Hall of Fame Motocrosss

Zoli Berenyi Sr. - Class of 2014

admin — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 20:58:54 +0000

Zoli Berenyi Sr. - Class of 2014 admin Tue, 10/24/2017 - 16:58

A legendary dedication to the sport of motocross continuing well into his 70’s

Zoli Berenyi Sr. moved his family to Canada from Hungary in 1957. Motorcycles had been his primary mode of transportation in the old country and upon arrival in Edmonton he decided to take up racing Scrambles (the original MX) at age 25.

He had never raced before but won his first event in the junior scramble aboard his Royal Enfield. Zoli recognized all the attention was paid to the top racers so he convinced the Canadian Motorcycle Association to allow him to move directly to the Expert class. Of course Zoli won his first expert race and went on to compete as an Expert until age 50 in 1982.

Campaigning a Greeves, Zoli Sr. won the 250 National Championship in1965 followed by a 500cc title in 1967 on a CZ. The combination of the Czech MX bike and Hungarian rider would be a staple for the next 11 years at MX events around the country.

In 1970 Zoli Sr. partnered with his brother in law and fellow Hall of Fame member, Rudi Zacsko Sr. in the very successful business Scona Cycle. Zoli Sr. and Rudi Sr. worked together in their Honda dealership until Zoli’s retirement in 1995.

For 3 decades Zoli Sr won countless Alberta Championships in both Expert and later in the Over 40 class. Zoli would also win the Canadian National Veteran class an unprecedented 6 times from 1983 through 1988.

Zoli Sr. was also the most successful Master Class rider in the Pacific Northwest based Old Timer MX racing circuit. It is however, Zoli Sr.’s achievements at the World Vet Championships held annually at the famous Glenn Helen track in California that sets him apart as an ambassador for Canadian motocross. Despite severely arthritic hands he has won the Over 50 class 3 times, Over 60 class 4 times and from 2002 thru 2006 he won the Over 70 class a record 5 times. Zoli Sr. was limited to12 World Vet Championships by the occasional injury such as two broken legs.

Zoli’s dedication to the sport of motocross is legendary and he continued racing well into his 70’s. He could always be seen repairing the track, shovel in hand or dragging a hose and watering between heats.

Zoli Berenyi Sr. passed away in 2010 and the Edmonton area motorcycle racing community dearly misses him.

His son, Zoli Berenyi Jr. is also a Canadian National Motocross Champion.

Nathaniel Bosum - Class of 2022

Vada — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 21:52:23 +0000

Nathaniel Bosum - Class of 2022 Vada Tue, 02/21/2023 - 16:52

Nathan knew, to be successful he would need to demonstrate discipline, commitment, focus and hard work

Nathaniel Bosum was a highly respected professional motocross, arena-cross and super-cross racer in the CMRC Canadian Nationals and in the AMA American Nationals. He was also a professional snow-cross racer in the SCM Circuit and in 2005, at the age of 16, was named “Rookie of the Year”.

On his fifth birthday, Nathaniel’s parents bought him his first motocross bike. It was obvious that he loved the sport so the family decided to support his growing passion. At a young age he frequently left home to train in Florida to improve his skills. He quickly developed as a rider and started winning championships in the amateur classes making him a future prospect in the eyes of many pro motocross teams.

Nathaniel understood, early on, that to be successful he would need to demonstrate discipline, commitment, focus and hard work. He began his career in racing knowing that he needed to address physical training, mental training, mechanical knowledge and nutritional guidance—and lots of practice. With the instincts of a Cree hunter, he practiced maneuvers with his bikes on the ground and in the air. He monitored how the bikes would react to different parts of a track and he carefully studied the track conditions before any race.

As an Indigenous person, Nathaniel experienced incidents of racism. However, he was able to overcome these incidents through the strength of his character and by remaining faithful to the Cree values he was raised with—respect, caring and sharing. He always remained open-hearted to those who he raced with, he was disarming with his generosity of spirit toward his fellow racers and his friendship with those who he competed against was almost legendary.

Motocross racing became Nathaniel’s passion. Yet he knew how to be competitive without being arrogant—to take pride in his achievements, yet remaining humble. His competitiveness, based on his discipline and his extensive training, helped him become the top rider in his amateur categories which drew a number of important sponsorships from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, FXR, Oakley and SPY.

>He regularly participated in Motocross races in the Quebec series (CMRC), the Canadian National series (MRC, Rockstar Energy Triple Crown) throughout Quebec, Canada and USA—all the while making new friends, encouraging youth, and being an Indigenous ambassador for the sport. His Canadian idol in motocross was Jean-Sebastien Roy, and in the U.S. his idols were was Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichel and James Stewart.

Among the highlights of his career were competing at the Loretta Lynn National Amateurs in Nashville, Tennessee, which included top racers from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, and the Supercross competitions at the Montreal and Toronto Stadiums, each before 60,000 spectators.

In Sno-Cross racing, Nathaniel’s other passion, his Canadian idol was Blair Morgan who also raced both in Motocross and Sno-cross. In these competitions his highlights included winning amateur races in the CCMQ, and he eventually earned a spot on the Warnert/Blair Morgan Racing Team in the World Snowmobile Association.

In his work life, Nathaniel was also a daring innovator and entrepreneur. He established his own firm focused on enhancing the capacity-building efforts of his Cree Nation. His firm coordinated training courses focused on the mining industry to ensure that qualified Cree people could competently take on the jobs available in the numerous mines within the traditional territory of his people.

In his short life, Nathaniel achieved his own level of greatness. He was a solid and respected role model for the youth of his Cree Nation. He demonstrated that it is possible to pursue a passion while, at the same time, making a substantial contribution to the development of his people. He showed throughout his life that it is possible to be passionate about a sport and be equally passionate about making the world a better place. In his young adult life, he found that right balance between his passion for racing and his professional life as a young entrepreneur.

Nathaniel left a huge legacy of dignity, passion and professionalism. He also left an inspiring legacy for Indigenous youth to follow. He was serious, yet knew how to have fun. He excelled in everything he undertook, yet he was modest and humble. He brought to a contemporary world the values and principles inherent in his Cree culture, and in that way, Nathaniel was a trailblazer for the future.

There is an important significance for Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly the youth, to recognize the achievements of Nathaniel in a sport that he loved, and which provided him with important life lessons, and which gave him the courage, the skills and the instincts to excel in other areas of his life.

Nathaniel’s induction into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame serves not only as a fitting tribute to his accomplishments, but also as an important lesson about hard work, determination and achievement. With this recognition, Nathaniel will continue to be a role model for Indigenous youth throughout Canada.

Nathaniel Bosum était un coureur professionnel très respecté de motocross, d'arena-cross et de super-cross aux Canadian Nationals de la CMRC et aux American Nationals de l'AMA. Il était également un coureur professionnel de snow-cross dans le circuit SCM, et en 2005, à l'âge de 16 ans, il avait été nommé "Recrue de l'année".

Le jour de son cinquième anniversaire, les parents de Nathaniel lui avait acheté sa première moto de motocross. Comme il était évident qu'il aimait ce sport, la famille avait décidé de soutenir sa passion grandissante. Très jeune, il quittait fréquemment la maison pour s'entraîner en Floride afin d'améliorer ses compétences. Il s'est rapidement développé en tant que pilote et a commencé à remporter des championnats dans les catégories amateures, ce qui a fait de lui un futur espoir aux yeux de nombreuses équipes de motocross professionnelles.

Nathaniel a compris très tôt que pour réussir, il devait faire preuve de discipline, d'engagement, de concentration et de travail acharné. Il a commencé sa carrière dans la course en sachant qu'il devait s'occuper de l'entraînement physique et mental, des connaissances mécaniques et des conseils nutritionnels - et beaucoup de pratique. Avec l'instinct d'un chasseur cri, il a pratiqué des manœuvres avec ses motos sur le sol et dans les airs. Il surveillait la façon dont les motos réagissaient aux différentes parties d'une piste et étudiait soigneusement les conditions de la piste avant chaque course.

En tant qu'autochtone, Nathaniel a été confronté à des incidents racistes. Cependant, il a pu surmonter ces incidents grâce à sa force de caractère et en restant fidèle aux valeurs cries avec lesquelles il a été élevé : le respect, la bienveillance et le partage. Il est toujours resté ouvert à ceux avec qui il courait, il était désarmant avec sa générosité d'esprit envers ses compagnons de course et son amitié avec ceux contre qui il courait était presque légendaire.

La course de motocross est devenue la passion de Nathaniel. Il savait pourtant être compétitif sans être arrogant, être fier de ses exploits tout en restant humble. Sa compétitivité, basée sur sa discipline et son entraînement intensif, l'a aidé à devenir le meilleur pilote dans ses catégories amateures, ce qui lui a valu un certain nombre de parrainages importants de la part de Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, FXR, Oakley et SPY.

Il a participé régulièrement à des courses de motocross dans la série québécoise (CMRC), la série nationale canadienne (MRC, Rockstar Energy Triple Crown) à travers le Québec, le Canada et les États-Unis - tout en se faisant de nouveaux amis, en encourageant les jeunes et en étant un ambassadeur autochtone pour le sport. Son idole canadienne en motocross était Jean-Sébastien Roy, et aux États-Unis, ses pilotes préférés étaient Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichel et James Stewart.

Parmi les faits saillants de sa carrière, mentionnons la participation aux Loretta Lynn National Amateurs à Nashville, au Tennessee, qui regroupaient les meilleurs coureurs du Canada, des États-Unis et du Mexique, et les compétitions de Supercross aux stades de Montréal et de Toronto, chacune devant 60 000 spectateurs.

Dans les courses de Sno-Cross, l'autre passion de Nathaniel, son idole canadienne était Blair Morgan qui courait aussi bien en Motocross qu'en Sno-Cross. Dans ces compétitions, il a notamment remporté des courses amateurs au sein de la CCMQ, et il a fini par obtenir une place dans l'équipe de course Warnert/Blair Morgan au sein de la World Snowmobile Association.

Dans sa vie professionnelle, Nathaniel était également un innovateur et un entrepreneur audacieux. Il a créé sa propre entreprise visant à améliorer les efforts de renforcement des capacités de sa nation crie. Son entreprise a coordonné des cours de formation axés sur l'industrie minière afin que les Cris qualifiés puissent occuper avec compétence les emplois disponibles dans les nombreuses mines situées sur le territoire traditionnel de son peuple.

Dans sa courte vie, Nathaniel a atteint son propre niveau de réussite. Il a été un modèle solide et respecté pour les jeunes de sa nation crie. Il a démontré qu'il est possible de poursuivre une passion tout en apportant une contribution substantielle au développement de son peuple. Il a montré tout au long de sa vie qu'il est réalisable d'être passionné par un sport et d'être également motivé par la volonté de rendre le monde meilleur. Dans sa vie de jeune adulte, il a trouvé le juste équilibre entre sa passion pour la course et sa vie professionnelle de jeune entrepreneur.

Nathaniel a laissé un énorme héritage de dignité, de passion et de professionnalisme. Il a également laissé un héritage inspirant à la jeunesse autochtone. Il était sérieux, mais savait aussi s'amuser. Il excellait dans tout ce qu'il entreprenait, tout en restant modeste et humble. Il a apporté au monde contemporain les valeurs et les principes inhérents à sa culture crie et, en ce sens, Nathaniel a été un précurseur pour l'avenir.

Il est important pour les peuples autochtones du Canada, et en particulier pour les jeunes, de reconnaître les réalisations de Nathaniel dans un sport qu'il aimait, qui lui a donné d'importantes leçons de vie et qui lui a donné le courage, les compétences et les instincts nécessaires pour exceller dans d'autres domaines de sa vie.

L'intronisation de Nathaniel au Panthéon Canadien de la Moto est non seulement un hommage approprié à ses réalisations, mais aussi une leçon importante sur le travail acharné, la détermination et la réussite. Grâce à cette reconnaissance, Nathaniel continuera d'être un modèle pour les jeunes autochtones de tout le Canada.

Wally Klammer - Class of 2018

Vada — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 01:55:06 +0000

Wally Klammer - Class of 2018 Vada Thu, 01/24/2019 - 20:55

Wally Klammer is a local legend and motorcycling pioneer on BC’s West coast

Wally Klammer is a local legend and motorcycling pioneer on BC’s West coast. He has been a supporter and ambassador for the sport of motorcycling for more years than most riders can remember. Wally is a true “Canadian Champion” to all who knew or have met him. His dedication and contribution to the sport of motorcycling is unparalleled and impossible to relate in a short space.

It started in 1962, when as a shy high school student, he would watch the tough guys with their hot rods and motorcycles. One of them would do these amazing block-long wheelies on his Triumph, all daring and skill. Wally went out and bought a BSA and a black leather jacket.

By 1974, he was getting tired of having his driver’s licence always on the edge of suspension. He was a member of the Greater Vancouver Motorcycle Club and having seen a few off-road events, figured the dirt was a better place to ride. He traded the Triumph chopper for a faded red Bultaco and thus began 33 years of amateur off-road competition.

Wally soon built a reputation as a budget racer, with worn out knobbies and brakes shimmed to the limit, with a never-say-die attitude. He always seemed up for a dare, no matter the outcome. He always had a grin and a good story to share around the campfire. Among his boxes of trophies, one of his favourites was the 1991 Vet B Championship, in the Pacific North West Motorcycle Associations Off-Road series.

The up-beat and humorous articles which appeared in various magazines caused Wally to become well known in biking circles.

Wally put on his first organized event, the GVMC’s Spring Enduro, in 1978 and continued to help organize one or two events every year. Securing land access was an even more difficult task, one he took to heart. His work with government officials, landowners and other user groups to promote dirt biking all over BC was recognized in 1985 with a certificate from the BC Motorcycle Federation.

In 1984, Wally and Peter Sigfredson set up the PNWMA off-road series with 5 events. Wally organized two and worked a third, the PN Benefit Run. The cash flow generated by this series, which has grown to over 20 events, cancelled the need for further benefit runs. Wally was secretary and sometimes Treasurer for the PNWMA from 1987 to 2002.

His contributions to the sport, including his work regarding land access, were recognized in 1998 when he was inducted into PNWMA Hall of Fame. As well as a plaque, he was presented with a 7 foot high sculpture made of motorcycle parts, which he said, “blew me away.”

When the BC Motorcycle Federation disbanded, the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists became the official voice to government on off-road issues with Wally serving as liaison throughout the 1990’s. Dirt bike issues switched with the creation of the BC Off-Road Motorcycle Association in 2007 and its full time paid Executive Director. Wally became the GVMC representative and took on the task of newsletter editor in 2012. In 2013 he became the Treasurer and bookkeeper as well.

One crowning achievement of all those years was securing the Chipmunk Creek riding area with the GVMC as stewards. In 1987, Bob Carey of the GVMC was instrumental in having this section of steep terrain near Chilliwack BC recognized as a riding area, complete with Ministry of Forests campsite. For the next 25 years, it was home to the classic Piston Run Hare Scrambles, which Wally helped organize for 20 of those years. He also dealt with MOF requirements and First Nation concerns. A second campsite was completed in 2010. In 2012, he finally reached agreement with First Nations on a staging area site and submitted a proposal to Trails and Recreation. The proposal was accepted and the staging area built. Chipmunk Creek, as a motorized riding area now has family friendly facilities and is firmly anchored for the next generation of riders.

Wally continued to promote the sport through his journalism and books. The enthusiasm for riding, the off-beat humour and the tales of wild adventure would become the hallmarks of his writing. In 1977, Wally released Dirt Bike Chronicles, a collection of his best articles with 3 added short stories. The book became a regional classic and still sells at bike shows and through Amazon. Encouraged, he followed up with 3 more novels based on a fictional motorcycle club.

When asked about all the work he had done, Wally replied that it was a team effort, we all work together. Wally was diagnosed with cancer and passed away September 14, 2014.