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Posted December 13, 2007    E-mail this pageEmail  Print this pagePrint


Rush drummer Neil Peart with two favorite things: his drums and his BMW. (Photo: Andrew MacNaughtan)

Museum announces major new exhibit, "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles"

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will spotlight over a hundred of the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts in its new exhibit, "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles." 

Scheduled to open in spring 2008, the 8,000-square-foot exhibit will feature many priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures.

Play a starring role: how to contribute

Manufacturers, builders, collectors or individuals interested in lending appropriate bikes or ephemera in support of "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" are invited to contact exhibit curator David Morris.

"The Guggenheim Museum’s ‘Art of the Motorcycle’ exhibition was the first-ever motorcycle exhibit to reach beyond the core enthusiast and embrace the general public – and it proved to be one of the most successful museum exhibits ever," said Morris. "‘MotoStars’ will go even further. The exhibit not only presents celebrity machines, it provides a rare glimpse into the passion that has brought famous persons and motorcycling together."

As in all Motorcycle Hall of Fame exhibits, rare images, footage, memorabilia and ephemera will play a major role in illustrating stellar individuals and their love for two wheels.

Following the exhibit’s installation at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, a national tour of "MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles" is planned. For more details, contact David Morris by e-mail or call (386) 852-9898.

A VIP gala and dedication ceremony featuring MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will be held June 27-28, 2008, on the grounds of the Museum.

Notable celebrities offering personal motorcycles and memorabilia to the exhibit include:

  • Auto racing legend and Alligator motorcycle inventor and manufacturer, Dan Gurney
  • General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz
  • Jeff Lacy, super middleweight boxing star
  • Wally Dallenbach, Sr., champion race car driver and founder of the Colorado 500
  • "King of the Kustomizers" George Barris
  • Rock legend, "Rush" drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart

Famous movie bikes include the 2004 MV Agusta F4-SPR ridden by Will Smith in "I, Robot." Exotic custom motorcycles designed and built by Austin Weiss for entertainers such as will.i.am, frontman for hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas, and Carlos Mencia, critically acclaimed comic and star of Comedy Central’s "Mind of Mencia," will also be featured.

"The Museum extends its thanks to those who have already agreed to play a role in this significant exhibit," says Mark Mederski, Executive Director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. "To make ‘MotoStars’ as diverse and comprehensive as possible, the Museum welcomes further support and assistance from industry colleagues, collectors and celebrities in gathering pedigreed machines and memorabilia."

Throughout history, motorcycles have played a starring role in the public and private lives of a significant number of celebrities and personalities. Whether they are adventure tourers, collectors, builders or ambassadors of the sport, each MotoStar has a unique story to tell about what fueled their interest and love for riding. Museum visitors will find these private glimpses into the community of motorcycling especially compelling.

"Motorcycling, whether an occasional hobby or lifelong obsession, has always connected individuals from very different walks of life," says Mederski. "Whether you work in a factory, the corporate suite, or on a Hollywood set, you’ll always have a shared bond and make new friends if you spend time on two wheels.  For that reason alone, we expect this to be our most popular exhibit ever."