PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, located in Pickerington, Ohio, will spotlight over 100 of the world’s most recognizable enthusiasts in its new exhibit, MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles.
Scheduled to open in spring 2008, the 8,000-square-foot exhibit will feature many priceless machines, exclusive memorabilia and tales from celebrities’ favorite two-wheel adventures.
Going further
“The Guggenheim Museum’s Art of the Motorcycle exhibition was the first-ever motorcycle exhibit to reach beyond the core enthusiast and embrace the general public — and it proved to be one of the most successful museum exhibits ever,” said exhibit curator David Morris. “MotoStars will go even further. The exhibit not only presents celebrity machines, it provides a rare glimpse into the passion that has brought famous persons and motorcycling together.”
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Rare images, footage, memorabilia and ephemera will play a major role in illustrating individuals and their love for two wheels.
A VIP gala and dedication ceremony featuring MotoStars, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, industry leaders and enthusiasts will be held June 27-28 on the grounds of the museum.
Celebrities
Notable celebrities offering personal motorcycles and memorabilia to the exhibit include:
— Auto racing legend and Alligator motorcycle inventor and manufacturer Dan Gurney
— General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz
— Jeff Lacy, super middleweight boxing star
— Wally Dallenbach Sr., champion race car driver and founder of the Colorado 500
— “King of the Kustomizers” George Barris
— Rock legend “Rush” drummer and lyricist Neil Peart
Famous movie bikes include the 2004 MV Agusta F4-SPR ridden by Will Smith in I, Robot. Exotic custom motorcycles designed and built by Austin Weiss for entertainers will also be featured.
Contributors
Other contributors include:
— Barrett Brooks, Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers tackle, will lend his Sara Liberte-built custom bike, as well as personal memorabilia.
The music industry is also well-represented in the exhibit.
— Queensryche guitarist Mike Stone’s Buell motorcycle and Erik Buell-designed guitar will be featured alongside custom motorcycles built for Def Leppard drummer Ric Allen and Blink182 drummer Travis Barker.
Additionally, a leading Buddy Holly collector will provide rare ephemera from the rock ‘n’ roll legend.
Chad McQueen honors his legendary father, the late actor Steve McQueen, by contributing memorabilia, photos and McQueen’s competition motorcycle from the International Six Day Trials.
Actor and motorcyclist Francesco Quinn will lend the motorcycle he rode in the new Quentin Tarantino and Larry Bishop film Hell Ride, in addition to offering an intimate glimpse into the two-wheel passions of his father, legendary actor Anthony Quinn.
Easy rider
Dan Haggerty, known worldwide as star of the television series Grizzly Adams, will also participate in the exhibit. A Hollywood stuntman, biker movie actor and bike builder for celebrities, Haggerty helped create the chopper featured in the most famous motorcycle movie of all time, Easy Rider.
Finally, through the eyes of respected stunt people, the exhibit offers a rare look behind the scenes at Hollywood’s portrayal of motorcycling.
The art of Von Dutch, Hollywood motorcycle cult figure, is also represented courtesy of a prominent collector.
Online tour
For an online tour of current Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum exhibits and a schedule of upcoming events and special activities, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum will release MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles, The Book, in conjunction with the exhibit. The coffee-table volume will complement the exhibit, presenting a comprehensive examination of the relationship between celebrities and motorcycling.
Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum honors those who have contributed to the sport. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Admission
Adult admission is $10 per person; students 12-17, $3; American Motorcyclist Association members, $5; Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket. A $25 family rate and group rates are also available.
For more information, call 614-856-2222, or visit the museum’s Web site at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
