Twelve new members have been selected for induction into The Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Each new inductee has furthered American motorcycling through a lifetime of achievement.
Induction ceremonies for the Class of 2007 are scheduled for Oct. 6 in Columbus, Ohio. The Hall of Fame Class of 2007 includes:
Rex Beauchamp — As one of the original “Michigan Mafia” flat track racers, Beauchamp was a crowd favorite on his factory sponsored Harley-Davidson. Beauchamp was the winner of four Grand National races between 1973 and 1976. During all three years, he also finished in the top 10 in the AMA national standings.
Bob Greene — Nicknamed “The Old Greenhorner,” Greene gained national recognition as the editor of Motorcyclist magazine. After his tenure there, Greene went on to publish numerous books on motorcycling. Throughout his life, Greene also regularly competed in desert racing events, speed trials and scrambles.
Pat Hennen — Always a competitor, Hennen was the first American to win a 500cc World Grand Prix race. His victory at the 1976 Finland GP paved the way for a flood of American riders who would come to dominate the sport. Hennen began his career in 1972 as an AMA dirt track and road racing competitor.
Hugh “Harry” Hurt — Award-winning author set the benchmark for motorcycle safety research in 1981 with a study titled “Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures” that became widely known as the “Hurt Report.” In addition to that study, he is the author of dozens of publications in the fields of motorcycle handling, safety, crash analysis, and helmet performance.
Mike Kiedrowski — During his seven-year career as a motocross racer, Kiedrowski won championships as easily as he did fans. Between 1988-1995, he was a four-time AMA national champion.
Sammy Miller — As a trials competitor, motorcycle designer and motorcycling historian, Miller has won international renown. During his career, Miller rode his way to nine gold medals in the International Six Days Trials.
Trampas Parker — As versatile as he was consistent, KTM factory racer Parker made history as a two-time World Motocross champ. He was an unknown American rider living in Italy when he burst onto the world motocross scene by winning the 125cc championship in 1989.
Derek and Don Rickman — The brothers found success ran in their blood as motocross racers in 1960s England. After tasting victory on the track, the Rickmans began designing and building their own motorcycle frames. Soon their distinctive designs allowed them to expand their business to include street machines and fairing production.
Orie Steele, Sr. — In the early 20th century, hill climb racing was an immensely popular sport dominated by Steele. In 1926 alone, Steele competed in 49 events and won 33 firsts.
Billy Uhl — Racing alongside his father at the International Six Day Trials in 1973, Uhl won his first of six ISDT gold medals. At age 19, Uhl was one of the youngest riders to ever win a gold medal.
Ed Waldheim — A tireless advocate for off-road motorcyclists, Waldheim also won more than 30 trophies during his career. Waldheim is the founder and president of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association. psb
