Updated July 4th, 2008

From Wade Ebert (Springfield IL Milers Motorcycle Club)

NOTICE

American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Grand National announcer J.B. Norris died Saturday night, June 28, after suffering an apparent heart attack at the AMA Grand National event at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio. Norris was 57.  A Memorial Service  will held at Bisch Funeral Home in Springfield, Il Wednesday, July 9th from 4:00pm To 7:00pm. 

Born and raised in Springfield, Ill., "JB", as he was known to friends and acquaintances, had announced at AMA Grand National Championship races since the early 1990s. He was a regular contributor to AMAFlattrack.com, as well as other racing publications and websites.

Norris worked for the AMA between 1986 and 1996, first as the dirt track manager in the Pro Racing department and subsequently as an advertising representative for American Motorcyclist magazine. Norris also served as the executive director of the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association.

"The AMA was saddened to learn of Mr. Norris's passing," said AMA spokesperson Peter Horst. "He was an avid dirt-track enthusiast and friend to many in the motorcycling community. His passion for motorcycling will be remembered by all who met him, read his columns, viewed his art or listened to his race announcing. We extend our deepest condolences to his family."

Norris was an avid oil painter of flat track racing and motorcycling action and contributed to various charities through the sale of his art. His career and artwork are detailed on his website at http://www.letsgoracing.org.

Funeral details will be published when they become available.

Announcement courtesy of  AMA Flattrack.com

J.B. Norris was the consummate dirt track racing fan........and no wonder, he was born and raised in the Mecca of American Dirt Track racing, Springfield, Illinois. Since 1991, JB had announced the AMA Ford Quality Checked Grand National Flat Track races across the country.  He brought to the microphone a great deal more than a life long proximity to one of the sport's great tracks. After a short lived racing career, for years, J.B. served as the Executive Director of the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association, organizing the IMDA's promotion of The Springfield Mile, the Duquoin Mile, the Santa Fe TT and other races. In the 80's, he served as the AMA Professional Dirt Track Racing Manager overseeing the Grand National Series.  In the 90's, J.B. was an Advertising Manger for the AMA magazine. J.B. has also worked for the Speed Channel, CBS, and ESPN, broadcasting the sport he loves.

In recent years J.B. was often seen riding his motorcycle down the road to the next AMA Grand National to energize the crowd with his knowledge and infectious love for the sport. Last season J.B. was also the voice of Ford Flat Track's live webcast at each National.

When J.B. was not racing, he was writing about it. He had been a contributor to Cycle News, Road Racer X,  AMAflattrack.com and Flat Illustrated.

J.B. had recently launched a series of flat track art on canvas. His oil on canvas fine art brought the exciting flat track world to your living room. He had also recently added an array of Flat Track items to his website.

J.B.'s favorite expression, a resounding, "LET'S GO RACING" will not soon be forgotten

Click here for JB Flat Track Interview Video