Rider, designer, manufacturer, innovator, product developer

Penton was a standout rider who revolutionized the sport by developing small-displacement off-road racing motorcycles, called Pentons, produced by KTM, a then-little-known Austrian bicycle/moped maker he discovered at the 1967 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). Penton was the driving force behind American participation in ISDE, winning seven medals and inspiring others to follow, including son Jack (10 medals). Penton was so good at enduros that he was named AMA’s 1960 Pro Athlete of the Year at a time when it was almost exclusively given to Grand National racers. He won the Jack Pine, Little Burr Run and Alligator enduros four times each and the 1969 AMA Off-Road Championship. In 1959, John set the transcontinental record for motorcycles, traveling New York to LA in 52 hours. Later he commissioned Alpinestars to create his Hi-Point boots and accessories, which became hugely popular. Penton was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1998 and Sturgis Hall of Fame in 2016. “Penton,” a documentary on his life, was released in 2014.