Their day in the sun

Motorcycle Hall of Fame 
inducts class of 2003

Story by Richard Ried, photos by Bill Andrews

Oct. 5  – It was a weekend to remember, and not just for those 16 lucky heroes who were inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

A celebration of motorcycling's rich past, the two-day event had something for everyone, from the classic and custom machinery on display in the 2nd Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Concours d'Elegance, to one of the country's top gatherings of motorcycle legends.

The festivities began Saturday evening with a banquet hosted by lifelong motorcyclist and noted actor Perry King (right). Among those honored were racing legends Chuck Sun and Jeremy McGrath, who made names for themselves in Supercross and motocross racing and are now active competitors in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship.

Sun is being honored as part of the 1981 Motocross des Nations Team, which demonstrated to the world that Americans could race with the best international riders in motocross.

"It's a little overwhelming and a tremendous honor to be recognized along with great riders and great histories and great backgrounds (represented at the museum)," said Sun (left). "I'm glad there's an opportunity to be recognized; that our team did pull off a feat way back then when the U.S. had never won before."

"Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is very cool," added McGrath (right). "It's something that's going to stand the test of time long after I'm gone. It's obviously something I never imagined as a kid."

Sun, McGrath and this year's 14 other inductees officially joined the elite group of 285 members enshrined in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, located on the Museum's lower level, during Sunday afternoon's ceremony.

The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. Inductees are chosen by six committees consisting of Hall-of-Famers and independent experts in various disciplines.

© 2003, Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

Jay "Springer" Springsteen at the autograph session.	Donnie Hansen, honored for his role on the 1981 U.S. Motocross des Nations Team.
The ever-popular Scotty Parker (left).	Plenty of vendors were on hand, selling everything from riding gear to memorabilia.
Margaret Wilson, recipient of the 2003 Bessie Stringfield Award for her role as an outstanding woman motorcyclist.	After Saturday's banquet, Hall of Famer Ed Fisher (Class of '02) entertained guests aboard his 1917 Reading Standard.
Danny LaPorte at the banquet.	Fans young and old lined up to get a McGrath autograph.
Harley styling guru and class of '99 Hall of Famer Willie G. Davidson put in an appearance Sunday.	Stuntwoman Debbie Evans: recently of "The Matrix Reloaded."
AMA National Enduro Champion Del Kuhn accepts his medal Sunday. (Larry Lawrence photo)	A beaming Linton Kuchler on the stage during Sunday's induction ceremony. (Larry Lawrence photo)

Special thanks to our sponsors

Platinum
The Becker Family
  In memory of C.E. Altman
Kevin Schwantz - Suzuki Racing School/Brand 34

Gold
Peoria Motorcycle Club
  In memory of Bruce Walters
Kawasaki Motors Corporation
Dave Mungenast MotorSports
American Suzuki Motor Corporation
MBNA America
Dunlop Tire Corporation
Yamaha Motor Corporation
Harley-Davidson Motor Co.
Progressive Motorcycle Insurance
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Damon's Restaurant of Pickerington

Silver
U.S. Classic Racing Association
Racer X Illustrated
Melbourne J. "Mike" and Margaret M. Wilson

Bronze
Bob Marquis
Piet Boonstra
Mark Mendell
Bill & Millie Baird
A. D. Farrow Co., Harley-Davidson
Dudley Perkins Company
The John Penton Family

Associate
Roadracing World
Barton-Cotton

For information on how you or your company can be a part of the 2004 Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, please contact Dan Smith at dsmith@motorcyclemuseum.org or (614) 856-1910 x1198.