MotoStars Exhibit Opens at Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum has officially opened the new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit. Many well-known riders who loaned motorcycles and memorabilia to the momentous exhibit were in attendance for the grand opening celebrations on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28, including actors Tom Arnold and Perry King. Even a beloved “Peanuts” character made an appearance. A five-foot tall statue of Snoopy as “Joe Motocross” was a highlight of the “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” Charity Auction that took place Friday evening. The auction of the Snoopy statue and a 2006 Honda motorcycle ridden by actor Francesco Quinn in the Quentin Tarantino-produced biker movie “Hell Ride” raised over $14,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Additional proceeds from the auction benefited the non-profit Museum. After the VIP gala and charity auction on Friday, the grand opening celebrations continued on Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, panel discussion and autograph session.
Over 100 well-known riders are profiled in the new “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” exhibit. Two riders who recently loaned motorcycles to the exhibit are Jim France, vice chairman/executive vice president of NASCAR and chairman/CEO of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), and actor Robert Patrick, currently starring in the television show “The Unit.” France loaned the exhibit his 1976 Bultaco 250 Astro dirt track racer for display, while Patrick offered his 2001 Harley-Davidson Willie G. Switchblade.
Visitors to the Museum for the grand opening of “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” were also able to view a number of motorcycles custom-made for well-known riders. A motorcycle created by renowned builders Arlen and Corey Ness for the band “Journey” was on display courtesy of guitarist Neal Schon. Additionally, Bruce Rossmeyer, owner of the world’s largest Harley-Davidson dealership, loaned the exhibition a custom 100th Anniversary Edition 2003 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, a motorcycle designed, fabricated, and constructed for him at his in-house facility in Ormond Beach, Florida.
“The ‘MotoStars’ exhibit features well-known riders with a genuine passion for motorcycling,” said Mark Mederski, executive director of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. “Museum visitors are able to see motorcycling from the perspective of well-known personalities, as this exhibit delves into their most memorable riding moments. We appreciated all the riders who came out to support the exhibit’s grand opening and look forward to hosting enthusiasts throughout the exhibit’s installation.”
“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” curator David Morris worked with movie studios, motorcycle manufacturers, racing teams and legendary motorcycling event producers to secure exclusive machines, memorabilia and images for the exhibit. Visitors to the grand opening of “MotoStars” viewed the Triumph Bonneville Scrambler ridden by Tom Cruise in “Mission Impossible III” alongside a 2001 Harley-Davidson Sportster autographed by Cher for the Children’s Craniofacial Association at the legendary Buffalo Chip campground at Sturgis. Additionally, racing fans enjoyed a look at a 2005 Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 race bike ridden by two-time AMA National Champion Jason Pridmore, and loaned to the exhibit by the Michael Jordan Motor Sports-Suzuki racing team. Legendary NBA star Michael Jordan formed Michael Jordan Motor Sports in 2004 as a result of his passion for motorcycle racing.
“MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” will be on display through the spring of 2009. To plan your visit, log on to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
