AMA mourns the death of former board chairman Stan Simpson

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) released a statement on Nov. 5, that it is mourning the death of former AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson, who was instrumental in steering the association through a pivotal era of modernization and rider-rights advancement.

Elected to the AMA board of directors in 2005, he began his role as chairman in 2007, where he helped the organization focus on its core mission of promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling.

During his time with the AMA, Simpson recognized a critical need for the organization to focus on protecting and expanding motorcyclists’ rights. From proposed superbike bans to closures of public land and the controversial federal lead law that prohibited youth model ORVs, his leadership helped empower the AMA to wield the political influence and legal resources necessary to fight those challenges.

In recognition of his contributions to riders nationwide, Simpson was honored by the AMA as its inaugural Motorcyclist of the Year in 2008. He was also elected to the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2010.

“On behalf of our board, staff, and members, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “His legacy rides on in the freedoms we protect and the community he helped grow.”