PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend features history’s motorcycling legends, today’s amateur champions and collectible motorcycles of every genre. For 2011, the gala event returns to the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 18-20, for three days of celebration, memories and camaraderie.
Kicking off the weekend is the 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday evening, Nov. 18. The 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance bike show takes place the next day, Saturday, Nov. 19, showcasing many of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. The weekend culminates with the AMA Racing Championship Banquet on Sunday, Nov. 20, where amateur AMA Racing champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2011 accomplishments.
“In recent years, the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend has reached new heights, celebrating motorcycling’s past and present with a world-class event at one of America’s most electrifying destination cities,” said AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson. “We invite all motorcyclists to join us at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa on Nov. 18-20 as we spotlight motorcycling’s enduring legends and amateur racing’s top talent, not to mention some very cool motorcycles.”
The Hall of Fame Class of 2011 — whose members will be announced in random order over the next few weeks — includes individuals who have excelled in motorcycle design, engineering and business, as well as those who have made lasting contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing.
“The Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors and memorializes the legends that have made motorcycling great,” said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money for the Hall of Fame. “Our 2011 class will welcome more greats of the motorcycling community to the Hall of Fame, and I’m looking forward to commemorating their accomplishments and contributions at the induction ceremony on Nov. 18.
“I am also excited about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance on Saturday,” Heininger added. “Last year we attracted 78 classic, rare and beautiful machines, including the world’s fastest motorcycle, and we expect even more in 2011.”
AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley said that he’s thrilled to offer amateur racing champions the opportunity to celebrate motorcycling history as they are recognized for their own successful seasons.
“AMA amateur racers are the backbone of the sport of motorcycle competition,” Bromley said. “They have as much invested in motorcycling as anybody, and the chance for them to witness how a career of dedication and hard work can bring recognition in the revered Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a unique opportunity. For some of them, that path to legendary status starts with the AMA National No. 1 plates that they will collect Nov. 20 at the AMA Racing Championship Banquet.”
Held the same weekend as the nearby AMA EnduroCross finale, the events make for a can’t-miss celebration of two-wheeled history and competition.
