The motorcycle-racing community is mourning the loss of Barry Boone, the legendary race announcer dying at the age of 62. The cause of his death was not released by the family.Born in Ownesboro, Kentucky, also the home of the late Nicky Hayden, Boone most recently resided in Daytona Beach, where he hosted the moto-forward radio show “Talking Motorcycles with Barry Boone.” He has interviewed a wide selection of personalities across the industry, from Wayne Rainey to Willie G. Davidson.
He was a huge supporter of MotoAmerica and American Flat Track, where he was also the lead announcer.Photo by American Flat Track/Andrea Wilson“Barry was a true friend, both on and off the track,” said Scottie Deubler, who served as Boone’s co-anchor at more than 100 American Flat Track events over the last decade.“On the stage, he did such a wonderful job of making people feel comfortable even though they were in front of thousands of fans. Behind the scenes, he enjoyed life so much and was always so much fun to work with. We’re going to miss him.”Besides announcing pro Flat Track events, Boone also spent more than a decade announcing other AMA-sanctioned events, such as dirt track racing at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.“The American Motorcyclist Association is saddened by the loss of Barry Boone,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “We extend our condolences to the Boone family.“He was the friendliest guy at the track. It was very obvious that announcing racing was his talent and I’ve never found or met someone that was better at it than him.”The AMA reports that in his spare time, Boone would take cross-country trips aboard his motorcycle and was known for being a long-distance, high-miles recreational rider.Boone is survived by his wife Colette; sister Sharon Rone; brother-in-law Jack Rone; and a family that adored him. His immediate family would like to personally thank all of Barry’s Motorcycle Family for all their love and support.
Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory + Steve ’Stavros’ Parrish
byMotos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly podcast—Motos and Friends. My name is Arthur Coldwells.
Our first segment features the new Aprilia Tuono 660 Factory. Senior Editor Nic de Sena brings us his report on the flagship version of Aprilia’s upright middleweight machine. He gives us insight into whether it’s worth spending the extra money on the Factory version, and also of course, whether this sporting Aprilia is really the motorcycle for you.
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The next guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In this segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with (arguably) one of the most interesting Suzuki race riders of all time. the iconic RG500 alongside teammate double World Champion Barry Sheene. The two were almost as famous for their exploits off-track, as for their success on it. Those were the days! Steve also raced the Isle of Man TT for about ten years where he won 13 Silver Replicas, and got a podium finish. His insight into that particular brand of mayhem are fascinating.
But there’s waaay more to Steve Parrish than his motorcycle racing. He is also the most successful Semi-Truck racer ever, and, little known piece of useless trivia—he’s my birthday twin: 24th February. He is a natural entertainer and you can’t miss his recounting of the world’s most entertaining—and arguably terrifying—double-decker bus ride ever. If any of you were actually on that hell-ride then we’d love to hear from you!