Etc.
etc.
YOUNGBLOOD RESIGNS
Embroiled in controversy surrounding a recent multi-million dollar court judgment against the AMA (CW, April, 1999), Ed Youngblood has resigned as the association's president, a position he held for 18 years. Some have alleged that Youngblood's departure is an admission of his mishandling of the events that led up to the lawsuit, but the 55-year-old native Oklahoman disagrees. In a statement, Youngblood said, "My de cision was made in part because of my belief that the organization would benefit from different leadership, and in part for my own health and well-being, and the desire to spend more time with my wife, Margaret." Youngblood joined the AMA in 1970 as managing editor of American Motorcyclist magazine, later serving as head of the government relations de partment. During his tenure, Youngblood also spent 25 years as a delegate to the FIM and rose to the position of deputy president, the organization's secondhighest post. He was the driving force behind the creation of the American Mo torcycle Heritage Foundation and the Motorcycle Heritage Museum. Said AMA Board Chairman Carl Reynolds, "The Board of Trustees regretted receiv ing Ed's resignation, but understands and respects his reasons." At presstime, no replacement had been named. In regards to the lawsuit that brought all of this on, Youngblood had earlier stated that he thought the court ruling unfair. The AMA is currently ap pealing the decision.
TURBO GATHERING
What do Jim Ludiker, former VP at ATP (creators of the legendary Kawasaki Zi R TC Turbo) and Car& Driver Editor-in-Chief Csaba Csere have in common? They both own factory turbocharged motorcy cles, and they're both members of the Turbo Motorcycle International Owners Association. Founded in 1987, the club will hold its ninth rally on June 4-6 in Bryson City, North Carolina. Day rides will include Deal's Gap (318 curves in 11 miles), Fontana Lake (the largest of the Appalachian lakes) and Clingman's Dome (the highest point in the Smoky Moun tains). For more information, contact Bob Miller at 610/431-1404, or point your browser to http://idt.net/-stevel 1.
TWIN CAM RECALL
Harley-Davidson has issued a voluntary recall on all Twin Cam 88 V-Twins manu factured on or before September 27, 1998. Apparently, the bolts that hold the camshafts in place can unexpectedly back off or break. The fix includes new bolts and textured washers, an updated method of installation and use of Loctite. The recall affects approximately 14,000 bikes. See your dealer for details.
RIDE THE WEB
The Internet may be a vast, untamed wilderness, but at least motorcycling is at its forefront. Motorcycle USA's online superstore, for example, which is locat ed at wwwmotorcycle-superstore.com, offers secure online shopping for ac cessories, apparel and parts. For daily news updates, classifieds and Kelley Blue Book values, there's wwwroadrid ers.com. The site also categorizes and rates motorcycle websites, and pro vides free space for clubs and non-prof it organizations.
MORE TWO-WHEELED ART
ww uu First, there was the Guggenheim's "Art of the Motorcycle." Now, the Museum of London is hosting "Rockin' at the Ace Cafe." Photographer Richard Byer ley's contemporary black & white im ages showcase the aging Rockers, Teds and Ton-Up Boys who survived the cafe's heyday. The exhibit runs from March 6 through April 25. For show hours, contact the museum, 011-44171-600-0807.
SPEED SCHOOL
Factory Yoshimura Suzuki roadracer Jason Pridmore has expanded his ontrack portfolio to include teaching. The son of former AMA Superbike champ and CLASS school founder Reg Prid more, Jason recently launched his own instructional camp, the STAR Motorcy cle School. Both oneand two-day classes are planned, with instruction from Pridmore, journalist Lance Hoist and AMA 750 Supersport racer Greg White. For prices and a schedule of classes, call 805/658-6333.
