American Motorcyclist Association Welcomes Antti Kallonen As International Six Days Enduro Team Manager
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce
that Antti Kallonen, former competitor and KTM North America's
off-road team manager, will manage the 2012 U.S. International Six
Days Enduro (ISDE) team as it seeks a world title, Sept. 24-29, in
Saxony, Germany.
Robert Pearce, KTM North America's vice president of operations and
a five-time ISDE participant, will assist Kallonen with team
operations.
Kallonen, who guides KTM North America's efforts in major off-road
racing series in the United States, brings a wealth of experience
to the ISDE effort, including organizational and logistical
expertise, fund-raising support, and a first-hand understanding of
the culture of European off-road racing.
Prior to working for KTM North America, Kallonen raced the FIM MX
World Championship from 1998-2002 until injury forced his
retirement. His initial stint in the United States was as the
mechanic for Juha Salminen. In his six years as KTM's off-road team
manager, the factory team has won 28 national off-road titles.
"I'm honored and excited to take on the responsibility to lead the U.S. ISDE team in 2012. The team is well established, but my goal is to bring the team together as a whole."
- Antti Kallonen
"I'm honored and excited to take on the responsibility to lead the
U.S. ISDE team in 2012," Kallonen said. "The team is well
established, but my goal is to bring the team together as a whole
and work on the small details that are needed to take the team to
the next level. One of my main focuses is going to be the riders
and the preparation for the event. This will make the race-day
operations easier so all the riders will need to do is to focus on
doing their best on the track, knowing they have the best support
possible behind them."
Added Pearce: "Antti and I work very well together on a day-to-day
basis. Having the opportunity to work on such a project as the 2012
ISDE in Germany for the AMA and all the volunteers that it takes to
be successful will be an awesome experience. I am honored to have
been selected along with Antti to be a part of the U.S. support
team."
In addition to Pearce, the ISDE team benefits from the
participation of a number of leaders, each of whom plays a vital
role with the team. These include Rick "Gunny" Claypoole, a
Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) jury delegate and a
driving force behind the U.S. ISDE effort for more than 30 years;
Bruce Wakeley, team administration manager; and Jay Hall, manager
of the Parc Ferme and work area.
The new structure of the ISDE team follows the successful model the
AMA has long used with regard to the Motocross of Nations, which it
has won a record 22 times.
"In much the same way that Roger DeCoster guides the U.S. effort in
the Motocross of Nations, Antti will lead us in our journey toward
an FIM World Championship in ISDE competition," said AMA Off-Road
Manager Chuck Weir. "Antti's experience running a race team is
evident in KTM's success in premier U.S. racing series, and we're
excited that he's on board to help lead us toward the United
States' first ISDE title.
"Also, just as Roger works with riders from all teams, Antti will
welcome and support riders regardless of what bike they ride," Weir
continued. "While we obviously appreciate KTM North America's
backing of riders every year, the U.S. team at the ISDE will
continue to feature qualifying riders on any brand of
motorcycle."
U.S. ISDE qualifiers will be organized by the Boise Ridge Riders
June 2-3 in Idaho City, Idaho, and by the Appalachian Dirt Riders
June 9-10 in Wellston, Ohio. More information about the Idaho event
can be found at BoiseRidgeRiders.com. Details for the Ohio event
are at ADROhio.org.
More information about the U.S. ISDE team can be found at
AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing > ISDE.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
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