| August
2008 News
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| Chopper
Chicks Build Custom Motorcycle in Under Nine Hours for Charity |
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In exactly 8 hours and 45 minutes, the
nationally recognized Chopper Chick Crew of all-women designers and
builders, led by Athena Ransom, transformed more than a hundred
customized, modified and accessorized parts from a Harley-Davidson
Sportster into a one-of-a-kind motorcycle at the House of
Harley-Davidson Women’s Day event in Milwaukee today.
The completed bike was donated by Shell
and House of Harley to the RAACE Foundation, an
organization dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse by raising
public awareness of the epidemic. The completed bike, sporting an
eye-catching purple and yellow custom paint scheme emblazoned with
the RAACE and the Shell V-Power sponsorship logos, made its debut
atop a flatbed truck as part of the Women’s Day ride.
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| Thunder
Road, The Custom Capital Of Sturgis, Boasts Bigger Crowds Again! |
Sturgis,
SD--August 28, 2008 - Thunder Road, the custom capital of Sturgis,
lived up to its name for the sixth year in a row. With more world
class bike shows than anywhere else, they had over 350 custom bikes
entering bike shows over six days. Official overall traffic numbers
for Sturgis were down this year but vendors at Thunder Road saw an
increase in sales and traffic.
Thunder Road is the premier space for bike shows in Sturgis because
of its location, plentiful parking and enormous building, the
Thunderdome. Six bike shows happened at the Thunderdome including
Trike Wars: Trike and Sidecar Show, The Horse Backstreet Choppers
Bike Show, Metzeler Bike Show, Perewitz Custom Paint Bike Show, Rats
Hole Bike Show and Bikernet.com Brouhaha. Each show catered to a
wide variety of bikers and custom bike builders and all drew record
crowds.
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| Much Like
the Sands of Time... |
The sands of
Southwick now signal the autumn of our motocross season and, with
but one more large round left of this terrific year of professional
motocross - we anticipate a very special Saturday event to cap off
2008 - and it's in the Keystone State.
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| ATV
Open will be carried on SPEED |
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Sept. 6 at 10
p.m. EDT. The invitational event will take place at Steel City
Raceway and is part of the AMA Toyota Motocross weekend.
SPEED will cover highlights from the event, which is known as the
"Super Bowl" of Professional ATV racing. Featured riders
include Pennsylvanians John Natalie, Jr. (Houtzdale) and 2008 AMA
Champion Dustin Wimmer (Centerville), as well as the rest of the top
riders in North America.
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| Chad Reed
to Race Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open |
| The Rockstar
Energy Drink U.S. Open announced today that two-time U.S. Open and
current AMA Supercross class champion Chad Reed will compete in this
year's race inside Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena October 10-12.
This year's Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open will be Reed's American
debut with his new Rockstar Makita Suzuki team.
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| MDA AND
HARLEY-DAVIDSON ONLINE AUCTION OFFERS ONE-OF-A-KIND ITEMS |
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MILWAUKEE -- Harley-Davidson and the
Muscular Dystrophy Association have teamed up to present an online
auction featuring an array of special Harley-Davidson items, with
all proceeds benefiting MDA.
The auction will feature 105 collectible and
one-of-a-kind items in honor of the Harley-Davidson's 105th
anniversary, and will run August 21 through September 4 in
conjunction with MDA's Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon online
auction.
"Harley-Davidson has always gone above
and beyond to help my kids," said MDA National Chairman and
Telethon star Jerry Lewis. "This auction is a way to get some
fantastic Harley-Davidson items that won't be available anywhere
else in the world -- all while helping MDA's mission. It's a
win-win."
The auction will help support MDA's programs
of research, services, public information and summer camp, which
provides kids with a week of accessible activities such as swimming,
horseback riding, fishing and arts and crafts.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Race Notes
and Weekend Preview: Kicker Audio Southwick Motocross National on
August 23-24 |
| The penultimate
round of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF hits
the sandy confines of Motocross 338 for the Kicker Audio Southwick
Motocross National. The only all sand circuit on the schedule, the
famed Southwick facility hosts its 30th AMA Toyota Motocross
national in the series' lone trip to New England.
In the previous round from Millville, Minn., Monster Energy
Kawasaki's James Stewart clinched his long-awaited first AMA
Motocross title. Additionally, he kept his prefect season intact by
winning motos 19 and 20, leaving him just four moto wins away.
However, the newly crowned champion's focus is still on racing well
and earning overall victories.
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| AMA Toyota
Motocross Championship Heads to New England |
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Motocross 338,
New England's pro motocross facility, welcomes the AMA Toyota
Motocross Championship Presented by FMF for the penultimate round of
the 2008 season with the Kicker Audio Southwick Motocross National.
On August 23-24, the world's best riders will tackle the
"Sandbox" for round 11 of the 12-race championship.
Moving from its traditional mid-season date, the circuit's only
sand track will present new challenges for the competitors with
weather conditions expected to be at their warmest ever. Since
hosting its first AMA Pro National in 1976, Motocross 338 has seen
many of the sports greatest riders grace the winners circle.
However, no rider has been more dominant at Southwick than Ricky
Carmichael, whose nine overall victories are five more than any
other rider. For the first time since 1999, a new face will sit atop
the podium.
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| KRAWIEC
QUALIFIES FOR COUNTDOWN WITH READING RESULTS |
| MOHNTON, PA.
(August 17, 2008) - Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Eddie
Krawiec advanced to the second round of eliminations at the Toyo
Tires NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway and secured a spot in
the 10-rider Countdown to One, the five-race playoff that will
determine the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion. The Countdown
begins Sept. 11 at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at Lowe's Motor
Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines rider
Andrew Hines has also qualified for the Countdown.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Kawasaki
Clinches Dual AMA Toyota Motocross Championships in Millville |
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After
effectively dominating the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship through
10 of the 12 rounds, both Monster Energy Kawasaki's James Stewart,
of Haines City, Fla., and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Ryan
Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., clinched the 2008 titles with two
rounds remaining in AMA Motocross and AMA Motocross Lites at the
Honda Spring Creek Pro National Presented by Scott USA.
The championship marks the first of Stewart's career in the
premier AMA Motocross class. Additionally, he continued his perfect
season, clinching the title by taking the first moto win and
cruising to victory in the final moto of the day. He is now a
perfect 20-0 in motos this season and 10-0 overall.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Interview:
Cody Cooper |
| One of the
revelations of this summer's AMA Toyota Motocross Championships
presented by FMF has been the emergence of Cody Cooper as a top-five
rider. A native of New Zealand now residing in
Tallahassee, Florida, the 24-year old has become the first privateer
this summer to podium, taking an impressive second place moto to
James Stewart at Unadilla. Riding the wheels off his Suzuki
City Biloxi MS/ OTSFF/ Rockstar Energy Drink/ Pirelli/ RG3/ Moose
Racing Suzuki RMZ450, Cooper has worked his way into sixth overall
in points with three races left. I recently caught up
with Cody by phone while he was training with best friend, Ben
Townley.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Steel City
Motocross National Moves to Saturday |
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The 2008 AMA
Toyota Motocross Championship, Presented by FMF brings its season to
a close with a new date, Saturday, August 30, headlining the
inaugural American Motocross Festival at Steel City Raceway.
The four motos of the AMA Motocross and AMA Motocross Lites
classes will be the centerpiece of an exciting weekend of activity
and celebration that will also include the final round of the AMA/WMA
Women's Motocross National Championship Presented by Kawasaki and
the Second Annual AMA ATV Pro Open.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Guidepoint
Systems Launches Redesigned Stolen Vehicle Tracking System for
Motorcycles |
PONTIAC,
Michigan - August 13, 2008 - Guidepoint Systems today announced the
launch of a newly designed unit for its stolen vehicle tracking
system for motorcycles. The self-contained unit comes standard with
Guidepoint's signature security features while utilizing an internal
antenna and advanced GPS chipset for optimal performance.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), motorcycle
thefts increased 135% from 2001 to 2005. A motorcycle is stolen
every 7.5 minutes, and as soaring gas prices force more people to
explore two-wheeled modes of transportation, a motorcycle antitheft
device is becoming increasingly important. Guidepoint's innovative
and feature-packed stolen vehicle recovery and tracking unit
combines GPS technology, advanced wireless, the Web and a 24/7/365
Response Center to provide motorcyclists an affordable, effective
way to protect their bikes.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| HINES HOLDS
ON TO NHRA POINTS LEAD AT BRAINERD NATIONALS |
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BRAINERD, MINN. (August 10, 2008) - With a
spot in the Countdown to One season championship playoff already in
hand, Screamin' Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines advanced
to the second round of eliminations at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
at Brainerd International Raceway. Hines also maintained his lead in
NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle season points.
Hines, who posted a 7.022-second run aboard a
Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycle to be the sixth-fastest qualifier
for Sunday eliminations, defeated Matt Guidera in the first round
before fouling at the start line to lose to Angelle Sampey on the
Rush Racing Products Buell in the second round.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Wienen
Wins One at Loretta's ATV MX |
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Chad Wienen
(No. 44 Team Rockstar/ MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper Suzuki)
fulfilled his goal of treading to the top step of the podium during
the 2008 season on Sunday, capturing the overall Pro ATV victory at
Loretta Lynn Ranch. The event, part of ATV Dirt Days here, was the
season finale for the ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA National
Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| HARLEY-DAVIDSON
COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF MV AGUSTA |
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Milwaukee, Wis., Aug. 8, 2008 --
Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the completion of
its purchase of the privately-held Italian motorcycle maker MV
Agusta Group. The Company has acquired 100 percent of MV Agusta
Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million
euros ($108 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing
bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($69 million).
"We are thrilled to welcome the MV
Agusta family of customers and employees into the Harley-Davidson
family of premium motorcycle brands," said Harley-Davidson,
Inc. Chief Executive Officer Jim Ziemer. "Our primary focus
with this acquisition is to grow our presence and enhance our
position in Europe as a leader in fulfilling customers' dreams,
complementing the Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycle
families," Ziemer said.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| 2008
Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open Invited Rider List |
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Live Nation
Motor Sports, Inc., announced today the invited rider list for the
2008 Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open, which takes place October
10-12 inside Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena. The world's top AMA
Supercross and AMA Supercross Lites riders will once again compete
in one class for one overall championship.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| X
Games Report: QTM Talon/Excel Wheels; QTM/Brembo
Brakes |
| QTM supported
riders Josh Hansen TLD/Red Bull Honda (Moto X Gold) and Kevin
Johnson (Team Faith Yamaha) were the dominant riders at X Games XIV.
QTM rider Ronnie Renner earns Silver in Step Up and Speed &
Style.
Josh Hansen riding for the TLD Honda Team handily won his heat
race and then dominated the Moto X Final riding on Talon/Excel
wheels built by QTM. Hansen Honda was also using the QTM/Brembo
Oversize Front Brake Kit. On a very slippery and technical
track Hansen rode a consistent and mistake-free main event to
capture his first X Games Gold!
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Mladin
Claims Win #70 |
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While Mat
Mladin delivered Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki their 40th
consecutive win in unconventional fashion on Saturday at Mid-Ohio,
his 70th career AMA Superbike victory that came a day later was
strictly by the books.
Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jamie Hacking bulled his way into the
lead off the stripe but was overhauled by double champ Ben Spies
entering Turn 6 for the first time. Spies' time at the front would
only last a lap-and-a-half, however, as Mladin dove underneath him
as they swung through the Carousel to conclude the second lap.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Krista
Marie To Perform at Loretta's |
| Country music
singer/songwriter and well-known ATV racer Krista Marie will perform
live at this weekend's ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA National
Championship race at Loretta Lynn's Ranch. The concert is scheduled
for 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 and is free with race admission. The
race is the regular season finale for the 2008 ATV Motocross Series.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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| Mladin wins
incident-strewn Mid-Ohio final |
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Rockstar Makita
Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin scored his third straight AMA
Superbike victory of the season on Saturday at Mid-Ohio, handing his
team an amazing 40th consecutive premier class win while upping his
all-time wins mark to 69.
However, Saturday's final was anything but business as usual, as
the chaotic affair included three red flags, numerous crashes
(including one by Mladin), and took well over two hours to finally
complete.
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| WORLD
RECORD For Monster Energy's Ryan Capes! |
| Monster
Energy's Ryan Capes, once dubbed the "King of all motorcycle
distance jumpers" by Evel Knievel himself, has stepped up and
uncorked a jump of the ages - a 390-plus footer at Toe's MX Park in
Royal City, Wash.
Capes, aboard a Pro Circuit-tuned, Monster Energy emblazoned
Kawasaki KX450F, took the bike up into a power range rarely used -
5th gear pinned - and hit his custom Monster Energy take off ramp,
which stood some 341 feet (gap) away from the landing ramp, in
excess of 100 mph.
Click here for more on this story.. |
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