Born To Ride News

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) praised U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) for standing up against a proposal that would have indirectly forced states to pass mandatory helmet laws.

U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) was poised to introduce the proposal on Dec. 14 during a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on S. 1449 — the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011. His proposal was an amendment to S. 1449, but he decided against offering it in the committee.

In a statement for the record, Ayotte noted that the amendment would take away the right of the people in a state to decide whether to have a mandatory helmet law “by indirectly forcing all states to pass mandatory universal helmet laws in order to receive funding for motorcycle safety.

“States without mandatory universal helmet laws — such as New Hampshire — would be subject to stricter eligibility criteria, and would be forced to use 50 percent of their grant funds to promote helmet use,” she said.

“This amendment violates the original intent of the motorcyclist safety grant program, which has traditionally focused on encouraging states to fund motorcycle safety awareness, education and training,” she said. “This amendment would divert funds away from awareness and education and, instead, use them to place federal pressure on states to enact mandatory universal helmet laws.”

Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, thanked Ayotte for her statement, noting the AMA also opposed the Lautenberg amendment.

“Federal efforts should focus on preventing crashes rather than mandating what gear riders should wear,” Allard said.

Besides opposing the Lautenberg amendment, the AMA has been working on Capitol Hill to try to ensure that motorcycle-only checkpoints don’t proliferate around the nation, and working to ensure that motorcyclists’ concerns about possible engine damage are considered before federal officials approve the use of higher ethanol-gasoline blends for motorcycles.

“We need the help of all riders,” Allard said. “More AMA members means more political clout, from the statehouse to the White House. We urge motorcyclists to join the AMA to help protect motorcycling now and in the future.”

To join, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.

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 — A U.S. Senate committee has approved two amendments to a traffic safety bill that would continue a ban on a U.S. traffic safety agency lobbying state and local officials, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

On Dec. 14, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved S. 1449 — the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011 — including two amendments offered by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). The DeMint amendments deleted language in the bill that would have allowed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to lobby state and local officials.

The committee didn’t take up a proposed amendment that was to be offered by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) that would have drastically altered the existing motorcyclist safety grant program by indirectly pressuring states to pass mandatory helmet laws.

The measure now goes to the Senate floor for a vote. It’s unknown when that may take place.

“This is good news for motorcyclists nationwide because it means that federal officials won’t be trying to influence local decisions when it comes to motorcycle safety and motorcycle safety-related programs,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

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 — Rural “nuisance dust” would be regulated by state and local officials rather than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under a bill approved by the U.S. House on Dec. 8, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

The House approved the bill by a 268 to 150 bipartisan vote. The measure — H.R.1633, the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011 — now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The bill would bring much-needed certainty to the off-highway vehicle (OHV) community by exempting rural nuisance dust from EPA regulation and allowing states and localities to regulate it, said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“Allowing the EPA to regulate rural dust rather than state and local officials who know the areas well could lead to de facto bans of OHV use on racetracks, in designated recreation areas, on trails and even on private property all across this country,” Allard said. “That’s why it’s critical that this measure pass the full Congress.”

The EPA staff and its Clean Air Science Advisory Council — in its review of the national ambient air quality standards that is required every five years under the federal Clean Air Act — recommended that the EPA administrator consider imposing a much tighter particulate matter (PM) standard for nuisance dust.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson indicated she doesn’t support the staff and Clean Air Science Advisory Council position in a letter dated Oct. 14 to Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee.

Even with Jackson’s statement, the AMA and its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), are concerned with the likelihood of a tougher PM standard, and, therefore, support the passage of H.R. 1633.

To ask your senator to support the bill, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation, then enter your zip code in the “Find your Officials” box.

The AMA is tracking how federal lawmakers vote on issues of concern to motorcyclists and ATV riders, and this is one of the bills being tracked. The voting results will be included in the AMA’s 2012 “Vote Like A Motorcyclist” Voter Guide, which is a tool to help AMA and ATVA members decide how to cast their ballots in November.

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 — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today its AMA Motorcyclist of the Year: AMA member and motorcycle activist Nancy Sabater. Awarded annually, the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year designation recognizes the person or persons who had the most profound impact on the world of motorcycling in the previous 12 months.

Sabater, a motorcyclist from Charlotte Hall, Md., earned the distinction for her grassroots advocacy in 2011 to save youth motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) from a misguided federal law that would have banned their sale on Jan. 1, 2012. The victory over the “lead law” was sealed when President Obama signed legislation overturning the ban on Aug. 12, 2011, ending a three-year battle to save youth riding for future generations.

“A number of partners had a hand in our victory over this misguided law — the motorcycle industry, race promoters, parts distributors and others,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “But it’s Nancy and those like her — the individual enthusiasts — who truly put the rubber to the road, gave our cause a face in the crowd and brought this victory home. They were the most influential motorcyclists of 2011, and AMA member and grassroots activist Nancy Sabater is the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year for her stellar work on behalf of families and kids.”

The issue arose in 2009 shortly after Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008. The law followed reports that inexpensive imported children’s toys were testing high for lead content, which presents serious exposure risks for children.

However, the CPSIA was written with such sweeping language that it banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contained more than a trace amount of lead. This ensnared kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs because trace levels of lead can be found in parts such as brake calipers and battery terminals. It did not matter that those parts were extremely unlikely to end up in kids’ mouths.

Fixing the lead law hinged on the support of thousands of individual motorcyclists, such as Sabater, who was involved in numerous efforts to generate support to repeal the law. For Sabater, these included two initiatives that preceded the fix itself: the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb on May 26, 2011 — which brought families together on Capitol Hill to lobby their lawmakers — and a number of videos Sabater produced of well-known racers and motocross industry personalities speaking out against the lead law.

“This victory is something that demonstrates the fruits of our labors,” Sabater said. “Something really happened here. We effected change. We showed these kids that if you want something hard enough and you work hard enough, that you can get results. Who knows what battles we’ll fight next, in D.C., for the AMA, for the rights of motorcyclists? This was a victory on many levels.”

The full story of the lead law victory and Sabater’s involvement is detailed in the January 2012 issue of American Motorcyclist.

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 — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Antti Kallonen, former competitor and KTM North America’s off-road team manager, will manage the 2012 U.S. International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) team as it seeks a world title, Sept. 24-29, in Saxony, Germany.

Robert Pearce, KTM North America’s vice president of operations and a five-time ISDE participant, will assist Kallonen with team operations.

Kallonen, who guides KTM North America’s efforts in major off-road racing series in the United States, brings a wealth of experience to the ISDE effort, including organizational and logistical expertise, fund-raising support, and a first-hand understanding of the culture of European off-road racing.

Prior to working for KTM North America, Kallonen raced the FIM MX World Championship from 1998-2002 until injury forced his retirement. His initial stint in the United States was as the mechanic for Juha Salminen. In his six years as KTM’s off-road team manager, the factory team has won 28 national off-road titles.

“I’m honored and excited to take on the responsibility to lead the U.S. ISDE team in 2012,” Kallonen said. “The team is well established, but my goal is to bring the team together as a whole and work on the small details that are needed to take the team to the next level. One of my main focuses is going to be the riders and the preparation for the event. This will make the race-day operations easier so all the riders will need to do is to focus on doing their best on the track, knowing they have the best support possible behind them.”

Added Pearce: “Antti and I work very well together on a day-to-day basis. Having the opportunity to work on such a project as the 2012 ISDE in Germany for the AMA and all the volunteers that it takes to be successful will be an awesome experience. I am honored to have been selected along with Antti to be a part of the U.S. support team.”

In addition to Pearce, the ISDE team benefits from the participation of a number of leaders, each of whom plays a vital role with the team. These include Rick “Gunny” Claypoole, a Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) jury delegate and a driving force behind the U.S. ISDE effort for more than 30 years; Bruce Wakeley, team administration manager; and Jay Hall, manager of the Parc Ferme and work area.

The new structure of the ISDE team follows the successful model the AMA has long used with regard to the Motocross of Nations, which it has won a record 22 times.

“In much the same way that Roger DeCoster guides the U.S. effort in the Motocross of Nations, Antti will lead us in our journey toward an FIM World Championship in ISDE competition,” said AMA Off-Road Manager Chuck Weir. “Antti’s experience running a race team is evident in KTM’s success in premier U.S. racing series, and we’re excited that he’s on board to help lead us toward the United States’ first ISDE title.

“Also, just as Roger works with riders from all teams, Antti will welcome and support riders regardless of what bike they ride,” Weir continued. “While we obviously appreciate KTM North America’s backing of riders every year, the U.S. team at the ISDE will continue to feature qualifying riders on any brand of motorcycle.”

U.S. ISDE qualifiers will be organized by the Boise Ridge Riders June 2-3 in Idaho City, Idaho, and by the Appalachian Dirt Riders June 9-10 in Wellston, Ohio. More information about the Idaho event can be found at BoiseRidgeRiders.com. Details for the Ohio event are at ADROhio.org.

More information about the U.S. ISDE team can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing > ISDE.

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 — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Maggie McNally, the Northeast Region member representative on the AMA Board of Directors, has been elected vice chairwoman of the board. McNally, who has served on the board since 2009, is the first woman to hold the position.

“Maggie McNally has played an invaluable role in the leadership of the AMA,” said AMA Chairman of the Board Stan Simpson. “She’s been an active member of our nominating, state chapters and awards committees. We welcome her expanded responsibilities on the board as we strive to find new ways to promote and protect the motorcycling lifestyle.”

A longtime resident of Albany, N.Y., McNally is the third woman elected to the AMA Board of Directors. She follows Hazel Kolb, elected to the board in 1978, who served as secretary. Following Kolb’s death in 1990, Patty Mills replaced her on the board and later served as secretary. Mills remained on the board until early 1999.

“It’s an honor to represent individual members of the American Motorcyclist Association on the Board of Directors,” McNally said. “We currently face a number of challenges to the motorcycling lifestyle — from attacks on our right to ride to an economic climate that makes it difficult for many to experience the freedom on two wheels. I hope that in my new role I can effect positive change that will improve motorcycling for all of us.”

McNally was elected vice chairwoman to serve the remainder of former Director Jim Williams’ term, which runs through February 2012. At that time, McNally will need to run again to retain the post.

McNally is a longtime motorcyclist whose love for riding began when she was 11-years old and her cousin took her for a ride on a Triumph. A few years later, eager to disprove a naysayer who suggested that women don’t ride motorcycles, she got her riding permit and a 1972 Suzuki GT380. Today, McNally is an avid motorcyclist and a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach.

McNally says one of her major initiatives for next year will be promoting the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, which takes place July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev.

“Women are among the most passionate and dedicated motorcyclists and members of the AMA,” McNally said. “For the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, we’ll be working with some very enthusiastic individuals — those whose clubs and organizations will partner with the AMA as we work hard to make this the best women’s motorcycling conference ever.”

Registration for the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is now open to AMA members at the early-bird price of $125 through April 30, 2012, when it increases to $175. Register online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5b2rc65a3dc83f3

To contact McNally or other members of the AMA Board of Directors, please go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > About > Board.

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 — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and event promoter North American Action Sports (NAAS) have announced a new date and venue for the 2012 AMA Ice Race Grand Championships, which will crown the AMA’s first amateur champions of the year. The amateur championship event will take place Feb. 4-5 at the Sugarbush Golf and Country Club with racing to take place on Potters Lake in Davison, Mich.

“Motorcycle competition is as diverse as it is exciting, and that is no more apparent than at the AMA Ice Race Grand Championships,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We’re looking forward to once again working with NAAS to provide a national-championship program to this country’s top ice racers.”

The AMA Ice Race Grand Championships feature classes for riders from 4 years old to 50-plus competing on bikes that range from lightly modified off-road machines to full-on, purpose-built ice racers. Riders will battle for AMA national No. 1 plates in a number of classes. The top riders at the event also will compete for the AMA Ice Racer of the Year award, given to the most impressive rider on the ice, while the youth riders will chase the honor of AMA Youth Rider of the Year.

“Everyone at NAAS is looking forward to one of our most exciting events of the year,” said Patrick Grzebinski of NAAS, which is known for mixing family fun with the racing atmosphere. “Last year, everyone had a great time, and the racing was spectacular. We can’t wait for Feb. 4-5 when we can kick off the 2012 racing season in style.”

A rain-out date is schedule for the following weekend in case weather doesn’t cooperate with the original Feb. 4-5 date.

“While the racers are the reason for the AMA Ice Race Grand Championships, this family event truly has something for everyone,” Grzebinski said. “The Sugarbush Golf and Country Club provides the perfect location to combine racing with casual fun and dining.”

To learn more about the event go to www.bajamx.com or call the NAAS office at (989) 871-3356.

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 — Nowhere is the passion and dedication of women motorcyclists more apparent than at an AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The popular event returns July 26-29, 2012, this time in Carson City, Nev. — one of the West’s premier motorcycling destinations.

The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference focuses on educating, encouraging, inspiring and mentoring women in the lifestyle and sport of motorcycling. Early registration of $125 is available now exclusively for AMA members at  http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5b2rc65a3dc83f3. After April 30, 2012, registration will increase to $175 for AMA members and be available to non-AMA members for $235.

“Regardless of bike brand, riding preference or background, women motorcyclists are bound together by their common passion for life on two and three wheels,” said AMA Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference provides all of us the opportunity to connect with, and learn from, other women riders. Through seminars, activities, training classes and organized rides, we’ll work together to gain knowledge and skills to better navigate where the road or trail leads next.”

Carson City Mayor Pro Tem Shelly Aldean said the conference is a welcome addition to her city’s 2012 calendar of events.

“Carson City is delighted to be hosting the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in July 2012,” she said. “We look forward to accommodating the attendees participation in the conference. We hope that during their visit, conference goers will spend some time exploring what Carson City has to offer and, as a result of our hospitality, will feel like honorary members of our community when it’s finally time to say goodbye.”

Previous AMA International Women & Motorcycling conferences have been held in Keystone, Colo.; Athens, Ga.; Buckhannon, W.Va.; Athens, Ohio; and Westerville, Ohio. They featured targeted attractions for women motorcyclists such as seminars, workshops, speeches, product and motorcycle displays and demonstrations, recreational riding and networking.

“I am personally looking forward to this special gathering of the women’s motorcycling community, a community that has increased significantly in recent years,” Tsujikawa said. “The 2009 event was an unforgettable experience, and the 2012 conference will offer even more camaraderie and fun.”

Tsujikawa added that men are encouraged to attend the conference as well.

“Motorcyclists are known for their welcoming attitudes, and the AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference is no exception,” she said. “Women are encouraged to register their spouses, partners and friends, who can attend all activities. And for those just along for the ride, even if they aren’t participating in the conference, there are ample entertainment opportunities in Carson City, on and off a motorcycle.”

The sixth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be held in Carson City, Nev., on July 26-29, 2012. Event and lodging information is available at www.womenandmotorcycling.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 Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) welcomed a full house of AMA champions and their families, friends and fans to the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev., on Sunday, Nov. 20, for the AMA Visa Card from Capital One Racing Championship Banquet. The banquet celebrated racers’ championship seasons and awarded a number of special awards that acknowledge the standout performances of top competitors.

Speaking at the banquet, Stan Simpson, the chairman of the AMA’s Board of Directors, thanked all AMA racers for their contribution to making motorcycle racing the exciting sport it has become.

“On behalf of the board of directors of the American Motorcyclist Association, our AMA staff, and each and every AMA member, I congratulate all of you for your successful seasons,” Simpson said, addressing the crowd. “Your skill and determination have earned you a place among this elite group of champions and taken you to the top of amateur racing. The AMA has its roots in amateur motorcycle racing. But not only are you our past, you also represent the future of motorcycling. You are the backbone of the AMA.”

Hundreds of top competitors, in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between, received their national championship trophies and No. 1 plates at the banquet. Special awards included AMA Athlete of the Year honors.

The AMA’s highest competitive honor, the AMA Athlete of the Year, has evolved for 2011. The award now includes two categories of outstanding AMA racers. One award recognizes an athlete who stands atop an AMA National Championship Series, and another honors one of the amateur racers who has proven his mettle at an AMA Grand Championship event.

The AMA National Championship Athlete of the Year award was won by Russell Bobbitt, the overall champion of the 2011 AMA Racing Rekluse National Enduro Championship Series, presented by Moose Racing. Bobbitt won four rounds of the 10-round series. Notably, the FMF/KTM rider overcame a mid-season injury to battle back in the highly competitive series and ultimately dominate the final round in a must-win scenario to capture the title over his teammate and defending National Enduro Champion Charlie Mullins.

“I really didn’t think I was going to get this at all,” Bobbitt said. “I’m kind of blown away right now. With all the other nominees — Kurt Caselli, Taddy (Blazusiak), Charlie (Mullins) and (Pat) Smage — all those guys are really good. So many of them are on KTMs, and I just think it’s amazing what everyone’s accomplished. It was a great year for me. I’m really excited about this, but I want to congratulate all the other riders for their stellar years. I’m looking forward to next year. I know we have a great team behind us.”

Daniel Bromley won the AMA Grand Championship Athlete of the Year Award. The Pennsylvania dirt-tracker has earned 36 AMA amateur national championships in his career. In 2011, his last season as an amateur, Bromley won the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award; the 250cc Modified Two-Stroke, 250cc DTX Grand Championships; the 250cc DTX Short-Track, 250cc DTX TT, 250cc Modified Two-Stroke Short-Track, 250cc Modified Two-Stroke TT, and 251cc-500cc DTX TT National Championships. He also competed in the AMA Racing Winter Dirt Track Championship Series where he won the 250cc DTX championship.

“I’m pretty speechless. It’s a pretty big honor,” said Bromley, who competes on KTM motorcycles with his older brother, Joseph. “Having a brother to race and compete with is really helpful because he’s out there helping me on the track, and I’m helping him. His lines are usually better than mine, so that helps. Having someone there supporting you on the track and off the track is really important. My goals for 2012 are to hit Daytona and most of the short-track and TTs. I want to make the (AMA Pro Racing) Pro Single mains because that’s where it begins.”

The AMA ATV Athlete of the Year Award was won by the most dominant rider in the history of XC2 Pro-Am class competition in the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series: Yamaha rider Walker Fowler. Fowler, of Rogers, Ohio, won every round of the off-road racing series against the fastest ATV riders in the country.

“It was just a crazy year for sure — a dream season,” Fowler said. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to do it again. It’s every racer’s dream to be able to do something that no one else can. But there are a lot more goals in front of me that are the same thing, and that’s what keeps us racers going. I just want to thank the AMA for giving us all these series to compete in and letting us go out and do what we do.”

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series also delivered the AMA Female Rider of the Year: KTM’s Maria Forsberg, from Brier, Wash. Forsberg had a phenomenal year in the GNCC series, where she won 11 of 13 races in the Women’s class.

AMA Veteran/Senior Rider of the Year was Tim Shephard. Shephard, of Sugar Grove, Ohio, was the AMA Senior Off-Road Vintage Grand Champion at the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships.

Austin Lee, the Super Mini National Champion from the AMA Racing East Hare Scrambles Championship Series, was the AMA Racing Youth Rider of the Year. Lee, from Bedford, Ind., won three rounds of the 10-round series.

The AMA Sportsman of the Year was presented to Claudia Danielewicz of Oxford, Mich. Danielewicz has been instrumental in advancing racing opportunities for women in AMA-sanctioned off-road competition.

“Claudia Danielewicz has been an AMA member and racer for more than 10 years, and she has helped change the face of female competition in off-road racing forever,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “Claudia has been instrumental in helping to get more female riders active in AMA Racing. She has helped promoters align class structures so that we have a girls youth class, as well as a ranking system to move them up through the women’s classes. She is the 2011 AMA Sportsman of the Year.”

Other special awards included:

AMA Racing Media Award
Shan Moore, off-road photographer and reporter

Motocross Organizer of the Year
Feld Motor Sports, AMA Arenacross

Off-Road Organizer of the Year
Source Interlink Media, GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championship

Track Racing Organizer of the Year
Steve Nace Racing, Dirt Track

ATV Organizer of the Year
Racer Productions, Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series

Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year
Sound Rider, Sportbike, Dual-Sport, Touring, Scooter Rallies

Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year
Dirty Dabbers, Great Adventure Dual Sport

Club of the Year
Cheaha Trail Riders

AMA Legends & Champions Weekend
The AMA Legends & Champions Weekend was a three-day celebration of motorcycling’s greats held at Las Vegas’ Red Rock Nov. 18-20. In addition to the AMA Visa Card Racing Championship Banquet, the celebration included the AMA Visa Card Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, and the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance bike show, which featured some of the country’s most-stunning original and immaculately restored classic motorcycles.

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 — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) expresses its sincere gratitude to American veterans the world over this Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, for their willingness to serve, protect and defend the United States and the American way of life.

“There has long been a special relationship between motorcyclists and veterans,” said Rob Dingman, AMA president and CEO. “This Veterans Day, we honor that relationship, and salute America’s veterans for their devotion to serving our country.

“The patriotism, dedication and valor of American servicemen and women is unmatched anywhere in the world,” Dingman said. “Our veterans have put their lives on the line in the defense of our principles and freedoms, and we must never forget the sacrifices they’ve made on our behalf.”

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.