Torsten Hallman To Be Honored As An AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Legend
Torsten Hallman
was instrumental in the introduction of motocross to
America, and on Friday, Oct. 18, he will be honored as an AMA
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend. Hallman, an existing Hall of Famer,
will be recognized alongside the class of 2013 as part of the AMA
Legends Weekend, hosted by the American Motorcyclist Association,
on Oct. 18-19 at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino in
Las Vegas, Nev.
"Torsten's prominence, since the early days of motocross in the
USA, has never faded," said Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the
American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of
Fame. "His riding technique and skill changed the sport, his
business acumen generated many business opportunities, and his
personal qualities brought the sport and the business magically
together.
"Torsten's elevation to AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend status
marks another milestone in the American motorcycling scene that
only Torsten Hallman could provide," Heininger said.
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing members of the
Hall of Fame whose lifetime accomplishments are showcased as part
of the annual induction ceremony of new Hall of Famers.
Hallman, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000, was a
four-time World Motocross Champion when he came to the United
States in the late-1960s as part of the effort to popularize both
the Husqvarna motorcycle brand and the sport of motocross.
Hallman's incredible talent on a motocross bike was a revelation to
American fans and racers. Within a few years after Hallman's first
visit, motocross became the most popular form of motorcycle racing
in the United States.
[caption id="attachment_26018" align="alignleft"
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Torsten Hallman was instrumental in the introduction
of motocross to America.[/caption]
Hallman's talents were not limited to the track. He also was a
savvy businessman and founded a riding apparel company: Thor. The
company's early designs and innovations heavily influenced the look
and function of motocross riding gear for decades to follow. Today,
Thor is one of the biggest names in motocross
apparel.
"I am really honored to be recognized as an AMA Motorcycle Hall of
Fame Legend and am already looking forward to coming to Las Vegas
to participate in the AMA Legends Weekend," Hallman said. "It
pleases me to see that motocross has become such a dominant sport
in the U.S. -- a huge improvement since I came over as the first
rider to introduce the sport. At that time nobody even heard about
this sport, so I had to spell the word 'motocross.' Today it's a
well-known word -- I am really proud!"
Hallman was born in 1939 in Uppsala, Sweden, a scenic university
town about 50 miles north of Stockholm. His father and older
brother were both motorcycle racers, and Hallman grew into the
sport quickly. He won his first race, and from that moment his path
was set. Competitively, that journey culminated in four 250cc
motocross world titles. Hallman's battles with Belgium's Joel
Robert, a fellow Hall of Famer, are still considered some of the
best ever in the history of the sport.
The AMA Legends Weekend kicks off with the AMA Motorcycle Hall of
Fame induction ceremony Friday night, Oct. 18, in a star-studded
gala event that honors the motorcycling world's fast and famous.
The next morning features the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave
Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception, where the class of 2013, the
2013 Legends and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years
will be honored and interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that
allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with
motorcycling's greatest.
Tickets are on sale now at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Price is $140 for Friday night's induction ceremony, and $20 for
Saturday's reception, which includes a continental breakfast.
Additionally, rooms at the Green Valley Ranch can be reserved now
for a special rate at
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_gi_new&groupID=19471407
or by calling (866) 782-9487 and using the code GCIAMHF
The AMA Legends Weekend is a fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall
of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio and
overseen by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation. The
mission of the AMHF is to celebrate, elucidate and preserve the
rich tradition of motorcycling in America. For more information,
please visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum's three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
