KTM sponsors Hall of Fame event

From the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, OH -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that KTM North America will help honour all AMA Racing champions this Dec. 4 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas as the presenting sponsor of the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by KTM North America.

In addition, KTM North America will support motorcycling's history as a sponsor of the 2009 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which is the following evening, Dec. 5, at the same location.

"KTM North America will be a familiar sponsor to the AMA racers who will be recognized at the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by KTM North America," said AMA Special Events and Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. "KTM North America's dedication to racing has helped the marque compile a storied legacy in U.S. motorcycle racing, which dates to the Penton brand that ultimately became KTM, making the company's support for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony appropriately fitting."

KTM North America President Jon-Erik Burleson said that being involved with the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by KTM North America, is an opportunity for the company to demonstrate its commitment to racers.

"The sport of amateur motorcycle racing goes hand in hand with our KTM 'Ready to Race' philosophy, and we feel it is most important to be involved with racers at the amateur level, whether they are young or old," Burleson said. "Riding success and championships are important to KTM now and in the future, and we are thrilled to be a part of this event and help honour the champions of the 2009 amateur racing season."

The racing banquet will recognize the champions from 2009 AMA Racing premier events and series. In addition, the winners of special awards, such as the AMA Racing Athlete of the Year, the AMA Racing Sportsman of the Year and the AMA Racing Female Rider of the Year, will be announced.

At the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony the following evening, Perry King, legendary actor of stage, screen and TV, will serve as master of ceremonies as the AMA officially welcomes the 2009 class to the Hall of Fame. This year's inductees are industry innovator Robert Bates, off-road racer Randy Hawkins, motorsports giants Bob and Geoff Fox, suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt, off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes, longtime motorcycle safety proponent David Hough, noted race team manager Gary Mathers and successful dirt-track racer and tuner Chuck Palmgren.

The program will also include the 2009 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d'Elegance, presented by Fox Shox, on Saturday morning, and will feature some of the most beautiful motorcycles in existence. In addition, attendees will be able to meet the 2009 AMA Hall of Fame inductees and other AMA Hall of Famers at an autograph session held earlier in the day.