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AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Welcomes Chuck Palmgren

We have presented you the first seven members to join Class of 2009 of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame by now. It is now time to introduce to you the eighth choice of the Jury, dirt-track racer and tuner, Chuck Palmgren.

Palmgren has won multiple events as a racer and later earned his place between racing’s leading tuners. The apogee of his career was between the late 60s and the early70s, when he won five Nationals (Santa Rosa Mile, Sacramento Mile, Nazareth Mile. Westbury half-mile and the Indianapolis Mile).

"Chuck Palmgren excelled in an era when success on the track meant the rider had to be both racer and tuner -- not just understanding how to ride fast, but being able build a motorcycle to go fast, as well," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Palmgren stood out among his peers in each area. That's even more evident in his later career, which he spent exclusively on the tuning end of the wrench."

During his racing career he had numerous top 10 finishes on the national circuit. Despite his success, Palmgren never hesitated to help a fellow racer or to stop and make time to sign an autograph for a fan.

"This is a great honor," said Palmgren. "I'm very surprised to be nominated. I'm happy to see dirt track represented along with the other great areas of motorcycling, from those who protect our rights to those who promote the sport and help open it up to others."

Since Palmgren is the eighth member to make it to the Class of 2009, there is only one member left to be announced by AMA. All nine members will be officially inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame on December 5, at the Hard Rock Hotel Casino.
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