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 AMA
announces 2011 AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series,
presented by Moose Racing
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today the schedule for the 2011 AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, presented by Moose Racing. The 2011 season will feature 10 rounds of premier off-road racing and showcase a range of skill-, age- and displacement-based classes. "The AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, presented by Moose Racing, is coming off another strong season in 2010," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "Working with the National Enduro Promotions Group (NEPG), we've made some key improvements to the series that have led to some of the highest participation in the history of the championship. We're looking forward to more improvement in 2011." The AMA Racing National Enduro Championship dates to the founding of the AMA in 1924. It is one of the longest-running national motorsports championships in the world and today is one of the premier off-road racing series in the country. It is designed to provide a competitive landscape for all levels of riders, from amateur competitors to the country's fastest enduro racers. "The NEPG would like to give our thanks to all of the clubs that have hosted an AMA Rekluse National Enduro," said the NEPG's Alan Randt. "The success of the series would not be possible without their hard work and dedication to the sport. We would also like to welcome five new clubs to the 2011 series, two of which are hosting their first ever National." Although each year features historical favorites, such as the Jack Pine Enduro in Moorestown, Mich., the AMA Racing National Enduro Championship Series often races in new locations each year. The new venues on the 2011 schedule include Salley, S.C.; Forest Hill, La.; Bismark, Ark.; Cross Fork, Pa.; and Chandlersville, Ohio. The new clubs are Ohio's Zanesville Trail Riders and the Arkansas Dirt Riders. This year's championship will begin on Feb. 27 in Salley, S.C. The 10-round championship will wrap on Oct. 1 in Matthews, Ind. The full schedule is below. For updates, see AMARacing.com and NationalEnduro.com. 2011 AMA National Enduro Championship Series Schedule Mike
Lafferty wins 2010 AMA Racing East Hare Scrambles Championship
In dry and dusty conditions, the 2010 AMA Racing East Hare Scrambles Championship Series came to a close in Lynnville, Ind., with Husaberg factory rider Mike Lafferty wrapping up a successful season by claiming the Series No. 1 plate with a final round win. Lafferty, an eight-time champion of the AMA Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, won the overall at five rounds of the eight-round series. "Mike did a great job this year, and really put on a heck of a performance," said American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "The AMA congratulates Mike on his championship, as well as all the class champions of this series. We look forward to seeing them return in 2011 to defend their class titles or, where appropriate, take on the challenges of a new class as they climb the ranks." Lafferty, from Millville, N.J., beat his closest rival, Yamaha-mounted Jason Greer, by 13 championship points, 145 to 132. "I decided to participate in this series earlier this year just to help with my training and keep me in racing mode between the breaks of the National Enduro Series," Lafferty said. "It has definitely paid off, and I am happy that I was not only able to benefit fitness-wise but that I was able to win a championship for Husaberg." At the final round on Sept. 19, promoted by the IN, IL, KY Enduro Riders, Lafferty started the race in second behind Greer before the Yamaha rider ran off course. Once in the lead, Lafferty never relinquished the spot and took the win. "It was dry and dusty, so on the first lap I backed off and let Jason pull out a little bit just to learn some lines and not chance crashing from poor vision," Lafferty said. The AMA East Hare Scrambles Championship Series and its companion series, the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series, offer national recognition to a wide range of AMA Racing competitors. Classes feature up-and-coming youth riders, recreational amateur racers and some of the top woods racers in the country. Full series results and more information about competing can be found at AMARacing.com.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today the 2010 schedule for the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series, which determines the country's top desert racers every year in a number of skill- and machine-based classes. New for 2010, the AMA has partnered with the National Hare & Hound Association (NHHA), which will promote the series. The NHHA is made up of four AMA District 37 clubs: Desert MC, Vikings MC, Four Aces MC and 100's MC. "Similar to how our partnership with the National Enduro Promoting Group has reaped benefits for the AMA/Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series presented by Moose Racing, working with the NHHA will help elevate the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series in 2010," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. The NHHA's Ryan Sanders says the group is already moving ahead to advance the 2010 championship. "Our goal is to elevate the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series and return it to its position as a premier national championship," Sanders said. "We intend to do that by securing sponsorship and working with the clubs to achieve uniformity. We want our racers to be greeted by the same format, the same sign-up procedures, and the same signage at every event. Beyond that, we intend to promote, promote, promote. "We've also teamed up with accomplished desert racer Chris Blais as series manager," Sanders continued. "Chris brings his years of racing experience to help make sure we keep this a series built for racers and not necessarily a series built just for profit." Bromley said the first step was putting together an exciting schedule for racers. "The 10-round schedule will once again provide the country's top desert racers with a number of exciting courses," Bromley said. "In addition, with multiple rounds scheduled after the summer break, we're expecting the suspense of the championship to go down to the wire, bringing many racers and fans out to enjoy the fall portion of the program." The 2010 AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series will begin Jan. 24 at the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area near Lucerne, Calif. The 10-round championship will see action in California, Nevada, Idaho and Utah. The complete schedule is below. 2010 AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series Schedule Round 1 Jan. 24 Desert M/C Dale Shuttleworth (909) 578-1599 desertmotorcycleclub@yahoo.com DesertMC.com LOC: Johnson Valley OHVA, Lucerne, Calif. Round 2 Feb. 14 Four Aces MC Richie Wohlers (805) 358-2668 richie@fouracesmc.org FourAcesMC.org LOC: Spangler Hills OHV, Ridgecrest, Calif. Round 3 March 7 Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Kirk Hester (760) 275-9852 roadrunneroffroad@hotmail.com RoadRunnerOffroad.org LOC: Superstition OHVA, El Centro, Calif. GPS: 32° 54'7.23"N 115° 47'15.86"W Round 4 March 21 Dirt Inc. Bill Walsh (208) 459-6871 braaap@cableone.net DirtIncRacing.com LOC: Murphy, Idaho Round 5 (no ATVs)* April 10 Sageriders MC Kari Christman (435) 851-1138 dezchik111@yahoo.com Sageriders.com LOC: Jericho, Utah Round 6 April 25 Vikings MC Alex Rodriguez (760) 834-5006 alex@arrowdevelopment.net VikingsMC.com Loc: Johnson Valley OHVA, Lucerne, Calif. Round 7 May 15 Sugarloafers Rob Davies (435) 743-4180 offrdsp@hotmail.com SugarloafersMC.com LOC: Jericho, Utah Round 8 (no ATVs)* June 5 Utah Desert Foxes Steve Rij (801) 964-8773 steve.bmp@att.net UtahDesertFoxes.com LOC: Wendover, Nev. Round 9 Oct. 10 SoCal MC Justin Shultz (949) 981-6776 justins@bgainsurance.com SoCalMC.com LOC: TBA Round 10 Oct. 24 100's MC Ryan Sanders (949) 584-9395 ryansanders24@hotmail.com 100sMC.org LOC: Lucerne Valley, Calif. *The U.S. Bureau of Land Management does not allow all-terrain vehicle (ATV) competition at these locations.
From a field of over 20,000 hopefuls and nearly 1400 riders who qualified for the national event at Loretta Lynn Ranch, AMA Amateur National Champions in 34 classes were crowned after a week of racing at the Air Nautiques AMA Amateur Motocross Nationals presented by Amsoil.
Although classified as a B (intermediate) rider, Tomac's lap times put him on par with the A (expert) level racers. Wilson took two of the A class titles, with Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki rider Blake Baggett, of California, delivering the 250 A Pro Sport title. Baggett was plagued with bad starts when matched against Wilson in the 250 A class and had to settle for third in that class, behind Honda of Houston backed Taylor Futrell. In the 450 A class, Suzuki's Justin Weeks bought three moto wins back to his Cincinnati, Ohio, home. Kawasaki's Malcolm Stewart, younger brother of Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion James Stewart, took second behind Weeks in each moto. Stewart also placed second overall in the Open Four-Stroke Class, which saw Alabama's Heath Harrison roll to a championship. Other A class favorites struggled, such as KTM's Jason Anderson, who saw his title hopes eliminated in his first two motos of the week due to crashes and mechanical troubles. After Tomac cleaned up in the 250 B Mod class, California's Michael Lieb won the 250 B stock title in one of the most dramatic races of the week. Lieb won the first two motos, but went down in a first-turn crash in the third moto. His clutch perch broken, and riding in pain, Lieb managed to dig down for a 14th-place finish in the third moto, still enough to edge Ireland's Edward Allingham and Lance Vincent, who went 4-13-1 in his races. Florida's Justin Starling won the 450 B stock class, and Gannon Audette won 450 B Mod, both on Suzukis. Yamaha rider Bryce Valle finished second in both classes. Tomac took the Schoolboy 2 class for 250 four-strokes, while Kawasaki's Jacob Hayes won the Schoolboy 1 class for 125 two-strokes. Hayes survived the best moto of the week, as the final moto in that class featured a four-rider duel including Kyle Peters, Brad Frace and Joey Savatgy that went down to the final corner. The C classes were topped by Washington's Conner Elliot (250 C stock),
New Jersey's Jesse Pierce (250 C Mod) and Oklahoma's Blake Barnes (450 C
Mod). In the 85 (9-11) classes, KTM's Alexander Frye turned in a strong last-moto charge to top Kawasaki Blake Green for the title, but Green came back to win the Zach Bell's younger brother Chase delivered in the stock class to claim a title there. In the 65 classes, Zach Bell's younger brother Chase won the 65 (10-11) Stock title, with Canada's Kade Walker winning the 65 (7-11) Modified class. California's Sean Cantrell won a close fight with Michael Mosiman to win the 65 (7-9) stock class. The Vet classes were dominated by Dubach and Massachusett's Keith Johnson, who won the Plus 25 and Plus 35 classes for the second-straight year on his Kawasaki. Kawasaki's Matt Tedder won the 50 plus class, which had returned to the event this year, over Honda rider Craig Pickett. Mississippi's Glen Myatt won the 30 B/C class. The Women's class usually delivers some of the best racing of the event, and this year was no exception. California's Alexah Pearson held a big points lead with 1-3 moto scores, but she crashed on the first lap of the third moto. She charged back to 11th, but it wasn't enough to stop Texas' Shelbie Brittain from claiming the title with 3-6-3 scores. Kawasaki's Sarah Price, who finished second in the class last year, took the runner up result again, going 11-1-1 after crashing in a muddy first moto. Utah's Amanda Mahue avoided such drama in the Girls (11-15) class, winning all three motos. The 51cc classes went to Cobra's Stilez Robertson in AMA Class 1 Stock (4-6) and Jordan Bailey in AMA Class 2 Stock (7-8), and Vance Stiers in the Stock Shaft Drive class on a Yamaha. MotorcycleUSA.com handed out $100 holeshot awards in every race via its motorcycle-superstore.com site, over $10,000 handed out in all. As always, the event featured plenty of activity off the track, living up to the reputation as "The World's Greatest Motocross Vacation." Talent and fashion shows, a freestyle demo, karaoke and Guitar Hero showdowns, a concert by Hank Williams III, riding seminars and other events kept racers and families occupied during their week at Loretta Lynn Ranch.
Women's Trophy Team, Junior Trophy Team and club team members announced The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the rosters for the U.S. Women's Trophy Team, the U.S. Junior Trophy Team and the members of the U.S. club teams that will carry the banner for American off-road racing honor at the 2009 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Figueria da Foz, Portugal, Oct. 12-17. In addition, Timmy Weigand will replace the injured Nathan Woods on the U.S. World Trophy Team, which will contest the World Trophy Team Championship. Woods was injured while competing in Round 6 of the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS). "We're thrilled that these world-class riders are joining the ISDE effort as part of Team USA," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Campaigning the ISDE takes skill and dedication. It's not only six days of the toughest motorcycle racing on the planet, but months of preparation to get there. The AMA members who have stepped up to race for America at the 85th ISDE rank among this country's most-talented riders and we look forward to supporting them in Portugal this October. "We're also happy to welcome Timmy Weigand to the U.S. World Trophy Team and wish Nathan a speedy recovery," Dingman added. Weigand, who will be representing the United States at the ISDE for the first time, rides for Johnny Campbell Racing, primarily in the AMA-sanctioned World Off-Road Championship Series. The other members of the U.S. World Trophy Team, which was announced in March, include Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett and Nathan Kanney. "Kurt called me a week and a half ago and said I was in the running, then Johnny (Campbell) called me the next day and said I was selected and that he would be fully supporting me," Weigand said. "This is going to be a lot of hard work, but a great experience and a great time. The team is solid. We got a podium last year, and we hope to do better than that. I'm the new guy, but hopefully I can ride smart. I have some good teachers in Kurt and Johnny." Weigand says the focus right now is getting the bike ready to ship to Portugal. "I'll be riding a Honda CRF250 in the E1 class," he said. "Right now it's a mad dash to get it ready. The bike has to be on the container in Portland in two weeks. As for setup, we're definitely going for reliability. The bike is going to be pretty much stock so it can last the entire six days without a ton of work. I'm just happy to be going. It's great to ride for your country at a major event like the ISDE." The U.S. Junior Trophy Team fields four riders 23 years old or younger. Led by five-time ISDE veteran Team Captain David Kamo, the Junior Trophy Team also will include defending AMA/Rekluse National Enduro Champion Russell Bobbitt, Grand National Cross Country racer Cory Buttrick and WORCS racer Jamie Lanza. "We have the team we wanted to have," said Kamo, who's currently leading the points for the 2009 AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship. "It's a strong team. We have an enduro racer, a WORCS racer, a GNCC racer and a desert racer. Russell is super fast, Jamie will never give up, and Cory, as well as he's going in the GNCCs this year, he deserves to be there. As for me, I'm just happy to be on the team and, honestly, I hope those guys ride so well that I'm our drop-out rider. If I'm the drop-out rider, that just means everyone else is riding strong." Current plans call for Lanza to race the E1 class, which features 100cc to 125cc two-stroke and 175cc to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles; Bobbitt and Buttrick to race the E2 class, which features 175cc to 250cc two-stroke and 290cc to 450cc four-stroke motorcycles; and Kamo to ride the E3 class, which features 290cc to 500cc two-stroke and 475cc to 650cc four-stroke motorcycles. The U.S. Women's Trophy Team finished second in Greece last year to the French team, a year after winning the Women's World Cup in Chile. The team will include veterans Maria Forsberg, Mandi Mastin and Lacy Jones. "I am extremely excited to be going to Portugal this year representing the United States Women's Trophy Team," Mastin said. "This will be the eighth ISDE that I have competed in and the third since the Women's World Team was created. I consider it a great honor to be involved in the race and look forward to going to Portugal healthy and ready to bring home the trophy again this year. Maria proved last year in Greece that she has what it takes to compete with some of the fastest women in the world, and Lacy is also a returning member to the team with two ISDE experiences. The three of us plan on working as hard as we can to win the Women's World Trophy again this year." While the Trophy Team, the Women's Trophy Team and the Junior Trophy Team are a critical piece of the U.S. effort, they are a small part of the entire U.S. contingent that makes the trek to the annual event. Dozens of club team riders will also represent the U.S. at the 2009 ISDE. The following riders were selected as club team members: Toby Atkins, David Booth, Jordan Brandt, Joel Burkett, Billy Burns, Nick Fahringer, Jeff Fredette, Don Grahn, Nick Hamill, Fred Hoess, Zach Lipana, Brent Martell, Garrett Mayer, Shawn O'Leary, Ryan Powell, Ben Smith, Brian Sperle, Rory Sullivan, Troy Swettenam, Lars Valin and Chilly White. America's motorcyclists can help support Team USA, and looking good while doing it, by buying an official Team USA ISDE T-Shirt. All proceeds support the massive effort to transport the riders, bikes and crew to and from Portugal. To buy a shirt, just visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on Gear, then select Apparel. For more information on the ISDE and Team USA, please see AMARacing.com. TROPHY TEAM Destry Abbott Kurt Caselli Ricky Dietrich James Jarrett Nathan Kanney Timmy Weigand JUNIOR TROPHY TEAM Russell Bobbitt David Kamo Jamie Lanza Cory Buttrick WOMEN'S WORLD CUP TEAM Lacy Jones Mandi Mastin Maria Forsberg JAFMAR RACING (Laura Claypoole, manager) Jeff Fredette Chilly White Don Grahn MISSOURI MUDDERS (Jay Hall, manager) Lars Valin Toby Atkins Billy Burns TONY AGONIS (Bob Agonis, manager) Fred Hoess Nick Fahringer Ben Smith DESERT MC Shawn O'Leary Joel Burkett Nick Hamill GO FASTERS.COM (Steve Berkner, manager) Brian Sperle Ryan Powell Jordan Brandt NW CLUB TEAM Rory Sullivan Troy Swettenam Zach Lipana CLUB TEAM 2 Brent Martell David Booth Garrett Mayer
2010
Monster Energy® AMA Supercross "The 2009 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, was arguably the best season of all time, combining parity on the track and drama off the track, and we expect 2010 to build off of that excitement," said Charlie Mancuso, president, Feld Motor Sports. "The championship will continue its rich history at many of the legendary stadiums that have made Monster Energy® Supercross so strong, in addition to the new tour stop at the new state-of-the-art Cowboys Stadium." The newest addition to the tour will be the inaugural stop at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, which is a short drive from the old Texas Stadium. Monster Energy® Supercross held its first race at Texas Stadium in March 1, 1975, with subsequent races through 1977. From 1983-2008, Texas Stadium was one of the marquee stops on the Monster Energy® Supercross schedule. With the establishment of the new Cowboys Stadium, a new area of tradition will be built off of the historic 30 races held in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman added: "AMA Supercross is the premier competition of its kind on the planet. The AMA is pleased to once again be working with the FIM and Feld Motor Sports for the 2010 season to provide the world's stage where the best of the best will battle for championship honors. Since the beginning, AMA Supercross has grown in stature and significance. Today, the consolidated championship attracts the top riders from all over the globe. It's going to be another incredible season of competition." "Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, can bow on a glorious past which results in the rich history it presently has," said Wolfgang Srb, President of the FIM Motocross Commission. "We are proud to count Monster Energy® Supercross amongst the 49 FIM World Championships. The 2009 season was most entertaining and kept the fans thrilled until the end. The FIM considers 2010 as a transition year and is confident that Feld Motor Sports will export Monster Energy® Supercross to new international horizons as of 2011. The fans that are supporting Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship worldwide deserve it." After a successful 2009 return to Salt Lake City, Monster Energy® Supercross will bring the action back to Rice-Eccles Stadium May 1. With the loyal support and commitment from the Utah Sports Commission, Monster Energy® Supercross will make its sixth stop at Rice-Eccles Stadium. "After looking at the 2010 AMA Supercross schedule, it's exciting to see where we will be competing at next year," said 2009 Monster Energy® Supercross champion James Stewart. "Most of the events will be similar to last year, but this year we're going to go to the new Cowboys Stadium, and it's the newest and biggest stadium in the United States. It's going to be fun to compete in the billion dollar Cowboys Stadium. Also, I look forward to returning to the venues that I created winning memories at during the 2009 season." 2010 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Schedule January 9: Angel Stadium, Anaheim, Calif. For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.
Due to land-use issues, Round 4 of the AMA Racing ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series has been rescheduled. The round, promoted by the New England Cross Country Championship Series (www.neccracing.net), was originally scheduled for this Saturday, May 30, in South Windham, Conn. The event has been moved to Sept. 19-20. The full schedule for the AMA Racing ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series can be found in the National Championship Series section of AMARacing.com
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to stay enforcement of a lead law that currently bans the sale of youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The stay, which extends through May 1, 2011, follows a unanimous vote by Acting Chairwoman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore. The AMA Government Relations Department is currently examining the 25-page Stay of Enforcement document and will issue more details shortly. It can be viewed by clicking here. The law in question is the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Designed to protect children from lead in toys that might easily end up in children's mouths, the language of the legislation has ensnared a number of products that have little exposure risk, including youth-model motorcycles and ATVs. "While we applaud the CPSC commissioners' vote to stay enforcement of the law, this doesn't solve the real issue, which is the law itself," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "Youth-model motorcycles and ATVs should be exempt from the law, and Congress needs to act to make that happen. Hopefully, this stay will give Congress the time it needs to fix this law, and we will continue to work with both legislators and our partners in the industry to make certain that it does." Moreland added that nearly 80,000 AMA and ATVA (All-Terrain Vehicle Association) members contacted their lawmakers and the CPSC to let them know how they feel. "I'm convinced this helped shape Chairman Nord's and Commissioner Moore's decision to support a moratorium on enforcing the lead law," he said. Despite the stay, it is unclear whether state attorneys general will also decline to enforce the CPSIA. The sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs is still technically illegal. Even though a stay means that dealers would not be subject to fines or penalties imposed by the CPSC, state attorneys general would still be able to prosecute violators if they chose to do so. "Motorcyclists and ATV riders need to let the Congress know that we are concerned about the law, and that we want kids' OHVs excluded from the law," said Moreland. "We need to continue to let our decision-makers know how we feel." Riders should contact their federal lawmakers and ask them to support legislation to exempt youth-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA by going to the "Rights" and then "Issues and Legislation" section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com. Also, individuals can sign up for the AMA/ATVA Government Relations Department's Action E-list so that they can be notified by e-mail when their support is needed to make a difference on important issues. Those interested in circulating a petition to change the CPSIA should contact Jessica Irving, AMA/ATVA grassroots coordinator, at jirving@ama-cycle.org. CPSIA Background The CPSIA took effect in February and it immediately stopped the sale of dirt bikes and ATVs designed for children 12 and under. The law was meant to protect children from dangerous levels of lead in toys, but it was written so broadly that it also impacted children's books, clothes, motorcycles and ATVs. Under the CPSIA, all youth products containing lead must have less than 600 parts per million by weight. The CPSC has interpreted the law to apply to various components of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs, including the engine, brakes, suspension, battery and other mechanical parts. Even though the lead levels in these parts are small, they are still above the minimum threshold. To ensure continued availability and access to youth-model motorcycles and ATVs, the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, the AMA, ATVA and others asked the CPSC to consider petitions submitted to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the final rule governing the law. The CPSC staff admits that the risk of exposure to lead from youth-model motorcycles and ATVs is relatively low. But the staff told the commissioners that the law is written so strictly that no lead absorption into the body is allowed. As a result, they say, motorcycles and ATVs shouldn't be exempt from the law. In April, the two-member CPSC rejected an industry request to exempt youth-model off-road motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA because the agency did not believe that it had the authority to exclude these vehicles from the lead-content limits imposed by Congress. However, the commissioners signaled their desire to issue a stay to give Congress the opportunity to change the law so that youth-model motorcycles and ATVs can be legally sold. The commissioners also expressed hope that manufacturers will use the delay to make changes to their products to make them meet the requirements of the new law. "...ATVs and motorized bikes appropriately sized for children 12 and younger can again be available and the commission will not seek penalties for violation of Section 101 and related provisions of the (law) against those who sell them," said Acting CPSC Chairman Nancy Nord on April 3. "I hope that the state attorneys general will follow the lead of the agency on this matter. "All stakeholders -- industry, users, Congress and the commission -- need to come together to fix the statutory problems that have become so apparent, in a common sense approach that does not unnecessarily burden those regulated, yet provides safety for American families," she said. Rider
penalized for actions at Salt Lake City round of the 2009 AMA Supercross,
an FIM World Championship
Officials with AMA Racing and the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) have penalized Supercross-licensed rider Kyle Chisholm for his on-track actions at the Salt Lake City round of the 2009 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. In on-track altercations between himself and fellow Supercross competitor Chad Reed, Chisholm violated Appendix A2.3, paragraph "i," of the AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship rulebook, which prohibits "engaging in any unfair practice, misbehavior, or action detrimental to the sport of motorcycling in general..." Chisholm also violated Appendix A.2.3 paragraph "o" which prohibits "failing to immediately respect and comply with the operational or warning flags/lights or other signals from Racing officials" when he remained on track after being shown the black flag. In consideration of these violations of the AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship rulebook, the following penalties were assessed: Disqualification from the Salt Lake City round. Suspension from all forms of AMA- and/or FIM-sanctioned competition until May 3, 2009. $5,000 fine.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is urging AMA members and concerned motorcyclists to push their federal lawmakers to support two letters being circulated by members of Congress that ask the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The CPSIA, intended to curtail the sale of toys containing lead to children 12-years-old and under, inadvertently ensnared youth-model motorcycles and ATVs because certain parts, including batteries and valve stems, may contain lead. The AMA, its members and other motorcycle groups have been supporting an industry petition for exclusion from the regulation since early February. Now, as the CPSC prepares to vote on whether it will grant that exclusion, a group of lawmakers has drafted two letters--one in the House and one in the Senate--urging the CPSC to allow the sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs. The lawmakers are: Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Sam Brownback (R-Kan.); and Reps. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.-AL), and Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.-AL). "AMA members and motorcyclists everywhere have shown that we can make a difference when we pull together and act as a group," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president of government relations. "Now is the time to work with your elected representatives and urge them to sign on to these Congressional letters to the CPSC, and to support the two bills aimed at righting this oversight: H.R. 1587 and S. 608. It's clear that when both political parties and both houses of Congress agree on something like this, change needs to happen." The CPSC needs to take action to stop the unintended consequences of its widespread ban on children's toys, noted Sen. Jon Tester, vice chairman of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, sponsor of S. 608 and one of the original co-signers of the Senate letter. "I introduced legislation to put common sense back into the equation and to keep motorsports an important part of our outdoor heritage," Sen. Tester said. "Access to the outdoors is an American value, and motorsports provide that access for countless families. Young folks ought to be able to ride bikes and ATVs responsibly, not be held back because of rules that apply to toys." Rep. Rehberg, an original co-signer of the House letter and whose bill, H.R. 1587, is also intended to eliminate the ban, echoed those sentiments. "While Congress is working on a permanent legislative fix to this serious misapplication of the law, I hope that the Commission does the responsible thing by exempting youth-sized off-road vehicles like ATVs, motorcycles and snowmobiles from the overreaching federal lead regulations," he said. "I'm glad I have the opportunity to work with the American Motorcyclist Association on an issue of such importance to so many Montanans." Noted Rep. Herseth Sandlin, also one of the original co-signers of the House letter: "It was clearly not Congressional intent to ban the sale of youth motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. Providing a common-sense exemption for these products will ultimately protect the safety of young riders by ensuring availability of appropriately sized machines." The CPSC is expected to vote on the matter soon. AMA members and others can take action by visiting www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, clicking on the "Rights" section and then "Issues and Legislation." AMA members will also find a self-addressed card in the May issue of American Motorcyclist that they can mail directly to the CPSC. Interested parties can also sign up to get e-mail Action Alerts in the "Rights" section to keep abreast of issues threatening motorcycling and ATV riding.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the riders who will contest the 84th International Six Days Enduro for the U.S. World Trophy Team. Returning to take on the world this Oct. 12-17 in Figueira da Foz, Portugal, are the riders who rode to a third-place team finish on Team USA at last year's event: Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett, Nathan Kanney and Nathan Woods. "In 2008, Team USA had its best performance at the ISDE in years, and it was only appropriate to reunite the riders who brought us so close to victory," said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Chuck Weir. "We are reloaded. We are ready. We are looking forward to showing the best off-roaders in the world that Team USA is not just a threat to place, but a threat to win at this storied international competition." Returning to represent the U.S. Trophy team for the third time is Team Captain Caselli. The 25-year-old Caselli, who races the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series for Shock Doctor/KTM, battled for the overall lead at the 2008 ISDE before crashing out on day three. In 2007, Caselli also led a significant portion of the event en route to winning the E3 class. In 2006, Caselli was a member of the championship Junior Trophy Team. "We're going with the same team we had last year, and we're just as motivated and excited to ride this year's ISDE and just as motivated to win," said Caselli, who likely will ride a KTM 300XC in the E3 class. "We like the location this year. Portugal is dry, rocky and dusty -- kind of like what we have out west, where the majority of our team is from." Caselli said the team is confident for the '09 event. "As long as we stay healthy and the bikes hold together, I really like our chances of getting on the podium this year," Caselli said. "It's not going to be easy, though. I know Finland is going to have a strong team. The Europeans bring a lot of talent. It's not going to be any easier than it has in the past, but I think we have a good shot." Another Team USA veteran will be Abbott, who is contesting the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series and the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) for Monster Energy Kawasaki. The 36-year-old five-time AMA National Hare & Hound Champion is a three-time ISDE Gold Medalist and will represent the U.S. on the Trophy Team for the fifth time. Last year, Abbott finished ninth in the E2 class. "I was pretty excited to hear that we were bringing back all the same guys," said Abbott, who will ride a KXF450, most likely in the E3 class. "I think the team's better this year. It looks like we picked up more speed, we know we can do it, and we have the experience. From everything I see, the location is going to suit us West Coast guys, and Nate and Jimmy adapt well to whatever conditions the race presents." Abbott added that a real team environment surrounds the ISDE effort. "We are all committed to doing what's best for the team. It's not an individual thing," Abbott said. "We're all about team, and that's what you need to do when you race something like this. The manufacturers are behind it. Last year, we went in hoping for top five and we got third, and that was with Kurt getting hurt and some other guys having bike trouble. Now we know we can podium, and we believe we have a shot at first or second." Dietrich, 21, was the top-finishing American at the 2008 ISDE, where he took second to Spain's Ivan Cervantes in both the overall and in the E1 class. Dietrich also joined Caselli on the championship 2006 Junior Trophy Team and currently races off-road events for Monster Energy Kawasaki. This will be Dietrich's second time representing the U.S. on the Trophy Team and his third time representing the U.S. in the ISDE. Jarrett, 32, also brings several years of experience to the team. Jarrett races the GNCC Series for GEICO Monster Kawasaki. This will be the Ohioan's sixth year representing the U.S. on the Trophy Team. Jarrett finished 13th in the E2 class in 2008. This will be second trip to the ISDE for the 31-year-old Woods, who races WORCS for Team FMF Suzuki and competes in the AMA Endurocross series. Woods finished 29th in the E2 class at last year's ISDE. Kanney, 26, is currently contesting the AMA GNCC Series for Shock Doctor/KTM. Kanney is an experienced ISDE and World Enduro Championship rider. Last year, he finished eighth in the E3 class. The World Trophy Team is one of three premier teams that represent the U.S. at the ISDE. The Trophy Team features six riders who compete in all three displacement classes that contest the ISDE: the E1 class, which features 100cc to 125cc two-stroke and 175cc to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles; the E2 class, which features 175cc to 250cc two-stroke and 290cc to 450cc four-stroke motorcycles; and the E3 class, which features 290cc to 500cc two-stroke and 475cc to 650cc four-stroke motorcycles. The other premier teams are the Junior Trophy Team, which fields four riders younger than 23 years old, competing in a minimum of two classes, and the Women's Trophy Team, which fields three riders. Also part of Team USA are members on various club teams made up of riders from all over the country. These teams are determined by qualifier events held this year on April 18-19 in Park Hills, Mo., and on May 30-31 in Idaho City, Idaho. More information on the ISDE, Team USA and the ISDE qualifiers can be found in the Featured Series & Events section of www.amaracing.com. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House members on March 25 approved a bill that closes more than 2 million acres of public land nationwide to off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized vehicles, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports. Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated just a couple weeks earlier, the lawmakers approved H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Congress' first attempt to pass this measure, S. 22, was defeated two weeks ago in the House. However, following that defeat, the Senate leadership brought H.R. 146 to the floor, inserted the language from S. 22, and passed the bill on March 19 by a vote of 77 to 20. It then went to the House for the March 25 vote. "The measure unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public lands by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "This is a sad day not only for responsible motorized recreation but also for a democratic process that is supposed to welcome public input and the opportunity for congressional review. "For example, House members never debated more than 70 of the bills included in this package before the vote," he said. The measure, which now goes to President Obama to be signed into law, consists of a daunting collection of more than 160 pieces of legislation and more than 1,300 pages of text. Under the bill, areas where motorized vehicles won't be allowed include parts of the Monogahela National Forest in West Virginia; Jefferson National Forest in Virginia; Mount Hood, Badlands, Spring Basin and Copper Salmon areas in Oregon; Sabinoso in New Mexico; Riverside County in California; and Washington County in Utah. U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) noted in a House floor speech on Feb. 9 that "there are recreation restrictions in this bill. "These (the AMA and other responsible recreation) groups' members include millions of off-highway enthusiasts, vacationing families, and small businesses involved in the system. And what they have pleaded with us to do is, quoting from the letter that many groups signed, 'It is our sincere hope that this Congress will develop a thoughtful approach to managing our public lands more than simply eliminating public access and creating additional layers of bureaucracy. Continued reasonable access to public lands is vitally important for current and future generations.' "So why the rush on this particular bill?" Bishop asked. "And who are the losers, other than Americans who enjoy recreating on public land?" Moreland warned that these kinds of threats aren't going to end. "This land grab is just the latest effort by the federal government to restrict recreational access to America's public lands," he said. "AMA members responded to our calls to action and helped us shape the debate of this legislation. "Our voice must grow stronger if we are to head off these and other threats in the future, and I encourage all motorcyclists to sign up for AMA's legislative alerts," he said. Through the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list, riders can be notified by e-mail when they can make a difference on important issues. To sign up, go to the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and then "Action E-list."
In a major victory for off-highway motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders, the U.S. House on Wednesday, March 11, voted down a bill that would have banned motorized vehicles from more than 2 million acres of public land, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports. The bill -- Senate Bill 22: The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 -- failed to get the required two-thirds vote of the House members for approval. The vote was 282 yes to 144 no, with six lawmakers abstaining. The bill had raised the ire of the AMA and others not only because it was a package of more than 160 bills put together to form a single bill more than 1,300 pages long, but also because it was fast-tracked through the Senate earlier this year and then positioned for a final House vote without the consideration of House members on more than 70 bills in the package. "AMA members played a significant role in the defeat of this bill," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "We asked all AMA members, off-highway motorcyclists, ATV riders and everyone who supports responsible outdoor recreation to immediately contact their congressional representative and ask them to reject the bill. And people responded, flooding their lawmakers with requests to vote 'no.'" U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), a leading voice opposing the measure, agreed: "This bill was the poor product of a poor process, and it would have cut off reasonable access for a whole host of activities on our public lands. I think it's correct to say that the defeat of this bill today was a victory for Americans who appreciate access, such as the millions of folks who enjoy responsible recreation on our public lands. "This specific fight is certainly not over, but the grassroots lobbying so far has definitely helped our cause," Bishop said. Speaking on the House floor before the vote, U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) warned that the bill "bans recreational access to millions of acres of public land despite proponents claims that it will protect vast new land areas for the appreciation of Americans. Lands that citizens currently use for enjoyment will be barricaded from recreational vehicle use." Moreland noted that other land-access groups were also involved in fighting this measure, including Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, the BlueRibbon Coalition, the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Off-Road Business Association, the American Council of Snowmobile Associations and others. The bill was written poorly, lumping together so many different proposals, Moreland said. Additionally, it would have unreasonably banned responsible motorized recreation on more than 2 million acres of public land by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness. The procedures used for fast-tracking the bill through the legislative process also violated the spirit of open and democratic government. Moreland warned, however, that while the AMA is cautiously optimistic about the outcome of today's vote, this bill, or one very similar to it, could re-emerge in another form soon. Riders must remain vigilant. An easy way to stay on top of issues affecting motorcycling is to sign up for the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list in the Rights section of www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com. That way you can be notified by e-mail when you can make a difference on important issues.
The U.S. trade representative has decided against imposing any tariffs on certain motorcycles imported from Europe in a trade dispute over beef, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports. The AMA, its members, the Motorcycle Industry Council, individual manufacturers, dealers, and others had contacted the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opposing the idea of possibly putting a 100 percent import duty on certain European goods -- including motorcycles with engine displacements of 51cc to 500cc. "This is great news not only for U.S. enthusiasts of these European motorcycles but also for the small- and medium-sized American businesses that sell and import these machines," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "But we have to remain vigilant to ensure that these bikes don't slip onto the tariff list in the future." Imposing the tariff could have increased the cost of certain imported motorcycles and scooters from manufacturers such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Bultaco, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husqvarna, Husaberg, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, TM and Vespa. The proposal was put together in retaliation to the 27-member European Union's continuing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven't lifted that 20-year-old ban, despite a World Trade Organization order to end it. In a statement released on Jan. 15, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab noted her office late last year sought comments on which of more than 100 European goods should be subject to the tariffs. "Approximately 600 comments were received by the requested due date of Dec. 8, 2008," she said. "An interagency committee of trade experts and economists reviewed the public comments and provided recommendations to the USTR with respect to modifications (to the list of products subject to additional duties) that would result in a more effective action, while taking account of effects on the U.S. economy, including consumers." Schwab is imposing 100 percent duties -- 300 percent in the case of Roquefort cheese -- on a variety of European products ranging from meat to pears beginning March 23 in the trade dispute over beef. In comments submitted to the U.S. trade representative by the Dec. 8 deadline, Moreland clearly stated the AMA's position. "There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute over beef," he said. "Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers of European motorcycles. A 100 percent ad valorem, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, citizens will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreation motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of millions of American families." AMA
announces 2009 AMA Racing ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship
Series schedule
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today the 2009 schedule for the AMA Racing ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series. Kicking off on May 30 in Ava, Mo., the series features the country's top ATV dirt-track racers and will award national titles in a number of age-, skill- and machine-based classes. "The only thing more fun than watching these guys kick their ATVs sideways inches apart at the end of a long straightaway, spraying rooster tails like you would not believe is going out there and doing it yourself," said AMA Flat-Track Director Ken Saillant. "This year's schedule offers our valued racers a nice mix of venues that will test their skills almost as much as the competition on the track. We can't wait to get started." The initial round will be at the Ozark Mountain ATV Raceway in Ava, Mo., on May 30. The series will make stops in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and Illinois before the finale at the I-81 Speedway in Greeneville, Tenn., on Sept. 19. The complete schedule is below. 2009 AMA Racing ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series Schedule Round 1 May 30 Ozark Mountain ATV Raceway (417) 683-1667 rrgettmuddy@aol.com www.ozarksatvraceway.com LOC: Ava, Mo. Round 2 June 20 Tri-City Raceway (814) 676-0477 hetrickracing@hotmail.com www.hetrickracing.com LOC: Franklin, Pa. Round 3 July 11 Birch Creek Raceway (434) 489-2992 akferrell@comcast.net www.birchcreekmotorsports.com LOC: Danville, Va. Round 4 July 25 Pine Lake (440) 997-4166 williamfischer07@yahoo.com www.fischercycle.com LOC: Ashtabula, Ohio Round 5 Aug. 29 South Fork Dirt Riders (217) 237-4752 rrgetmuddy@aol.com www.southforkdirtriders.com LOC: Taylorville, Ill. Round 6 Sept. 19 I-81 Motorsports Park (423) 323-5497 contact@victory-sports.com www.victorysportsracing.com LOC: Greeneville, Tenn.
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) today strongly criticized the Bush Administration's consideration of a possible 100 percent tariff on a broad range of popular European motorcycles and scooters in retaliation for European Union (EU) restrictions on imported American beef. "In this tough recessionary climate, it's ludicrous for the U.S. Trade Representative to even consider imposing a 100 percent motorcycle and scooter tariff, because the move will cost countless Americans their jobs," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice present for government relations. "This very day, the Administration and the U.S. Congress are planning to bail out troubled U.S. automakers to the tune of billions of dollars to save American jobs," Moreland said. "How, in good conscience, can the U.S. Trade Representative turn around and propose a measure that will spell the end of many motorcycle and scooter dealerships, and put their employees out in the street?" U.S. trade officials are looking at a list of more than 100 European goods for the possible imposition of 100 percent import duties in response to the EU's ongoing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven't lifted the 20-year-old ban despite a World Trade organization order to end it. Now the U.S. wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount of money it claims the U.S beef industry loses each year because of the ban. Included on the hit list are motorcycles and scooters with engines displacing 51cc to 500cc, representing popular on- and off-highway machines from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa. "In America, the majority of motorcycles and scooters under 500cc are sold through local dealerships," Moreland said. "Collectively, these dealerships contribute to the employment of a substantial number of Americans working in sales, service, parts and general operations. Unjustified trade sanctions on European-produced motorcycles and scooters will choke off this vital business, dealerships will close at an alarming rate, and the negative effects will spread downstream through the aftermarket and recreational-equipment sectors, and even the motorsports entertainment industry. Countless Americans will find themselves without jobs." The AMA sent comments to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative by a Dec. 8 deadline to express the opinions of the Association's 300,000 members on the possible tariffs. ""It is simply unconscionable that motorcycles and scooters are on the list in the first place. They have no place in a trade war over beef," Moreland said. "Furthermore, we find it tragically ironic that, as part of the auto bailout plan, federal lawmakers are considering requirements for American car makers to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles, and yet the motorcycles and scooters that the U.S. trade representative is considering for the 100 percent tariff get three to five times better fuel economy than many cars." It is unknown when U.S. officials will decide on which European goods will be hit with the stiff tariffs. AMA
fights possible 100 percent tariffs on certain European motorcycles
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today that it has written to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opposing a plan that could double the cost of some European motorcycles imported into the United States. The plan being considered by U.S. trade officials would impose a 100 percent import duty on more than 100 European goods -- including two engine displacement categories of motorcycles, 51cc to 250cc, and 251cc to 500cc. The federal measure is designed as retaliation to the 27-member European Union's continuing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven't lifted that 20-year-old ban, despite a World Trade Organization (WTO) order to end it. If U.S. officials impose the retaliatory tariff, it would double the price of a host of under-500cc on- and off-highway machines from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa. "There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute over beef," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, in his comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. "Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers of European motorcycles." The AMA's comments make a strong argument that motorcycles have no business being used as a lever in a dispute over beef. "Trade disputes residing concretely within the boundaries of the agricultural industry should not be resolved with trade sanctions levied against non-agricultural products," Moreland said. "A 100 percent ad valorem, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, citizens will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreation motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of millions of American families." The United States wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount of money it claims the U.S. beef industry loses each year because of the ban. The WTO has agreed on that amount. Interested parties have until Dec. 8 to comment on which European goods should be subject to the 100 percent tariff in the dispute. It is unknown when U.S. officials will make a final decision.
AMA Racing announced today that a round has been added to the 2009 AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series, one of the country's premier off-road series for both amateur competitors and the country's fastest desert racers. The new round is scheduled for May 16 in Jericho, Utah. It will be promoted by the Sugarloafers MC. The 2009 AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series will begin on Jan. 25 at the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Area near Lucerne, California. The eight-round championship will return to Jericho for the final round on Oct. 31. The complete schedule is below. 2009 AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series Schedule Round 1 Jan. 25, 2009 Desert M/C Gary Cyr (909) 865-3935 desertmotorcycleclub@yahoo.com www.desertmc.com LOC: Johnson Valley OHVA, Lucerne, Calif. Round 2 Feb. 8, 2009 Four Aces MC Richie Wohlers (805) 573-5128 richie@fouracesmc.org www.fouracesmc.org LOC: Spangler Hills, Ridgecrest, Calif. Round 3 March 15, 2009 Roadrunner Off-Road Racing Kirk Hester 760-275-9852 captain@dc.rr.com http//groups.msn.com/RoadRunnerOffRoadRacing/ LOC: Superstition OHVA, El Centro, Calif. GPS: 32° 54'7.23"N 115° 47'15.86"W Round 4 April 26, 2009 Vikings MC Nick Balderas 714-775-6880 balderas4@sbc.global.net www.vikingsmc.org LOC: Lucerne Valley, Calif. Round 5 May 16, 2008 Sugarloafers Rob Davies (435) 743-4818 rdavies02@frontiernet.net www.sugarloafersmc.com LOC: Jericho, Utah Round 6 Sept. 26, 2009 Utah Desert Foxes Steve Rij 801-964-8773 steve.bmp@att.net www.utahdesertfoxes.com LOC: Wendover, Nev. Round 7 Oct. 25, 2009 100's MC Ryan Sanders 9495849395 ryan.sanders@district37ama.org www.100smc.org LOC: Lucerne Valley, Calif. Round 8 Oct. 31, 2009 Sageriders MC Kari Christman 435-650-0411 dezchik111@yahoo.com www.sageriders.com LOC: Jericho, Utah
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today the 2009 schedule for the AMA National Enduro Championship Series. In addition to two new venues, this year's schedule welcomes the historic Alligator Enduro back to the national calendar. "We're very excited about the 2009 schedule," said AMA Off-Road Director Chuck Weir. "We worked very closely with the National Enduro Promoters Group to put together a program that offers our racers and fans variety, exposure and, of course, the challenging terrain and great riding that they demand." This year's championship will begin on Jan. 25 in the Manchester State Forest near Wedgefield, S.C. The 10-round championship will culminate on Oct. 4 in Upland, Ind. One highlight is the return of the famed Alligator Enduro to the National Enduro Championship Series. Although the Alligator Enduro has long been an AMA Sports-sanctioned event, in recent years it has not been a national. For 2009, the historic event will once again help crown the national enduro class champions. The 2009 Alligator Enduro takes place on March 5 off Tomoka Farms Rd., just south of International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach, Fla. The two new stops on the calendar include the June 21 race in Upton, Wyo., and the June 28 race at the Bull Run Guest Ranch near Great Falls, Mont. The complete schedule is below. The AMA National Enduro Championship Series dates to the 1920s and is one of the longest-running national motorsports championships in the world. The series features AMA Sports-sanctioned events and remains one of the country's premier off-road racing series, giving both amateur competitors and the country's fastest enduro racers a place to race. 2009 AMA National Enduro Championship Series Schedule Round 1 January 25, 2009 SERMA Johnny McCoy 803-481-5169 jmccoy@sc.rr.com www.sermaclub.com LOC: Manchester State Forest, Wedgefield, S.C. GPS: 33.86N 80.50W Round 2 February 22, 2009 Cherokee Cycle Club Garrett McKey 678-231-5858 gmckey@bellsouth.net www.setra.org LOC: Greensboro, Ga. Round 3 March 5, 2009 Alligator Enduro Daytona Dirt Riders Steve Pettenger 386-615-6722 www.floridatrailriders.org/ddr/ daytonadirtriders@aol.com LOC: Tomoka Farms Rd., Daytona Beach, Fla. Round 4 March 29, 2008 Acadiana Dirt Riders Darin LaFleur 337-363-4229 b_faster@yahoo.com www.acadianadirtriders.org LOC: Kisatchie Nat. Forest, Forest Hill, La. Round 5 April 26, 2009 NATRA Paul Traufler 256-837-0084 wintrak@hiwaay.net www.natra.dirtrider.net LOC: West Point, Tenn. GPS: 35° 7.991" N 87° 33.116" W Round 6 June 21, 2009 Superfly Race Productions Scott Bright 970-302-4045 pinned2win@hotmail.com www.racermec.org LOC: Upton, Wyo. GPS: 44° 05'47N 104° 37'091 Round 7 June 28, 2009 MTVRA Russ Ehnes 406-781-0967 russehness@bresnan.net www.mtvra.com LOC: Bull Run Guest Ranch, Mont. GPS: 47° 11'46.67" 111° 45' 50.51" Round 8 July 19, 2009 Susquehana Off Road Riders Jim Landvater 717-533-2242 jktm300@yahoo.com www.scrrmc.org LOC: Blain Picnic Grounds, Blain, Pa. GPS: N40° 20.262 W77° 29.89 Round 9 August 9, 2009 UP Sandstormers Frank Shepeck 906-233-9721 info@upsandstormers.com www.upsandstormers.com LOC: Marquette, Mich. Round 10 October 4, 2009 Muddobbers MC Brent Floyd befloyd@sweyzee.com www.muddobbers.org LOC: Upland Lions Club, Upland, Ind. American Motorcyclist Association commends U.S. Forest Service for pulling offensive Smokey Bear PSA off the air PICKERINGTON, Ohio--The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) thanked U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell for asking media outlets to stop airing a Smokey Bear public service announcement (PSA) that unintentionally implied all all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) pose a fire hazard in national forests. Kimbell made the request after off-highway vehicle (OHV) organizations, including the AMA, complained that the video not only implied to non-riders that ATVs start forest fires, but also sent a message to OHV riders that they should stay out of the forests during the summer. "The Advertising Council, U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters put the public service announcement together to educate riders about fire safety," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "But the PSA completely missed the mark and questioned the intentions of responsible OHV riders everywhere." The PSA in question showed a woman riding an off-road bicycle, approaching two ATV riders at a trailhead. The video then morphed the woman into Smokey Bear, who suggested to the riders that they go home so that they didn't risk starting a forest fire with their machines. Concerned OHV groups told Kimbell that the PSA should have educated riders about having U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arresters on their machines, and staying on designated trails as ways to prevent forest fires. Spark arresters are original equipment on new ATVs and are provided by aftermarket manufacturers for exhaust systems intended for trail riding. AMA Government Affairs Manager Royce Wood and Duane Taylor, government relations specialist with the Motorcycle Industry Council, had a face-to-face meeting with Kimbell's staff to discuss the PSA. Other groups that expressed concerns to the U.S. Forest Service included the BlueRibbon Coalition, the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, and the Off-Road Business Association. "Chief Kimbell is to be commended for listening to the concerns of the OHV community," said Moreland. "We support public service announcements that promote responsible riding, and we have asked the U.S. Forest Service to consult with OHV experts when producing OHV-related PSAs in the future. The OHV community is certainly willing to help." To that end, members of the Americans For Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA), which includes the AMA, delivered a letter to Kimbell on Monday, August 4, endorsing the proper use of a USDA-approved spark arrester on all OHV vehicles and offering assistance in the development of a PSA that educates riders about the importance using such a device, as well as the need to stay on designated trails. "Our common interest with the Forest Service makes it imperative that we work cooperatively on all initiatives intended to address responsible OHV use and the prevention of wildfires," Moreland said. AMA Racing announces 2008 AMA Team USA for Motocross of Nations PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the members of AMA Team USA for the 2008 Motocross of Nations. A trio of Monster Energy Kawasaki riders--James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto and Tim Ferry--will carry the Stars and Stripes as AMA Team USA goes for its 19th Motocross of Nations victory at the Donington Park Circuit in England on September 27-28. Leading the way will be MX1 entrant James Stewart. The 2007 AMA Supercross Champion and current AMA Motocross Championship points leader returns to Team USA after missing the 2007 event with a knee injury. "I'm excited to be a part of Team USA," said Stewart. "My main goal this season was to win the motocross championship, and I knew if I could do that I would have a good chance of representing the USA at the Motocross of Nations." Stewart has recorded perfect scores during the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship and recently positioned himself fourth on the all-time AMA wins list behind Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath and Bob Hannah. After his dominating performance at last years Budds Creek Motocross of Nations, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto will make his third consecutive appearance as AMA Team USA's MX2 rider. Villopoto has been the overall MX2 champion at the event in both of his appearances and is looking to wrap up his third straight AMA Motocross Lites Championship before closing out his stellar Lites class career at the Motocross of Nations. "Riding for Team USA is a great experience," said Villopoto. "This will be my last race on a Kawasaki KX250F and I really want to end my Lites career with another great run against the world's best." Veteran Tim Ferry will return to AMA Team USA as the Open class rider, marking his third appearance at the famous event. Ferry was a member of the 2003 team in Zolder, Belgium where the team finished second overall. His most recent run came with the victorious 2007 effort in which Ferry was the overall Open class champion. "It is an honor to be a part of this team," said Ferry. "Being on the team with James and Ryan is awesome and I know we are going to do our best to win it all again." AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: Will Harding keeps vintage racing on track Old bikes going fast at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- For many of the thousands who trek to the American Motorcyclist Association's (AMA) Vintage Motorcycle Days each summer, the allure of old bikes going fast is a powerful one. In fact, it's not unusual to discover that many fans are racers themselves. A case in point is Will Harding, one of scores whose passion for vintage racing will be on display at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, July 25-27. Harding is co-founder of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) and one of the more active racers in the paddock. He's often spotted pushing his own race bike to the grid and this year he's campaigning a Vintage Superbike BMW and a sidecar rig in a sport that is experiencing a surge in popularity. "The people who are taking interest now grew up in what I think of as the great motorcycle boom, the end of the '60s, when stuff started to come out that was reasonably priced and reliable," said Harding. "Maybe they're getting back into it, finding their first bike again. We're also seeing people who never had motorcycles take it up. Probably a lot of guys can spend the money now when they couldn't then." While vintage racing attracts past AMA champions like Jay Springsteen and Gary Nixon, there are few barriers to vintage motorcycle racing newcomers.. "We have novice classes, so there's a place for everyone," explained Harding. "We'll get guys who have never raced, or guys who maybe raced once or twice. I think the appeal is they don't have to go 200 mph, and they're able to ride with older ladies and gentlemen who are a little more sedate." One of the big attractions of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is that all forms of racing are on display at Mid-Ohio's modern complex and the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds, including road racing, motocross, cross-country, trials and dirt track. "The dirt side has been growing very, very well," said Harding. "I think one reason is that it's fairly inexpensive to get into. A lot of people have those old bikes in their garage or barn, and they're easy to get going. We've added cross-country to the program this year, and that will be popular. Then there's trials, the simplest form of racing we have-just get on a bike and try not to fall down!" Harding's love is road racing, and he's been an AHRMA national road-race referee for many years. "I try to make it run smoothly, so some guy can get from the pits to the grid, and never knows anything about all the work that went into it. He's just having a good time and finds that his scoring sheet is correct. If we're doing our job, the average racers don't even know we're there." There's something for everyone at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days In addition to vintage motorcycle racing, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days offers many attractions. Swapmeet™, sponsored by Motorcyclist Retro magazine, is the biggest draw. Collectors, bargain hunters and curious motorcyclists from throughout North America flock to the event each year to enjoy what has become the world's largest motorcycle swap meet. Triumph is the featured Marque of the Year for 2008, and 1970 Grand National Champion Gene Romero and seven-time AMA Grand National Enduro Champion Bill Baird will be co-grand marshals. Triumph motorcycles from past and present will be on display, and there will also be a Triumph-only bike show. An added bonus is the Vintage Triumph Roadshow with Triumph expert and Baxter Cycle owner Randy Baxter, who will be on hand to appraise classic Triumphs and Triumph memorabilia. Other AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days activities include: 2002 World Champion Triumph stunt rider Kevin Carmichael, Team FMX Freestyle, Team Extreme Motosphere and Ryan Young's Trials Stars Show. Motorcycle demo rides provided by Triumph, BMW, Buell, Can-Am Spyder, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Kymco USA, Moto Guzzi and Vectrix. Motorcycling seminars sponsored by Kymco USA, featuring noted world travelers, authors, writers, builders and experts such as Zack Coffman, John Healy, Don Hutchinson, Clement Salvadori, Mike Seate, Alice Sexton, Ted Simon, Bob Vail, Craig Vetter and Mark Wilsmore. A special display by the North American Laverda Owners Club, featuring Laverda founder Piero Laverda. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Auction. Guided rides of the rolling countryside around Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. All proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in nearby Pickerington, Ohio. Advance tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased at www.midohio.com or by calling (800) MID-OHIO. For more information, visit www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com. AMA Announces Teams for 2008 Trial des Nations The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the North American Trials Association (NATC) are pleased to announce the rosters for the men's and women's teams that will compete on Team USA at the 2008 Trial des Nations (TdN) in La Rabassa, Andorra, September 28-29. "The Trial des Nations is an important part of our international racing effort, and we're excited that these talented riders have agreed to support that effort as part of our men's and women's teams," said AMA Off-Road Racing Director Chuck Weir. "The competition at the world level in trials is tough, but we're confident that Team USA will be up to the challenge." The men's Team USA will feature Patrick Smage, Cody Webb, William Ibsen and Keith Wineland. Smage, from Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is the defending AMA/NATC National Trials Champion. Smage, who also currently leads the points race for the '08 national title, will be returning for his second trip to the TdN. "I'm real proud to return and race for Team USA at the TdN," said Smage, who will be 18 at the end of July and will ride a Sherco 290 at the TdN. "Last year, because I was too young, I had to ride a 125cc, so I'm really looking forward to showing what I can do on a full-sized bike this year." Webb, from Watsonville, California, currently sits second in the national points race behind Smage. He will ride a Sherco 320 four-stroke in Andorra. "This will be my fifth consecutive time representing the U.S. in this prestigious event," Webb said. "I have been to Spain, Italy, France, the Isle of Man, and I can't wait to try and earn America's best result ever this coming September. Thank you all for your support." Ibsen, from Roswell, Georgia, will ride a Gas Gas 300cc two-stroke at the TdN. Ibsen is third in the national points race and will be returning for his second trip to the TdN. "I hear they have some awesome riding there," Ibsen said. "It might be a more difficult round than the Isle of Man, but I think we'll fare better this year (than last year's sixth-place finish). It's a big privilege to get to do this, so I hope to have a strong performance and represent the country well." Wineland, from Fountain, Colorado, is currently fourth in the national series. Wineland, who will ride a Beta 270cc two-stroke, last went to the TdN in 2006. "It's totally amazing to be on the team. I didn't go last year, so it's good to be going again this year," Wineland said. "I've heard Andorra is dry and grippy, kind of like Colorado, which is where I'm from. So I'm hoping to do well." The Women's Team will showcase the talents of Louise Forsley, Sarah Duke and Caroline Allen. Forsley, from Hillburn, New York, will make her fifth trip to the event. Duke, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is returning for her fourth TdN, and Allen, from Norton, Massachusetts, will make her TdN debut. "I feel really lucky to have the opportunity to ride in another country," said Forsley, who will field a Gas Gas 250 at the TdN. "The competition is a lot of fun and it is also a great learning experience." Added Duke, who will also ride a Gas Gas 250 in Andorra, "When I travel to other countries to do these competitions, I feel like I am not just another tourist. But I am there for a reason and to show everyone what America can do in world competition." Allen, the youngest member of the team, says she is "expecting to go out there and have fun and try to ride the best that I can. Not a lot of people get this type of opportunity so it really is an honor." The sport of trials involves riders navigating their motorcycles over seemingly impossible terrain. The Trial des Nations began in Europe in 1983 as a way to bring the best trials riders from each country together to compete as teams, and it has evolved into one of the most anticipated trials events of the year. Each competing country fields two teams, a men's team consisting of four riders and a women's team consisting of three riders. Andorra is a small country on the border between France and Spain that is known for its thriving tourism industry. Located in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra has a predominance of rugged terrain and no shortage of elevation changes. La Rabassa is roughly a 390-mile drive from Madrid and a 550-mile drive from Paris. AMA announces final teams for 2008 International Six Days Enduro The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the rosters for the world championship-defending U.S. Women's Trophy Team, the U.S. Junior Trophy Team, the U.S. Senior Team and the members of the U.S. club teams that will help carry the banner for American off-road racing honor at the 2008 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Serres, Greece, September 1-6. "As always, we are very proud to call these world-class riders part of Team USA for the ISDE effort," said AMA Off-Road Racing Director Chuck Weir. "It not only takes a great deal of riding talent, but enormous dedication, to race the ISDE. These riders answered the call and stepped up. We look forward to supporting them in Greece this fall." The U.S. Women's Trophy Team claimed the Women's World Cup in Chile last year, and brings back two riders from that championship-winning effort for '08. Nicole Bradford and Amanda Mastin will be joined by ISDE rookie Maria Forsberg. "I'm really excited about it," Bradford said. "I've ridden with Amanda in three other Six Days, and having an opportunity to ride behind Maria at the last qualifier, I have no question that she will be a strong rider. We will have a great team." Bradford, who will be riding a KTM 250XCF at the ISDE, says the mantle of defending champions does create some additional pressure. "This year, we will have to step it up to win," she said. "Because it's in Europe, more European countries will be able to field strong womens teams, and since we won the inaugural Women's World Trophy, it inspires other countries to try to take that away. But we have three very strong riders. We used to go to the Six Days to finish. Now, we don't go there just to finish. Now, we go there to be the best in the world." The U.S. Junior Trophy Team, which won the Junior Trophy Championship in 2006, fields four riders younger than 23-years old. Led by four-time ISDE veteran Team Captain David Kamo, the Junior Trophy Team also will include Joe Giordano, Joshua Morros and Ryan Lee Powell. "I'm honored to be on the Junior Trophy Team. It means a lot to me to go against the best in the world," said Kamo, who plans to ride a KTM 300XCW at the ISDE. "The best advice I can give our other riders would be that Six Days is a six-day race. You have to save your body. You have to save your bike. You can't win it on day one." The most experienced U.S. ISDE rider of all-time, Jeff Fredette, returns for what he's "pretty sure" will be his 10th trip with the U.S. Senior Team-and his 28th altogether. Fredette will be joined by Dennis Decker and Eric Jordan on the Senior Team. "Every year seems about the same anymore, but I'm looking forward to riding in a new country, Greece, and from the sounds of it, it looks like they're going to put on a pretty cool show," said Fredette, who will ride a KLX450 at the ISDE this year. Fredette says he will tell the less-experienced riders to "be ready for anything and everything. The best tip is to listen to what everyone has to say, but take everything with a grain of salt because it may happen that way and it may not." These teams join the U.S. World Trophy Team, which will contest the ISDE World Trophy Team Championship. Announced in March earlier this year, the Trophy Team's riders are Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett, Nathan Kanney and Nathan Woods. While the Trophy Team, the Women's Trophy Team, the Junior Trophy Team and the Senior Team are a critical piece of the U.S. effort, they are a small part of the entire U.S. contingent that makes the trek to the annual event. Dozens of club team riders will also represent the U.S. at the 2008 ISDE. The following riders were selected as club team members: Annell Elaine Allen, William C. Burns, Dan Capparelli, Jim Conner, Mason Harrison, Fred Hoess, Kevin Hutchinson, Nolan Irwin, Kyle Kubitschek, Justin Lipana, Luke McNeil, Ben Smith, Rory Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Dennis Sweeten, Lars Valin, Sean White, Chilly White. Of course, the ISDE program couldn't happen without a solid group of dedicated sponsors. Companies that are making Team USA a possibility in 2008 include Arai Helmets, Spectro Lubricants, Kenda Tires, Bob Lamphere's Beaverton Honda Yamaha, MSR/Tucker Rocky, Mountain Glass and Fly Racing. America's motorcylists can help support Team USA, and looking good while doing it, by buying an official Team USA ISDE T-Shirt. All proceeds support the massive effort to transport the riders, bikes and crew to and from Greece. To buy a shirt, just visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on Gear, then select Apparel. For more information on the ISDE and Team USA, please see www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/amrace/2008/isde/index.asp. AMA statement regarding former AMA Board Chairman Dal Smilie Indianapolis -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) released information today concerning unsubstantiated expenses reimbursed to former AMA Board Chairman Dal Smilie. The information was presented by AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman during the annual corporate board members meeting held at the Omni Severin Hotel in on Saturday, February 16. "In September, 2007, the AMA undertook an internal review of Board members' travel expenses," said Dingman. "During the review, a pattern emerged of unsubstantiated expense reimbursements to Mr. Smilie. In October, AMA counsel contacted Mr. Smilie regarding the nature of the unsubstantiated expense reimbursements. Preceding the AMA Board's November 17 meeting, Mr. Smilie offered his resignation from the Board. "At the November meeting, the AMA board accepted Mr. Smilie's resignation and approved AMA management's recommendation to undertake a third-party review intended to document the scope of the unsubstantiated expense reimbursements to Mr. Smilie. The AMA engaged the services of an outside firm to undertake a forensic review of Mr. Smilie's expense reimbursement requests. Information gathered to date was presented to the AMA Board in its meeting yesterday, Friday February 15. "At Friday's meeting, the AMA Board voted to report the results of the review to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Meanwhile, the forensic review is continuing, and therefore we can make no further statements regarding the matter at this time. "This action demonstrates that the AMA Board of Directors and AMA management hold themselves accountable and act with integrity," Dingman said. "I want to assure our members that we consider the management of their money to be a sacred trust. If that trust is violated, then we owe it to each and every member to seek justice on their behalf and to undertake measures to ensure that their trust is never violated again." AMA announces results of Board of Directors election The American Motorcyclist Association has announced the results of its recent elections for the AMA Board of Directors. In the Southeast Region, incumbent Carl Reynolds of Danville, Virginia, was re-elected. In a special election in the Northeast Region to fill a Board vacancy, Joseph W. Bromley of Warrington, Pennsylvania, was elected. In addition to his experience as a dealer and promoter, Mr. Reynolds has been active in the AMA for more than 30 years. He first joined the AMA Board of Directors in 1991 and previously served as chairman. In 2007, the AMA Board made changes to stagger the terms of Board members. To implement these changes, Mr. Reynolds was elected to a one-year term as Southeast Region representative. An election will be held in the Southeast Region in 2008 for a full three-year term. Mr. Bromley was president of AMA District 6 for 12 years and was an AMA Congress delegate. He operates a family-owned dealership and has won numerous AMA amateur racing titles. He was elected to a three-year term on the Board. The AMA Board of Directors consists of 12 members. Six individual Directors are elected by the general membership in their respective regions and six corporate Directors are elected by the corporate membership. American Motorcyclist Association proposes new sound-level standards for amateur and professional racing events As part of the American Motorcyclist Association's long-term commitment to racer and fan safety, as well as improving the overall impression of the sport of motorcycle competition, the AMA is proposing a plan to reduce the sound levels at professional and amateur motorcycle racing events nationwide. The new rules would apply to AMA-sanctioned Supercross, motocross, and all-terrain vehicle closed-course competition events on both the professional and amateur levels. "Responsible sound management is an important part of the AMA's strategic planning regarding the safety and health of both our competitors and race fans," said AMA Chief Executive Officer Patricia DiPietro. "These measured reductions in the sound limits for closed-course competition at both the professional and amateur levels will not only make race courses safer and more enjoyable for competitors and fans alike, but they will improve the standing of our events among non-race fans who are nevertheless impacted by our sound policies." In accordance with the rules-making process for AMA-sanctioned competition, both the Racing and Rights Committees will ask the Rules Committees for all professional AMA racing disciplines to pass these sound level standards this year so race teams and manufacturers have time to prepare for the 2008 season. The committees will also propose the same standards to the AMA Congress, which writes the rules for amateur motorcycle racing. Currently, motorcycles in closed-course AMA-sanctioned motorcycle competition must meet sound limits of 99 decibels (on the "A" scale), measured at a distance of 20 inches from motorcycle's exhaust outlet. The proposed plan calls for reducing the allowable standard to 98 dB(A) for 2008, 97 dB(A) for 2009 and 96dB(A) for 2010. The current sound testing procedure uses the SAE J1287 stationary sound test, developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Using the SAE J1287, AMA officials and race teams can balance sound testing requirements with the logistical hurdles of testing every motorcycle entered in an event. In this procedure, the motorcycle is brought to a prepared test site. With the engine warm and the transmission in neutral, engine revolutions per minute (rpm) are brought up to the specified test speed (306,000m divided by the stroke in millimeters) and a sound reading is taken. The sound level is measured 20 inches from the exhaust outlet, with the sensor held parallel to the ground and at a 45-degree angle to the exhaust centerline. "Sound is every motorcyclist's responsibility, because excessive sound impacts every motorcyclist, from competitor to street rider," DiPietro said. "It's important that we continue to move forward and improve in this important area." The American Motorcyclist Association: rights. riding. racing. Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 270,000 members. The Association`s purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com New Area Qualifier at Florida’s Seminole MX Added to MX Sports’ Air Nautiques/AMA Loretta Lynn’s Schedule Morgantown, WV – MX Sports, producers of the Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s, has announced an additional Area Qualifier round in the Southeast Region. Seminole Tribe MX in Clewiston, FL, will host the race on April 21 and 22, completing the Southeast Region with eight qualifying races. “Oh yeah, we looked at the track and found it would make an excellent addition to the program,” said MX Sports’ Systems Manager Tim Boryk. “Great people and a great race track down in Florida.” The track is located further south in Florida than previous qualifiers, which brings a race closer to a huge group of amateur MX talent. Located in the heart of Florida’s Big Cypress Indian Reservation, the Seminole MX track and staff are ready for the MX Sports’ program. “We’re so excited to host a race of this caliber at our track,” says Seminole MX Manager Jack Gorton. For more information on the facility, visit the track’s website at www.seminoletribemotocross.com . The complete schedule of MX Sports Qualifiers and Championship events is listed at www.mxsports.com/schedule. About the Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships: The MX Sports produced event is the world’s largest amateur motocross race. Hosted annually since 1982 at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, the event is the premier amateur motocross race in the world. In 2006, over 23,000 entries attempted to qualify in 33 classes for the 1320 available gates at the national. This year the National event will be held July 30th – August 4th, 2007. As proof of the significance of winning an AMA Amateur National Championship Title, most of today’s top motocross and supercross stars, including Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart, won championships at Loretta Lynn’s before turning pro. Sponsors include Air Nautiques, Amsoil, Thor, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Parts Unlimited, Ogio, FMF, Toyota, Gatorade, Wiseco, Kicker, Cobra, CTi, Boyesen, MotoTees, Alpinestars, Scott, Twin Air, Renthal, DC Shoes, EK Chain, DeCal Works, Liquid Performance, MotoTees and AGV Helmets. About MX Sports MX Sports is a Morgantown, West Virginia-based motocross production company. The group coordinates the Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, which includes a national qualifying program consisting of 49 Area Qualifying races during February-May and 12 Regional Championship races during the month of June. Less than five percent of the Area Qualifier entries actually qualify for the national championship event, held during the first week of August at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Most riders attend the National Championship with the help of their families. In fact, many groups consider the event their family’s summer vacation. For the 2007 qualifier and regional schedule, supplemental rules, and other information, please visit www.mxsports.com or call 304-284-0101.
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Three outstanding riders-each who claimed two championships-were
honored with AMA specialty awards. Canidae Motosport.com Kawasaki's Dean
Wilson, of Canada, claimed the coveted AMA Horizon Award after claiming
the 450 A/Pro Sport Title and the 250 A Title and winning five of his six
motos during the week. Kawasaki Team Green's Zach Bell was named AMA Youth
Rider of the Year for claiming the Supermini 1 and Supermini 2 crowns. The
Georgia-based rider also won five of his six motos. And Yamaha legend Doug
Dubach, a Californian, was named Vet Rider of the Year for sweeping all
six of his motos and claiming both the Plus 40 and Plus 45 Championships.
Amsoil/Factory Connection Honda's Eli Tomac also turned in a dominant
performance, winning all six of his motos by large margins and taking the
Schoolboy 2 and 250 B Modified classes. The Colorado-born rider also
turned in the fastest lap time of the week.