April 24, 2007
Pickerington, OH - The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum announces
"Malcolm!," a new exhibit honoring the legendary career of off-road racing
champion, movie star, motorcycling ambassador, tireless fundraiser and
mega-dealer Malcolm Smith. Inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in
1998, Smith - supported by noted colleagues and friends - will return to
help dedicate "Malcolm!" on July 26, 2007 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Museum. The dedication ceremony will be preceded by a special June 7
exhibit preview and Museum fundraiser at Smith's Riverside, CA, dealership.
"Malcolm!" is presented by Tucker Rocky.
One of the most multi-faceted competitors ever to take to the dirt, Smith
wowed fans for over three decades with numerous trips to the victory podium.
His racing career included six Baja 1000 victories, four Baja 500 wins,
eight gold medals at the International Six Day Trials (ISDT) and a
collection of four-wheel victories. However, it was his co-starring role in
the 1971 moto movie epic On Any Sunday that garnered him the most
recognition. Produced by Bruce Brown and Steve McQueen, the movie helped
launch America's love affair with dirt biking - and introduced Malcolm to
scores of new fans. Ever active and passionate about motorcycling, Smith
today continues his work as an industry ambassador and successful multi-line
motorcycle dealer. He also donates his time to give back to the country
where he left such an impression as a racer: Smith's annual charity ride
across the Baja Peninsula, Six Days of Baja, has grown to include
seventy-five riders and to-date has contributed over $350,000 to orphanages
in Mexico.
"Malcolm!" is the fourth in a series of Legends exhibits at the Motorcycle
Hall of Fame Museum. Curated by long-time friend and colleague Tom White of
White Brothers Performance, the exhibit will feature machines and
memorabilia from Smith's own collection. Significant motorcycles will
include Smith's first race bike, a 1950 Matchless, and the Husqvarna 400
Cross he rode in On Any Sunday. Additional bikes include Smith's first-ever
motorcycle, a Lambretta 125DL, and the 1967 Husqvarna ISDE 250 he rode to
his first ISDT gold medal. Ephemera such as trophies from Smith's Baja 1000
victories, ISDT gear, personal photographs and previously unseen video will
illustrate his illustrious career.
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Executive Director Mark Mederski says Smith's
career, and continued contributions to the motorcycling industry, made him a
natural choice for the Museum's Hall of Legends. Mederski says, "Smith has
won legions of fans over the years. Through racing, business, and charitable
work he has raised the stature of the motorcycling industry as a whole and
we are proud to feature his story in the Hall of Legends." Smith,
accompanied by family and friends, will cut the ribbon at the exhibit's
dedication, providing a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to visit the
Museum and witness motorcycling history.
Two Opportunities for Everyone to Celebrate "Malcolm!"
Malcolm Smith's legions of friends, family and colleagues will gather on
June 7 at 7 pm for an exhibit preview at Malcolm Smith Motorsports in
Riverside, CA. The event is open to the public and, in addition to a first
glimpse of several exhibit motorcycles and memorabilia, will feature an
exclusive live auction benefiting the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Items
up for bid range from a Jeremy McGrath autographed Bell Moto-8 helmet to
autographed On Any Sunday movie posters. For more information on the
exhibit preview event, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
The following month, "Malcolm!" opens at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
in Pickerington, OH for a one-year engagement. The dedication ceremony and
reception is scheduled for 6 pm Thursday July 26 and is open to the public.
Colleagues such as fellow On Any Sunday star and Motorcycle Hall of Famer
Mert Lawwill will join Smith at the official ribbon cutting and opening
reception. While at the Museum, visitors can also enjoy "Motocross
America," the extensive exhibit tracing America's original action sport, on
the Museum's main gallery level. Scheduled to precede the July 27 - 29 AMA
Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH,
"Malcolm!" is the perfect beginning to an entire weekend of world-class
motorcycle heritage and history.
Collectors Invited to Contribute
Collectors wishing to lend their Smith bikes or ephemera in support of the
exhibit are invited to contact Executive Director Mark Mederski at the
Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Says Mederski, "With a versatile career like
Malcolm Smith's, we expect a treasure trove of additional bikes, photos and
ephemera preserved in private collections. While we have already identified
a good selection of these, we enthusiastically welcome additions that help
us create the ultimate Smith retrospective." Mederski can be reached at
(614)856-2222 or mmederski@motorcyclemuseum.org.
For a complete online biography of Malcolm Smith, visit the Motorcycle Hall
of Fame section at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.