The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that actor Perry King and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner have been appointed to the Association's Board of Directors, and begins serving their official duties at the Board meeting convening today. King, who will serve the North West region on the AMA Board, makes his home in Northern California on a ranch in Cool. Werner, who resides in Brookfield, Wis., will serve the country's North Central region on the AMA Board.

"Perry King is more than a Hollywood personality, he is a lifelong motorcyclist and one of the most poised and dedicated representatives of the motorcycling community," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Perry is not only passionate about motorcycling but is passionate about the AMA, as well. He recognizes the importance of the AMA in protecting the future of motorcycling."

"As a 13-time championship tuner for some of the greatest names in the history of AMA Grand National Championship racing, Bill Werner has earned a reputation for dedication, drive and innovative thinking," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Bill demonstrated during his membership on the AMA's Racing Committee that he has the ability to put the interests of the AMA ahead of the interests he may have had as a factory tuner."

King will fill the vacancy resulting from the departure of former AMA Board Chairman Dal Smilie. Smilie resigned after an AMA internal investigation uncovered evidence of unsubstantiated expense reimbursements to Smilie. King will serve out the remainder of the original term, which extends through February 2010.  Werner fills the vacancy resulting from the resignation of Jeff Smith in February 2008. Werner will serve out the remainder of Smith's original term, which extends through February 2010.

"My deep love of all things related to motorcycling, particularly the people, attracted me greatly to the prospect of serving on the AMA Board of Directors," King said. "Also, my appreciation for hard, productive work made me feel I must not pass up this opportunity -- so much of the time, all I really want to do is ride my motorcycle, but that's no excuse to avoid an important calling."

"I'm eager to start helping the Association tackle issues regarding competition and motorcyclists' rights," Werner said. "The ongoing evolution of AMA Racing, including the growth of the amateur ranks, is vital to move motorcycle competition forward in this country. In addition, some of the most important issues affecting riders today are off-road closures and legislation that prevents motorcyclists from riding both on- and off-road. I am ready to help the Association face these challenges head on."

King says that the major motorcycling issues facing the North West region include land-use, noise, drinking and riding, public image, and, "the apparent inability of the American public to see motorcycles as smart, fuel-efficient and practical vehicles for the future."

Motorcycles have played a major role in King's life for more than four decades. He owns bikes of all types, including vintage, dual-sport and sport motorcycles. He constantly rides both off- and on-road and occasionally races. King's 500-acre cattle ranch in Northern California -- where his ranch hands have opted for motorcycles instead of horses to work the property -- provides him with considerable opportunity to ride off-road close to home.

King is an accomplished actor and has appeared in more than 50 films and made-for-television movies, television series and on stage. Some of his better-known roles include Cody Allen in the NBC series "Riptide," Hayley Armstrong in the Fox series "Melrose Place," Richard Williams in the NBC series "Titans" and President Blake in the 2004 movie "The Day After Tomorrow." Perhaps one of King's most enduring roles is Chico in the 1974 movie "The Lords of Flatbush." King made his film debut in the 1972 film "Slaughterhouse-Five."

Werner is one of the most successful tuners and crew chiefs to have worked on the AMA Grand National Championship circuit. He has won a total of 13 Grand National No. 1 plates with riders Gary Scott, Jay Springsteen and Scott Parker. His is one of the longest and most distinguished careers in motorcycle racing, spanning from 1966 through today.

Werner's accolades include the AMA Tuner of the Year Award in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991; AMA Sportsman of the Year in 1990; and the 1996 AMA Mechanical Excellence Award. He also was the AMA Dirt Track Tuner of the Year from 1994 through 1998. Werner was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000.

For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.