John Penton - A Poem

By Bob Wentzel

If you own a dirt bike, you should know his name,
And of course, he’s in the AMA Hall of Fame.
His life’s career and work span decades.
On a motorcycle, in the woods, is where he played.
First family of off-road racing, no doubt.
When he set his mind to something, he went all out.
His love for friends and family has been undying.
When it comes to making things better, he was always trying.
Hare scrambles, Enduros, Qualifiers, and Six Days.
The racing family would always amaze.
Our sport could never have been the same without his foresight.
He engineered, tweaked, cut, and welded to make it right.
That motorcycle was called a Penton.
If you saw the movie, the rest I don’t have to mention.
At ninety years old and going strong,
His love of the sport and his dedication has been lifelong.
We honor this man, for what he has given us.
In our community and lives, it has been a plus.
Now, I’ll end this poem, but can I have your attention?
This great man’s name is John Penton.