Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas location for 2009 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction

Each year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum invites a group of special individuals to take a well-deserved seat among the greats of motorcycling history, and this Dec. 5, the annual induction ceremony will go down at its coolest location ever: the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.

This year's class includes industry innovator Robert Bates, off-road racer Randy Hawkins, suspension pioneer Gilles Vaillancourt, off-highway rights activist Mona Ehnes, industry entrepreneurs and technological trailblazers Geoff and Bob Fox, longtime motorcycle safety proponent David Hough, noted race team manager Gary Mathers, and successful dirt-track racer and tuner Chuck Palmgren.

"The AMA is firmly dedicated to elevating the stature of our Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "While the $1 million endowment that the AMA Board of Directors announced in February was a significant renewal of that dedication, it was only one part of those efforts. By moving our induction ceremony to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, we intend to give the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum -- and, by extension, our shared history and heritage -- the world-class stage it deserves."

Added Rich Diaz, special events manager for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas: "Motorcycle culture represents freedom, rebellion and an independent spirit. Our property was founded on those principles, so naturally we are beyond pleased to welcome the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony."

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino -- which was recently renovated with new rooms, a new convention space and a new concert venue -- is impressive even by Las Vegas standards, with an 84-foot guitar marking the entrance and, of course, all the glitz and memorabilia that fans have come to expect at Hard Rock Café locations around the world.

Located on the park-like campus of the AMA in Pickerington, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling. Its members include those who have excelled in motorcycle business, history, design and engineering, as well as those who have made lasting contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing.

Event tickets and room reservations are on sale now

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is part of an entire weekend of AMA events at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, which includes AMA Racing Championship Banquet on Friday, Dec. 4.  Full details on all activities are available at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/LetsRock.

Hotel Accommodations: Hotel accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas are available. To reserve a room, click here, or call (800) 473-7625.