24 • August 2025 • Powersports Business
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Michigan dealer to transform former sports bar into nation’ s largest exclusive BMW dealership
A long-vacant property in Livonia, Michigan, is getting a high-end new life, as BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan prepares to transform the former Doc’ s Sports Retreat into what is set to become the largest exclusive BMW motorcycle dealership in the country.
Dealership owner and Livonia native Charlie Knoll is spearheading the $ 6 million redevelopment of the 4−acre site near Seven Mile Road and I−275. The ambitious plan includes renovating and expanding the existing 15,000−square-foot building, which has been vacant since 2018, into a nearly 20,000−square-foot flagship facility for BMW Motorrad.
Knoll, who purchased the dealership in 2021 and the property in 2023, sees the project as both a business investment and a homecoming.“ This property has been an eyesore for years, but it’ s got so much potential,” Knoll says.“ We’ re going to turn it into a highend dealership that embraces both the BMW brand and the natural setting of the site.”
The location’ s scenic pond views and distinctive glass atrium will remain key design features, complemented by new construction and a full interior and exterior renovation. The surrounding area, which is frequented by ducks, swans, and deer, lends the space a more serene, nature-infused atmosphere than a traditional motorcycle showroom.
Livonia’ s Planning Commission and City Council unanimously approved the redevelopment, with local officials praising both the brand and the long-awaited revitalization of a high-visibility site.
“ This is a great project for that location. It’ s a great site, great location right on the pond, and a great brand name,” says Mark Taormina, Livonia’ s planning and economic development director.
The property was best known as Doc’ s Sports Retreat from 2005 until its closure in 2018. After a failed hotel proposal, it remained unused until Knoll’ s acquisition.
Construction is currently underway with demolition, utility restoration, and site prep in progress. If all goes as planned, the new dealership is expected to open in spring 2026. Knoll’ s current location in Plymouth Township will continue to operate in the meantime.
The city of Livonia in Michigan recently approved plans to convert the former Doc’ s Sports Retreat on Victor Parkway near Seven Mile Road and Interstate 275 into what the owner says will be the largest exclusive BMW motorcycle dealership in the U. S.
Knoll also plans to market roughly two acres of the site for future commercial use and hopes to attract a complementary business to further revitalize the area.
For Knoll, the investment is personal.“ I hope this sends a message that people still believe in Livonia,” he adds.“ I do.”
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame announces class of 2025
After several weeks of voting, in which thousands of ballots were cast, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame announced the six esteemed inductees to be honored at the 2025 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Oct. 23 in Pickerington, Ohio.
There was a total of 17 nominations for this year’ s class and consisted of both competition and non-competition nominees, spanning eight different categories: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing, and Specialty Competition.
THE 2025 MOTORCYCLE HOF CLASS
• Dana Bell( Leadership & Rights): A former AMA government relations western states representative and AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award
The 2025 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Oct. 23 in Pickerington, Ohio.( Photo: AMA Archives)
winner, Bell worked to protect rider rights nationwide.
• Chris Carter( Ambassadors & Industry): Founder of Motion Pro, with over 30 patents and extensive industry sponsorships. Also, a motorcycle historian and former ISDT gold medalist.
• Colin Edwards( Road Racing): The“ Texas Tornado” is a two-time World Superbike Champion( 2000, 2002), AMA 250cc Grand Prix Champion, and MotoGP podium regular. He now runs the Texas Tornado Boot Camp.
• Joe Kopp( Dirt Track): 2000 AMA Grand National Champion and two-time AMA Supertracker Champion. One of only 15 riders to complete the Dirt Track Grand Slam.
• Chad Reed( Motocross / Supercross): Australian standout and two-time AMA Supercross Champion with 61 career wins. He holds AMA records for most Supercross starts and podiums.
Texas joins Arkansas with new inherent risk legislation signed into law
“ This distinguished group of motorcyclists exemplifies the spirit, diversity, and dedication of the motorcycling community,” says Rob Dingman, president and CEO of AMA.“ Each has made a lasting impact on our sport and lifestyle— whether through competition, advocacy, innovation, or inspiration. Their contributions, from racetracks to legislative chambers to the open road, have shaped motorcycling as we know it, and we are proud to recognize them with this welldeserved honor.”
The induction ceremony will kick off AMA Hall of Fame Days, set to run Oct. 23−26, which will include an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night and an open house at the AMA Hall of Fame Museum on Oct. 25. The AMA Induction Ceremony will be held at the Violet Township Event Center on Oct. 23 and will be followed by a cocktail reception at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.
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Texas became the second state this year to sign motorcycle-focused inherent risk legislation into law, when Gov. Greg Abbott( R) signed HB 5624 on June 20.
The American Motorcyclist Association( AMA), alongside Texas motocross track owners, motorcycle dealers, and riding enthusiasts, was closely engaged with efforts to pass the new legislation. The AMA says it commends the Texas state legislature for its passage, as HB 5624 aims to create a more consistent and predictable liability environment for property owners and off-road riding enthusiasts.
HB 5624 will be enacted statewide on Sept. 1.
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“ We are pleased to see HB 5624 pass in Texas and are encouraged to see inherent risk legislation continue to pick up momentum throughout the country,” says AMA Central States Representative Nick Sands.““ This bill will ensure a more transparent liability process for property owners and the riders who access off-road facilities throughout the Lone Star State.”
Inherent risk signifies the risk that is naturally associated with an activity. Inherent risk cannot be fully eliminated, and this law helps define those risks to create a safer framework for hosting and operating off-road motorcycles on private land.
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The new law protects both property owners and event operators from civil liability for injuries or damages resulting from the inherent risks of riding a motorcycle. The bill does not protect property owners and event operators from injuries or damages resulting from gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Inherent risk legislation is prevalent in several other forms of outdoor recreation, most notably horseback riding and skiing. Texas HB 5624 joins Arkansas Act 312 as the only inherent risk laws dealing specifically with off-road motorcycle recreation.
This form of legislation has picked up steam across the country, and the AMA says
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The new bill, which will take effect Sept. 1, protects property owners and event operators from civil liability for injuries or damages resulting from the inherent risks of riding a motorcycle.( Photo: AMA)
it is focused on additional efforts, primarily in Iowa and Missouri, where similar inherent risk bills are taking shape for reintroduction in each state’ s next legislative session.
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Liberty Media’ s acquisition of MotoGP cleared by European Commission, closing set for July
Motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe should take note: the future of premier motorcycle racing is shifting gears. Soon after the European Commission granted unconditional approval, Liberty Media acquired Dorna Sports, the exclusive commercial rights holder of MotoGP, in a transaction that closed on July 3.
With this acquisition, Liberty Media— best known in motorsports for its ownership of Formula 1— officially adds MotoGP to its expanding portfolio. The move brings new potential for global fan engagement, commercial growth, and crossover exposure between F1 and MotoGP audiences.
The deal values Dorna at $ 5 billion and gives Liberty Media an 84 % ownership stake, with the Dorna management team— led by long-standing CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta— retains the remaining 16 %. Ezpeleta continues to helm MotoGP operations from its headquarters in Madrid, ensuring continuity as the series enters this new era.
“ MotoGP is one of the most thrilling sports on earth,” says Ezpeleta, emphasizing the series’ global fan appeal and commercial strength. He described the acquisition as a“ milestone confirming the even brighter future that lies ahead.”
See Liberty, Page 25