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2023 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Honors Inductees T he AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducted its 2023 Class on Thursday, September 14, hon- oring five new members during the 2023 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2023 includes Rita Coombs, Ryan Dungey, Barry Hawk, Grant Langston and Travis Pastrana, all of whom received their Hall of Fame Rings and gold jackets during the ceremony. "We're truly delighted to gather here in Pickerington, Ohio, home of both the AMA headquarters and the esteemed AMA Motor - cycle Hall of Fame, to celebrate this historic occasion," AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said when addressing the crowd. "Unlike some previous years, this year's inductees have the privi - lege of personally experiencing the hallowed grounds where they will be forever immortalized and celebrated as honored members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. "But this event is far more than a banquet and ceremony designed to honor the remark - able individuals who have made significant contributions to our beloved sport," Dingman contin- ued. "It also serves as a unique opportunity for us to unite in our shared mission of safeguarding motorcycle history for genera- tions yet to come." Leading this year's ceremony were emcees Perry King, a well-known actor and director, and motocross rider, sidecar enthusiast and sideline reporter Laurette Nicoll, who guided the audience through the life and accomplishments of the Hall of Fame inductees. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame also recognized the memories of Hall of Famers who passed away during the last year: Earl Bowlby, Fred Fox, Ron - nie Rall and Peter Starr. Supporters and partners for the 2023 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony included IronLilly.com, National Powersports Dealer Association, Dealernews, MX Sports, Feld Entertainment, Bromley Power- sports, KTM, Yamaha and Broc Glover. "Racing is hard," Pastrana said from the podium. "Racing takes a lot of people and a huge sacri - fice from everybody. To get to be the best is amazing. It means so much to me that you would think to honor me here tonight, and this is something I'll remember and appreciate for the rest of my life." "First and foremost, congratu - lations to Grant, Barry, Rita and Travis," Dungey said. "It's an hon- or to be up here being inducted into the HOF with all of them. Just being up here is a dream come true. I'm grateful for all the people in my life who helped me get here, and this one's for you guys. You deserve all the credit!" "Wow, just wow," Hawk said. "I am so honored and thankful to be here." "I'm very humbled, very thank - ful…I'm lost for words," Langston said during his speech. "I am forever grateful," an emotional Coombs said. "I just want to thank all the riders and our fans who come see us every weekend and who love racing as much as we do!" CN WIND IN THE P34 (L-R) Rita Coombs, Ryan Dungey, Travis Pastrana, Grant Langston and Barry Hawk were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. PHOTO: AMA