Sports

AIMEXPO: Final Five Builders Chosen for 2 Wheel Custom Showcase

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2025

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 29, 2025 — The final five builders have been selected for AIMExpo’s highly anticipated 2 Wheel Custom Showcase, completing the lineup of 10 of the nation’s most talented and innovative custom motorcycle builders. These builders will join David Chang, Oliver Jones, Roy Martin, Mike Rabideau, and Cristian Sosa to display their latest masterpieces at AIMExpo 2025, the powersports industry’s premier trade show, February 5-7 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Final Five Builders

Shaun And Aaron Guardado
Long Beach, CA
@smco
SMCO is a bespoke fabrication shop in Long Beach, California, focused on performance and branding. Known for unique, hand-built custom motorcycles and parts, the shop often incorporates a retro or industrial aesthetic. Founded by brothers Shaun and Aaron Guardado, SMCO has built a reputation in the custom motorcycle community for its work on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and collaborations with brands like LiveWire and Dainese. They are known for pushing the boundaries of design, incorporating unique elements and high-quality materials that appeal to enthusiasts who value craftsmanship and individuality.

Dennis Pierce
Las Vegas, NV
@mainstreetmoto
Growing up on a farm before the days of color TV, Dennis began building go-karts from old lawn mowers to stay busy. In the 1960s, he raced go-karts professionally as a teenager, winning numerous championships. His first custom motorcycle build was a ’59 Panhead Chopper in the 1970s. During that time, Dennis also raced Speedway professionally, earning several titles, including the East Coast Ice Championship.

Michel Messina
France
@rd_kustom_design
This project began six years ago as a weekend collaboration between Michel and his son, Jimmy, to create a naked street bike powered by an American V-Twin engine. After Jimmy’s lung cancer diagnosis in 2019, the bike became a symbol of his fight, but he passed away in December 2023, asking Michel to continue his legacy. The bike combines 3D modeling and CNC cutting with handcrafted elements, using billet aeronautical-grade 6061 and 7075 T6 aluminum for parts like the frame blocks and engine supports, along with hand-formed aluminum for the gas tank and airbox. Despite delays, the bike debuted at the 2022 AMD European Bike Show, winning Best of Show. Now, Michel’s mission is to bring the SR1 to the USA, fulfill Jimmy’s American dream, and launch the bike into small-series production alongside performance parts for major OEMs.

Nikki Scholl
Denver, CO
@nikkiroystoyscustoms
Nikki Scholl has been the CEO of Roy’s Toys Customs in Denver, Colorado, since 2002. Growing up in her father’s shop, she developed a love for hot rods and later fell in love with motorcycles when the shop transitioned from cars to motorcycles in 1994. Nikki quickly became involved in the design process, eventually partnering with her father as a custom builder. Their builds have been showcased at the Harley-Davidson Museum Pro Invitational, AIMExpo, and the Progressive IMS custom show circuit. Nikki was featured in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Motorcycles As Art exhibition, “Old Iron Young Blood,” and participated in the ROT Rally’s “Daughters of Custom Build-Off” and Motorcycle Missions’ Build 13 for State Farm’s 100th anniversary project.

Skeeter Todd
(1949 – 2020)
Skeeter Todd was a revolutionary innovator in the custom motorcycle scene and an industry leader in the V-Twin and performance motorcycle marketplace. The bike being showcased at AIMExpo 2025 is more than just a build — it’s a piece of history that was truly ahead of its time. Skeeter Todd’s innovative approach and craftsmanship earned him a spot in the Hamsters USA club and the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “Wicked Game” is a standout build, shown courtesy of Oliver Jones.

The 2 Wheel Custom Showcase highlights how motorcycles, parts, and accessories can be transformed into stunning, personalized creations. The event connects industry professionals, manufacturers, and enthusiasts, demonstrating how exhibitors’ products contribute to these one-of-a-kind builds.

“The 2 Wheel Custom Showcase exemplifies the creativity and craftsmanship that drive the custom motorcycle culture,” said Kevin Dunworth, curator of the 2 Wheel Custom Showcase. “This year’s builders bring unique perspectives and incredible talent to the floor, showing how art, technology, and individuality come together in motorcycling.”

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Earn NBA Team International Strategy Award for Second Consecutive Year

Published

8 hours ago

August 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have been named the recipient of the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the organization’s innovative global marketing efforts as part of the NBA’s 2025-26 Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.

The award honors NBA teams that develop data-driven international marketing strategies that strengthen brand recognition, create meaningful partnerships and expand fan engagement outside the United States.

Germany Strategy Drives Award-Winning Campaign

Building on last year’s success, the Magic expanded their presence in Germany through a year-long strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.

Rather than focusing solely on the international exhibition, Orlando created a comprehensive campaign that included:

A summer promotional tour across Germany
Magic Kiez, an immersive fan experience hub
Youth basketball clinics
Business networking summits
Community watch parties
Interactive fan activations
Corporate partnership events

The organization said the strategy helped establish a sustained presence before, during and after the Berlin game while strengthening relationships with German basketball fans and business leaders.

New International Partnerships

The campaign also expanded the Magic’s International Team Marketing Program (ITMP) through collaborations with several new international and global partners, including:

AIDA Cruises
Domino’s
Kellogg’s
Telekom
ThreatLocker
Visit Orlando

The partnerships supported both fan engagement initiatives and business development opportunities throughout Germany.

NBA Recognizes Innovation Across the League

The NBA’s annual Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate excellence in fan engagement, sponsorship activation, innovation, community impact and ticket sales.

This year’s major award winners included:

Award	Winner
International Strategy Award	Orlando Magic
Partnership of the Year	Cleveland Cavaliers
Partnership Innovation Award	LA Clippers
Social Impact & Inclusion Award	Philadelphia 76ers
New Sales Campaign	Detroit Pistons
Membership Program of the Year	Charlotte Hornets
Premium Experience of the Year	Cleveland Cavaliers

The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans also received recognition through the NBA’s AI Studio program for innovative applications of artificial intelligence to improve fan experiences.

NBA Executive Applauds Team Innovation

Jonathan Tillman, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Team Marketing and Business Operations, praised the league’s clubs for continuing to innovate.

“The innovation, creativity and strategic thinking NBA teams demonstrate every day continue to raise the bar for the sports industry while creating deeper connections with fans in their communities and around the world,” Tillman said.

He added that NBA teams are finding new ways to grow their businesses through strategic partnerships, artificial intelligence, ticket sales innovations and community engagement.

Selection Process

All 30 NBA franchises were invited to submit entries for the Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.

Winners were selected by a committee of NBA league and team executives based on creativity, measurable business results and overall impact.

For the second consecutive season, the Orlando Magic’s international strategy stood out among the league’s entries, highlighting the franchise’s continued commitment to expanding its global brand while strengthening relationships with fans and partners overseas.

Award Highlights

Orlando Magic won the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second straight year.
The award recognized the franchise’s comprehensive marketing strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
The campaign featured fan engagement, youth clinics, business summits and year-round activations across Germany.
New international partners included AIDA Cruises, Domino’s, Kellogg’s, Telekom, ThreatLocker and Visit Orlando.
All 30 NBA teams were eligible, with winners selected by NBA and team executives.

Central Florida News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Training Camp Roster Moves Ahead of 53-Man Cutdown

Published

2 days ago

July 30, 2026

FNN SPORTS

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of roster moves Tuesday as the team continues preparations for the 2026 NFL season.

The Buccaneers waived safety Ja’Qurious Conley with a non-football injury designation.

In addition, Tampa Bay placed cornerback Chase Lucas and defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.

Players placed on the Active/PUP List count toward the club’s 90-player offseason roster and remain eligible to return to practice at any point before the NFL’s deadline to reduce rosters to the regular-season 53-player limit.

The moves come as the Buccaneers continue evaluating their roster during training camp in preparation for the upcoming preseason schedule and the start of the regular season.

What the Moves Mean

A player waived with a non-football injury (NFI) designation has sustained an injury or medical condition that did not occur during NFL football activities. If Conley clears waivers, the Buccaneers’ next steps will depend on league rules and his injury status.

The Active/PUP List is reserved for players who are unable to practice because of football-related injuries at the start of training camp. While on the Active/PUP List, Lucas and Ndubuisi may participate in team meetings and receive medical treatment, and they can be activated at any time before the team’s final roster reduction.

Sports

Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp

Published

6 days ago

July 27, 2026

FNN SPORTS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Sunday that offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio and Cole Van Lanen have been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as the team continues preparations for training camp.

Players on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.

The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.

DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.

The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.