Born To Ride News

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The fastest amateur dirt-track racers on the planet will converge on the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., May 29-June 1 for the premier annual amateur championship event: the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Dirt Track Grand Championships.

“The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships are one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur motorsports racing events in the country,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We’re excited to bring the event back to Springfield, Ill., home to the world-famous Springfield Mile and the location of many storied dirt-track races. This will be an incredible week of racing that will showcase the fastest amateur racers in the country.”

Longtime dirt-track promoter Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing will promote the event.

“I’m very excited to work with the AMA on the 2012 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships,” Nace said. “The history and status of this event are second to none in the world of amateur dirt track, and we will work hard to surpass racers’ and fans’ expectations for another great year.”

The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships crown amateur and youth champions in individual dirt-track disciplines, including half-mile, TT and short-track events. Amateur racers also compete in mile events. In addition, AMA Grand Championships are awarded to the riders in each class who have the highest point totals across all disciplines.

The fastest riders in premier classes also compete for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.

Racers field both traditional dirt-trackers and the latest DTX motorcycles, which begin as stock motocross bikes that are then fitted with dirt-track tires, suspension and other modifications.

For more information about dirt-track competition, see the Racing section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle 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 motorcycling rights organization, 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 and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Renewed funding for motorized trails and a ban on funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints are included in a major federal transportation bill being considered by a key U.S. House committee, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee is expected to vote Feb. 2 on a transportation funding authorization bill — H.R. 7, the “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012.” If approved, the measure would go to the full House for a vote before moving to the Senate for consideration.

Since the Senate has its own version of the bill, the spending plan would eventually end up in a House-Senate conference committee where differences would be worked out before going back to both chambers for final approval.

The House measure includes $85 million a year through fiscal year 2016 for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides money to states to develop and maintain trails. Federal lawmakers had been looking at eliminating the dedicated funding for the program, which threatened to end the RTP.

“Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders by the thousands spoke, and federal lawmakers listened,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “We want to thank the members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for their hard work in putting together this massive transportation bill, and for including provisions that benefit our members.”

Funds for the RTP come from the federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. In other words, taxes generated by fuel used for off-highway vehicle recreation — by snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles and off-highway light trucks — fund the RTP.

The RTP provides funds to the states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration. The RTP program benefits hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, ATV riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.

Besides including RTP funding, the House measure bars the U.S. transportation secretary from providing grants to states and local governments for motorcycle-only checkpoints, which are opposed by the AMA. The AMA has been tracking the disturbing development of motorcycle-only checkpoints since they first appeared in New York several years ago.

“The AMA believes that strategies to promote motorcycle safety must be rooted in motorcycle crash prevention, and don’t include arbitrarily pulling over riders and randomly subjecting them to roadside inspections,” Allard said.

The House bill also provides funding for state motorcycle safety programs. The AMA has long promoted motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs as essential strategies to prevent motorcycle crashes.

To stay on top of motorcycling-related issues, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle 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 motorcycling rights organization, 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 and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) member Randy Odom of St. Louis will take his dual-sport passion to an entirely new level this summer. That’s because the 29-year-old Odom just got an unexpected bonus for riding in last year’s AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series: a 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F from 2011 series sponsor KTM North America.

The annual AMA drawing, conducted by independent auditing and accounting firm Plante & Moran of Columbus, Ohio, included participants in all of the AMA events on the national dual-sport calendar.

“Man, this is awesome,” said Odom, whose current bike is a 10-year old 125cc two-stroke. “My boss got me into dual sports, and I’ve been having the best time ever. Everybody on these rides is great. They’re friendly. They’re helpful. Everyone is a die-hard rider. The riding is super challenging, but without the full-on pressure of a flat-out race. It’s great. I can’t think of a better time on a motorcycle.”

KTM North America Inc. President Jon-Erik Burleson said he’s excited to see the 350 EXC-F go to someone who appreciates the new bike as much as Odom.

“It’s great that someone like Randy, who has wanted to be a part of the KTM family for so long, can now count himself among the orange-bleeders,” Burleson said. “These guys are the heart and soul of our customer base. I hope Randy enjoys his new KTM for years to come.”

Odom, a long-time off-road rider, says the people who ride and organize the individual events on the AMA’s national dual-sport calendar represent some of motorcycling’s friendliest people. He said one of his favorite rides is the Show Me 200, put on by the Midwest Trail Riders Association in Bixby, Mo.

“I loved it,” Odom said. “I rode that, and I got hooked. It’s all types of terrain. It has the best of everything. Maybe best of all, I get to keep my wheels on the ground and stay pretty safe. My wife definitely approves! In fact, I just sent my check off to ride the 2012 Show Me 200. Plus, at all these events, we appreciate the AMA and the clubs that are part of the AMA and everything the AMA does for riders.”

With the 2012 season set to begin soon, stay tuned for exciting news on this year’s dual-sport series, including a full schedule and more. Keep an eye on AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the latest news and updates.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle 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 motorcycling rights organization, 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 and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Tallahassee, FL January 27, 2012 – ABATE of Florida, Inc.’s Stiffer Penalties Bill, Senate Bill 1754, has passed it’s first committee today.  The Senate Transportation Committee passed the Bill with 7 yes votes and zero no votes. Doc, ABATE of Florida’s Lobbiest, spoke before the committee during the hearing and said there no negative comments.

The next committee for the Bill will be the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.  We can use everyone’s help to contact the members of this committee to urge them to pass this Bill. The committee’s Chair, Sen. Greg Evers (850-487-5000), is the Sponsor of our Bill.  Other members are:

Any questions regarding this Bill should be directed to ABATE of Florida, Inc.’s State Legislative Trustee, Darrin “Scribe” Brooks at statelegislative@abateflorida.com.

Past ABATE of Florida, Inc. Press Releases may be found here: www.abateflorida.com/pr .
###

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) welcomes the AMA Mid America XC Championship as an AMA Featured Series for 2012. The 10-round hare scrambles series includes events in Indiana and Illinois from March through October.

The AMA Mid America XC Championship includes both open cross-country style course sections as well as tighter hare scrambles trail. It is promoted by Mike Gibbs and Mid America XC in Monrovia, Ind. The full schedule is below.

“We’re very happy to have Mike on board with this AMA Featured Series,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “The AMA Mid America XC Championship has a reputation for premier Midwest woods racing, with competitive classes at every level of age, skill and displacement. It provides excellent opportunities for AMA members to compete, and we’re pleased to elevate the series for 2012.”

Gibbs said he has seen steady expansion of the series since it was launched in 2010. He said much of that is due to Mid America XC’s philosophy of putting riders first.

“My sons have raced hare scrambles, and I have a long sprint-car racing background, so we definitely bring a racer’s perspective to promotion,” Gibbs said. “Improving organization, registration, track quality and definitely payouts and recognition, have played a role in our growing rider counts. For example, our pro purse is a set amount each round — it isn’t dependent on rider counts — and every other class down to beginner receives product awards in addition to trophies.”

Gibbs said that AMA sanctioning, including stepping up as an AMA Featured Series for 2012, has been a critical component to his series’ success.

“AMA affiliation has always been important to us,” Gibbs said. “While we’re out here competing, the AMA is in Washington, D.C., protecting our rights to ride and to race. The recent success of fixing the lead law to exempt youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles from the ban was a perfect example of that. Without the youth classes, our sport can’t survive.”

For more on the AMA Mid America XC Championship, see TheMAXC.com. For more on AMA-sanctioned events, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

AMA Mid America XC Championship Schedule
Series contact: Mike Gibbs, (317) 418-6084, gibbs11x@yahoo.com, TheMAXC.com

March 3: Greenfield, Ind.
April 21: TBA
June 9-10: Casey, Ill.
June 17: Springville, Ind. (Riley Hospital Miracle Trail Race)
July 21: Martinsville, Ind.
Aug. 11: Merango, Ind.
Sept. 8: Canaan, Ind.
Sept. 22: Spencer, Ind.
Oct. 13: Veedersburg, Ind.
Oct. 27-28: Casey, Ill.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle 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 motorcycling rights organization, 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 and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 25, 2012 – Raising awareness and revenue for the Right Rider Access Fund, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) will host a star-studded breakfast auction at next month’s 2012 Dealer Expo in Indianapolis. The free breakfast will include racing legends Mark Blackwell and Kevin Schwantz, with more champions to be named later. The event will be emceed by MIC Board Director Eric Anderson and MIC member Tom White.

The event is set for 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Wabash Room of the Indiana Convention Center, and is open to any Dealer Expo attendee: dealers, manufacturers, aftermarket reps and all others are welcome. Breakfast and sign-in for the auction begins at 7:30 a.m., though space is limited to 250.  All proceeds will benefit the Right Rider Access Fund (RRAF).

Items slated for the RRAF auction block will appeal to off-road enthusiasts and street riders alike. So far, these items include a pristine, vintage Yamaha DT1, graciously donated by Tom White; a Schwantz School at your choice of Road Atlanta or Indianapolis Motor Speedway, courtesy of American Suzuki Motor Corp.; and a variety of Supercross jerseys autographed by your fan-favorite Supercross racers. Keep an eye out for future releases and a final list of auction items at www.riderfund.org.

“We’re all familiar with the live to ride slogan,” said MIC President and CEO Tim Buche. “Now, the MIC is encouraging riders to give to ride by donating their time to maintain trails or money to support the RRAF’s initiatives and fund the grants it gives to other partners that strive to preserve current riding areas and opportunities. That’s what this auction is all about: Giving to Ride. The BlueRibbon Coalition previously hosted The Breakfast of Champions fundraiser like this one, and our plan is for the MIC auction to be something of an homage to its event. We want to give our attendees valuable goods and experiences to bid on, but we also want to entertain them by having motorcycle industry luminaries on hand for interviews. Most importantly, we want to encourage everyone to Give to Ride by supporting the RRAF at what we hope will be an exciting and entertaining event.”

The Right Rider Access Fund is a charitable, community benefit organization created in 2011 to support off-highway vehicle enthusiasts directly, by supplementing the work of the Motorcycle Industry Council, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and in other ways. The Fund’s charitable mission is to promote the safe and responsible use of off-highway vehicles and to preserve their access to appropriate lands. RRAF initiates its own initiatives and provides grants to others, like the NOHVCC. www.riderfund.org

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Ken Ford, a 27-year AMA member from Bartow, Fla., has been elected the member representative on the AMA Board of Directors from the Southeast region. Ford fills the seat previously held by Charles Goman.

“The AMA Board of Directors thanks Charles Goman for his years of service to the AMA,” said AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson. “We are looking forward to Ken’s contributions in the years to come. The members of the Southeast Region will be well represented by Ken’s range of experience and years of passion.”

Ford, a senior executive at a Fortune 50 company for 17 years, is an active off-road, dual-sport, adventure and sport-touring rider. He is a 32-year member of the Florida Trail Riders and former president of the AMA-chartered club. He is also a member of Sunrunners M/C, Dixie Dual Sport and the Concours Owners Group, where he is the current executive director. An environmental engineer by education, Ford has been riding for more than 50 years.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to help the AMA move forward,” Ford said. “As a longtime motorcyclist and a member of several motorcycling organizations, I hope I have something to give to the organization.”

Ford, whose riding background is rooted in trail riding, dual-sport riding and off-road racing, said that he is particularly concerned with the loss of access to public land.

“Responsible off-road riders have a right to access public land,” Ford said. “The lobbying effort of the AMA is key to protecting our future as motorcyclists, and one that I can help with. My professional experience includes working with governmental bodies with regard to environmental regulations, and I hope to bring some of that experience to the AMA Board.”

Ford currently rides a Kawasaki KLR650, a Suzuki DRZ400 a Triumph Tiger 800XC and a Kawasaki Concours. Ken’s wife, Marcia, rides a Kawasaki Versys.

Ford’s term on the AMA Board of Directors expires in February 2015.

The next AMA Board of Directors meeting is Feb. 18 in Indianapolis.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle 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 motorcycling rights organization, 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 and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Tallahassee, FL, January 11, 2012 – Senator Greg Evers has filed FL Senate Bill 1754 “Traffic Offenses”, on behalf of ABATE of Florida, Inc.  This Bill is designed to require penalties more severe than the $166 some drivers have faced after hitting and killing motorcyclists.  The text of the Bill as submitted in original form reads:

“Traffic Offenses; Providing criminal penalties for a person who commits a moving violation that causes serious bodily injury to, or causes or contributes to the death of, a pedestrian or a person operating or riding in a motor vehicle or operating or riding on a motorcycle or bicycle; requiring that the person pay a specified fine, serve a minimum period of incarceration, and attend a driver improvement course; requiring that the court revoke the person’s driver license for a minimum specified period; providing that the act does not prohibit the person from being charged with, convicted of, or punished for any other violation of law, etc.”

ABATE of Florida is asking concerned citizens and motorcyclists to contact their local Senators and ask they support Senate Bill 1754.  Remind them we will be holding our Freedom Rights Rally February 13, 2012 at Florida’s Capitoll Building and to contact any ABATE of Florida, Inc. member should they have any questions.

Past ABATE of Florida, Inc. Press Releases may be found here: www.abateflorida.com/pr.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) amateur dirt-trackers will compete at half-mile and short-track venues, including the Daytona Flat Track Stadium’s limestone oval, this March 10-13 in Georgia and Florida.

Youth, vet/senior, the next generation’s stars and vintage racers will all line up to battle at the featured series. In addition, three of the Daytona Bike Week events will pay AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship Holeshot Series bonus points.

“There is no question, every March in Daytona Beach is dirt-track central, and this year will be no different with premier AMA amateur competition in classes for all levels of rider,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We’re looking forward to getting the 2012 season started right at one of the country’s most historic locations for motorcycle racing.”

Promoters Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing and Dave Joiner of Fast Fridays are working with the AMA to ensure the AMA amateur dirt-track events are run smoothly and provide all the excitement of a national-level event, from pre-entry to the podium celebration.

In addition to the modern classes, all four days of racing will feature racing on historic vintage motorcycles. The vintage classes will serve as the first four rounds of the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series. The full schedule for the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series will be announced soon.

The details of AMA amateur dirt track competition during 2012 Daytona Bike Week, along with round-by-round contact information, is below. To contact the AMA about these events, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing or call (614) 856-1900.

March 10: Half mile
Oglethorpe Speedway, Savannah, Ga.
Holeshot series points
Steve Nace Racing
Steve Nace
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
stevenaceracing.com

March 11: Short Track

Daytona Flat Track, Daytona, Fla.
Fast Fridays
Dave Joiner
(530) 878-7223
fastfridays@aol.com
www.fastfridays.com

March 12: Half mile

Volusia County Speedway, Barberville, Fla.
Holeshot series points
Steve Nace Racing
Steve Nace
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
stevenaceracing.com

March 13: Short Track

Volusia County Speedway, Barberville, Fla.
Holeshot series points
Steve Nace Racing
Steve Nace
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
stevenaceracing.com

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle 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 motorcycling rights organization, 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 and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — In its annual “Best of” awards for 2011, Motorcycle-USA.com, a leading online motorcycle magazine, named the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) as its “Industry Leader” for efforts to overturn a federal ban on the sale of kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

After nearly three years of lobbying by the AMA and others, President Barack Obama on Aug. 12 signed into law H.R. 2715 to exempt kids’ off-highway vehicles (OHVs) from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, commonly known as the lead law. The CPSIA, which went into effect on Feb. 10, 2009, banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under, including kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs, that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part.

“The lead ban not only had a disastrous effect on the industry, already hit hard by the economic downturn, it also put kids at greater risk by forcing them onto adult models — or not riding at all,” Motorcycle USA said in announcing the award. “It was the big industry issue that could never get resolved, but the American Motorcyclist Association kept the riding public informed and continued to lobby lawmakers for a permanent fix…”

“…It’s easy to forget there are active forces lobbying against motorcyclists — so we recognize the AMA as an Industry Leader for the tireless defense of riders’ interests,” Motorcycle USA said.

“The AMA keeps fighting the good fight on a number of fronts,” MotorcycleUSA said. “Lobbying a laggardly Capitol Hill into passing a permanent fix on the CPSC Lead Ban was a noteworthy 2011 win, but there’s also OHV land access, motorcycle-only checkpoints, emissions regulations, even the formulation of gas that goes in our tanks… all are legal issues that have direct consequences for motorcyclists. The AMA does its best to stand guard, inform the public and mobilize rider action.”

Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO, thanked Motorcycle USA for the recognition of the AMA’s hard work, and added that the ban couldn’t have been overturned without the diligent efforts of many people and organizations, from kid riders and their parents to the Motorcycle Industry Council and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and many others.

“Federal legislators deserve a lot of thanks for their tireless efforts, especially U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and all the other lawmakers who supported an exemption,” Dingman said.

“Hundreds of thousands of parents, kids and motorcycling club members responded to AMA calls for action to contact their elected officials and their efforts — along with all those volunteers, including 2011 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year Nancy Sabater, who circulated petitions, attended our AMA rally against the law in Washington D.C. and took other actions — brought this issue to the attention of Congress and turned the tide in our favor,” he said.

Dingman also recognized the hard work of Sean Hilbert, president of Cobra Motorcycles; the Coombs family and Tim Cotter of MX Sports; Racer X magazine; Doublin Gap Motocross Park; Mason Dixon Riding Association 6 and 7; Tomahawk MX Park; the Middle Atlantic Motocross Association; Budds Creek Motocross Park; High Point Raceway; Motorcycle USA and the rest of the motorcycle enthusiast and trade media.

To learn more about the AMA, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle 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 motorcycling rights organization, 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 and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.