PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the final member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: desert racer extraordinaire and one of off-road racing’s most accomplished team managers, Bruce Ogilvie. Ogilvie, a multiple Baja winner and manager of American Honda’s off-road championship efforts for years, will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 19.
“So few excel at the highest levels of both competition and management, and Bruce Ogilvie was one of the greatest ever in both arenas,” said Jack Penton, AMA director of operations, chairman of the Hall of Fame Off-Road committee and a Hall of Famer himself. “Bruce’s selfless nature, unique leadership abilities, incredible skill on a motorcycle and seemingly limitless knowledge regarding motorcycle development made him not only an asset to his employer, American Honda, but to the motorcycling community as a whole. Bruce embodies the spirit of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and we’re proud to have his memory grace its halls.”
Ogilvie, who grew up attending TT scrambles with his father, Donald, began racing in his teens. He soon became one of AMA District 37’s most accomplished desert racers, and set out to tackle one of motorcycle competition’s most challenging events: Baja. Ogilvie developed into a master Baja racer, collecting victories in the San Felipe 250, the Baja 500 and the Baja 1000 over four decades. Ogilvie was the only racer in history to win the Baja 1000 overall in four different decades, getting his last win in 2003 at the age of 51.
While still competing, Ogilvie branched into management. In 1984, he was hired by American Honda, where he coordinated the company’s off-road racing efforts, served as senior test evaluator for American Honda’s Product Evaluation Department, and developed some of the most impressive racing talent of the next generation.
Ogilvie passed away on April 13, 2009, following an extended illness.
“Bruce loved motorcycles,” said Marcia Ogilvie, his spouse of 15 years. “Everywhere he went, you could see his enthusiasm and his desire for perfection. He was so humble, honest and loyal. He never asked for any recognition, and he never expected anyone to notice what he had done. He was always quiet, but because of his accomplishments, he commanded so much respect from so many in motorcycling.
“It would mean so much to him to be here to experience his induction into the Hall of Fame,” she continued. “Because Bruce was so reserved, you couldn’t always tell if he realized how much he meant to other people, but there are thousands who know what he did for motorcycling, from those he may have just given advice to at a race, to industry leaders. To be honored for what he loved most, well, he would be really happy to know that what he did meant so much to so many.”
Ogilvie joins previously announced members of the AMA Hall of Fame Class of 2010: championship team owner Mitch Payton, AMA 250cc Roadrace Champion David Emde, off-road rights activist Clark Collins, dirt-track racer Don Castro, off-road gear pioneers John and Rita Gregory, sidecar roadrace champion Larry Coleman and legendary two-stroke engine tuner Eyvind Boyesen.
The Class of 2010 will officially be inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Nov. 19 as part of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. In addition to the induction ceremony, the weekend includes the 2010 AMA Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The AMA Racing Championship Banquet closes out the weekend on Sunday, Nov. 21, where AMA Racing amateur champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2010 accomplishments.
The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend also includes the final round of the Geico Powersports AMA Endurocross National Championship Series on Saturday evening, Nov. 20. Ticket packages for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend will also include access to the race, held at The Orleans Arena.
The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Resort, a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility’s expansive ballrooms will provide a stunning backdrop for the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, which is certain to be memorable for the 2010 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. More information is available online at RedRockLasVegas.com.
Lodging reservations can be made now at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Accommodations. An announcement regarding ticket information will be made soon.
Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made lasting contributions to protecting and promoting the motorcycle lifestyle. Its members include those who have excelled in racing, road- and off-road riding, pushed the envelope in motorcycle design, engineering and safety, and championed the rights of riders in both the halls of government and the court of public opinion.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Committee includes nine members in addition to the chairman. There are eight committees, each representing a different aspect of motorcycling.
More information about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
