AMA -NBA

http://superbikeplanet.com/2009/Jan/091003a.htm

Who's next Larry Bird?

Magic Johnson has very deep pockets, and right now the name recognition and cash are both something the AMA need desperately.

I had some insider knowledge about this deal for some time now. But I'm sad to report, there may be a tragic turn of events in this deal. Don't know if I'm at liberty to say much more, but I'm sure there will be some news about certain things in the next days.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jumkie @ Jan 4 2009, 02:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><div class='quotemain'>Don't know if I'm at liberty to say much more, but I'm sure there will be some news about certain things in the next days.

LINK

Well, it looks like the sad and tragic news is out. Joe was good friends with a racer buddy of mine who raced in the Toyota 200 at Willow Springs, California, the highest paid purse race in the US. I painted my buddy's bike for the last race. It was painted to look a bit of a Jordan replica, as it was inspired by Jordan's team livery (perhaps this is where the idea was spawned to have a rival NBA star own another AMA team as a bit of a gentleman's rivalry). I'm not sure if I ever posted a picture, but I know I posted something about it, as I have painted a few bikes and posted pics on here. He had mentioned it to me regarding the proposal for Magic to own an AMA team with my buddy in some riding capacity. I read the proposal some time ago but wasn't at liberty to say anything about it. Sadly, the WERA races here at Fontana (Autoclub Speedway, part of the AMA series) were this weekend and tragically claimed Joe's life.

RIP Joe.

Sad news indeed. RIP Joe

Here is a link to Joe's tragic passing. Joe was part of a group of friends who were into racing and enjoyed being at the track. He joked with me once at the track about a UCLA shirt (if you know anything about Southern California, you know USC & UCLA are major college football rivals). You will learn from his story below that he is very much like us, an everyday guy, and a passionate motorcycle enthusiast with a REAL life. I read his proposal to Magic many months back and I was impressed of how professional it was put together. It looks like Magic is looking at honoring him with a trust fund and going forward with his plan to own an AMA team.

When this kind of thing happens, it affects all of us who have a connection to the sport of motorcycling; its one of us who has fallen.

RIP JOE. (link)

Thanks for sharing Jumike. At least your friend left us on a ultra high note! God Speed!

Wow, what a tragic loss. Hope the kids are OK.

R.I.P. brother... sorry to here this jumk. the good always taken away to early. good luck to his wife, kids, family & friends.