BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATIONS AND VESPA USA ZOOM TOWARD NEW PINK VESPA

BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATIONS AND VESPA USA ZOOM TOWARD NEW PINK VESPA
FUND-RAISING MILESTONES
   
NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2009 – As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month nears
the midway point, several nonprofit agencies participating in Vespa USA’s
Pink fund-raising program are reaching – and reaching for – impressive new
milestones.  The newest initiative underway is
http://www.armyofwomen.org/Pink_Vespa_Contest from the Love/Avon Army of Women, a
program of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, whose goal is to
encourage members to recruit one million women to take part in breast cancer
research.  The top five individuals who recruit the most new members for the
Army of Women will be entered into a drawing to win a pink Vespa LX 50.
Others, like Young Survival Coalition (YSC), are just a few paces away from
reaching their target of recruiting 10,000 fans on their Facebook fan page
http://www.facebook.com/youngsurvivalcoalition.

Vespa USA is working with a number of women’s organizations as part of
Lifetime Networks’ 15th annual National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
campaign, “Stop Breast Cancer for Life: The Power of 15.” Each agency
received a donated pink Vespa LX 50 to help raise funds for their unique
missions – from research and education to peer and resource support.
Consumers who want to help support these causes are invited to check out all
the current Pink Vespa initiatives at http://www.vespausa.com.
     
PURSUING THE CURE: MILES TO GO BEFORE WE SLEEP

Large or small, professionally organized or grassroots; it is these
nonprofit organizations that have put the national spotlight on breast
cancer and garnered strong public and corporate support to fight the
disease; by providing patients and affected families with important tools
and resources.  There is still much work to be done, and Vespa USA invites
everyone to support these or any of the great ongoing efforts by individuals
and companies alike.

Now through Nov. 23, 2009, the Army of Women is adding a special incentive
to those helping the organization reach its goal of one million members.
The top five registered member recruiters will be entered into a drawing and
will have a chance to win a limited edition pink Vespa LX 50 by recruiting
the most new members during the specified dates.  Official details for the
contest can be found at http://www.armyofwomen.com. The winner also agrees to
extend the reach of this campaign by using the pink Vespa to promote the
Army of Women and documenting their recruitment journey through a blog on
the Army of Women Web site.

Young Survival Coalition (YSC), an organization focused on women under 40
affected by breast cancer, is inviting supporters to become fans on their
Facebook page.  With a goal of recruiting 10,000 Facebook fans – currently
their page has more than 9,000 – the YSC is rapidly approaching the finish
line.  Anyone who becomes a fan prior to Nov. 16, 2009, will be eligible to
win the pink Vespa LX 50.

Vespa fans also have a chance to support breast cancer awareness by bidding
and ultimately donating their purchase price to one of a number of online
auctions.  Several auctions are ending soon, such as the Breast Cancer
Research Foundation’s (www.bcrfcure.org) online auction through
charitybuzz.com – which ends Oct. 22, 2009.

Cup With Love (www.cupwithlove.org), an organization providing emotional
support to anyone impacted by cancer; and Nueva Vida (www.nueva-vida.org),
an organization that informs, supports and empowers Latinas whose lives are
affected by cancer; are also raffling off a pink Vespa through their
respective Web sites during October.

The Vespa Pink Campaign invites all current and future scooter fans to
actively participate in one or all the Breast Cancer Awareness Month
programs. Agencies adding a pink Vespa to their October fund-raising
initiatives include: Breast Cancer Network of Strength, The Breast Cancer
Research Foundation, Breastcancer.org, Bright Pink, Cup With Love, Dr. Susan
Love Research Foundation, The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G.
Komen for the Cure, My Vision Foundation, Nueva Vida, Prevent Cancer
Foundation, SHARE and Young Survival Coalition. For more information on all
of the participating breast cancer organization programs, visit
http://www.vespausa.com and learn how to support unique breast cancer fundraising
efforts around the country.

Breast cancer affects everyone.  This year alone, 192,370 new cases of
invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States.
It is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 54, and nearly
half of all Vespa riders are women.  A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer
every three minutes and the disease claims a life every 13 minutes. These
women are mothers, sisters and wives – but breast cancer also directly
touches men.  Every year almost 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer
and 440 will die.

ABOUT VESPA USA:

Vespa USA is a division of Piaggio Group USA. Established in 1884, by
Rinaldo Piaggio, in the industrial town of Pontedera in Tuscany, Italy – a
province of Pisa; the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers
of two-wheeled vehicles.  With more than 7,000 employees, an annual
production of more than 650,000 vehicles in 2008, five R&D centers, seven
production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in more than 50
countries – the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European
two-wheeler market.  The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds
in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio,
Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.  Piaggio also
manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the
Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges. For more information about Vespa USA visit
http://www.vespausa.com. Get social with Vespa USA by following the latest news and
events on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/vespausa or becoming a fan on Facebook
at http://www.facebook.com/vespausa

APRILIA USA UNVEILS TWO BLOCKBUSTERS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT ROAD AMERICA

APRILIA USA UNVEILS TWO BLOCKBUSTERS ON SATURDAY, JUNE 6 AT ROAD AMERICA

 

WHAT:

One of this year’s hottest movie properties is this summer’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and one of the year’s most eagerly awaited superbikes is the 2010 Aprilia RSV 4.  It’s only fitting then that an exclusive Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Aprilia race bike, as well as the all-new RSV 4, will be unveiled at the same time during the June 5-7 AMA Pro Superbike weekend at Road America.  Media planning on attending the races are invited to be among the first to see both and meet with Aprilia executives and the KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium Technologies race team to learn about the latest product and company news.

 

WHERE:         Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin

                        Road America Paddock, at the Aprilia race truck

 

WHEN:           Saturday, June 6, 2009

Noon:              Media-only lunch with Aprilia race team and executives (rsvp required)

1 p.m:              Official unveiling of both motorcycles

 

Video and photography available to media following the event

 

DETAILS:

Aprilia USA will add a special dose of Hollywood blockbuster excitement to the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike series when it unveils a one-of-a-kind Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen race bike on Saturday, June 6 at 1 p.m. at the Aprilia race truck inside the Road America Paddock. 

 

KWS Factory Aprilia Millenium Technologies rider Ben Thompson (97) will compete in both races onboard this aggressively transformed Aprilia RSV 1000 Factory.  He’ll be waging battle on the track sporting an equally ferocious helmet, both inspired by Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, in theaters June 24.   

 

In addition, Aprilia will also host an exclusive unveiling of the revolutionary 2010 RSV 4 superbike.  Expected to transform the production superbike category with its unique blend of brutal power, Italian style and technical innovation, this is the very first Midwest appearance of the Aprilia RSV 4, the only one currently in the USA.

Cool off with the classics this summer at the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame

Cool off with the classics this summer at the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Museum

PICKERINGTON, OH – Two-wheel enthusiasts are invited to the American
Motorcyclist Association’s (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum this summer
for the 4th annual Japanese Motorcycle Saturday on June 6, 2009, and the 4th
annual British & European Motorcycle Saturday on August 22, 2009.  Located
on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, just a few miles east of Columbus,
the Museum is the country’s premier showcase of motorcycling heritage and
history. 

Both events are expected to attract hundreds of riders, and will feature
un-judged bike shows and seminars from collectors and experts.  The 4th
annual Japanese Motorcycle Saturday on June 6 will showcase a wide variety
of motorcycles representing decades of metric design and engineering
ingenuity.  From sportbikes to café racers to tourers, every bike style is
welcome.  Enthusiasts can ride in on a classic Japanese bike or simply stop
by to admire the vintage machines.  Last year a 1983 Honda CB1100R and an
early 1980s Yamaha RZ500 two-stroke were highlights of the event.

Later in the summer, the Museum will host the 4th annual British & European
Motorcycle Saturday on August 22.  Plenty of Ducatis, Triumphs, Nortons,
BMWs, Aprilias, Moto Guzzis and other marques that are sure to impress will
be on display for the event.  The spotlight at British & European Motorcycle
Saturday was stolen last year by the Ducati Riders of Ohio Club, with over
20 members riding in for the event – one on Ducati’s finest, the
Desmosedici.  This year’s showcase promises to feature equally compelling
classics.

Admission for each Classic Motorcycle Saturday event is only $10 and
includes access to all museum exhibits, including “MotoStars: Celebrities +
Motorcycles,” an installation spotlighting a number of the world’s most
well-known enthusiasts, and “Awesome-Ness,” chronicling the career of the
legendary Arlen Ness.

Additional details about Classic Motorcycle Saturdays can be found at
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org or by calling (614)856-2222.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the AMA’s
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Tribute Dinner for Dick Burleson

8-time AMA National Enduro Champion; 8-time FIM ISDT Gold Medalist For more than 35 years, Enduro and off-road riders from around the country and many places in the world have witnessed the extraordinary riding skills of one – Motorcycle Hall of Famer Richard “Dick” Burleson. Untold numbers of stories have been told and re-told about riding in the thick of the woods and then, out of nowhere, thinking “That guy passed me like I was standing still. How did he do that?” During the Dick Burleson Tribute Dinner, http://www.dickburlesontribute.com, in Daytona Beach on March 4, 2009, we just may be able to find out. Where: Holiday Inn; Deland, Florida (Daytona Beach area) When: Wednesday, March 4, 2009 Time: Dinner begins at 7:00 PM Dick Burleson’s achievements in racing and in the motorcycle industry are numerous and memorable. Dick always had a keen sense for racing talent and was a most willing mentor for many that went on to huge success as competitors and champions. His colleagues and friends want to acknowledge his contribution to racing and the industry by hosting a dinner that is open to everyone. The Burleson Tribute Dinner is conveniently scheduled the evening prior to the AMA Alligator National Enduro in Daytona Beach on March 5. In addition to the many friends that Dick has in racing and in the industry itself, Moose Racing and Parts Unlimited are the Host Sponsors of what should be a fantastic event. Come join in the fun! It will be unforgettable. **There is a limit on seating for the Tribute Dinner, so those interested in attending should log on to http://www.dickburlesontribute.com for more details and to purchase their tickets. For information about this release, please contact: Bill Kniegge Greg Davis 714 423 2297 407 617 3417 billk@bluestradatours.com gregdavis3@aol.com

Moto Guzzi Announces “Grand Tour of Italy in America” Winner

Moto Guzzi Announces “Grand Tour of Italy in America” Winner

From Tuscany (California) to Rimini (South Carolina) and 78 Italian-inspired
destinations in between, an Ohio motorcycle enthusiast lives la dolce vita
American-style

New York, NY – February 6, 2009 – John E. Frick, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based
business owner, passionate motorcycle enthusiast and long-distance endurance
rider, will be enjoying his next two-wheel adventure on a new Moto Guzzi
Norge 1200.  Moto Guzzi’s distinctive sport touring bike has been awarded to
Frick for winning the “Grand Tour of Italy in America,” a unique motorcycle
tour created by the American Motorcycling Association (AMA) as part of its
AMA Road Riding Cycle Trader Tours With KOA Along The Way program.  The “do
it yourself” tour was designed to appeal to riders who appreciate both the
thrill of the ride and the joy of discovering new destinations – in this
case all inspired by Italian locales and culture.

Participants were challenged to chart their own course from an official list
of destinations, ranging from towns like The Vatican, Louisiana, to venues
such as the Tuscany Motel in Wildwood, New Jersey.  Embodying the relaxed
pace and spirit of Italy, the tour stipulated no time or mileage limits,
allowing riders to travel at their own pace.  Riders documented each
official stop with a photo to provide proof of their visit. One point was
earned for each destination in a participant’s home state; two points were
awarded for stops visited in adjoining states, and three points for all
distant destinations. 

Competitors with 25 or more points earned a commemorative pin and were
entered into a special sweepstakes.  In addition to the Moto Guzzi Norge
1200 grand prize, sweepstakes winners received “motociclista style”
wearables from Moto Guzzi’s new line of retro-inspired sweaters, as well as
modern riding gear designed for the serious enthusiast.

All registrants received a complimentary Moto Guzzi towel, collectible pin,
and a coupon redeemable for a new Moto Guzzi hat. 

To claim his Moto Guzzi Norge 1200 grand prize, Frick visited more than
80 locations over the course of seven months. Stops included Argenta, Il;
Milan, TN; Rimni, S.C.; Rome, MS; Genoa, WI; Verona, ND; Tivoli, NY;
Sardinia, OH; Parma, MO, and, of course, Italy, TX.  Frick also visited
more than 25 Motor Guzzi dealerships, as well as Italian-themed locations
such as the Italian-American Banquet Hall in Livonia, MI, and an Italian
festival in Nutley, NJ.

“For me, every phase of the Grand Tour was fun, from planning and riding to
finding a unique or interesting object for the photo to document the visit,
even the record-keeping,” Frick said. “The learning element of the tour
was certainly a big part of the attraction. For example, I previously had no
idea that there is a city in Italy (population 32,000)  with the name of
Nola.  So I decided to visit Nola, Mississippi, which may have a population
of 10!”

With plenty of roads leading to Rome – or hundreds of other Italian-inspired
destinations – Frick’s adventures prove that the Italian spirit is thriving
on U.S. soil.  And, when enjoyed on a legendary Moto Guzzi motorcycle, it’s
double the dolce vita.

About Moto Guzzi and Piaggio Group
Founded in 1921, Moto Guzzi is one of Europe’s oldest continuous
manufacturers of motorcycles. This revered brand continues to produce
machines from its original location on the beautiful shores of Lake Como in
the village of Mandello del Lario, Italy. For information about Moto Guzzi,
visit http://www.motoguzzi-us.com.

With approximately 7,000 employees, approximately 708,500 vehicles sold in
2007, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and
operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated
leadership in the European 2 wheeler market.  Its production includes
scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range,
marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto
Guzzi brands.

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Offers 1953 Vincent Black Shadow for

January 23, 2009

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Offers 1953 Vincent Black Shadow for
Auction

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is offering
enthusiasts the opportunity to add a historic machine to their collection.
Beginning today, January 23, the Museum is auctioning a 1953 Vincent Black
Shadow on eBay.  The auction will run through February 1, 2009.
     
The 1953 Vincent Black Shadow on the auction block was restored by famed
Vincent restorer Mike White of Ontario, Canada, and Brent Mayfield of
Centerville, Ohio.  The 1953 production is fully documented through copies
of factory paperwork, and photos of the machine prior to restoration are
available.  The Vincent was originally purchased by the Museum specifically
for the annual 2008 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum raffle.  This year, for
the first time, the winner of the Museum’s raffle chose to accept an
alternate cash prize instead of the motorcycle, allowing the Museum the
opportunity to auction the 1953 Vincent Black Shadow. Riders can log on to
eBay.com and enter ID number 160311565061 to bid on the classic Vincent.
Winning the bike is a perfect way to kick-start 2009, and all proceeds will
support the non-profit Museum and its mission of telling the exciting
stories and preserving the history of American motorcycling.

In addition, enthusiasts can enter the 2009 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
raffle for a chance to win a pair of Bonnevilles. The 2009 raffle winner, to
be picked during 2009 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, will be able to choose
one of two prizes: a prize package valued at $35,000 featuring a fully
restored 1959 pre-unit T120 Bonneville and an all-new limited edition 2009
50th Anniversary T100 Bonneville, or a $25,000 cash award.  Tickets can be
purchased at http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org or by calling (614) 856-2222.

Fundraisers such as the Vincent auction and Triumph raffle – as well as the
recently concluded 2008 Leather and Ice Online Holiday Auction – are vital
to supporting the Museum’s award-winning exhibitions as well as the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which honors the men and women who shaped the
industry and sport of motorcycling. Over 400 items donated by 142 museum
supporters were up for grabs in the 2008 Leather and Ice Auction, which
raised over $25,000 for the Museum. The Museum extends its gratitude to all
those who helped make the 2008 auction such a success.

Enthusiasts interested in supporting the Museum’s fundraisers in 2009 should
contact Toni Shoap at (614) 856-2222 ext. 1340 or tshoap@ama-cycle.org.

About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Breakfast at Daytona Bike Week to

Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Breakfast at Daytona Bike Week to
Feature Renowned Racers Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen

Famed Tuner Bill Werner to Lead Program

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – Racing legends Scott Parker and Jay Springsteen will be
the guests of honor at the 21st Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
“Friendraising” Breakfast on Friday, March 6, in Daytona Beach, Florida. The
flat track champions will share stories with celebrated Harley-Davidson
tuner Bill Werner, whose skills helped Parker and Springsteen to a number of
their AMA Grand National Championships.

The Museum breakfast, a Daytona Bike Week tradition, allows attendees to mix
and mingle with motorcycling’s biggest names, as well as receive rare inside
look at their lives and careers. The event is open the public and tickets
are $49 per person. All proceeds support the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of
Fame Museum and its mission of telling the exciting stories and preserving
the history of American motorcycling.

The talents and accomplishments of Parker, Springsteen, and Werner have led
each to be inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Parker, inducted
in 2003, is considered one of the great motorcycle racers in the history of
AMA racing. During his career, Parker was a nine-time AMA Grand National
Champion and set an all-time record with his 94 Grand National Championship
race wins, including 55 AMA National Mile wins and 35 AMA Half-Mile wins.
Parker is also a three-time winner of the AMA Pro Athlete of the Year award.
Like Parker, Springsteen is considered one of the best in AMA racing
history. Inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003,
Springsteen is a three-time AMA Grand National Champion with over 40
National Championship flat track race wins. 

At the 2009 Museum breakfast, Parker and Springsteen will look back at their
astonishing careers through a discussion led by Bill Werner. Werner, one of
the most successful tuners in AMA Grand National racing history, was
inducted into the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000. He offers a unique
perspective on the careers of Parker and Springsteen, as he turned the
wrenches for both.

To join Scott Parker, Jay Springsteen, and Bill Werner at the 21st Annual
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum “Friendraising” Breakfast, immediate
reservations are recommended. The breakfast will be held at the Hilton
Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday, March
6, 2009. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast served at 8:30
a.m. Parker, Werner, and Springsteen will host an autograph session
following the conclusion of the breakfast. Admission is $49 per person.
Sponsorships are also available, and all proceeds benefit the Motorcycle
Hall of Fame Museum. To make reservations or learn about event sponsorship
opportunities, contact the Museum at (614) 856-2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the AMA’s
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Opens 2009 with Events Celebrating

AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Opens 2009 with Events Celebrating
Classic Motorcycles

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum invites fans
of vintage machines to rev up for two notable events. The International CBX
Owner’s Association (ICOA) will pay a special visit the Museum on Saturday,
January 24, 2009. Two weeks later, on Saturday, February 7, the Museum will
host the Penton Owner’s Group (POG) for the 8th Annual Penton Day. All
riders are welcome at both events.

The ICOA event on January 24 begins at 9:30 a.m., with a tour of the
Museum’s colorful exhibits, including “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles”
and “Awesome-Ness,” an installation chronicling the career of legendary
customizer Arlen Ness. The day will continue with a technical session and
presentation by special guest racer Geoff Smale.
Smale is known for a number of racing accomplishments, including becoming
series champion of the British Earlystocks “1300 production” class in 2000
astride a CBX with unmodified displacement. Smale also one of twelve racers
to lap at over 100 mph in a sidecar outfit, both as driver as well as
passenger, during the Isle of Man TT races. The ICOA’s visit to the Museum
will be held in conjunction with the club’s winter tech rally held in
Columbus, Ohio, on January 24 and 25. The ICOA invites all enthusiasts to
join them at the Museum on January 24. The event is free, but regular Museum
admission rates apply. Riders can log on to http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org for
additional information.

Penton enthusiasts are welcome to bring their machines to display at the
Museum on February 7, when the Penton Owner’s Group holds the 8th Annual
Penton Day. Sign in begins at 9 a.m., with the group’s annual business
meeting starting at 10 a.m. The topic of this year’s event will be the 50th
anniversary of Motorcycle Hall of Famer John Penton’s record-setting
transcontinental run on a BMW, and John will be on hand to share his
memories.  Penton’s son, Motorcycle Hall of Famer and AMA Motorcycle Hall of
Fame
Museum board member Jack Penton, will also be at the Museum to serve as a
host of the annual Penton Day events. Riders interested in joining the
festivities can log on to http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org for additional
information. Membership in the POG is not required and lunch will be
provided.

About the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum

The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum tells the exciting stories and
preserves the history of American motorcycling. Visitors to the Museum will
find award-winning exhibits rotating through three major exhibition halls.
Each exhibit immerses guests in the stories of American motorcycling by
capturing the thrill of the open road, the excitement of racing or the
inspiration of memorable personalities. The Museum is also home to the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame, honoring the distinguished men and women who have
played a vital role in shaping the sport and business of motorcycling,
thanks to their competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship.
Located just east of Columbus, on the campus of the American Motorcyclist
Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the non-profit Museum is open seven days
a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Year’s Day. For more information call (614) 856 – 2222 or visit
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org.

TOP 1 OIL GOES TO EXTREMES AT 2009 DAKAR RALLY

 

Nearly 3,750 miles (6,000 km) of challenging South American terrain on tap
for Top 1 Oil sponsored Team Rally Pan America

BURLINGAME, Cal. (December 22, 2008) – Top 1 Oil Products Company has again
joined America’s premier motorcycle rally team, Rally Pan America, for the
world’s most grueling and challenging endurance race, the 2009 Dakar Rally. 
Now nicknamed “El Dakaro,” the legendary competition has moved continents
to South America where it starts January 3 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The
Top 1 Oil sponsored Rally Pan America team is led by veteran rider Jonah
Street and team manager and Dakar veteran Charlie Rauseo, along with an
equally experienced support crew.  The team will be up against a nearly
3,750 mile (6,000 km) torturous route that traverses the plains of
Patagonia, the Atacama Desert and the Andes – all during equally extreme
summer temperatures.  The race concludes on January 17. 

“Following last year’s disappointing cancellation of the Dakar Rally, Top 1
is very excited to be back with Rally Pan Am for the 2009 event.  Including
2008, the 2009 competition will be the 5th consecutive year we have been a
primary sponsor of Rally Pan Am.  We are looking forward to a strong
showing from Jonah and the team and we wish them a safe and successful
race,” said Frank Ryan, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Top 1 Oil
Products.

The desert and mountains of South America will be as mentally and physically
challenging as the original North African Dakar route.  However, since the
terrain is new to most of the competitors, traditional European favorites
won’t have the advantage of racing in their own back yard.  As a result,
Rally Pan America expects the 2009 Dakar Rally to be a level playing field,
rife with opportunity for teams with the experience, equipment and stamina
to handle the roadblocks of extreme endurance racing.

Top 1 Oil has long been involved with racing events that test the limits of
performance.  In addition to sponsoring Rally Pan America’s 2009 Dakar
entry, Top 1 Oil most recently became the world’s “fastest motorcycle oil”
when the TOP 1 ACK Attack streamliner toppled the existing absolute FIM
motorcycle land speed record with a blistering 360.913 mph run on the
Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

About Top 1 Oil Products

TOP 1 Oil Products Company was founded in 1979 with the purpose of providing
high quality lubricants to customers around the world.  Today, TOP 1
products are actively marketed in over 40 countries and its products are
recognized for quality, versatility and value. 
     
TOP 1 has been continually owned and operated by one family. Today, three
generations of Ryan’s continue to pursue the organizing principle of its
founder: that of providing quality lubricants while forming and sustaining
life-long relationships with its customers.    

In fostering their sponsorship tradition,TOP 1 continually looks to sponsor
and support unique and compelling motoring and /or motor sports individuals
and teams.  If you have a compelling and unique story or a personal dream
please send your idea via email to Frank Ryan, V. P. Sales and Marketing,
fryan@top1oil.com.

About Rally Pan Am

Rally Pan Am http://www.rallypanam.com is an experienced American cross-country
motorcycle rally team with years of success in some of the world’s most
challenging and grueling races.  For the 2009 Dakar Rally, the Top 1 Oil
sponsored team will again be led by racer Jonah Street, a long-time resident
of Ellensburg, Wash.  Jonah began “cutting through the sagebrush” in Central
Washington’s semi-arid-desert-like-terrain at the age of six and quickly
rose to regional prominence. Today, Jonah Street is a world-class motorcycle
racer who has staked his claim as a top contender. In the 2006 Paris to
Dakar Rally, Street competed against 252 other motorcyclists, and despite
being a newcomer to extreme endurance racing, placed 17th overall and
scoring Top 5 finishes in three tough stages.  Street will be supported the
seasoned Rally Pan Am support crew.

2008 Motorcycle Escaped Shopper Study and Motorcycle Competitive Information Study

J.D. Power and Associates to Release Results of
2008 Motorcycle Escaped Shopper Study on December 10 and

Motorcycle Competitive Information Study on December 17

 

J.D. Power and Associates will release the results of its 2008 Motorcycle Escaped Shopper Study on Wednesday, December 10 and its Motorcycle Competitive Information Study the following Wednesday, December 17.  Both studies will be released at 9 a.m. ET.

 

The inaugural Motorcycle Escaped Shopper Study analyzes the reasons consumers consider a particular motorcycle brand but ultimately purchase a different brand.

 

Now in its 11th year, the Motorcycle Competitive Information Study measures owner satisfaction with new motorcycles by examining five major components of the overall ownership experience: product; quality; cost of ownership; sales; and service.

Members of the J.D. Power and Associates Motorsports Practice, will be available for interviews to discuss study findings after 9 a.m. E.T./6 a.m. P.T.  To schedule an interview, please call: