PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- An enthusiastic crowd was on hand Thursday, July 8, at the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, for the dedication of the new main-floor gallery and the opening of the new exhibits, "30-Year Ride: Honda's Ohio-Made Motorcycles," and "Dirt-Track! All-American Racing."
Following a VIP tour and brunch, the noon ribbon-cutting ceremony officially ushered in a new era at the Hall of Fame.
"Our main-floor gallery takes the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to a new level," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "We are shining a spotlight on the incredible men and women who have shaped the history of motorcycling. Their stories are as inspiring as they are fascinating, and help visitors and fellow motorcyclists fully appreciate the sport and lifestyle of motorcycling."
The new main floor gallery features eight areas, each representing a segment of motorcycling for which men and women are inducted into the Hall of Fame: Ambassadors and Industry, Design and Engineering, Dirt-Track, Leadership and Rights, Motocross and Supercross, Off-Road, Roadracing and Specialty Competition. Each area tells the story of a specific Hall of Fame member.
Introduction of the new gallery was accompanied by another Hall of Fame first: the opening of an exhibit showcasing 30 years of significant Honda motorcycles manufactured in Marysville, Ohio.
"I am deeply honored to represent the many Honda associates who manufactured some of the world's greatest motorcycles here in Ohio for 30 years," said Jan Gansheimer, the purchasing division manager for Honda of America Mfg., who served as plant manager of the Marysville Motorcycle Plant from 2007 to 2009.
About the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors the distinguished men and women whose vision, passion and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation and located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, the Hall of Fame immerses visitors in the excitement of the open road or trail, the thrill of racing, the allure of motorcycle design and technology, and the inspiration of memorable personalities. For more information, please visit MotorcycleMuseum.org.