What's Happening at the 71st Daytona Bike Week 2012

 

Daytona Bike Week enjoyed nearly picture-perfect Florida weather, March 9-18, with temps in the low to high 70's. As usual, there were a couple rainy days.

Bike Week 2012 was one week later than usual, due to a scheduling conflict at Daytona International Speedway. So bikers mingled on the beaches and in the bars with spring breakers on the last weekend, but no one seemed to mind.

Cold beer, hot biker chicks, world-class racing, bike shows and hundreds of vendors draw an estimated 500,000 visitors to the Daytona Beach event every year. For upcoming rallies, visit the  Official Bike Week Daytona Beach.

Related story: 70th Bike Week Anniversary.

Click here for a Google Map of Key Bike Week event locations

Saturday, March 10th 2012 - many bike riders headed to DeLand (20 miles west on US 92) for the Pro-Am Bike Show & DeLand Rally that featured bands on two stages downtown and bike-only parking.

The historic downtown is filled with building-sized murals that make a beautiful backdrop for motorcycle photographs. 

Biker author, Edward Winterhalder was at the Seminole Harley-Davidson booth in DeLand on Saturday. He is also the creator and executive producer of the Biker Chicz reality TV series. 

Because NASCAR pushed the date of the 2012 Daytona 500 back one week, Daytona Bike Week 2012 started a week later in order to give Daytona International Speedway time to prepare for the Daytona Supercross and Daytona 200 motorcycle races.

Saturday, March 10th

Daytona Supercross by Honda.

The race draws the world's top Supercross riders such as Ryan Villopoto and Ryan Dungey to battle on a course designed by five-time winner Ricky Carmichael.

Thurs & Friday, March 15 & 16, The Daytona Flat Track hosted  AMA Pro Flat Track racing on a quarter-mile lime rock track in the West Lot, just outside Turns 1 and 2.

First Turn - by David Uhl

Saturday, March 17th, The Daytona 200 kicks off the AMA Pro Racing season with a 200-mile battle on Daytona's road course with America's top motorcycle stars.

During Bike Week 2012, the artist David Uhl was juggling events at two locations -- the Uhl Gallery at Destination Daytona (Ormond Beach) and the new Uhl Works Patio at Beach Street Harley-Davidson, downtown Daytona Beach.

Tuesday, March 13, David Uhl, Cris Sommer-Simmons and Pat Simmons (Doobie Brothers) signed signing limited-edition giclee prints of David's latest masterpiece, "Leading Ladies," and Cris's new book, "The American Motorcycle Girl's Cannonball Diary," along with a solo acoustic concert by Pat. Special appearances by Gloria Tramontin Struck, David's new "Woman of Harley," along with appearances by Laura Klock and Jodi Perewitz. David Uhl painted "Leading Ladies" last year, but waited to release it until Cris had completed her Cannonball book.

Tuesday, March 13, the 5th Annual Harley-Davidson MDA Women's Ride rolled out from Riverfront Park on Beach Street at 10am and returned at 1pm. Details:  mdariders.org.

The 2012 Bike Shows

This year, the Limpnickie Lot of "next generation" builders was at Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. in South Daytona, with Led Sled/ Street Chopper across from Limpnickie and a new lot at Iron Horse, 1068 North US 1, Ormond Beach.

Progressive International Motorcycle Show at the Ocean Center,  101 N. Atlantic Ave. - March 14 to 17 featured the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike United States Championship, affiliated with the AMD World Championship Competition. There were Smage Brothers Stunt Shows every afternoon, and  "A Century of Motorcycling" historic bike display presented by Motorcycle Magazine. Staff from the National Motorcycle Museum was on hand to answer questions and relive stories of the historic bikes on display. The show floor was open Wednesday, March 14, from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Thursday, March 15, 11 am – 7 pm; Friday, March 16, 11 am – 7 pm; Saturday, March 17, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Saturday, March 17 • Paul Teutul, Jr. of the Discovery Channel hit show "Senior Vs Junior American Chopper" unveiled a new custom bike and filmed an all-new American Chopper TV show that debuts March 26th on the Discovery Channel.

Victory Motorcycle demo rides weree open all week at Daytona International Speedway.Tuesday, March 13th, Big Engine was in concert for a Victory Motorcycle Bike Night at Dirty Harry's on Main Street.

Wednesday, March 14th was the 3rd Annual Victory Custom Bike Show at Volusia Motorsports, 1701 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach.

Friday, March 16th, Victory owners rode with Zach Ness. Kickstands up at 10am from Volusia Motorsports. The ride ends at Halifax Harbor Marina, where Victory owners are invited to a luncheon from noon to 2pm at the Blue Grotto.

Thursday, March 15th - Bike Builders Dave Perewitz and Paul Yaffe played host to this year's Biker Fusion "Salute to the Troops" benefit, 7 to 10pm at  Dog House Bar & Grill on Main Street that featured a live auction, entertainment and a number of great bikes from an impressive line-up of builders, moto-journalists and industry notables. 100% of the proceeds went to Soldiers' Angels, a volunteer-led non-profit that provides aid and comfort to active servicemen and women of the US military, as well as veterans and their families.
 
  

Thursday, March 15th, Willie's Tropical Tattoo Old School Chopper Time Show at 824 S. Younge St. Ormond Beach. (click link for photos and details.) 

One of the biggest crowds, ever turned out for the 2012 Chopper Time bike show. Three bands performed this year: The Dirty Chucks, Hair of the Beast and The Kings. Bigger every year, excellent bobbers, choppers and rats, hot rods and hip place to spend the day: The lot is always packed, and is always a great "adult" party time, with BBQ and cheap beer -- noon to 4pm on the last Thursday.

Friday, March 16th, the 22nd Boardwalk Classic Bike Show @ Oceanside boardwalk at Main Street.

- 20 classes from domestic to metric with 50 trophies. Call Bill Chaffin at 386.871.0398.

      

Saturday, March 17th - the World Famous Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show celebrated a 40th anniversary at Daytona Bike Week with an all-day show at Daytona Lagoon: 601 Earl Street (north side of the Ocean Center.) Trophies in 23 classes.

Daytona Beach Chamber of Commers is the official sponsor of Daytona Bike Week. 

Marco "Sic" Simoncelli Killed in MotoGP Crash

MotoGP has lost a star: Marco Simoncelli

Friends all over the world are morning the death of Italian Superbike racer Marco Simoncelli, who died in a crash Sunday in the first lap of the MotoGP race in Sepang, Malaysian.

The 24-year-old Honda rider, affectionately known as "Sic" lost control and veered across the track into the path of riders Colin Edwards and Simoncelli's compatriot Valentino Rossi. His helmet was knocked off in the collision that left him face-down and motionless on the asphalt track.

The race at Sepang International Circuit was immediately red-flagged and later cancelled.

Marco died of head, neck and chest injuries, and cardiac arrest at 4:56pm, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. With only one remaining race in Spain left in the MotoGP Championship, he was in fierce competition for the top position with Casey Stoner, who is now the undisputed 2011 world champion.

Ironically, his career ended at the same track that was the scene of his 250cc world championship victory in 2008.

American Honda team racer, Colin Edwards reportedly suffered a separated shoulder as a result of the crash, when he fell on the track Sunday. Rossi, who rides for Ducati, made only brief contact with the bikes on the track. He was uninjured but emotionally devastated by the loss. 

"Sic for me was like a youngest brother. So strong on track and so sweet in the normal life. I will miss him a lot," - Valentino Rossi said in the early hours of Monday morning, Malaysian time via his official Twitter account @ValeYellow46.

The last fatal crash in the world motorcycling championship was last year when Japan's Shoya Tomizawa was killed. MotoGP is the world´s premier motorcycling championship, with a season of 18 Grands Prix in 13 countries bringing together the world´s top motorcycle manufacturers.

Fastest Man on Two-Wheels: Bill Warner Breaks 300 MPH

Congrats to Bill Warner, who became the fastest man on two wheels with his 311.945 mph pass on Sunday morning on a turbocharged 1299cc Suzuki at the Loring Timing Association’s Land Speed Race at the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine.

The 42-year old rider from Wimauma, Florida topped the 300 mph barrier for conventional motorcycles on July 17, 2011, beating his own world record of 278.6 mph set last October in Texas.

Faster speeds have been recorded on the enclosed missle-like streamliner motorcycles, but this is the first time a rider has broken the 300 MPH barrier on a conventional two-wheeled bike.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Isle of Man TT Zero Is Proving Ground For MotoCzysz

Two American companies have again used the annual TT Zero electric motorcycle race at the British Isle of Man to spotlight Remy Electric Motors HVH 250™ and the MotoCzysz D1g1tal Dr1ve power system by capturing first and second place wins and setting another race course record on the 37.73-mile Isle of Man (IOM) mountain course.

First, here are video highlights of the 2011 Isle of Man TT Races, considered the most important in the world. This year, during the two week TT festival, more than 800,000 unique users in 201 countries visited the iomtt.com website. John McGuinness came from behind to take his 17th TT victory in the final race on Friday, June 10th setting a new Race Record time of 1:45.45.80, beating Steve Plater’s 2009 time.




In the annual TT Zero electric motorcycle race at the Isle of Man on June 9th, MotoCzysz bikes designed and manufactued in the USA captured both the top speed and overall course speed records. MotoCzysz' 2011 model posted a top speed of 149.5mph, beating the 2010 top speed of 135mph. The machine also set a course record with an average lap speed of 99.604mph.

After a record-setting win last year using Remy HVH250 technology in the MotoCzysz proprietary D1g1tal Dr1ve (DD1) power system, MotoCzysz entered its 2010 E1pc machine in the 2011 race. In addition, MotoCzysz ran a new E1pc model, also using Remy's HVH250 technology in the DD1, to complete the 2011 "Segway MotoCzysz" Team. The new bike, ridden by Michael Rutter, placed first, with the 2010 model, ridden by Mark Miller, placing second. Launched in 2009, the TT Zero is a clean-emissions speed race of electric motorcycles that make one lap around the 37.73-mile Isle of Man (IOM) mountain course.

"Our close relationship with Remy is resulting in electric drives that are leading the industry. The core technology from the Remy HVH250, around which we have built our D1g1tal Dr1ve, performed flawlessly at the IOM the last 2 years. We were thrilled to return to the podium with first and second place finishes in the race and set course speed records along the way," said MotoCzysz CEO Michael Czysz. "Remy continues to be the perfect choice for us. The HVH 250 has superior power and torque density and its compact and lightweight design fits our D1g1tal Dr1ve on the bikes perfectly. With each race, we have pushed the Remy HVH technology harder, and it has responded with victory." 

MotoCzysz (based in Portland, Oregon) and Remy (based in Pendleton, Indiana) now own the fastest three laps ever executed by an electric vehicle around the challenging mountain circuit on the IOM.

"Motorsports has been a long time proving ground for innovative technologies," noted Kevin Quinn, VP and general manager of Remy Electric Motors. "This year's zero emissions electric motorcycle race was a great opportunity to demonstrate that the 2010 win could be repeated with the Remy electric HVH technology and MotoCzysz engineering savvy. With an extraordinary victory for both its bikes at Isle of Man, MotoCzysz helped Remy show the world how strong and powerful the Remy HVH 250™ technology and DD1 are in the most demanding of racing conditions."

MotoCzysz has used HVH250 core technology to create the winning D1g1tal Dr1ve, the same core technology that resides in the HVH250 motor, available from Remy. The Remy Electric Motors HVH 250 is the next evolution of the advanced electric motor for hybrid and electric vehicle applications based on Remy's patented High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) technology. Remy's HVH technology provides dramatically improved motor performance and cooling effectiveness versus competitors. The HVH electric motor's world-class torque and power density deliver increased range in all-electric drive mode and is compact and lightweight, which contributes to vehicle efficiency.

Companies including GM, Allison, Mercedes, BMW, Amp Electric Vehicles, ZAP-Jonway, Odyne, and Alte have chosen the Remy HVH electric motor for its superior technology, reliability and the speed to market that comes with Remy's existing global production capacity. The Remy HVH electric motor technology can be integrated into a car, truck, motorcycle, large transit bus and virtually any piece of equipment that can be converted to hybrid or electric.

Today, there are more than 90,000 Remy compact HVH electric motors on the road that have been driven a combined total of over a billion miles. 

Remy International, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer, remanufacturer and distributor of light duty starters and alternators and Delco Remy brand heavy-duty systems. Remy International also manufactures and distributes electric propulsion motors designed with leading edge technology and backed by the security of over a billion miles of proven reliability. In business for over 100 years, today Remy International is actively collaborating with companies throughout the world to develop innovations that are transforming the vehicle industry. Recently, Remy was recognized by the United States Department of Energy for its leadership role in the hybrid technologies space and awarded a $60 million grant under the Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative.

The 2012 Isle of Man races are scheduled for May 28th to June 8th.
Details at IOMTT.com

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

What's Happening At The 88th Laconia Motorcycle Week?

Saturday - More than 200 riders participated in the Peter Markris Memorial Ride & Run around Lake Winnipesaukee in spite of rain at the start of the 88th Laconia Motorcycle Week.

The debut of the Full Throttle Saloon in Laconia and the filming of their TruTV reality show is a landmark event at this year's rally.

English Don & Steg Von Heitz (former partners with Indian Larry) will be at the Lobster Pond Biker Build-Off all week with their bikes. Famous for his Babylon Taxi springer... above photo is English Don with his new build, Babylon Taxi II.

English Don is also making daily appearances at the Iron Horse Magazine booth at Broken Spoke Saloon, where you can grab some great NYC shirts, pics, magazines and CD's.

Six shops are competing in the Biker Build-Off at Lobster Pond - June 13 to 18. Irish Choppers (Dudley, MA), Pitoniak's Custom Cycles (Belchertown, MA), Ready Customs (New Hamptom), Vintage Custom Cycles (Sandown, NH), Deadwood Choppers (NY), and Masshole Moto (Cape Cod.) 

For more than 35 years, Lobster Pond has been the cornerstone at Weirs Beach, NH.

You can also grab the latest copy of Cycle Source Magazine at the Lobster Pond.

AMA National Gypsy Tour and many other scenic rides roll out daily from the official Laconia Rally Headquarters at the Weir's Waterslide. There are also fireworks at 10pm. 

Flat Track Races at Big Daddy’s Speed Bowl in Rumney, NH - Three shows will be available, daily - plus bike wash, massages, music, food, and beer.

Wednesday - Bikers BBQ after the HillClimb at Beans and Greens Farm on RT. 11 (245 Intervale Rd, Gilford). Chicken BBQ, BYOB from 3-6pm. All are welcome!

Thusrsday - June 16th enjoy a beautiful "Ride to the Sky" - Mt. Washington Auto Road is celebrating a 150th anniversary in 2011. Open every day during Laconia Bike Week - Motorcycles Only on Thursday, June 16th. "Ride To The Sky" Motorcycle Ride with guide vans for extra passengers and vendors begins at 10am June 16th.

Saturday - Rolling Thunder Races! New England Dirt track Series at Jolly Roger's Motor-Sports Park on Rt. 10 in East Lempster, NH. Gates open at 3, Racing begins at 5:30.

For more rally details, visit: LaconiaMCWeek.com 

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Laconia Bike Week 2011, June 11 to 19 Event Schedule

Laconia, New Hampshire is home to one of the biggest and oldest rallies in the United States., dating back to 1923 and drawing crowds of 400,000 to ride in the beautiful New England countryside. Wherever you look, there are bikes on the scenic highways between Laconia and Loudon.

This year's rally is June 11 to 19, 2011.


June 11 - Swap Meet in Ashland, NH - at L.W. Packard Bell Field. Free to attend. Vending spaces $35.


June 11 - 4th Annual Rally for Kids in Crisis - 8:30am start at the 1st Assemble of God Church - 45 Myles Drive in Auburn, NH. This is a 100-mile scenic regional ride. $25 rider fee and $10 passenger fee includes lunch. Details: ManchesterAssembly.org

June 11 - 5th Annual Peter Markris Memorial Ride Around The Lake - Starting point 11am to 1pm NASWA Resort and Beach Bar in Laconia. - details at http://www.naswa.com/


June 11 - Blessing of the Motorcycles at Laconia Bike Week - 3 to 4pm on opening day of the rally at United Baptist Church in Lakeport, followed by 4 to 5pm church service and a spaghetti dinner, 5 to 7pm for $10 donation.

June 11 - Laconia Kickoff & NHMRO 35th Anniversary Party at Deerhead Sportsmen's Club in Hooksett, NH - 1 to 9pm with good food and live music.

Enjoy a beautiful ride to Kancamangus Trail and Mt Washington.
Mt. Washington "Ride to the Sky" - Mt. Washington Auto Road is celebrating a 150th anniversary in 2011. Open every day during Laconia Bike Week - Motorcycles Only on Monday, June 13th and Thursday, June 16th. "Ride To The Sky" Motorcycle Ride with guide vans for extra passengers and vendors begins at 10am June 16th.

Jagermeister Promos - Laconia Bike Week Jun 11 - Jun 19, 2011
Rally Headquarters - 11am to 5pm - Broken Spoke Saloon - 5 to 7pm - Bullwinkle's in Ashland - 7:30 to 9:30pm every day of the rally.

Flat Track Races at Big Daddy’s Speed Bowl in Rumney, NH - Three shows will be available, daily - plus bike wash, massages, music, food, and beer.

Biker Build-Off at Lobster Pond - June 13 to 18 - six shops competing for prizes. Builders include Irish Choppers (Dudley, MA), Pitoniak's Custom Cycles (Belchertown, MA), Ready Customs (New Hamptom), Vintage Custom Cycles (Sandown, NH), Deadwood Choppers (NY), and Masshole Moto (Cape Cod) - according to the official rally website: http://www.laconiamcweek.com/

Daytona Bike Week 2011 Bike Shows & Races

Here's the latest update on the 70th Daytona Bike Week - March 4 to 13th, 2011.

BIKE SHOWS - At least 7 bike shows have been announced: Limpnickie Lot, Church of Chop, Pro-Am, Ol School Chopper, Sport Bike Fest, Boarwalk Ride-in & Rat's Hole Chopper Show.

Bator's Classic Daytona Motorcycle Auction  during Bike Week will include the Eddie James (estate) BMW collection.

The Daytona 200 and Daytona Supercross have been moved to stand-alone weekends.

The Daytona Supercross will kick off race week at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, March 5th. The Daytona Flat Track, just behind Turn 1, will come alive March 5 for three days of amateur racing. The AMA Pro Flat Track events are scheduled from March 10-11 and the Daytona 200 will be raced on Saturday night, March 12th.

DAYTONA BEACH - In preparation for the 70th anniversary of Bike Week, the Daytona Regional Chamber's Bike Week Festival Task Force has selected the official logo design.

The official Bike Week 2011 logo was submitted by Hayworth Creative Public Relations of Ormond Beach, Fla., which has previously submitted winning designs for the 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2010. Each of those logos is the work of illustrator and designer Brian Boesch of Itchy Illustration.

2011 DAYTONA BIKE WEEK - BIKE SHOWS

Limpnickie Lot - Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. South Daytona. Ride-in bike show TBA and a great place to check out a new generation of builders.
Church of Chop - Old School Rod & Bike Show at The Junkyard Saloon, DeLeon Springs - Friday, March 4th and Saturday, March 5th.
Pro-Am Bike Show - at The DeLand Bike Rally - Sunday, March 6th to Thurs., March 10th.
Ol School Chopper Show - at Willie's Tropical Tattoo, 824 S. Yonge St., Ormond Beach -
Thursday, March 10th.
Boardwalk Ride-in Bike Show - Oceanside boardwalk at Main Street - Friday, March 11th.
- 20 classes from domestic to metric with 50 trophies. Call Bill Chaffin at 386.871.0398.
Rat's Hole Bike Show - Daytona Lagoon, beachside on Earl Street - Sat., March 12th.
Sport Bike Fest - Hottest Custom Contest - at Martini's Chop House, 1815 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, Saturday, March 12th.

Bator's Daytona Classic Motorcycle Auction - Thursday's Parts & Memorabilia Auction, March 10 will include the massive BMW (estate) collection of motorcycle icon, Eddie James. Swap Meet, March 9 to 11; Classic Motorcycle Auction on Friday, March 11.

DAYTONA BIKE WEEK 2010 was the backdrop for an Indian Motorcycle Wedding. The bride and groom rode into the Daytona Beach Hilton on their Indian Motorcycles for the reception and lead a parade down Main Street.


BIKE RACES
The Daytona International Speedway has repaved the track. And the 2011 Daytona 200 Motorcycle Week will have a radical new look from season's past as Daytona International Speedway splits its two biggest races into back-to-back weekend events.


In recent years, the Daytona Supercross and Daytona 200 have been staged on consecutive days over the final days of 'Cycle Week on Friday and Saturday, or Saturday and Sunday. Now those two major motorcycle events will be held on different weekends during the traditional Bike Week time frame. The first weekend of activity will focus solely on the Supercross course, which will be carved into the infield grass dividing the tri-oval from pit road.

The Daytona Supercross, the birthplace of Supercross in the United States and the longest continuous Supercross event in America since 1971, will now kick off 'Cycle Week on Saturday night, March 5. The Daytona 200, a motorcycle race that has a history back to the 1930s, will be staged one a week later on March 12.

"Moving the Daytona 200 and Daytona Supercross to stand-alone weekends will further allow us to grow both events as well as the remainder of the March motorcycle schedule," Speedway president Joie Chitwood III said. "This new-look schedule gives motorcycle fans a better opportunity to enjoy all the different racing events that are showcased here."


The most historic, demanding and challenging Supercross event of the year, which has recently featured star riders such as Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart, Chad Reed, Kevin Windham and Andrew Short, this year served as the finale to the two-wheel racing program. For more information, call the Speedway at 800-748-7467.