Conner went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from McNeese State University, which he used to start a career focused on biofuels, biogas to energy, power and steam generation systems, emissions reduction, gas processing, resource and energy conservation and heat recovery systems, eventually launching his own successful business, CPL Systems. While attending university, Conner helped set up and operate the Louisiana Resources plant in Grand Chenier, and each day, his trusty Honda took him from point A to point B and back again, covering all 60 miles in any kind of weather. Once CPL Systems was up and running smoothly, Conner was able to focus some of his energy and profits on his love of motorcycles. “He got to a point in his life that many of us would love to get to,” his oldest daughter, Jennifer Morris, explained. “The ability to wake up in the morning and say, what do I want to ride today? Do I want to wrap myself around an engine, squeeze tight and lean, watching the world zip past, or do I want to sit back relax a bit and just be one with the road? He was able to go to races and not only sponsor but participate and teach and share. He was able to hear someone in need and say ‘Here, take this bike for the season and return it when you’re finished,’ knowing that he might not get it back in the same condition.” After joining AHRMA in 2004, Conner instantly felt as if he’d found his home. It wasn’t just the thrill of speeding around the tracks that filled him with joy and purpose (though that was, naturally, his favorite part), it was also the community and camaraderie of the association that kept Conner coming back for more. Conner ’s love and appreciation for AHRMA inspired him to take on a very active role with the association, and he became instrumental in developing and maintaining AHRMA’s road racing program by sponsoring classes and series and serving as a road racing director, in addition to holding a leadership role as a multi-executive association councilor. In 2019, he was elected as the group’s official chairman. Friend and fellow racer, Art Deaton, noted that Conner’s successes with AHRMA included wins on the race tracks as well. “In 2006, he won his first national championship with AHRMA, and that was on a Honda 350CL in the Sportsman 350 series,” he said. “A few years later, one of his bikes, the Thruxton that’s in the auction, Thad Wolf, a friend of his, rode that bike and won nationals on his Thruxton. And then he (Conner) won another national in 2014 on his Handshifter, but his daughter is keeping that one. It’s a Harley WR.” “He got to a point in his life that many of us would love to get to,” his oldest daughter, Jennifer Morris, explained. “The ability to wake up in the morning and say, what do I want to ride today?” MECUM.COM // 67
