Eight people were added to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame over the weekend. The new members include Dave Arnold, Nancy Davidson, Gary Denton, Tommy Hays, Loretta Lynn, Scott Plessinger, Kenny Tolbert and Ryan Villopoto.
All have contributed to the sport in some way. Dave Arnold worked for American Honda, helping to develop some of the greatest racing talents and motorcycles. He has helped Honda shape its Supercross and Motocross program. Gary Denton was a dominate ATV racer in the 80’s and 90’s winning the AMA ATV Grand National Championship eight years in a row. Loretta Lynn has had a massive impact on the motocross community, welcoming 60,000 riders since 1982 at her ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Scott Plessinger was a top off-road racer in the 80’s and 90’s winning several titles throughout his career. Tuner Kenny Tolbert helped develop motorcycles that carried riders to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. The youngest of the group, Ryan Villopoto has accumulated five AMA Pro Motocross and four Supercross Championships on his Kawasaki. In addition to the titles, Villopoto has tallied 41 main event wins and 31 national title wins earning him the nickname “Villopodium”. Tommy Hayes and Nancy Davidson were also recognized for their contributions to the motorcycle communities.