Chris Carr and Scotty Parker with members of the Indianapolis media. The only media member I recognize right off is Wil Hampton (between Davis and Carr), who was then sports anchor for the CBS affiliate. Rumor has it that the riders cleaned up on the media members and apparently there was some money on the line. As PR man I wasn’t thrilled to hear our riders had hustled the local media.

Bubba Shobert, who was an honorary Grand Marshal for the 1999 Indy Mile, riders Will Davis, Chris Carr and Scotty Parker with members of the Indianapolis media at a media day golf outing at the Brickyard Crossing. (Larry Lawrence photo)

(NEWS RELEASE)

SALT LAKE CITY (April 28, 2011) – Utah Governor Gary Herbert and President & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission Jeff Robbins welcomed back the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, today at Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium at a pre-race press conference. Joining Herbert and Robbins were Western Regional Supercross Lites class points leaders Broc Tickle and Josh Hansen as well as former two-time Supercross class champion Chad Reed.

“We are honored to have some of the best supercross athletes here in Utah,” said Herbert. “We expect around 40,000 fans here Saturday night. To have supercross here in Utah is a significant event. Supercross brings in $9 Million to our economy. We receive about $2 Million in media exposure on television and we are going to be exposed to over 180 countries as this goes throughout our media markets.”

Reed presents Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert with his jersey. (Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports)

For the third consecutive year, the Utah Sports Commission has been instrumental in delivering a world-class event to the legion of Monster Energy Supercross fans in the Rocky Mountain region.

“Our goal is to leverage the business of sports here in Utah,” said Robbins. “The athletes you are going to see this week match up to the exposure of the world’s other top athletes. This is truly a great event for us to be a part of and we have developed a great relationship with Feld Motor Sports.”

TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing Honda’s Reed sits just six points behind Supercross class leader and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto. Reed has one win and eight additional podium finishes heading into this Saturday’s race.

“I’m excited to be a part of what has been considered the greatest seasons ever,” exclaimed Reed. “A lot of the industry people turned their back on me and didn’t believe in me anymore. I was left in a position to start my own team and go racing. I’ve been having a blast so far. With two races to go it’s time to lay it on the table and bring it.”

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammates Tickle and Hansen are separated by just two points headed into Saturday night. Tickle moved into the leader position after the main event in Seattle two weeks ago.

Broc Tickle shares his thoughts on the points race between his teammate Josh Hansen. (Photo Credit: Hoppenworld.com)

“I’ve never been in this situation to been in contention for the championship,” said Tickle. “My goal before the season started was to be consistent. I’ve had a few issues, but I’m where I want to be and look forward to the race this weekend.”

Hansen controlled the points lead through the first five races and has been struggling with a hand injury he suffered during practice at Anaheim 2.

“The beginning of the season started off well, said Hansen. “I’ve been riding on adrenalin and hanging in there. I look forward to the race this weekend.”

Broc Tickle, Josh Hansen, Chad Reed, Jeff Robbins, and Gary R. Herbert (Left to Right) discuss the significant impact Monster Energy Supercross has on the state of Utah. (Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports)

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing Honda’s Chad Reed and Stewart round out the top four places, respectively. Nine points separate the top four riders with only two races remaining on the schedule.

The first supercross race held at Rice-Eccles Stadium took place in 2001 where 42,135 fans packed the venue to witness Ricky Carmichael win his 13th race of the 16 round season.

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305. To follow Monster Energy Supercross on Facebook and Twitter, log on to http://www.facebook.com/supercrosslive and http://twitter.com/supercrosslive.

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

Kenny Roberts waits to enter the track at a Grand National race during the 1975 season. Roberts was 23-year-old two-time AMA Grand National Champion going for his third straight championship. He didn’t win it in ’75 though. His Harley-Davidson factory rival Gary Scott came through to earn the No. 1 plate. Roberts’ factory Yamaha vertical twins were at a disadvantage to the Harleys on the flat tracks, that and Roberts suffered through a ton of mechanical issues with his bikes that year. In spite of all that Roberts won more nationals in ’75 than any other rider, with six victories. On the right is Paul Bostrom’s Harley XR. Ben and Eric’s uncle scored three top-ten finishes that season, including a fifth at the Ascot TT National.

Kenny Roberts waiting to take to the track during the 1975 season. That year Roberts won more nationals than any other rider, but lost the championship to Gary Scott. (AMA press kit photo)

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that industry veteran Jim Williams has joined the association as Vice President of Industry Relations & Corporate Member Programs. Williams will be responsible for directing the AMA’s outreach to the motorcycle industry as well as creating related membership programs for manufacturers, distributors and aftermarket companies.

With more than 25 years of industry involvement, Williams was most recently the Director, Sales Planning & Promotion for Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA and he concurrently served as Vice Chairman of the AMA Board of Directors. Williams also has trade association experience, having worked for the Motorcycle Industry Council from1986 to 1995, where he coordinated land-use efforts for the industry with the goal of preserving and expanding OHV riding opportunities across the U.S.

“I am very happy to report that Jim Williams has joined the AMA’s executive team,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Jim has extensive knowledge of the motorcycling community and brings a wide variety of experience from his years at Kawasaki. He was a key member of the team responsible for the company’s increase in motorcycle market share, and he is well regarded throughout the motorcycle industry.

“In addition, as Vice Chairman of the AMA Board of Directors, Jim understands the needs and direction of the AMA, our clubs and our members. I can think of no one more qualified to lead our outreach to the industry as we grow the AMA into the future,” Dingman said.

“It’s a great feeling to be joining the AMA executive team,” added Williams. “For many years, I have been active in the motorcycling community’s struggle with the challenges to current and future riding opportunities, and have done what I could within the industry. By joining the AMA at this time, I can more effectively contribute to the reforms that Rob and the board have undertaken to strengthen and grow the membership of the AMA. There is no organization better positioned to protect our riding lifestyle and freedoms, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Williams is an avid motorcyclist and has been riding motorcycles since he was 7 years old. He is an AMA Charter Life member and enjoys long-distance adventures in the wide-open spaces of Baja, Nevada and the California desert. Formerly an active participant in AMA District 37 racing, he still competes on occasion.

Williams will be based in Southern California.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (April 28, 2011) — ASV Inventions is proud to announce that it was recently awarded a U.S. patent for its Solo Sag Scale, a unique, telescoping measurement tool that allows riders to adjust their motorcycle suspension’s static sag without assistance.

Here are a few excerpts from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s abstract of the Solo Sag Scale’s patent, which is number 07874080: “A measuring device has a first elongate body element, a second elongate body element, and an elongate ruler element. A plurality of ruler markings on the elongate ruler element enable measuring the sag of a vehicle. A hub engagement post is attached to the second elongate body element for removably engaging a hub of the vehicle.”

This is ASV founder, president and chief inventor Bob Morales’ eighth U.S. patent. True to its name and mission, ASV Inventions produces innovative inventions that solve problems and create advantages for motorcyclists–in the dirt and on the street.

“This is my eighth patent award,” says Morales. “It was by far the smoothest utility patent process I’ve experienced. The concept is so unique and original that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office accepted all my claims and had very little to reference against it. Usually they make it much harder to get a utility patent approved.”

For more information about ASV’s Solo Sag Scale, control levers and other products, log on to ASVinventions.com.

ASV Inventions, Inc.

16421 Gothard St., Suite A

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Phone: 714-861-1400

ASVinventions.com 

–END OF PATENT ANNOUNCEMENT-

In Brief: ASV Inventions’ patented Solo Sag Scale is a suspension sag measurement tool that off-road riders can use by themselves, without wrangling a friend’s help.

ASV INVENTIONS SOLO SAG SCALE

Allows One Person to Measure a Bike’s Static Sag

Contact: Eric Putter

Eric@PutterPowerMedia.com  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (April 28, 2011) — ASV Inventions’ patented Solo Sag Scale is a suspension sag measurement tool that off-road riders can use by themselves, without wrangling a friend’s help.

Another innovative invention from a company best known for its folding control levers, ASV’s sag-measurement tool mounts to bikes using a universal rubber plug that fits most every off-road motorcycle rear axle. The top of the unit has a clamp that mounts to the rear fender or number plate, giving the unit a firm grip. This eliminates the need for outside assistance, and ensures that the bike’s measurement points are identical every time it’s measured. The Sag Scale displays exact measurements, eliminating the need to scribble numbers and calculate static sag.

The Solo Sag Scale is CNC-manufactured from 6061 aluminum alloy with anodized and precision laser-etched measurement numbers for accuracy and years of use. The tool’s telescoping design allows it to compress down to 15-3/4 in. and comes with a heavy-duty plastic case, for transportation and storage among other tools without risking scratches or damage. The $125 Solo Sag Scale is 100 percent U.S.-made and comes with an unconditional 5-year unconditional guarantee from ASV.  

For more information about ASV’s Solo Sag Scale, control levers and other products, log on to ASVinventions.com.

AT A GLANCE:  

ASV INVENTIONS SOLO SAG SCALE

·      No assistance required to use

·      Precision, exact measurement

·      Mounts to motorcycle

·      Telescoping design

·      CNC-machined 6061 aluminum alloy

·      All parts anodized

·      Measurement numbers and logo laser-etched in

·      Collapses down to 15-3/4″ when not in use

·      Made in the USA

·      U.S. patent number: 07874080

·      5-year unconditional guarantee

·      Retail price: $125.00

ASV Inventions, Inc.

16421 Gothard St., Suite A

Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Phone: 714-861-1400

ASVinventions.com 

Kenny Roberts Jr. leads the pack early in the WERA Air-Tech Formula 2 race at Road Atlanta in March of 1991. It marked Roberts’ American pro debut. Roberts Jr., on a Yamaha TZ250, is leading local hero Franklin Knight on his Honda CBR600. D’Aluisio is just behind Knight. (Larry Lawrence photo)

Kenny Roberts Junior made his highly-anticipated American pro racing debut at the WERA Pro races at Road Atlanta in March of 1991.

The 17-year-old rookie was pretty impressive racing in the Air-Tech Formula 2 class. Roberts battled with veteran road racer Brad Sawyer all the way to the checkered flag, with Sawyer just nudging Roberts out of fourth place on the last lap.

Chris D’Aluisio won the race over Nick Ienatsch and Alan Scott (who was Roberts Jr.’s Otsuka Electronics Yamaha teammate).

The Air-Tech Formula 2 class pitted two-stroke 250GP bikes against 600cc Supersport machines. The field was about 50/50, but the 250GP bikes dominated earning seven out of the top 10 spots. Thomas Montano was the top rider on a Supersport bike.

This is early in the race and Roberts Jr., on a Yamaha TZ250, is leading local hero Franklin Knight on his Honda CBR600. D’Aluisio is just behind Knight.