Last weekend, five motorcycle legends were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at the Las Vegas Red Rock Casino. Magazine editor Phil Schilling, motocross promoter Stu Peters, industry leader Fred Fox, motorcycling pioneer Norbert Schickel and roadracing champion Doug Polen were all part of the class of 2011. Legends Roger DeCoster and Kenny Roberts were also honored during the ceremony.
Hosted by actor and motorcyclist Perry King, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony kicked off the AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend. The 2011 class was honored by icons in the world of motorcycling, including several hall of famers like Bob "Hurricane" Hannah, roadracer Jody Nicholas, journalist Gunnar Lindstorm, roadracer Don Emde, promoter Gavin Trippe; and motocrosser Mark Blackwell.
"What an evening this has been," said King. "Gathered in this room tonight with our heroes and legends, we are reminded that events like this don't occur often enough. With well over 400 members, today's Hall of Fame is a Who's Who of men and women who have thrilled us, inspired us and, in many cases, brought a tear to our eye with ground-breaking achievements that have forever altered the world of motorcycling."
Here are some excerpts from the Hall of Fame speeches.
Phil Schilling: "Thank you to the American Motorcyclist Association for this tremendous honor and to all those who nominated me, wrote letters on my behalf, and voted for me. I am humbled and proud beyond words to be in the company of so many of motorcycling's great talents and industry leaders and my fellow Hall of Fame classmates. I have been fortunate in my life to do exciting work that I love alongside people I love and admire. Cook's and my success at Cycle Magazine and on the racetrack was due in large part to the talent and hard work of an army of people, who share in this honor and deserve our gratitude."
Stu Peters: "Most of all, I'd like to thank my family for holding up the fort. I also thank the Hall of Fame for honoring me with this great award for doing something I loved to do and would have done anyway."
Fred Fox: "I'm honored to be here. This business means so much to me. I'm still enjoying working every day. I still go in early and leave late, but it's the employees who do all the hard work. I really enjoy this industry. It's been good to me."
Norbert Schickel's award was accepted by his grandson, Ken Anderson: "If Norbert Schickel were here today he would be thrilled by his selection and would take great pride in knowing that his designs and innovations were worthy of Hall of Fame recognition. It is a great honor for me to represent my grandfather here tonight. Norbert Schickel's selection to the Class of 2011 is a dream come true for our family and attending his induction is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to celebrate his achievements."
Doug Polen: "Being recognized with so many iconic people is touching, and to see my career made permanent as part of the Hall of Fame is really something. I'll always have that. I'm truly honored to be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame."
Hall of Fame Legend Roger DeCoster: "I have to thank America for welcoming me. First was Bud and Dave Ekins. I met them in Germany in 1964, and it was the beginning of a great journey in America. We have come a long way from when I was inducted in 1999 in the AMA parking lot under an E-Z Up. This is a fantastic event."
Hall of Fame Legend Kenny Roberts: "I have to thank the AMA. I did what I did, and that's what we do. We ride motorcycles. I do this because I'm a motorcycle person, and this room is full of motorcycle people. To honor me like this in front of motorcycle people is very important to me."
Here's a video from the 2011 AMA Hall of Fame ceremony.
