AMA announcer dies of apparent heart attack

LIMA - A popular announcer for the American Motorcyclist Association Grand National tour died prior to a race in Lima on Saturday.
J.B. Norris, a motorcycle enthusiast who previously worked for the AMA and has called races since the 1990s, died of an apparent heart attack, Dean Gallup, promoter of the Ohio National Championship Motorcycle Races, said.

"He was a great guy. He was a very nice fellow," Gallup said. "He was a part of the series. His voice was recognized throughout the series. The sport's going to miss him. There's no doubt about that."

Norris was just coming into the Allen County Fairgrounds getting ready for Saturday's race when he collapsed. Paramedics were quick to begin resuscitation efforts and were able to briefly revive him en route to the hospital, Gallup said. Norris died at Lima Memorial Health System, Gallup said.

"They thought they had him going again," Gallup said. "It just wasn't meant to be."
In addition to stints working for the AMA and as a racer, Norris also spent many years as executive director of the Illinois

Motorcycle Dealers Association, according to his Web site. Norris also launched a series of flat track artwork. The oil on canvas pieces "bring the exciting flat track world to your living room," according to his Web site.

Racers and attendees at Saturday's event held a moment of silence in honor of Norris prior to the start of the race, Gallup said.