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Sin City madness
Hot Shoe Hall of Fame, 1/28/2023
Sin City madness - Hot Shoe Hall of Fame, 1/28/2023 Preserving the Memories of Great Motorcycle Racers and Motorcycle Industry Icons Past and Present the annual Hot Shoe Hall of Fame is a must see, must be, carefree celebration like no other. Held only once each year in Las Vegas, Nevada it’s a pageantry attended by 600 plus two wheel faithful from every corner of America, Europe and Australia. All with memories of days gone by and friendships formed they come to honor history and write new chapters of their lives and loves. Hard to believe but true this year’s gathering was the best ever as motorsports royalty, fans, sponsors, manufacturers and media shared tales and experiences. Would relay some of what was said and done but this Sin City gathering is an adult party and as the saying goes “I'd love to tell but then I’d have to kill you”. Can share some of the facts and official agenda for those who were silly enough to miss this totally free event that is open to all in the motorsports community. The Hot Shoe Hall of Fame is a 501c(3) organization governed by a board of directors but it’s founder Gene Woods runs the show. It’s main endeavor is providing needy men, women and children with new shoes at no charge. Called "Heart Shoes" because they are from the Heart and Soul of the Motorcycle Industry the concept was the brainchild of Gene Woods who saw the need after an encounter with a homeless man that was barefoot and desperately needed some. This annual celebration is held at the indoor Gene Woods Racing Experience, Go-Cart track next to the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Vegas. The building is called the Neonoplis and this 10,881 square foot, three story complex has a host of rentals that include serval restaurants, a marijuana history museum, wedding chapel, axe throwing business, auditorium and of course its own 2 level parking lot. Not sure how the Woods guy pulls it off but his landlord gives the HSHOF access to the entire 3rd floor that includes two gigantic rooms with a long full service bar and numerous tables in each as well as a stage and movie theater. Having way to much fun I never went into the cinema this year but believe they were showing the remastered “On Any Sunday” movie. The Master of Ceremonies was Jerry Bernardo and Larry “Supermouth” Huffman. Still dealing with massive infections and fighting with doctors that want to amputate his leg Larry is confined to a wheel chair. Regardless Huffman always had a smile and handled his MC duties flawlessly. Some of the many dignitaries there that the dynamic duo Interviewed were Kenny Roberts, Bubba Shobert, Brad Oxley, Mike Kidd, Johnny Cambell, Steve Hengeveld, Ricky, Brabec, Seth, Enslow, Steve Bast Jr., Brad Lackey, and Garrett Wolsink One the evenings highlights was when Gene Woods was presented with a special plaque that said “In Recognition Of Your Tireless Commitment To The Motorcycle Industry, Friends and Family”. A collaboration between Brian Caruso / Micar Fabrication and Jerry Bernardo, Gene was visually moved when the crowd cheered their approval as his daughter Daelyn and Grandson Harley Fisher presented him with it. Hours seemed like minutes before the evening concluded with all Hot Shoe Hall of Fame recipients coming on stage for a group photo. Cheers, beers and tears it was a masterful night that all there will forever cherish. Of course as always the only complaint was that it ended way to soon. Took a few pictures and you may see them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=speedwayzar&set=a.6047774501924571 Thanks for listening, See you where the wheels go round. Howie Zechner
