BRIEFS
Mees to Take Over Promotion of the Springfield Mile
Derek Rickman , 1933 - 2021
Motorcycle industry icon and AMA ' Hall of Famer ' Derek Rickman passed away July 3 , he was 88 . ( Pic here ) Seen here (# 74 ) racing with his younger brother Don , the Rickmans dominated British MX in the 1960s and did much to shape the evolution of the sport in Europe and USA where Rickman framed bikes were influential to the development of motorcycle racing from the late 1960s through the 1970s . They first rode in trials , then scrambles and eventually MX . Derek represented Britain in the Motocross des Nations in 1959 , 1960 , 1963 , 1964 and 1966 , with Don also on the team in 1963 and 1964 . In the 1950s they started modifying standard BSAs and the term ' Metisse ' entered the industry lexicon - colloquial French for a mongrel ! The modifications became more extensive until , in 1960 , they produced their first frame and christened the complete motorcycle the Mark 3 , which utilized either a Triumph or Matchless engine . Rickman MX bikes became highly prized , and the bulk of them were shipped to America - they were 30 to 40 lbs lighter than the stock bikes , looked beautiful , were compact and with nickel-plated , high-quality , largediameter Reynolds 531 tubing carried the engine oil inside the frame itself . BSA in America asked the Rickmans to build 125 and 250 cc MX bikes . They bought 250 Montesa and 125 Zündapp engines and produced prototypes - and BSA America decided to import them . At one point , Rickman was Britain ' s largest manufacturer producing nearly 4,000 bikes a year - mainly for the U . S . market . Later , Rickman Honda and Kawasaki bikes were some of the most beautiful and highly desirable motorcycles of the 1970s and found great success in competition - with nickel-plated frames , powerful disc brakes and Rickman-made fiberglass fairings . Rickman developed a loyal following , but eventually the market changed with the Japanese manufacturers improving their MX machines and sport bike chassis designs by adapting many of the concepts the Rickman brothers pioneered . Although they diversified , the brothers sold their business in the mid-1980s .
The Springfield Mile has announced new event promoters for 2022 . After four decades of successful event promotion , Kiesow Racing and IMDA are passing the torch to Jared and Nichole Mees of Mees Promotions . Kiesow Racing and IMDA have promoted this legendary race since 1981 , taking great pride in many accomplishments through the years . Such accomplishments include 78 national Mile events , 16 national TTs and 16 national Short Tracks at the Illinois State Fairgrounds . " We proudly supported the sport for 40 years and have amazing memories and even more amazing friends because of it ," said Tommra Kiesow of
Following the announcement that Tucker Powersports has entered the PWC and boating aftermarket , the Fort Worth , Texas based distributor has now confirmed its expected addition of parts , accessories and G & A for the snowmobile and winter sports markets . The new collection will include a broad range of products , available to snowmobile and UTV owners through their local Tucker dealer . The Tucker Snow product line will include apparel , accessories , vehicle parts , tools and snow sports equipment . " This product collection marks Tucker ’ s return to the distribution of winter sports products and the parts and accessories needed to repair and maintain snowmobiles ," said VP Sales Brad Turner . " Over 1,200 of our current dealer customers sell snowmobiles , UTVs and other
Kiesow Racing , adding that they and the IMDA would like to " thank the team that has been so dedicated and helpful in making these events a success ." The future of this iconic event has been entrusted to Mees Promotions . Bringing years of experience as racers and promoters to this event , Jared and Nichole Mees are uniquely set to continue the legacy of flat track ' s crown jewel . Adding to their experience promoting the wildly successful Lima Half-Mile , both Jared and Nichole have raced at the Springfield Mile , were engaged and subsequently married there . " We wish them many years of success
Tucker to Re-Enter the Snow and Winter Sports Markets
winter powersports products . Our new program helps dealers expand their offerings to include winter apparel , snow helmets , replacement parts , lubricants , trailering needs and thousands of suspension , engine and drivetrain components for both competition and casual winter sports . " In addition , the product line includes snowshoes , toboggans , sleds and other items for nonpowered winter fun . " A significant portion of the Tucker Snow catalog is dedicated to a large selection of parts and service items for hundreds of models of
at Springfield and we look forward to being there watching in the stands ," said Kiesow . " The IMDA members and us at Kiesow Racing hope to see all the familiar faces at this year ' s race as we end a 40-year run at Springfield . Thank you all !"
VP Sales Brad Turner : " Our new program helps dealers expand their offerings to include winter apparel and parts ."
snowmobiles from Artic Cat , Polaris , Ski-Doo and Yamaha . The offering includes both OEM replacement parts and performance upgrades ." Notable brands that are included in the catalog and are new to Tucker are Motorfist , Woody ' s , CA Pro Skis , Zox Snow Helmets , Sportstuff and Yukon Charlie ' s . The other brands in the Tucker Snow collection are familiar to Tucker dealers , including 100 %, Quantum , Motion Pro , NGK , Cruz Tools and Yuasa Battery . www . tucker . com
20 AFTERMARKET MOTO DESIGN - SEPTEMBER 2021 www . AMDchampionship . com