Family of motorcycling pioneer will be out in force at induction ceremony

Family pride will definitely be on display at this year's AMA Visa Card by Capital One Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev., on Nov. 18. At least three-dozen members of early motorcycle pioneer Norbert Schickel's family are scheduled to attend in his honor as Schickel is posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The family members will be in attendance to help memorialize the late Schickel, who was born in New York, founded Schickel Motor Co., and became a key player in the motorcycle design boom that occurred in the United States between 1905 and 1915.

"When I first received the call that Norbert Schickel was selected, I was so excited it took me a couple of days to unwind. Other family members had a similar reaction," said Schickel's grandson, Ken Anderson.

"His selection to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the most prestigious award in the motorcycle industry, is a dream come true for his family, and attending his induction is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us to celebrate his achievements," Anderson added.

"To be recognized for his contribution to the early motorcycle industry and to be joining the giants of those early years in the Hall of Fame is an incredible honor for Norbert Schickel and a source of great pride for his descendants," he said.

The AMA Visa Card Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, is part of the 2011 AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions weekend. In addition to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov.18, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d'Elegance takes place on Nov. 19. The bike show features some of the country's most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. Closing out the weekend is the AMA Visa Card by Capital One Racing Championship Banquet on Nov. 20, where amateur AMA Racing champions of all ages will be recognized for their 2011 accomplishments.

Three generations of Schickels recently visited the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, to check out the display of the rare 1913 Schickel motorcycle they have loaned the Hall of Fame, as well as to learn about the other great personalities showcased there.

The 1913 Schickel will be on display at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa as part of the AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions weekend.

Besides Schickel, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2011 includes motocross promoter Stu Peters, roadracing champion Doug Polen, noted magazine editor Phil Schilling and industry leader Fred Fox.

Roadracing legend Kenny Roberts and motocross icon Roger DeCoster, who will both be in attendance, will be honored as Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Tickets for the AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions weekend are now available through this online registration form: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e3rn4juk2e3f80c1. Tickets may be ordered over the phone by calling (800) 262-5646.

The AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend also includes the final round of the GEICO AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series on Saturday evening, Nov. 19. EnduroCross tickets are available at www.orleansarena.com/event-calendar/endurocross or by phone at (702) 284-7777 or (888) 234-2334.

The AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend will be held at the Las Vegas Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa-a world-class spa, hotel and casino, featuring a range of entertainment, dining and family-friendly attractions. The facility's expansive ballrooms provide a stunning backdrop for three-day event, which is certain to be memorable for the 2011 inductees, champions, families, friends and fans. Room reservations are available now at a special group rate by calling (866) 767-7773 and referencing group AMA or AMERICANMOTO. Online room reservations are available at RedRockLasVegas.com. For online reservations, use the promo code RCIMOTR.

More information about the Motorcycle Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.