Harley-Davidson motors - Hot Bike Magazine

Some, such as Bill Johnson, changed the business, and others, such as Doug Henry, thrilled us with race wins and dramatic comebacks. Some, such as Jerry Branch, toiled quietly in a workshop yet earned the admiration of thousands. Some so clearly and flamboyantly loved their slice of motorcycling that they became famous-notably, Scott "Mr. Daytona" Russell and T.C. Christenson, the man who unleashed "Hogslayer."

But when it came time to collect their medals as members of the Hall of Fame, they were all humble.

"As a young boy back in Memphis, I never dreamed anything like this would happen," said Jerry Branch, who worked 61 years in the industry and added, "Every day was like Christmas."

T.C. Christenson's drag-racing exploits on dual-engine Nortons took him across the country and across Europe-not bad, he noted, for an ordinary guy working out of a shop in Kenosha, WI. But the motivation was simple.

"I simply got into it for the thrill of it all," he said.

From a Hall of Famer to a first-time rider, that's a sentiment any motorcyclist can understand.

The Class of 2005Ralph Berndt-Dominant Harley-Davidson tuner from 1957 to 1967. Won four consecutive No. 1 plates with Carroll Resweber.

Jerry Branch-Master tuner of Harley-Davidson motors for AMA Grand National Dirt Track racing and stock-based engines for the street. Owner of Branch Flowmetrics and noted author of many books on Harley-Davidson engine optimization.

Tom Cates-Sales rep for Honda motorcycles in the early '60s. West Coast BSA Distribution Manager in mid-'60s, followed by BSA National Sales Manager and manager for K&N Engineering. Flat-track racer in the '50s.

Tom Christenson-Last successful campaigner of Norton drag bikes in the U.S. National record holder in the '70s. Builder of the 1620cc "Hog Slayer," the motorcycle that bridged drag racing's early amateur days and today's professional sport.

Doug Henry-AMA Motocross and Supercross Champion. 1993 125cc East Supercross. 1993 & 1994 125cc Motocross. 1998 250cc Motocross. 1998 AMA Athlete of the Year. Member of the United States 1998 Motocross des Nations team.

Bill Johnson-First U.S. importer and distributor of Triumph and Ariel motorcycles. Pioneered the establishment and growth of British motorcycle sales in the U.S.

Nick Nicholson-Competitor and sponsor of Catalina Grand Prix, desert races, trials competition, scrambles, flat-track, and road racing. Multi-winner of Catalina Grand Prix and 1954 winner of the 100-mile Daytona Beach race. One of the first Americans to compete in the British Scrambles. In 1959 Nicholson Motors Inc. became the American distributor of Greeves Motorcycles.

Scott Russell-AMA Superbike Champion 1992, AMA Superstock Champion 1990-'92. World Superbike Champion 1993. Superbike Rookie of the Year 1988. Athlete of the Year 1992. Won 1993 Suzuka Eight Hour. First five-time winner of the Daytona 200, earning him the nickname "Mr. Daytona."

Gavin Trippe-Legendary promoter of virtually every type of racing, including Trans AMA series, U.S. Grand Prix Motocross, Superbikers, Trans Atlantic Match Races, Ascot 1/2-mile dirt track. Brought the 500cc U.S. Grand Prix of Motocross to America. Invented, promoted, and trademarked the "Superbikers," the foundation for today's "Super Motard" competition.