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The following article originally appeared in the Winter 2008 issue of Victory Rider magazine, the official magazine of the Victory Riders Association (VRA).
TOM ARNOLD’S CHARITY CUSTOM
Iowa-born comedian Tom Arnold has been riding since he was a kid kicking around the family farm on a dirt bike, and that Iowa connection eventually brought the film and television star into the Victory family.
Several years ago, after touring Iowa on a trip sponsored by the governor’s office, Tom was approached by Polaris representatives asking if he would be interested in riding a motorcycle built in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He was not sure what to expect.
“I was excited to try a bike built in Iowa, but to be honest I thought it would be a dirt bike or something,” he said. “We had Polaris products on the farm for years – both snowmobiles and quads– but when that bike showed up, I was blown away.”
“That bike” turned out to be a newly-introduced Hammer replete in orange with tribal graphics, performance pipes and a windscreen. Arnold soon found himself riding the Hammer more than other bikes in his garage, and before long, the wide-tired Victory was his only ride.
Famous Riding Friends
His regular riding group in California at the time was like a who’s who of the film industry, all brought together in a “six degrees of separation” manner. Tom Arnold first connected with another Arnold – California Gov. Schwarzenegger – while filming “True Lies” (1995). “The Governator” – a five-time Mr. Universe, seven-time Mr. Olympia – had teamed with director and producer James Cameron to create the “Terminator” franchise. The make-up and special effects for those films were created by legendary artist Stan Winston, the creator of the T-Rex in “Jurassic Park” and the make up genius for the “Alien” and “Predator” films.
Arnold, “Ahnold,” Cameron and Winston. Not bad company for monthly rides near scenic Malibu, California.
Fast-forward a few years. By 2007, Tom Arnold had gotten to sample almost every Victory model – even borrowing a Vegas Jackpot on a 2007 trip to Des Moines for another State of Iowa promotional tour.
“I stood in front of a room of legislators and told them how proud I was to be from that great state – even telling them that the best motorcycles in the world were made in Spirit Lake!” he recalled.
With fame comes influence and Arnold has been using his cachet not only to promote tourism in his home state, but also to raise funds and awareness of his chosen charity – Camp del Corazon, a pediatric heart patient camp that hosts kids who have undergone invasive and life-changing operations. They are treated free of charge to the summer camp, where they’re overseen by volunteer doctors and nurses.
“A friend of mine had a kid go through a critical surgery and I was introduced to the camp,” the actor said. “That changed my life. Despite all these kids have gone through and the challenges they face, they are the most inspirational people I have ever met. “And don’t think they go to camp to relax!” he laughed. “Those kids wear me out!”
A Team Custom Project
Charitable inspiration hit and Tom turned to Victory for a motorcycle, old riding buddy Winston for the design and a handful of elite aftermarket suppliers for custom parts to create an inspired motorcycle that will be auctioned off to support two charities: the Camp del Corazon and Operation Homefront, an organization suggested by Schwarzenegger that benefits the families of American soldiers.
“I’ve worked with the USO and toured battle zones to do what I can for troop moral – our troops are heroes – and family support is critical in their lives. That’s where Operation Homefront comes in,” Arnold said. “We decided to split all the money raised from this auction between the two charities.”
Choosing the Victory model was easy. The Victory Vision has already garnered Bike of the Year awards from two magazines and it draws attention wherever it’s seen. Stan Winston Studios, inspired by colors used in an upcoming movie (hint: a May 2008 release featuring Robert Downey, Jr.) created a rendering that became the guide for the finished bike.
Victory personnel called in some more favors and the resulting custom Victory Vision was unveiled in December at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show (IMS). As the silk cover slid off the machine Arnold was stunned into silence – for all of one minute – before his excitement for the final project bike spilled out. That full-throttle enthusiasm continues to this day.
“This bike is unbelievable,” he said. “I am truly touched by everybody involved in the design and by the donations for this bike. It is awesome, and I’m so proud of the final result.”
It Could Be Yours
This very special machine could end up being your next ride! The bike will be up for auction through eBay in the month of July, 2008. The winning bidder will have the option of accepting delivery of the bike at the 2008 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and will have instant VIP status within the Victory family at that event.
All the money raised from the sale of this bike will be divided between Tom Arnold’s two charities. When July rolls around, be sure to log on to eBay and make a bid for this incredible, one of a kind Victory Vision. With a direct connection to Hollywood, the pedigree of this machine is matched only by the quality of engineering and design put into every Victory motorcycle.
Come July, you’ll find a link to the auction site on the Victory website, or go to www.ebay.com and enter key search words: Tom Arnold Charity Victory Vision.
For more information about the charities and to offer your support, visit:
• www.campdelcorazon.org
• www.operationhomefront.net
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