After devoting more than 25 years to promoting and growing the motorcycle industry through the Motorcycle Industry Council and Discover Today’s Motorcycling, MIC Board of Directors member Ray Blank announced his retirement, effective Oct. 1. Blank’s MIC retirement comes closely on the heels of his corresponding retirement from American Honda, where Blank was senior vice president of the Motorcycle Division.
Blank has been an avid motorcyclist and passionate supporter of the motorcycle industry for more than 25 years. He has also been an active member of the MIC Board since 2010 and served on the Marketing and Public Policy Committee. Additionally, Blank was one of the original organizers of the motorcycle industry-promoting Discover Today’s Motorcycling program.
“Ray Blank has been an integral part of the motorcycle industry for as long as I can remember,” said MIC President Tim Buche. “His forward thinking, his commitment, and his passion and perseverance have made him a powerful force in supporting the MIC’s mission. Ray was tireless in his pursuit of sharing motorcycling with the non-riding public. Everyone at the MIC wishes him well in his retirement, but he will be sorely missed.”
American Honda’s newly promoted Vice President, Motorcycle Division, Robert Gurga will assume Blank’s duties on the MIC Board. Gurga has been with American Honda’s Motorcycle Division for 34 years and previously served as assistant vice president of marketing.
“After nearly 30 years in the motorcycle industry and 25 years working with the MIC, I have made the decision to step down,” said Blank. “I am very proud of my time working with the MIC and Discover Today’s Motorcycling, and what we have all achieved together. I never thought I would have the good fortune to be involved with so many great motorcyclists and industry friends during my career. I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with for memories I never dreamed possible.”
