Eyvind Boyesen Headed for Hall of Fame

Courtesy of American Motorcyclist Association
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the eighth member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2010: Eyvind Boyesen, one of the most accomplished two-stroke engine tuners in motorsports. Boyesen, whose skills in the garage translated into success in the marketplace, will be among the legends of motorcycling honored at the 2010 induction ceremony at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas on Nov. 19.

"Eyvind developed many of his innovations in an era of great change in performance off-road motorcycling, and in the process joined other AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers in becoming a household name in the sport," said AMA Director of Operations and Hall of Famer Jack Penton. "Both everyday riders and national champions alike used Boyesen's products over the years, and many more will in years to come."

Although Boyesen Engineering has long since branched into other areas of innovation, off-road racers in the 1970s through the 1990s knew Boyesen products through marketing of the company's aftermarket performance reeds. Boyesen's reeds set the standard as one of the leading aftermarket replacement parts of the two-stroke era, and often were one of the first modifications racers made to a new machine.

"Growing up on the local scrambles and motocross tracks in eastern Pennsylvania during the early 1970s, racers knew one thing: If you wanted a power advantage over your competitors, you needed a Boyesen Power Reed," said Douglas Strange, chair of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Ambassadors & Industry committee and an honorary member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. "It was like a magic elixir that would put your bike on the box. Boyesen Engineering's reputation continued to grow as his business expanded, and every racer's toolbox had a Boyesen sticker on the lid. Now, nearly 40 years later, I'm still impressed with Eyvind Boyesen's commitment to the sport and industry, and his insight to solve problems and bring these new products to the marketplace."

Boyesen founded Boyesen Engineering in 1972 in Lenhartsville, Pa., and built a worldwide reputation as a two-stroke engine expert. In addition to his reed-valve innovations, Boyesen is also known for a special porting technique that has been used in motorcycle, snowmobile and watercraft two-stroke engines. He also has refined methods of water pump design and developed enhanced accelerator pump operation used in four-stroke carburetion. Boyesen holds more than 40 patents for the aftermarket motorcycle industry, and his company continues to thrive today.

"To be honest I was rather surprised at hearing the news of the induction," Boyesen said. "I immediately thought, 'Who would have nominated me?' I will say that my career has been balanced by my ability to do what I truly love. To this day I will always remember the first time I saw a motorcycle. It was magical. As many that have achieved any level of success (big or small), I am very fortunate to be able to contribute to this sport and industry."

Boyesen 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, and sidecar roadrace champion Larry Coleman. The final 2010 inductee will be announced soon.

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. Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.

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Husqvarna Sponsors AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Ceremony

Image via Wikipedia

Courtesy of Husqvarna
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Husqvarna Motorcycles North America has signed on as a sponsor of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this Dec. 5 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

"We are thrilled to have Husqvarna's participation in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony," said AMA Special Events and Marketing Director Tigra Tsujikawa. "With a lineage dating back more than a century, this historic marque's motorcycling history runs very deep."

Husqvarna Motorcycles North America Sales and Marketing Director Scot Harden, an accomplished off-road racer who was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2008, said that the company is proud to recognize the achievement of motorcycling's heroes.

"For a company like Husqvarna, the history of our great sport and the pioneers who laid the foundation for its success share more than just a casual connection," Harden said. "The name Husqvarna is synonymous with two-wheeled champions and heroes. We are proud to have played a major role in the growth in popularity of off-road recreation that started in the '60s and continues through today. It's only fitting that we step up and support the AMA and the Hall of Fame Museum to help ensure that the proud legacy of the motorcycling community has a fitting home that will inspire future generations of motorcyclists. This is why we support the Hall of Fame and will continue to do so for years to come."

The 2009 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is part of a larger celebration at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas that includes the AMA Racing Championship Banquet and the 2009 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d'Elegance, which will feature some of the most beautiful motorcycles in existence.

The racing banquet will kick off the festivities on the evening of Dec. 4. It will recognize the champions from 2009 AMA Racing premier events and series. In addition, special awards, such as the AMA Racing Athlete of the Year, the AMA Racing Sportsman of the Year and the AMA Racing Female Rider of the Year, will be awarded.

Following the Concours d'Elegance on Saturday, Perry King, legendary actor of stage, screen and TV, will serve as master of ceremonies as the AMA officially welcomes the 2009 class to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

This year's inductees are industry innovator Robert Bates, off-road racer Randy Hawkins, suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt, off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes, industry entrepreneurs and technological trailblazers Geoff and Bob Fox, longtime motorcycle safety proponent David Hough, noted race team manager Gary Mathers and successful dirt-track racer and tuner Chuck Palmgren.

Advance ticket purchase is required for both evening events at a cost of $49 per person per single event, or $89 per person for both events. Tickets will remain on sale through Nov. 29. Admission to the Hall of Fame autograph session and the Concours d'Elegance bike show is free. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/LetsRock.

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 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 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.