American Motorcyclist Association welcomes Bill Werner to Board of Directors

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that noted tuner and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner has been appointed to the Association's Board of Directors, and begins serving his official duties at the Board meeting convening today. Werner, who resides in Brookfield, Wis., will serve the country's North Central region on the AMA Board.

"As a 13-time championship tuner for some of the greatest names in the history of AMA Grand National Championship racing, Bill Werner has earned a reputation for dedication, drive and innovative thinking," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Bill demonstrated during his membership on the AMA's Racing Committee that he has the ability to put the interests of the AMA ahead of the interests he may have had as a factory tuner."

Werner fills the vacancy resulting from the resignation of Jeff Smith in February 2008. Werner will serve out the remainder of Smith's original term, which extends through February 2010.

"I'm eager to start helping the Association tackle issues regarding competition and motorcyclists' rights," Werner said. "The ongoing evolution of AMA Racing, including the growth of the amateur ranks, is vital to move motorcycle competition forward in this country. In addition, some of the most important issues affecting riders today are off-road closures and legislation that prevents motorcyclists from riding both on- and off-road. I am ready to help the Association face these challenges head on."

Werner is one of the most successful tuners and crew chiefs to have worked on the AMA Grand National Championship circuit. He has won a total of 13 Grand National No. 1 plates with riders Gary Scott, Jay Springsteen and Scott Parker. His is one of the longest and most distinguished careers in motorcycle racing, spanning from 1966 through today.

Werner's accolades include the AMA Tuner of the Year Award in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991; AMA Sportsman of the Year in 1990; and the 1996 AMA Mechanical Excellence Award. He also was the AMA Dirt Track Tuner of the Year from 1994 through 1998. Werner was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

Currently, Werner works as a racing product consultant. He also is chairman of the Dirt Track Committee for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.