Packed with vintage bikes, motorcycle parts, and two-wheel themed memorabilia, the swap meet is every vintage motorcycle enthusiast’s dream, and draws bikers from across the United States and beyond.

“The swap meet at Vintage Motorcycle Days is in a league of its own when it comes to finding the coolest motorcycles, parts and moto memorabilia,” AMA Editorial Director Mitch Boehm said. “With this year’s swap meet being the largest ever, there’s sure to be some amazing finds, so don’t miss it!”

Coinciding with the AMA’s 100th anniversary, 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha will be larger and more action-packed than ever before. With racing in a variety of disciplines, including motocross, trials, hare scrambles, road racing and flat track, bike shows, motorcycling seminars, the Hall of Fame Fan Zone, there’s a little something for everyone at VMD!

Tickets for the 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, along with camping passes, are available at midohio.com/tickets/vintage-motorcycle-days-ama.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days support the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit. The AMHF raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which celebrates and preserves the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222 or visit americanmotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/.

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Born on Dec. 18, 1960, Lojak first started riding when he was 8 years old and progressed into racing at 10. From there, Lojak blossomed into one of the greatest off-road racers ever seen — capturing five AMA Hare Scrambles National Championships and nine Grand National Cross Country Series Championships.

Competing professionally from 1976-1988 for Team Husqvarna, Lojak emerged as the all-time leader in GNCC championships aboard a bike with nine total. During this dominant stretch, Lojak was named the 1982 AMA Amateur Athlete of the Year.

Lojak was a staple in international competition, as well. Competing in five International Six Days Enduros, Lojak played a role in delivering the United States multiple gold and silver medals during the event.

After his racing career, Lojak remained an instrumental piece of his family business, Lojaks Cycle Sales, located in his hometown of Tarentum, Pa.

For his illustrious racing career and overall impact on the world of off-road racing, Lojak was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2017. He will be greatly missed.

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Huffman worked as a Southern California disc jockey during the 1960s and began announcing races at So Cal’s Costa Mesa Speedway in the late 1960s. Over the years, he went on to announce just about every type of motorcycle competition, including AMA Supercross, Arenacross, ice racing, drag racing, flat track, hill climb, speedway and road racing.

Huffman was the P.A. announcer at the first Superbowl of Motocross at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1972, and was soon named “Supermouth” by the Los Angeles Times for his 300-word-per-minute delivery and his ability to excite crowds. He is credited with being an integral part of early Supercross events and is widely recognized at the original “voice of Supercross.”

Huffman also co-wrote and co-produced the motion picture On Any Sunday II, and did announcer roles for numerous TV shows, including Charlie’s Angels, CHiPs, Miami Vice, Fantasy Island, and others.

Over the years, Huffman also did motorsports-related color commentary for the likes of ABC, CBS, NBC, TNN, ESPN and Speedvision.

Huffman was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2008. He will be missed.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 20, 2024) — Following weeks of voting, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame announced the five inductees who will be honored during the 2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 10 in Pickerington, Ohio.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is Mike Lafferty, Debbie Matthews, Mat Mladin, Rob Rasor and Kevin Windham.

“This year’s class represents a wide range of individuals who have helped push motorcycling forward, both as a sport and as a lifestyle,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “Without the contributions of these racers, ambassadors and leaders, motorcycling would not be where it is today. We look forward to enshrining the legacies of these five outstanding motorcyclists into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Oct. 10.”

The Induction Ceremony will headline the AMA’s Hall of Fame Days, which is set for Oct. 10-13, and will include an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night and open house at the Hall of Fame Museum. The Induction Ceremony will take place at the nearby Violet Township Event Center on Oct. 10, followed by a cocktail reception at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Ceremony are now on sale and can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact AMA Business Development Manager Michael Kula at (949) 466-7833 or mkula@ama-cycle.org.

Hall of Fame inductees are selected from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors/Industry, Design/Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership/Motorcycle Rights, Motocross/Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.

MIKE LAFFERTY

Mike Lafferty was bitten by the enduro racing bug in 1982 when he was 7 years old, and he turned this passion into one of the most successful off-road careers ever. Racing throughout the 1980s, Lafferty broke through when he won back-to-back East Coast Enduro Association championships as a teenager in 1993 and 1994.

Lafferty hit a launching point in 1997, when he claimed his first AMA National Enduro Championship. In total he tallied 71 National Enduro wins — second all-time — and eight titles, which leaves him tied for the most all-time. Lafferty also raced AMA Grand National Cross Country and was a member of four U.S. ISDE teams.

DEBBIE MATTHEWS

Debbie Matthews has spent her life contributing to motorcycling and has done so by serving in — and excelling in — almost every role the sport has to offer to increase opportunities for women riders. Known for her smooth and effortless racing style, Matthews set the record for longest consecutive pro and amateur career in women’s motocross when she raced for 27 years.

In 1996, she co-founded the Women’s Motocross League, and Matthews further worked on behalf of women riders when she met with AMA Congress and drove the change to give women “A” Rider classification for the first time in history. Recognizing Matthews’ work promoting women’s motocross, announcer Erv Braun described her as the “Godmother of Women’s MX.”

MAT MLADIN

In a 10-year span from 1999 to 2009 that continues to defy belief in hindsight, Mat Mladin notched seven AMA Superbike titles and won 82 AMA Superbike nationals in the process — each of those numbers more than anyone in history.

Mladin also won the legendary Daytona 200 three times during that period, achievements that have him tied for third all-time behind AMA Hall of Famers and multi-time Daytona 200 winners Scott Russell (five) and Miguel Duhamel (four). In 1999, he won his first of seven AMA Superbike titles — achievements that would make him, according to series promoter MotoAmerica, “the most dominant rider in the history of the AMA Superbike Championship.”

ROB RASOR

For decades, Rob Rasor was instrumental in carrying out the AMA’s mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.

Hired in 1973 as part of the AMA’s Government Relations Department, Rasor helped ward off a federal “superbike” ban, helmet requirements and bike bans in several states and cities, and aided in the fight to ban healthcare discrimination against motorcyclists. Rasor was also a champion for off-road riding and led the AMA’s efforts to win public land access for off-road riders.

Rasor’s efforts extended beyond the United States, and he was awarded the FIM Nicolas Rodi Del Valle Gold Medal in 2019.

KEVIN WINDHAM

Kevin Windham’s 19-year AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross career is one for the history books.

During his long, illustrious career, Windham raced to 47 total AMA Pro wins and collected the third-most starts (325), third-most points (9,070) and the seventh-most podiums (130). While Windham saw success domestically, he thrived in international competition — winning the 1999 FIM United States Grand Prix and 2005 Motocross of Nations as a member of the American team.

Windham retired from AMA professional racing in 2013, marking the end of a dominant career in the AMA and international circuits.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 20, 2024) — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the list of nominees for the Class of 2024, and that voting is now open.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committees have put forward 13 nominees from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.

Nominees include:

Competition

Dave Zanotti – Dirt Track

With four AMA Grand National Championships and 31 AMA Grand National dirt track event wins as a tuner, Dave Zanotti has a resume that few have replicated.

Using Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM and Indian engines, Zanotti elevated himself into the record books — capturing the third-most AMA Grand National championships and fourth-most AMA Grand National dirt track wins.

Along with his father, Mario, Zanotti helped propel AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Eklund to an AMA Grand National Championship in 1979. Mario and Dave remain the only father-son duo to win individual AMA Grand National championships.  

Zanotti remains a steadfast supporter of motorcycle racing through his support of the AMA Bill Werner Fast Brain Award.

Kevin Windham – Motocross

Kevin Windham’s 19-year AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross career is one for the history books.

During his long, illustrious career, Windham raced to 47 total AMA Pro wins and collected the third-most starts (325), third-most points (9,070) and the seventh-most podiums (130). While Windham saw success domestically, he thrived in international competition, winning the 1999 FIM United States Grand Prix and 2005 Motocross of Nations as a member of the American team.

Windham retired from AMA Pro Racing in 2013, marking the end of a dominant career in the AMA and international circuits.

Mike Lafferty – Off Road

Mike Lafferty was bitten by the enduro racing bug in 1982 when he was 7 years old, and he turned this passion into one of the most successful off-road careers ever. Racing throughout the 1980s, Lafferty broke through when he won back-to-back East Coast Enduro Association championships as a teenager in 1993 and 1994.

Lafferty hit a launching point in 1997 when he claimed his first AMA National Enduro Championship. In total he tallied 71 wins — second all-time — and eight titles, which leaves him tied for the most all-time, while racing national enduros. Lafferty also raced AMA Grand National Cross Country and was a member of four U.S. ISDE teams.

Mat Mladin – Road Racing

In a 10-year span from 1999 to 2009 that continues to defy belief in hindsight, Mat Mladin notched seven AMA Superbike titles and won 82 AMA Superbike nationals in the process — each of those numbers more than anyone in history.

Mladin also won the legendary Daytona 200 three times during that period, achievements that have him tied for third all-time behind AMA Hall of Famers and multi-time D200 winners Scott Russell (5) and Miguel Duhamel (4). In 1999, he won his first of seven AMA Superbike titles — achievements that would make him, according to MotoAmerica, “the most dominant rider in the history of the AMA Superbike Championship.”

Billy Hamill – Specialty Competition

Nicknamed “The Bullet,” Billy Hamill began racing junior speedway in 1983, and he turned professional in 1986. Just 10 years after turning pro, Hamill became the fourth American to claim the FIM Speedway World Championship with his win in 1996.

Two years after his world title, Hamill raced alongside AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Greg Hancock to win the 1998 World Speedway Team Cup Championship for the United States. In 1999, Hamill claimed the AMA Speedway National Championship, which he went on to win five times.

During this impressive run racing AMA speedway, Hamill also collected four U.S. National Speedway titles. Hamill was named the 2012 AMA Sportsman of the Year.

Non-Competition

Sidney Biberman – Ambassadors & Industry

As one of Vincent Motorcycles’ greatest ambassadors, Sidney Biberman spent most of his life contributing to motorcycling culture in various ways.

Across his 60 years of involvement with the famed marque, Biberman elevated motorcycling as a drag racer, commercial engineer and overall advocate for motorcycle culture. As a drag racer, Biberman piloted “The Rattler”, widely regarded as one of the fastest bikes in the 1960s.

Biberman was also known for his prowess as a mechanic, dubbed a “motorcycle whisperer” by some of his biggest fans.

After Biberman passed away on June 23, 2013, the motorcycling community rallied around him and his family, honoring his contributions and commitment to furthering the lifestyle.

Gina Bovaird – Ambassadors & Industry

Gina Bovaird rose steadily through the ranks in the U.S. road racing scene, ultimately becoming the first woman to complete in the famed Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway in 1979. She reached 184 mph while qualifying, making her the fastest-qualifying rookie and fourth fastest overall.

As her career advanced, she attempted to qualify for the world’s premier class, the FIM 500cc Grand Prix Championships, achieving that goal in 1982 at the French GP at Nogaro.

Debbie Matthews – Ambassadors & Industry

Debbie Matthews has spent her life contributing to motorcycling, and has done so by serving in — and excelling in — almost every role the sport has to offer to increase opportunities for women riders. Known for her smooth and effortless racing style, Matthews set the record for longest consecutive pro and amateur career in women’s motocross when she raced for 27 years.

In 1996, she co-founded the Women’s Motocross League, and Matthews further worked on behalf of women riders when she met with AMA Congress and drove the change to give women “A” Rider classification for the first time in history. Recognizing Matthews’ work promoting women’s motocross, announcer Erv Braun described her as the “Godmother of Women’s MX.”

Bud Maimone – Design & Engineering

With the invention of the famed Cobra mini racer, Bud Maimone is considered one of the great innovators in the world of youth motocross.

Maimone’s creation of the Cobra prior to the 1994 AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch helped signal the end of more than a decade of dominance by the Yamaha PW50/Y-Zinger.

With a strong showing in the 51cc Stock Class that year, the Cobra quickly boomed as one of the most utilized motorcycles in youth motocross from that point forward. Despite the Cobra’s humble beginnings, Maimone’s efforts have cemented him as one of the sport’s great innovators.

Barry Willey – Design & Engineering

Barry Willey, a trailblazer with an eye for innovation, leaned on his upbringing in his family’s motorcycle accessory factory to help National Cycle greatly impact the motorcycle community.

With Willey at the helm, National Cycle became the first company to introduce and use General Electric’s MR4000 polycarbonate material — which came to be known as FMR hard-coated Lexan — for motorcycle windshields. In total, Willey’s pioneering nature gave the motorcycling industry many innovations and more than 25 mechanical patents.

Dana Bell – Leadership & Rights

A decade after her entrance into motorcycling, Dana Bell worked her way to being a nationally ranked enduro competitor. From 1992–1999, Bell shifted her focus to rights issues and worked as the western states representative for the AMA’s Government Relations Department. During this period, she also worked as a state partner for National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

For her role as one of the key voices for motorcyclists’ rights, the AMA Board of Directors presented Bell with the AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, an honor created to recognize those who have been leaders in fighting for the rights of motorcyclists. Bell was just the third person to receive the award.

Rob Rasor – Leadership & Rights

For decades, Rob Rasor was instrumental in carrying out the AMA’s mission to promote motorcycling and protect the motorcycle lifestyle.

Hired in 1973 as part of the AMA’s Government Relations Department, Rasor helped ward off a federal “superbike” ban, helmet requirements and bike bans in several states and cities, and aided in the fight to ban healthcare discrimination against motorcyclists. Rasor was also a champion for off-road riding and assisted in the AMA’s efforts to accommodate off-road riders on public lands.

Rasor’s efforts extended beyond the United States, and he was awarded the FIM Nicolas Rodi Del Valle Gold Medal in 2019.

Gary Sellers – Leadership & Rights

Since the 1970s, Gary Sellers has given his life to motorcycle education and advocacy in his home state of Ohio and throughout the country. Sellers was one of the founding members of ABATE of Ohio, and he served as legislative agent for the organization for a decade. He was awarded the honorary Life Membership Award by ABATE of Ohio in 1997.

Alongside John “Farmer” Eggers, Sellers built a successful motorcycle safety training program in Ohio; it is estimated the program has saved thousands of lives over the years. Sellers is also a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Freedom Fighters halls of fame.

“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominees for 2024 include an accomplished and diverse group of men and women who’ve demonstrated extraordinary achievements in advocacy, competition and promotion of the sport of motorcycling,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “These individuals have contributed significantly to the advancement of motorcycling in many areas, from excellence in road racing, motocross and off-road competition, to tuning bikes to support champions, to creating innovative motorcycle designs, to advocating for motorcyclists’ rights. We’re honored to recognize this group of nominees and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Class of 2024 soon.”

Voting for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is now open. Eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Boards of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Commitees. AMA Life Members are also eligible to vote, but should update their contact information to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.

Voting ends Thursday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m.

Voting results will be announced shortly after voting ends, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Oct. 10, in Pickerington, Ohio.

To vote on this year’s nominees, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members/current-class-and-voting/.

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Information from a Grand National Cross Country Series Press Release

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (April 22, 2024) – The Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, is excited to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the American Motorcyclist Association. In doing so GNCC and the AMA have created GNCC Days at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. GNCC Days at the AMA HOF will be held Wednesday, April 24 through Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

GNCC Racers are encouraged to stop by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio for a free tour on their way to or from the AMSOIL Hoosier GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The first 250 GNCC Racers that visit the AMA HOF will receive $20 off your gate admission, which will be good at any GNCC event in 2024.

“This is an amazing opportunity for GNCC racers and family members to stop by and see the iconic AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame,” said Tim Cotter, Racer Productions Event Director. “This is a special place for motorcyclists and is definitely a must-see when traveling through Pickerington, Ohio.”

Stop by and take in all of the off-road racing and motorcyclist history that the AMA HOF has to offer, plus see the displays from the class of 2023 including the matriarch of GNCC Racing, Rita Coombs, Eight-Time GNCC Champion, Barry Hawk, Pro Motocross Racers, Ryan Dungey and Grant Langston, and adrenaline junkie Travis Pastrana. 

“The GNCC family, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Rita Coombs and the late Dave Coombs, has made an indelible mark on the history of motorcycling in America,” said AMA COO James Holter. “That history is enshrined for posterity at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. We look forward to welcoming racers and their families anytime and especially during GNCC Days. The AMA and the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the 501c3 that raises money for the Hall of Fame, greatly appreciate the continuing support of the Coombs and the whole team at Racer Productions.”

The AMA HOF features two floors of exhibits for everyone to enjoy, visitors can enjoy the themed exhibits and historic motorcycles from the museum’s collection on the first level. The upper level honors the lives and careers of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, as well as other men and women who have shaped motorcycling in America.

The AMA Hall of Fame hours are currently 9 am – 5 pm ET, seven days a week and they are located at 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, Ohio 43147. If you have any questions about the AMA Hall of Fame, give them a call at (614) 856-2222.

Admission into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is FREE for AMA Members, however, if you are not a member it will cost you just $10 for adults, $3 for students (ages 12-17) and $8 for seniors. Children 11 and under can visit for free with an accompanying adult. Military veterans enjoy a discounted rate of $5.

For more information on the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, visit the official website at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/.

For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 9, 2024) — The American Motorcyclist Association sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of motorcycle industry titan and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Tom Heininger, who passed away Monday at the age of 97.

As the co-founder of Webco, a popular motorcycle aftermarket and accessory company in the 1960s and 1970s, Heininger’s impact on the motorcycle industry was immense. Beyond his duties at Webco, Heininger served as president of the Motorcycle Industry Council in 1972 and played an influential role in the formation of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation during his tenure.

“Tom brought a tremendous amount of spirit, enthusiasm and value to the motorcycle industry as it was evolving in the 1960s and ’70s,” AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer JR Kelley previously said of Heininger. “He added greatly to the business for the benefit of all. Tom loved motorcycling. He made money from it and put a lot of that back into the industry.”

Born in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 1926, Heininger followed a similar path to his father, who worked in the auto parts business throughout his life. After serving aboard a submarine during World War II, he entered the auto industry and worked for Offenhauser, a major automobile racing parts business at the time.

While at Offenhauser, Heininger met Bob Hughes and they became fast friends before forming Webco together in 1954. In the early days of the company, Webco primarily focused on manufacturing high-quality racing engine parts for motorcycles, but the brand later expanded to include all forms of aftermarket accessories and apparel.

A few years after its creation, Webco began sponsoring local racers from Southern California, which helped the brand grow to global markets. Heininger and Hughes also opened a pair of Honda dealerships in Los Angeles during the 1960s. During the decade, Heininger and Hughes also formed a nightly radio show during Daytona Bike Week with AMA announcer Roxy Rockwood.

Concurrently with his business pursuits in the 1960s, Heininger also worked to further the motorcycle industry by serving on the board of the Motorcycle, Scooter and Allied Trades Association (MS&ATA) during the decade — which the AMA formed out of in 1924. Heininger continued to offer his services after the MS&ATA merged with the California Motorcycle Safety Council to form the MIC in 1969, while the organization became an important entity in the federal fight for motorcycle rights.

As president of the MIC in 1972, Heininger used his connections with dealerships across the country to adequately defend their rights. Through these relationships, Heininger helped get the ball rolling on the MSF’s creation, and the organization grew to become a major force for rider education and training.

Heininger was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003 and remained involved in motorcycling for the rest of his life.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Dec. 13, 2023) — The American Motorcyclist Association will celebrate the great heroes of motorcycling with its annual AMA Hall of Fame Days, which will run Oct. 10-13, 2024, on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

“We look forward to hosting AMA Hall of Fame Days again next October,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “After the success of last year’s multi-day event, we can’t wait to open our doors to the motorcycling community again and celebrate the accomplishments of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024.”

The four-day event will be headlined by the 2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will take place at the nearby Violet Township Event Center in Pickerington, Ohio, on Thursday, Oct. 10. The Induction Ceremony will serve as the formal celebration of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024, which will be announced at a later date.

Following the Induction Ceremony, there will be several other exciting activities for motorcycling enthusiasts on and around the AMA campus.

Immediately after the Induction Ceremony, an evening reception will be held at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. In addition to the evening reception, the event will include a museum open house, bike night, adventure ride, organizer symposium, as well as a pit bike exhibition on the AMA campus.

Stay engaged with the AMA at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram for further information regarding the 2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Days.

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When one begins their journey through the vast catalog of items at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the replica of Gottlieb Daimler’s 1885 Reitwagen is there to welcome them to the world of motorcycling.

As one of the constructors of the replica, Jim Carlton’s first-ever visit to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on Oct. 3 started with his all-familiar bike. With the added significance of strolling through the halls that house his historic replica, Carlton found himself excited by the opportunity to get a glimpse of some of motorcycling’s most significant bikes, memorabilia and figures.

“In a way, it feels like I’m coming home,” Carlton said of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “I love this kind of thing and seeing [the Reitwagen] in conjunction with [the museum], it’s like a pedigree.”

Inspired by friends Ray and Roy Behner and Fred Hoffman, with whom he constructed the 1885 Reitwagen replica, Carlton decided to build the replica using only a small photograph found in a book. Beginning construction in 1984, Carlton and Co. completed the bike in time for the Reitwagen’s centennial celebration in 1985 — where the motorcycle made an 11-mile journey during the ceremonies.

“They found two big steel wheels, and they built this ridiculous motorcycle,” Carlton said. “I looked at that book and I saw that, and I was like ‘Whoa.’ And I walked in and I said, ‘Guys, I’m going to build the wooden equivalent of what you’re doing.’ Just this big audacious thing. And that picture caught me, them having built this ridiculous thing. I thought I can build a ridiculous thing too.”

Regarding the Reitwagen in the museum, Carlton conducted a few quick tests on the bike during his visit and deemed that it could still start and run with efficiency.

Carlton, who built two additional Reitwagen replicas, was fueled by his interest in life before easily accessible electricity and wanted to delve into that world. Along with his trio of Reitwagen replicas, Carlton has also reproduced a replica of Karl Benz’s tricycle and built an original pioneer log cabin on his farm.

“My motivation for all of it was that I was trying to capture a past that I never lived in,” Carlton said. “I wanted to know, from horse-drawn to automotive, what it feels like to hear this thing sputtering away [as] you start to move under its own power.”

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Born May 23, 1939, in Houston, Tanner purchased his first motorcycle — a James Villiers — at 14 years old and fell in love with the sport right away. Shortly after purchasing his bike, Tanner started racing in local field meets throughout his home state of Texas, and soon after earned a support ride on a 500cc Triumph. Due to his 5-foot, 100-pound stature, Tanner was lovingly dubbed “The Flying Flea” by fans and fellow racers alike.

In 1958, Tanner made the leap to the professional ranks, finishing sixth in the AMA Grand National Championship during his rookie season, and emerging as the top points earner in Half-Mile races, and duplicated that same feat in his sophomore campaign. In that same season, Tanner captured the first of his four AMA Grand National Championship wins at the legendary Ascot Half-Mile facility in Gardena, Calif.

After his first win at Ascot, Tanner ripped off three-straight victories at the famed half-mile track from 1964-66 while competing aboard both Triumphs and BSAs.

While Tanner’s dominance at Ascot is well-documented, his finest ride came at the 1964 Springfield Mile, in which he outlasted fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Dick Mann and Ronnie Rall for the victory. His victory aboard the BSA broke a 10-year Harley-Davidson winning streak at the track.

In 1966, Tanner added Half-Mile victories in Elkhorn, Wis. and Heidelberg, Penn., and finished third in the Grand National Championship point standings behind fellow AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Bart Markel and Gary Nixon.

The Flying Flea retired in 1972, and operated an Arai helmet distributorship in Southern California following his racing career.

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