he Motorcycle Industry Council’s newly-formed American V-Twin Committee conducted a Communication Forum at the recent V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati. The event served as the first meeting for the new group since it was officially organized.
     As the meeting name suggested, the event was intended as a means to communicate to members of the industry why the committee exists, what some of the major issues are that it will be addressing, and how it will be organized.
     Al Hydeman, a consultant to the Motorcycle Industry Council, served as moderator and introduced the speakers. He was followed by Chairman of the MIC’s Board of Directors, Larry Little, who discussed the need for such a group in a world of fast-changing legislation and other issues not currently being addressed by the V-Twin business community.
     When the American V-Twin Committee gets down to actual business, it will be chaired by Fred Fox of Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties, with Ted Sands of Performance Machine serving as Vice Chairman. Fox and Sands were two of the driving forces in the creation of the new committee, in addition to Brett Smith of S&S Cycle. All three addressed the group at the meeting, setting the stage for future agenda items.
     Some examples of looming state and federal legislation that the V-Twin industry needs to be aware of were discussed at the meeting, including: Changes to the EPA Exemption for motorcycle kits and custom motorcycles, effective in 2006; Changes to the EPA Display Bike Exemption law, also effective in 2006; and updates on D.O.T. Certifications in the U.S. as well as TUV and EU in Europe. These were all covered as well as requirements for an NADA listing and an update from S&S on its new “Reseller Internet Policy.”

Members of the committee are:

Chairman: Fred Fox
Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties
Vice-Chairman: Ted Sands
Performance Machine

Committee members include:

Will Garland, American Ironhorse
Dave Koshollek, DAKO Enterprises
Nick Messer, Big Dog Motorcycles
Grady Pfeiffer, GH Marketing
Len Sims, NADA
Brett Smith, S&S Cycle

     *Others to be named later.
     For membership or other information, contact the MIC at 2 Jenner Street, Suite 150, Irvine CA 92618
or call 949-727-4211.

     A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson of Columbus, Ohio has announced that it has acquired the “Heroes of Harley-Davidson” exhibit from the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum of nearby Pickerington, Ohio. The dealership reportedly plans to expand upon the “Heroes” theme by honoring those who have come before us and the heroes that are being born every day, in conjunction with ongoing efforts to preserve the rich history and tradition began by A.D. Farrow, the dealership’s founder, in 1912.
For more information,
call 614-228-6353.

n exciting new event to be held in Spearfish, South Dakota on Wednesday, August 10th during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was recently announced. The “Sturgis Kids & Chrome” premier Biker event will benefit two great charities—the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, and Children’s Care Hospital & School in nearby Rapid City.
     According to the organizers, this will be a high-quality event for motorcycle enthusiasts, industry professionals, and celebrities to mingle and network while contributing to the continued success of two worthy non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.
     The exclusive Sturgis gala, “Sturgis Kids & Chrome” will be an evening of fine dining in a sophisticated and quiet setting, to include silent and live auctions, a celebrity emcee, and celebrity appearances. Many of the “Who’s Who” in the industry have reportedly already signed on to the event.

Tickets will be sold via a guest list prepared by event planners and volunteers. To be added to the guest list or to get details, contact one of the two involved charities:

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, 999 Main St., Sturgis SD 57785. Ph: 605-347-2001. Online: www.sturgismotorcyclemuseum.com.

Children’s Care Hospital & School, 2800 Jackson Blvd., Rapid City SD 57702. Ph: 605-782-2331. Online: www.cchs.org.

Impressive Sponsor List
(As of Feb. 16, 2005)

A large number of organizations have already signed on as sponsors of the event. They include: Arlen Ness Ent., Baker Drive Train, Gary Bang, Jim Betlach, Capitol Harley-Davidson, City of Sturgis, Corbin Inc., Cycle Visions, Dakota Billet, Edelbrock Corp., Rick Fairless, Jeff Fox, GH Marketing, Matt Hotch, Don Hotop, House of Kolor, Independent Cycle Inc., Kendall Johnson Customs, Brian Klock, Jon Kosmoski, Kuryakyn Corp., Kustomwerks Inc., Mayor Mark Zeigler (Sturgis), Paisano Publications, Paul Yafee Originals, David Perewitz, Performance Machine, Inc., Rinehart Racing Exhausts, Bruce Rossmeyer, Samson Exhaust, Donnie Smith, Stampers Black Hills Gold, Sturgis Harley-Davidson, Kim & Cheryl Suter, Terry Components, Thunder Mountain Customs, TP Engineering, Eddie Trotta, V-Twin Expo and Dave Withrow.

To receive updates on “Sturgis Kids & Chrome”as it evolves, email kay.engh@cchs.org with “Kids & Chrome” in the subject line.

&S Cycle, Inc. recently announced that it was implementing an exciting new contingency sponsorship program for all S&S-powered entries competing in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class during the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season.
     S&S will be posting awards totaling $112,500.00 covering 15 NHRA National events.  For each of the fifteen events, cash awards will be distributed to teams using an S&S engine in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class as follows:

Winner $3,500
Runner-up $2,000
Semi-finalist $1,000 each
(2 for each race)

     S&S entered the NHRA scene during the 2004 season, introducing its 160” Pro Stock racing engine through its involvement with George Smith and George Bryce of G Squared Motorsports. This engine powered NHRA rookie rider Chip Ellis and the G Squared Motorsports team to a successful season, highlighted by capturing the AC Delco Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October. The G Squared Motorsports Buell was the only V-Twin powered Pro Stock Motorcycle to win a race following the increased weight minimum change established mid-season.
     In addition to Chip Ellis and the G Squared Motorsports entry, the following teams and riders have already chosen S&S power for the 2005 NHRA racing season: Mohegan Sun/Chris Rivas, Muzzy Racing/Ryan Schnitz, Two Wheel Travel/Dave Feazell and Harley Davidson of Rocklin/Matt Guidera.
     “Sponsoring the Pro Stock Motorcycle class of the NHRA is an excellent opportunity for us to continue our relationships with racers of the highest level,” said S&S President, Brett Smith. “It is critical for us to be involved with cutting-edge technology and to stay in touch with the best competitors in the industry, and this includes the NHRA.”
     “We are very excited to enter this arena by offering an exceptional V-Twin power plant that we know produces the horsepower and reliability to win at this level,” continued Smith. “We have the finest engineers in the world who are constantly working to push the limits of V-Twin technology.  Couple that with the street smarts gained from many years of developing engines that go faster and you have a powerful combination that will continue to exceed expectations.”
     For more information, please contact Charlie Hadayia at 608-627-0292 or at chadayia@sscycle.com. The S&S website is located at www.sscycle.com.

MA Pro Racing has announced that Ford Motor Company and the Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned brand will become title sponsor of the 2005 AMA Flat Track Championship. Effective immediately, the series will now be entitled the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship.
     According to Mike Dennis, Manager of the Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned Program, Ford’s sponsorship is consistent with the company’s long history with motorcycling. “The AMA Flat Track sponsorship is a natural complement to Ford’s involvement in motorcycle racing with our Chris Carr sponsorship. We’ve enjoyed great results from past years’ involvement in the AMA Flat Track program; we see this as a great opportunity to step up our commitment to this great American sport and to strengthen and expand the relationship between Flat Track fans and the Ford product line.”
     In making the announcement, AMA Flat Track Series Manager Bruce Bober pointed out the valuable benefits that Ford will add to the AMA Flat Track Championship. “From both an awareness factor to support of the championship bonus program that goes to the riders, Ford’s involvement will be good for the sport,” said Bober. “We’re thrilled they’re aboard and will work hard to ensure their expectations are met.”
For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.

enis Manning of BUB Enterprises, Inc. has announced plans to open a second facility to produce Rinehart and BUB Jug Huggers systems in Wisconsin. Manning commented, “A facility has been found and equipment has been purchased that will allow a major production increase for our most popular performance products.”
     “The new plant will start production in March of 2005, and dealers will soon see improved availability of Rinehart and BUB Jug Huggers products,” Manning said. “Demand was even more than we had anticipated for these hot products; however the new facility will more than double our production capacities.”
     Manning added: “Dealers that have depended on us in the past will be elated with the continued commitment, quality and increased availability we will offer with this exciting expansion of our business. Our pipes are the most economical solution for increased horsepower, torque, and reliability for Harley Davidson and Metric cruiser bikes,” he claimed.
     For more information contact: BUB Enterprises, Inc. (530) 477-7490 or www.bubent.com.

he All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) has announced a new agreement with Masters Entertainment to broadcast eight events in 2005. All but one of the eight events will air on ESPN2’s “Inside Drag Racing.” The final event of the season – from Las Vegas – will be broadcast as two stand-alone episodes on ESPN2’s “In the Driver’s Seat.”
     AHDRA began working with Masters Entertainment and the “Inside Drag Racing” series in 2003. ESPN/ESPN2 reaches 87 million households and is an obvious choice for racing fans.
     According to association President Craig Tharpe AHDRA will continue to host several outlets for television broadcasts but feels the “Inside Drag Racing” series holds the key to establishing the needed fan base for the sport.
     Look for the Masters Entertainment cameras at AHDRA events in Commerce, GA; Norwalk, OH; Budds Creek, MD; Bristol, TN; St. Louis; Rockingham, NC; and Las Vegas. The events are televised on a delayed schedule and broadcast dates will be announced in the near future.
     For more information contact 336-924-2095 or visit www.ahdra.com.

One of the most famous of the late-Bob Magill’s racing photographs was this shot of all the competitors of a 200-mile National Championship race in Oakland, Calif. on October 1, 1941. Ed Kretz, Ben Campanale, Babe Tancrede and Billy Mathews, winners of all five Daytona 200s at that time are in the photo.

      Bob Magill, 87, one of the great motorcycle racing photographers of the 1940s and 50s, passed away at his home in Paradise, California on February 6th, surrounded by his devoted wife Helen, daughter Randi, granddaughters and other family members.
     Magill was a fixture at virtually every major motorcycle race on the west coast in those days capturing the racing exploits of the top west coast racers of the day, including “Iron Man” Ed Kretz, Floyd Emde, Ray Tanner, Ben Campanale and more.
     Our sincere condolences to the Magill family.