SHIFTING GEARS

Norton joins Triumph? No, this is not a reference to the old NVT (Norton Villers Triumph) days — USMC veteran Jack Norton is the new Marketing Communications Manager for Triumph Motorcycles America. Norton is an experienced marketing professional with an extensive background overseeing integrated marketing campaigns in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. During his 13+ years in the Marines he developed communications plans for recruiting campaigns, including one which debuted during the 2018 Super Bowl. He has also previously served at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as the Communications Director, and most recently oversaw public relations and media outreach for the largest independent relocation firm in North America. “Jack will bring his valuable professional skills to this newly created position, where he will oversee the owned and paid media communications channels for Triumph Motorcycles America,” explains Triumph top kick Rod Lopusnak. “Associated responsibilities will be management of the web, social, CRM, and advertising strategies.” Jack recently relocated from Virginia to his home state of Georgia to join the Triumph Motorcycles America team in Atlanta. “Getting Greg Blackwell on the team is another giant leap forward for HISUN,” says Jason Walling, National Sales Manager of HISUN Motors Corp., USA. “His market knowledge and professional relationships will help us expedite our efforts to continue developing our dealer network and provide a level of service to our customers that is second to none. We anticipate many great things from Greg and his future with HISUN.” Blackwell brings more than 30 years of sales and sales management experience to the position, having held executive roles at Metzeler/

Pirelli, LeMans Corporation, KTM

North America, MTA and Tucker Powersports. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jason Walling, JJ Pecsok and Jamie Cheek in the past and I’m very impressed with what they are accomplishing together with the HISUN team,” says Blackwell. “HISUN is definitely on the move and I want to work with the team to develop and grow the Southwest market.” In his dealer development role, Blackwell will work closely with Business Development Manager, Tyler Houghton.

Also taking on a new gig is former ThunderPress Managing Editor Joy Burgess joins new Editorial Director Mitch Boehm on the AMA magazine team (announced last month). “I’m lucky enough to have found ‘family’ in the motorcycle community, and I’ve never forgotten how much this community has given to me,” Burgess said. “It’s always my goal to give back to the motorcycle industry, and I’m excited and humbled to have the chance to work with the AMA doing just that, working with Mitch and this amazing team to both promote and protect motorcycling through storytelling.” Burgess has more than 16 years of editorial and marketing experience. Most recently she served as the managing editor of ThunderPress and previously was the editor of Woman Rider. Burgess has spent much of her time in the industry focusing on women who ride two wheels (including a groundbreaking “Women in Motorcycling” issue for Thunder Press), telling their stories and helping other women find a community in motorcycling. Burgess lives with her son near Orlando, Florida.

Cool gig becomes even better: Chris Sebas, most recently Powersports Sales & Marketing Manager with Evans Cooling Systems, Inc is now a Field Service Representative at KTM Group North America, Inc. A onetime MTA Distributing rep, Sebas was a Matco Tools distributor before joining Evans in 2017. “Sad day but also really excited for my new adventures to come,” said Sebas. “Evans has been my family for the last 4 years and it’s been an incredible ride. I can’t thank Evans enough for the opportunity and would also like to thank all the dealers, distributors, racers, series, enthusiasts or just anyone I’ve dealt with in believing in me and the product. Really excited to watch the brand to continue to be successful in its growth.”

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Extend a little Southern Hospitality to Kyle Kelly, the newest Parts Unlimited sales rep for the Southeast region covering dealers in the North Georgia area. Kelly’s history features 35 years of motocross racing – including 12 years professionally in MX and Supercross. More important to the position with Parts, Kelly was the owner/operator of a powersports dealership for more than 20 years. Outside of work, he enjoys riding offroad and coaching baseball. Play ball!

Also joining the expanded roster for Parts Unlimited is Keith Donaldson as the newest sales rep for the Northwest region covering dealers in the Northern California/ Southern Oregon area. Donaldson’s background includes Supermoto racing on the amateur level and he currently owns a Yamaha WR250R and a YZ426. In his free time, Keith is a self-taught musician. Time to strike up the band.

Hail to the Chief… er, Chair. Kawasaki’s Croft Long is the new chair of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Robert Heilbron of American Honda was elected vice chair, and Jason Tolleson of HarleyDavidson Motor Company was elected secretary/treasurer. Trustee and former chair Joe Dagley has been replaced by Matt Potter as Yamaha’s trustee. “My expectation for MSF is to grow and share the excitement and joy of motorcycling by instilling confidence and competence in new riders, and to motivate experienced riders to brush up on skills through advanced rider training,” said Long. “I pledge to place as our number one priority the wants and needs of motorcyclists seeking state-of-the-art MSF rider training – developed by the professional MSF team in close partnership with research experts, supported by training centers and, most importantly, delivered by enthusiastic Rider Coaches every day on ranges across the U.S.” Most recently with the AIMExpo team, COVID closures meant it was time to shift gears for John Simanovich. In an effort to keep moto thriving for the next generation despite the pandemic, he created Moto 4 Kids Racing, Inc. starting with a cadre of legendary SoCal tracks. “Whether you ride a 50110cc, 65cc or 85cc we have a class for you,” he explains. Moto 4 Kids celebrates both the future and former stars of our sport.” Central to Simanovich’s concept is working with dealers to foster the relationship and inspire the next generation. “The motorcycle dealership has always been about the experience, especially as a young rider/racer,” he says. “The cherished moments at the counter looking at the newest sticker or trying to get my hands on a pack of Hi-Flyer Motocross Trading Cards always stands out. That is why we partnered with a dealer from the beginning. During my time with TransWorld Motocross and through the many events we operated, the one SoCal dealer that supported those efforts was always Temecula Motorsports (TMS). I knew it was only fitting to partner with a great dealership like TMS. Immediately Codi Greene the Marketing Director for TMS, Fun Bike Center and East Bay Motorsports understood my vision to support our future stars, but also how important it is for the kids to have that same experience at the dealer level… It’s something you just can’t replace!” After proof of concept this season, Simanovich hopes to expand the program. More tracks, more dealer involvement and even beyond SoCal. Get more details at:

https://moto4kids.racing/

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