4 • December 2025 • Powersports Business
NEWS www. PowersportsBusiness. com
MIC president named vice chair of ORR board
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Christy LaCurelle, president and CEO of the Motorcycle Industry Council( MIC), has been elected vice chair of the board of directors for the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable( ORR). The appointment underscores the powersports industry’ s growing influence in shaping national outdoor recreation policy and access.
The ORR represents the $ 1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy, bringing together dozens of associations working to expand access to public lands and waters and to boost outdoor participation across the U. S.
LaCurelle joins newly elected chair Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association, and new board member Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association.
“ It’ s a privilege to serve as vice chair of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Board of
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LaCurelle’ s appointment underscores the powersports industry’ s growing influence in shaping national outdoor recreation policy and access.( File photo)
Directors, and I am grateful to be elected to the role,” says LaCurelle.“ The outdoor recreation industry has shown that it can achieve great things when we work together, and I’ m excited to help strengthen our coalition, grow the industry, and make public lands and waters more accessible for all Americans.”
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In addition to leading the MIC, LaCurelle also heads the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Recreational Off- Highway Vehicle Association, and the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America. Together, these organizations represent the $ 51 billion powersports industry through advocacy, research, education, and safety initiatives.
“ Christy’ s expertise will strengthen our impact in advancing outdoor access and growing the outdoor recreation economy for the benefit of all Americans— especially in rural communities,” says ORR President Jessica Turner.
The Motorcycle Industry Council, established in 1914 and based in Irvine, California, represents motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and aftermarket companies. Through its Ride With Us program, the MIC works to expand the ridership base and promote the thrill of motorcycling to new audiences.
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‘ KYMCO Joe’ returns as KYMCO USA resets leadership
KYMCO USA, has appointed Frank Yang as interim CEO, effective October 30, and brought back longtime executive Joe“ KYMCO Joe” Wofford as senior vice president, signaling a renewed push to rebuild dealer confidence and strengthen the brand’ s U. S. presence.
Yang and Wofford, whose partnership dates back to 1999, helped introduce KYMCO scooters, small- displacement motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs to American riders. Their early success was driven by reliable products and a strong dealer- first culture that emphasized rapid support and problem- solving.
Wofford said he’ s excited to return during a pivotal moment for the company.
“ I’ m glad to be back at KYMCO USA,” says Wofford.“ We have work to do, but the
Yang and Wofford, whose partnership dates back to 1999, helped introduce KYMCO products to American riders. Their early success was driven by reliable products and a strong dealer- first culture that emphasized rapid support and problem- solving.( Photo: KYMCO USA)
team has already impressed me with their eagerness to grow. I see this move as helping them grow and enjoy this business as much as I have over the years.”
With Yang and Wofford back in leadership roles, KYMCO USA aims to elevate product availability, strengthen after- sales support, and reestablish the brand as a competitive force in the U. S. powersports market.
KYMCO USA is the official North American distributor for KYMCO, a global manufacturer of scooters, motorcycles, ATVs, and side- by- sides. Headquartered in Spartanburg,
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Mountain Motorsports expands with new store in Tennessee
Mountain Motorsports is expanding its footprint in the Southeast with a new dealership currently under construction at Jordan Crossing in East Ridge, Tennessee.
Mountain Motorsports has a growing network of powersports dealerships across the region. A rendering of the facility shows a modern, full- service retail and service location designed to serve riders in the Chattanooga metro area and beyond.
Co- founders Justin Price and Ryan Hardwick, who grew up racing dirt bikes together, launched Mountain Motorsports with a passion for powersports and a goal of creating high- quality dealership experiences for customers. The new East Ridge location is the latest example of that vision in action.
Mountain Motorsports currently operates multiple locations across Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, representing major OEM
Photo rendering of Mountain Motorsports’ new store in East Ridge, Tennessee, which is currently under construction.( Rendering: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
brands including Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda, Polaris, and Sea- Doo.
The Jordan Crossing development, located near Interstate 75, is home to several major retail and dining destinations, and the new dealership is expected to bring additional traffic and visibility to the area’ s growing commercial corridor.
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Maine dealership transitions to new ownership as longtime GM takes the helm
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After nearly four decades of leadership, Garry Robertson, founder of Robertson’ s Power & Sports, has sold his majority share of the Sanford, Maine, dealership to longtime general manager Kevin Normand, who officially assumed full ownership in August.
The sale marks a significant milestone for the multiline dealership, which has grown from a small Suzuki shop into one of New
England’ s most recognized powersports retailers, carrying brands including Can- Am, Polaris, Suzuki, Kymco, Sea- Doo, Ski- Doo, Lynx, and Switch.
“ I would never have expected this to happen when I first came to Robertson’ s in 2004,” says Normand.“ We’ re all very excited about the future of the dealership and grateful to our employees and customers— the real reason for our success.”
LEGACY OF GROWTH Robertson founded the dealership in 1988, purchasing R & D Suzuki at its current location on Route 202 in Sanford. Over the years, he expanded the business to include multiple leading OEMs, significantly increasing showroom and service capacity while earning a reputation as a destination dealership for
See Robertson, Page 6