Etc.
etc.
CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK?
With the success of the TV movie "CHiPs '99," Erik Estrada mania is on the upswing. Okay, maybe not. Nonetheless, Estrada will represent Famous Fixins' new line of low-fat yucca and plantain chips, which means the Hispanic heart-throb will be on the package wearing his California Highway Patrol uniform. Says a company spokesman, "Erik Estrada is a household name, recognizable around the world...What better to introduce a line of chips?" Look for them in a grocery store near you.
SHOP ONLINE
Need an air gauge, gloves or tires, but don't want to leave home? Then point your server to www.motorcycle-superstore. That's the internet address for Motorcycle USA, an online buying center specializing in motorcycle accessories, apparel and parts. Shopping-cart technology makes buying easy, and Secure Server Software encrypts confidential customer information.
WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES
Motocross is once again among the scheduled events at the World Police and Fire Games. Slated for July 16-25, 1999, in Stockholm, Sweden, the games are open to police officers, fire fighters, and customs and prison officials. U.S. Customs helicopter pilot Henry Jones is organizing the North American effort. No more than 150 riders will be allowed to compete, he says, so get your entry in early. Racer travel packages are available through Jones at 520/670-6546, extension 288.
MAX BHP
Preparations are underway for the American Motorcycle Institute's 1999 Brute Horsepower Shootout, scheduled for March 2-6. Once again, the competition will be held at AMI's campus in Daytona Beach, Florida, on a SuperFlow CycleDyn dynamometer. Firstand second-place finishers in the 15 classes will be eligible for a total of $50,000 in cash and contingency awards. Last year, Mo Parsons topped the Unlimited division with his 495horsepower Mr. Turbo Kawasaki ZX-11. Think you can top that? Give AMI a call at 800/874-0645.
LECTRA ON THE LOOSE
Sparks are flyin' in the Southwest, as Electric Motorbike's Lectra hits showroom floors in Southern California, Nevada and Texas. But the big news is the rumor that the company is in the midst of sales talks with a major manufacturer. Hmmm... Featured in the April, 1998, Roundup, the electric-powered bike has a claimed top speed of 45 mph, will go approximately 30 miles on a charge and can be recharged from any three-prong outlet. Its suggested retail price is $3995.
AMA DIAMOND JUBILEE
The American Motorcyclist Association is commemorating its 75th anniversary with a bevy of bike-related events. First up is the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days West/Sonomafest, scheduled for April 17-18 at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, California. In July, "75 Years of Excitement" opens at the expanded Motorcycle Heritage Museum at the AMA's new 23-acre campus in Pickerington,
Ohio. The exhibit depicts AMA history from 1924 to present, and includes more than 100 motorcycles. Centerpiece for the year-long celebration will be the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, set for July 9-11 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. For more information, contact the AMA at 614/891-2425.
RICKMAN REMEMBERED
Acclaimed chassis-makers and racers Don and Derek Rickman will serve as grand marshals for the AHRMA vintage events at Daytona Bike Week ‘99. Plans call for a concours d'elegance featuring the marque-with the brothers as judges-during the AHRMA Classic Days on March 2 at Daytona International Speedway, and a Rickman/Metisse moto at the AHRMA Speed & Sport National Vintage round at Hardrock Cycle Park in Ocala, Florida. More information is available from AHRMA at 814/778-2291.
