Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/815139
VOL. 54 ISSUE 16 APRIL 25, 2017 P49 presented by Hagerty Insur- ance, which runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in a tent adja- cent to the banquet hall. It gives people a chance to catch up with other club members, while ogling some beautiful motorcy- cles on display. This year there were 65 bikes, some exotic and some rustic. At 6:30 p.m. Emde and Mashburn opened up the show, greeting the packed room with some entertaining stories and recognizing some of the legends in attendance. Next up was Tom White, who presented the bike show awards. The trophy for Best Race Bike went to Cary Beck, for his beautiful aluminum alloy factory 1972 Harley-Davidson XR750 that Mark Brelsford raced to the win the 1972 Louisville Mile. Brelsford came onstage to share some thoughts about the bike. Next up was the "People's Choice" Award, voted in by those in attendance. The winner was a cobby 1928 Indian Hillclimb bike, owned by Rudy Pox. The final award, "Best in Show," went to Nick DiBenedetto for his immacu- late twin-engine 1964 Triumph. When Tom asked him how he managed to build such an intricate beauty, he said he "had a hack- saw and a file… and some friends that knew how to weld." Next was a toast to legendary race promoter and team owner, the late J.C. Agajanian. His sons Chris and Jay were there to represent "Aggie" in a heartfelt moment, with many of the former racers in attendance having cut their racing teeth at J.C.'s Ascot Park. Following dinner, the "Lucille Flanders Award" was presented to club secretary, Judy Whit- son. Whitson is a renaissance woman, working with her first husband, steel shoemaker, Ken Maely for 25 years, then author- ing books, riding motorcycles and racing planes. Next up was inductee Jim Buchanan, founder and still owner of Buchanan's Wheels, as well as Sun Rims. Speedway hero, "Bullet" Billy Hamill was inducted next. Hamill is the 1996 Speedway World Champion and a six-time U.S. National Champion. Billy is staying busy promoting junior speedway to the younger gen- eration, as well as doing some club-level road racing. In fact he had won earlier that day at Wil- low Springs! Norm McDonald, the N in "K&N" was inducted next, with former employee Malcolm Smith joining him on stage to honor his lifelong friend. Next to be honored was road racer, magazine editor and business- man, Tony Murphy, followed by the late Gary Preston, off-road and Baja pioneer. Legendary frame builder, Bill VanTichelt, was inducted next. His VanTech conversion kits and helmet test- ing designs were a huge part of racing lore. Last to be honored was the recipient of the "Dick Ham- mer Award," the most coveted honor given by the club. It is a perpetual trophy, given to recognize "Drive, Determination and Desire," traits displayed by the late Dick Hammer during his 10 year battle with cancer. Dave Ekins was the unanimous winner, in honor of his lifelong love of two wheels. Ekins was a racer, magazine editor and inventor of the Gold Belt line of kidney belts. Steve Bauer (Top) Cary Buck took home the best racing motorcycle in the Tom Cates Memorial show with his Mark Brelsford Harley-Davidson XR750. (Bottom) Billy Hamill, a 2017 Trailblazers Inductee, made his mark racing Speedway, winning the World Championships in 1996.