Each year the BMW MOA Foundation recognizing an individual and a company for their contribution to the spirit of motorcycling through the Motorcycling Excellence Awards. Winners for 2008 were presented with their awards at the International Rally in Gillette, Wyoming.
Individual Award – Hugh H. (Harry) Hurt Jr.
Professor Hurt is the highly regarded author of the most comprehensive and well-known study of motorcycling ever conducted in the USA, which was aptly named the Hurt Report. Twenty-five years later, he continues to help riders through his Head Protection Research Laboratory, a non-profit corporation formed to conduct research on motorcycle accidents and provide training. Please click to read Dr. Hurt's acceptance comments.
Corporate Award – Markel Insurance
Markel Insurance is also known as the BMW MOA Endorsed Insurance Program, which rewards our members for safe, conscientious riding. They are also strong supporters of the BMW MOA Foundation. This year they donated a beautiful 1974 R75/6 that was raffled off at the International Rally in Wyoming that generated a substantial donation to the Foundation. This donation was in addition to their financial support throughout the previous year.
Previous recepients are:
Individual Award
- David Hough, for his many texts on motorcycle safety
- Jeff Dean for his work in motorcycle safety for over more than 30 years.
- Paul Glaves for continuing work in providing timely & accurate tech information relating to safe operation, maintenance and repair of BMW motorcycles.
- Rob Lentini for his tireless efforts promoting the sport and dedication to the BMW community through his volunteer efforts
- Larry Grodsky for his work of training countless riders to ride safer
- Roger Wiles for his work to make riding safer through the MotoSafe Articles as well as his continuing support of the Foundation
Corporate Award
- BMW AG for pioneering the development of Integral ABS power assisted braking system on many of it's models.
- Reg Pridmore/CLASS recognizing the contributions of this valuable program to the proficiency training of thousands of motorcyclists over many years.
- Aerostich recognizing its contribution to safe riding through their Roadcrafter Suit as well as their support of motorcycling through their catalogs
- Conspicuity for making retroreflective equipment available to the motorcycling public, designed specifically for motorcyclists.
- Bob's BMW for their support of the riding community, including the sponsorship of beginning riding classes as well as adding to the community through their constant support of all riders
- Motorcycle Consumer News is a well-respected, widely circulated monthly magazine for all motorcycle enthusiasts. Their commitment to safety is apparent in regular features such as Mental Motorcycling, Medical Motorcycling, Proficient Motorcycling, and Street Strategy to name a few.
If you have any suggestions for nominees, please contact us.