Branscombe Richmond To Be Inducted into The National Motorcycle Hall of Fame

    GILROY, Calif.--Jan. 17, 2003--The National Motorcycle Museum, a non-profit organization, today announced the newest members of its Hall of Fame on January 6th.
    A voting committee consisting of motorcycling enthusiasts from across the country cast their votes for one person in each of four categories: leadership, promotion, competition, and industry. Many voting committee members commented on the difficult choices they had to make. "The roster of candidates was exceptional again this year," noted one.

	   The 2003 Inductees, by category, are:

Leadership: Allen LaFortune and Branscombe Richmond
Promotion: Cristine Sommer-Simmons
Competition: Max Bubeck, Jay Springsteen
Industry: Douglas Bingham, Dave Perewitz

    Since 1999, Branscombe Richmond has held the position of Vice-President of Indian Affairs for Indian Motorcycle Corporation (IMC) headquartered in Gilroy, California. Lou Terhar, President and CEO of IMC comments, "Branscombe is a wonderful role model for motorcycling, and we are very proud to have him as a part of our team."

    Excerpts from the Branscombe's nomination letter says it all:

    Define the words "Branscombe Richmond"?
    A Native American...A TV and Movie Star...A Celebrity...An MC / Spokesman... A Singer and Entertainer...A Motorcycle Enthusiast...A Humanitarian...A Leader...A Motivator...A Man of Strong Values...A Husband...A Family Man...A Father...A Son...and I think above all else a Friend. Branscombe is a Friend...A Friend of his heritage, of this industry, of those he touches in this world, of each and every one of us who meet him...he has this innate ability to reach out across borders, races, sexes, age groups, social status, personalities, industries, etc., and touch people who just walk by, or briefly meet him. He welcomes all who pass him by with the same passion he brings to life.

    Some former inductees include: Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Pappy Hoel, Arlen Ness, Willie Davidson, Donnie Smith, William S. Harley, Senator Dave Zien and Peter Fonda.

    About Indian Motorcycle Corporation

    Indian Motorcycle Corporation, based in Gilroy, California, was formed in 1998 to re-launch an American icon. The original Indian Motorcycle Company, which built the first American-made motorcycle in 1901, was a leading motorcycle manufacturer for almost 50 years. Although Indian Motorcycle products were out of production from 1953 to 1999, the Indian brand is still well known to motorcycle enthusiasts because of its reputation for innovation and distinctive styling. Indian currently designs, manufactures and markets a full line of premium heavyweight motorcycles and a broad range of related products, parts, accessories, riding gear and lifestyle apparel.
    For more information on Indian motorcycles, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

    Information About the Induction Ceremony

    The museum will be having the induction ceremony at a 9:00 a.m. Breakfast Ceremony Wednesday, March 5th, 2003 at the Indigo Lakes Golf Club, Daytona Beach, Florida, during Spring Bike Week. Actor/motorcycle enthusiast Branscombe Richmond will once again emcee the event. Tickets for the Induction Breakfast are $15 each, or $120 for a table seating eight. Because seating is limited, those wishing to attend are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance by calling the National Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame at 319-462-3925, or tickets may be ordered online.