Born To Ride News

Anne Hansen Racing -NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle 2012 Gatornationals

Anne Hansen Racing teamed up with Danny Krier Racing this past weekend for the Gatornationals. I had the wonderful opportunity to drive Danny Krier’s Pro Stock Motorcycle. We came out strong in Q1 qualifying 10th with a 7.11, but then moved down the ladder to 22nd running a 7.11 and a 7.12 with a strong headwind. We were moving in the right direction, but we ran out of time.

Overall, it was a true learning experience for the team and me as a driver, and we are very proud of our efforts on a shoestring budget.

The following are videos of Q2 and a short interview. For this first link, go to minute 11:30 and watch till the end. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zzlLIZN2UM

The interview continues at the beginning of this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmRx3uWxh34

By watching these videos, you will have a better understanding of what we did and have done. This has been five years in the making. As I sat in the lanes waiting to run Q2 and as a lady from Racers for Christ was praying over me, I couldn’t help but have my eyes well up with tears. I have been blessed. And the truth is, to experience something that was only but a dream years ago was overwhelming.

We should be ready with the AHR PSM by Atlanta, but we need to find the funding and partners to be there. Nothing would personally satisfy me more than reaching the next goal of qualifying!

I’m still busy working at Fusion Reporting and continuing to be on-camera and radio talent for a number of dealerships. I am so thankful for all my employers!

Thank you for believing in me and the team. Thank you to Jeff, Dan Parker, Jennifer Stegall, Danny Krier Racing (Danny Krier, JoAnna Juneau, Mike Larson), Web Camshafts, Lectron, FBG, Worldwide Bearings, Kids Charity of Tampa Bay, Ride for Dime, Mike Congdon, NHRA and Media/Press.

Anne Hansen

https://www.facebook.com/AnneHansenRacing

www.annehansenracing.com

Madera, CA - Primed for a good run at the Daytona Flat Track, Mikey Avila and the entire SDI Insulation Racing team are set to challenge the field when Round 1 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Series comes alive March 15 and 16^th in Daytona Beach, Fla.

“This is the first of 19 Rounds in this year’s AMA Pro Grand National Championship,” explains Avila.  “And, the first race of the season is always exciting.  It is the one and only time of the year when everyone is on the same page.  No one has any points. You don’t have to worry about catching up and you can focus all your energy into running up front.”

This year will mark Avila’s first season in the highly competitive Pro Twins Class. Racing since he was four years old, this young rising star has more than proven his skill aboard two wheels. Running in the Pro Singles class in 2010, Avila finished third overall in the point standings and last year, he took six win and four podium finishes to earn second overall.

“I am incredibly excited about the upcoming season,” says the native Californian.  “We tested our bike last week and it is really hooked-up. We are working with Joe Bisha who used to tune for Jay Springsteen and he has done a phenomenal job.  I took a first and a second last year at Daytona and I would really like to be able to plant the SDI Insulation banner in Winner’s Circle right off the bat.  Having them as a sponsor is a dream come true and I can’t think of anything better than taking the checkered in their name.”

One of the most determined riders on the circuit, Avila’s professionalism and love of flat track racing is evident the moment you meet him.

“The competition in the Pro Twins class is really tough and to do well you definitely have to be on your toes every second,” continues Avila.  “I have been training and riding hard for the past couple of months and I am definitely feeling strong.  There is no way to predict the outcome of any race, but the one thing I know for sure is that the entire SDI Insulation team is ready to do their best.”

In addition to SDI Insulation Avila is sponsored by Serramonte Ford, Circle Bell Racing, Boughner Racing, Mack Daddy Racing, Galvin Precession Machining, Arai, Kal Gard, Alpinestars, Motion Pro, Westcoast Hotshoes, K&N Filters, Dickle Racing, Fox, Matrix Concepts, Works Connection, Hooper Motorsports and EBC Brakes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has opened online race entry for the 2012 AMA Vintage Grand Championships. The amateur national championship event takes place during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 20-22 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Competitors in all disciplines can access online pre-entry at AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com > Register to Race. Supplemental rules, class structures and a weekend schedule are also available. In addition, for those who wish to mail in physical entry forms, downloadable forms are provided, as well.

The AMA Vintage Grand Championships include amateur championship racing in motocross, hare scrambles, trials and roadracing at the expansive Mid-Ohio complex. The dirt-track event, which is round 10 of the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series, will be held at the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds in Ashland.

All proceeds from the AMA Vintage Grand Championships are donated to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame to support the Hall of Fame’s mission of celebrating the accomplishments of motorcycling’s brightest stars. Pre-entry fees for off-road and motocross are $40 per class. Dirt track pre-entry is $30 per class. Roadrace pre-entry is $80 for the first class and $70 for each subsequent class (per day).

Youth racers more than 12-years old are welcome in motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track competition at the AMA Vintage Grand Championships. Per Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course rules, riders must be 14-years old or older to compete on motorcycles with displacements greater than 250cc. Roadrace competitors must be 18-years old or older in all classes.

“Vintage racing is accessible, laid back and some of the most fun you can have on a motorcycle,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We’re proud to elevate this unique style of racing with national championship recognition at the premier vintage motorcycling event in America — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. For both casual participants and hard-core vintage racers, we not only welcome your participation, your support of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame also helps preserve the legacy motorcycling for future generations.”

Riders in designated “A” classes will compete for national championships, the right to run AMA National No. 1 plates and vie for the honors of AMA Track Racing Vintage Grand Champion, AMA Off-Road Vintage Grand Champion and AMA Vet/Senior Vintage Grand Champion.

A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous. Activities include the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, which include roadracing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track; North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet; bike shows and awards; stunt shows; demo rides of current production bikes; and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts.

The goal of the Hall of Fame, located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling’s legends and heroes. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

For updates about events and activities, as well as information about past AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, visit AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.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, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Krawiec Sets New Pro Stock Motorcycle ET Record in Qualifying

GAINESVILLE, FL – Harley-Davidson^® Screamin’ Eagle^®/Vance & Hines rider Ed Krawiec completed a clean sweep of the Pro Stock Motorcycle competition at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, defeating his teammate, Andrew Hines, in the final round of the rain-delayed eliminations at Gainesville Raceway.

Riding a Harley-Davidson^® V-Rod^® motorcycle, Krawiec opened the defense of the Pro Stock Motorcycle championship he won last season by leading each round of qualifying, winning four rounds of eliminations, and setting a new national elapsed-time (ET) record for the class. According to the NHRA, Krawiec is only the second racer to score the maximum 150 points available for a race weekend since the organization started awarding bonus points for qualifying.

There was anticipation before the Gatornationals that Krawiec, who set the class speed record of 199.26 mph at last year’s event, could be the first Pro Stock Motorcycle rider to break the 200-mph barrier during the weekend. Instead, the two-time champion took his V-Rod to a new ET record of 6.750 seconds in the third round of qualifying on Saturday, breaking the record of 6.777 seconds set by Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana at Gainesville in 2011.

“I guess if I could have run 200 here it would have been the perfect weekend and I could just retire,” said Krawiec, who also became the first Pro Stock Motorcycle racer to win the season opener at Gainesville in three consecutive seasons. “Unfortunately we didn’t get 200, so I’m not going to retire. We had a great off-season and my V-Rod was running well right off the truck. It’s a nice way to start defending our championship. I’m really excited about this season.”

Hines qualified third for the event with a run of 6.834 seconds.

Krawiec and Hines cruised through the first two rounds of eliminations on Sunday before rain halted the action. Krawiec got wins over Buell riders Ulf Ogge and Scotty Pollacheck. Hines got a win over Buell rider John Hall on a red light and then knocked off  Nitro Fish Suzuki rider LE Tonglet in the second round.

In Monday’s semi-final round, Krawiec defeated Matt Smith on the Matt Smith Racing Buell, while Hines scored a win over Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. to set up an all-Harley final between the Screamin’ Eagle teammates. In the final, Hines lead off the line with a 0.010-second reaction time to 0.033 for Krawiec, but the defending champ took the lead by 100 feet and won with a 6.822-second pass to 6.861 for Hines. Krawiec has now won 12 times in 26 career final-round appearances.

“Count back to Las Vegas and Pomona last season and this is the third consecutive race we’ve put both Screamin’ Eagle V-Rods in the finals, and that’s always our first goal for a race weekend,” said Hines. “It’s sure nice to hit a home run like that to open the season. My bike got better every round, and I think that either Eddie or I will break that 200 mph mark soon. It could happen at Houston, where we’ve put up some fast speeds in the past.”

The Gatornationals also marked the debut of new bodywork for the team’s Harley-Davidson V-Rod racing motorcycles. Inspired by the production Harley-Davidson Night Rod^® Special motorcycle, the bodywork was a success in it first race outing, according to Hines. “The new body and paint scheme looks really racy,” said Hines. “Both V-Rod bikes went right down the track this weekend, so it seems to work well.”

Krawiec opens the season leading the Pro Stock Motorcycle division in points with 150. Hines is second with 101 points, followed by Arana Jr. with 80 points, Smith with 74 and LE Tonglet with 56.

The Pro Stock Motorcycles will next race April 27-29 at the O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Spring Nationals at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas.

Company Information

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit harley-davidson.com.

The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools and Dunlop.

Hines and Reigning Champ Krawiec to Debut Restyled V-Rod® Drag Bikes

MILWAUKEE (March 5, 2011) – The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines drag racing team will debut restyled Harley-Davidson® V-Rod® motorcycles when the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series hosts its first Pro Stock Motorcycle event of the season at the 43rd annual Tire Kingdom NHRA Gatornationals, March 8-11 in Gainesville, Florida. Rider Ed Krawiec, the reigning 2011 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion, returns to racing action along with teammate Andrew Hines and both riders look to deliver another title for Harley-Davidson fans and the team.

Krawiec scored four final-round wins in the 2011 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle series in a season of consistency that saw him clinch his second world title with a second-round win at the Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals at Pomona, California. The championship is the fifth won by the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team in 10 years of NHRA competition.

“The competition gets tighter and tighter in this class, which makes for great racing but also means the Harley-Davidson team will need to be on its game at every event this season if we want to repeat,” said Krawiec, who also won the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle championship in 2008, and is hoping to add to his back-to-back 2010 and 2011 season-opening wins at the Gatornationals with a rare three-peat. “I plan to keep riding my own race and hope we can continue the momentum that carried us to the end of last season.”

Hines, who won twice in 2011 and has notched three championships with the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team (2004-06), is ready to get back on the track.

“I have not popped the clutch on one of these V-Rod bikes since the last round at Pomona,” said Hines, who defeated Krawiec in a final-round match to end the 2011 season with an all-Harley final. “We are going to do some testing and then head to Gainesville, and I’m anxious to try out some of the new parts we’ve been developing in the off-season. I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun racing this year.”

Matt Hines, older brother to Andrew and also a three-time NHRA champion (1997-99), returns as crew chief for the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines team.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class will open the season under the same rules package in place at the end of 2011. The series will compete at 16 events in 2011.

V-Rod Racers Restyled

The team’s Harley-Davidson V-Rod motorcycles have received a significant re-style for the first time since the team began NHRA competition in 2002, according to Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Kris Schoonover.

“The goal was to make the drag racing motorcycles look more like the current production Night Rod Special motorcycle,” said Schoonover. “The biggest change is in the shape of the rear fender, although the front fender is a little longer and is now more similar to the part on the production motorcycle.”

The new bodywork is finished with a fresh paint scheme designed by Paul Martin, Harley-Davidson Manager of Styling and Graphics at the Willie G. Davidson Product Development Center. For the first time, the team’s two motorcycles will have a different appearance on the track. Krawiec’s V-Rod is black on the top half and silver below, while the V-Rod raced by Hines will have those colors reversed. The graphics are detailed in orange and silver and will match new graphics for the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines transporter and team uniforms. In addition, new rider’s leathers were designed by Karen Davidson, Creative Director of H-D MotorClothes and daughter of Chief Styling Officer Willie G. Davidson.

Visit the Harley-Davidson Racing Experience

The Harley-Davidson Racing Experience will be on display at each 2012 National Hot Rod Association® Full Throttle Drag Racing Series event, offering fans an opportunity to see new Harley-Davidson production motorcycles and participate in interactive riding and racing simulations with a chance to win a $100 Harley-Davidson Gift Card daily in the Drag Race Challenge. Fans can also enter the Harley-Davidson Choose Your ride sweepstakes to win one dream motorcycle at the end of the season.

Company Information

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit harley-davidson.com.

The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools and Dunlop.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The U.S. Team has launched its 2012 campaign to chase the Speedway World Cup in Slovenia, beginning May 5. Organized by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and led by 1996 Speedway World Champion Billy Hamill, who will ride for the team, the effort is attracting widespread support from America’s speedway elite.

“In addition to the exciting participation of Billy Hamill, we’re pleased by the interest of reigning FIM Speedway World Champion Greg Hancock and European-based competitors Ryan Fisher, Ricky Wells and Kenny Ingalls,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “Also, U.S. riders Josh Larsen, Chris Kerr and Tyson Burmeister have indicated interest in being a part of the U.S. Speedway World Cup effort. Clearly, with so much talent ready to race for American pride, we’re excited about our prospects against the world’s best.”

Hamill won the world title in 1996 and is a five-time U.S. champion, the last title coming in 2007. He brings valuable Speedway World Cup experience, riding for U.S. team when it was victorious in 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1998. The U.S. riders also won the title in 1982.

The full U.S. team will be announced shortly.

The AMA’s speedway advisory group is supporting and assisting with the World Cup team effort. The group includes Hamill, Larsen; Richard Child, Hancock’s team manager; and promoters Steve Evans, Jason Bonsignore and Dave Joiner.

The Speedway World Cup has been contested since 1960. Relaunched under a new format in 2001, the event features multiple days of competition by a number of national teams, with four qualifying for the finals. The winner of the Speedway World Cup collects the Ove Fundin Trophy, named after the five-time world champion.

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, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced lower negotiated insurance cost savings of up to 18 percent for AMA event organizers. The new lower rates are geared to make riding and racing more affordable for AMA members everywhere.

Offered by Lockton Affinity, the preferred insurance provider of the AMA, the new program takes effect on March 1, 2012. The current reduction is the second insurance rate drop in six months. On Sept. 29, Lockton Affinity offered rates that were 10 percent lower than previous rates.

“AMA racing and recreational events are the gold standard for amateur motorcycle competition and riding in America,” said Joe Bromley, the director of AMA racing and organizer services. “Our riders, clubs and promoters expect quality customer service and competitive prices, especially in today’s environment.

“That’s why we’re pleased to be in a position to lower costs to the clubs and promoters who sanction their events with the AMA,” he said. “We’re very pleased with the significantly improved class and rate structure, and believe that organizers of AMA events will take advantage of these new savings.”

Some of the benefits of the all-new AMA-endorsed insurance program include:

• A change in motocross rates and structure to better meet organizers’ needs, including a new rate class for motocross for smaller events with premiums starting at $650. The remaining motocross classes will receive a rate decrease of up to 16 percent.
• Up to an 18 percent rate reduction for non-motocross events. The class structure has also been modified to better serve the needs of smaller events.
• Rates now starting at $50 for AMA club recreational events. All rates will change from a two-day rate to a single-day rate. New classes have also been added to better suit the needs of smaller events.
• By using the AMA preferred provider, event organizers continue to enjoy a streamlined process to get insurance for an event, as well as get the best coverage available to meet needs.

The new 2012 sanctioned event insurance option form is now part of the sanction application available for AMA Organizers to download at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Clubs & Promoters > Resources and Forms.

For more information about the updated insurance program, AMA organizers should contact Cherie Schlatter, AMA organizer services manager, at cschlatter@ama-cycle.org or at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1242.

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, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Ricky Carmichael, one of the greatest American motorcycle racers of all time, will bring his unique blend of stadium-style motocross to the hallowed grounds of the Daytona International Speedway on Sunday and Monday, March 11-12, at the Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship.

Sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), and in partnership with MX Sports, the third annual event features two days of amateur racing at the same track that will showcase the best AMA Supercross racers in the world at the March 10 Daytona Supercross by Honda, which is the 10th round of the 2012 AMA Supercross Championship.

“The Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship allows amateur motocross racers to experience one of America’s historic racing venues first hand,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “The event includes classes for all displacement, age and skill levels. Thanks to the new two-day format, it includes longer motos, expanded practice times and more opportunities to ride what will be one of the most-fun tracks many riders will see all year.”

Classes are available for youth riders on 50cc bikes all the way up to vet and senior classes. The race will follow a qualifying format with heat races and last-chance qualifiers seeding the main event in each class.

Amateur racers are encouraged to arrive early and camp on the Daytona infield. Hookups are also available. Move in, sign-up and camping begin on Saturday, March 10, so that amateur families can watch the pros compete Saturday night in the Daytona Supercross by Honda. Amateur racing takes place on Sunday, March 11, and Monday, March 12.

To register for the 2012 Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship, visit https://secure.tracksideonlineresults.com/daytonasx/.
About Daytona Beach Bike Week

The Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross Championship is just one part of an action-packed week of motorcycling events during Daytona Beach Bike Week. In addition to amateur and professional racing in off-road, dirt track, roadracing and AMA Supercross, the week includes a number of events that celebrate the history of motorcycling. These include the 24th annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona, which raises money for the non-profit AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and this year features Hall of Famer and 1993 500cc World Grand Prix roadracing Champion Kevin Schwantz. To register to attend the Breakfast at Daytona on Friday, March 16, see MotorcycleMuseum.org.

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, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) welcomes West Coast off-road racers who enjoy all forms of enduro competition — including the tradition and challenge of time-keeping enduros — to participate in a new AMA Featured Series for 2012.

“Enduro racing is part of the heritage of motorcycling competition in this country,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We welcome the efforts of these longtime AMA partners to elevate enduro competition on the West Coast. I’m sure these events will not only satisfy current riders eager for more enduro competition, they will also introduce many more riders to this exciting sport.”

The AMA Western Checkpoint Enduro Championship is organized by the Western Enduro Promotions Group (WEPG) in partnership with AMA District 36 (Northern California), AMA District 37 (Southern California), and the AMA-chartered Arizona Offroad Motorcycle Racing Association. It features all styles of enduro competition, including time-keeping, start control and qualifier format. It includes events in California, Arizona and Nevada.

“I’m really happy with how the Western Checkpoint Enduro Championship has come together over the last two years,” said WEPG Chairman Erek Kudla. “For 2012 the WEPG has hooked up with Northern California’s District 36 and Arizona’s AMRA to host an eight-round enduro series composed of all forms of enduros, but the control of the individual events stays with the local clubs who have been successfully hosting enduros for as long as 60 years!”

The 2012 series opener, the Not-So Tuff-Enuff Enduro, brought 345 riders to Johnson Valley, Calif., on Jan. 15. James Ptarcinski of Sunnyville, Calif., took the overall as well as the Vet 30+ class win at the first round. The event also featured a Saturday family enduro, hosted by the Training Wheels MC. The family enduro provided a more laid-back alternative to Sunday’s full-on race as well as an opportunity to introduce some new riders to the sport.

AMA Featured Series are premier AMA-sanctioned series operated by a single club or promoter, a recognized AMA District or a closely affiliated group of AMA-chartered event organizers. AMA Featured Series do not award national championship points or awards, but do provide regional exposure and recognition.

For more on AMA Featured Series and other AMA-sanctioned events, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing.

2012 AMA Western Checkpoint Enduro Championship
Series Contact: Erek Kudla, info@ridechec.com, www.ridechec.com

March 18: Gold Rush Qualifier, Anza, Calif. Prospectors MC
April 1: Sawmill Enduro, Lakeport, Calif. North Bay MC
April 15: Sheridan Mountain Enduro, Camp Wood, Ariz. Arizona Trail Riders Association
May 19-20: Two-Day Hungry Valley Qualifier, Gorman, Calif. Ventura County MC
Oct. 7: Wild Horse Enduro, Dayton, Nev. Western States Racing Association
Oct. 21: Ghostrider Enduro, Red Mountain, Calif. Traning Wheels MC
Nov. 11: WFO Enduro, Stonyford, Calif. Valley Climbers MC

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, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — This year’s 24th annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona, which features Hall of Famer and 1993 500cc World Grand Prix roadracing Champion Kevin Schwantz, will once again include the popular silent auction to benefit the Hall of Fame.

Special items available for the auction are still rolling in, and among them is an authentic Nichole Cheza flat-track racing helmet (complete with racetrack roost spots), a Bill Werner “Pair of Nines” race shirt honoring racers Gary Nixon and Jay Springsteen, special signed posters from past Hall of Fame events, an autographed copy of Buzz Kanter’s Indian Motocycles book and much more.

The silent auction is open to attendees at this year’s breakfast, which is set for Friday of Bike Week, March 16, in the Daytona International Speedway infield at the prestigious 500 Club building. Tickets are available online at www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or by calling (800) 262-5646.

“One of the great things about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is the direct connection it provides to Hall of Famers and others in the motorcycle world, and nowhere is that more true than in the silent auction, where bidders are vying for memorabilia from the fast and famous,” says Jack Penton, the AMA’s director of operations. “And best of all, 100 percent of the auction proceeds go to support the Hall.”

Featured speaker Schwantz, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, rocketed to prominence as one of America’s best roadracers during the mid-1980s. By the end of the decade, Schwantz had moved to international competition in the 500cc Grand Prix World Championships. He was a perennial top rider in that series and won the world championship in 1993. During his Grand Prix racing career, Schwantz racked up 25 500cc GP victories, putting him second all-time among American riders.

At the breakfast, Schwantz will be interviewed onstage by race announcer and Bike Week mainstay Ben Cheatwood before fielding questions from the audience in a rare up-close-and-personal appearance.

Several individuals have signed on as sponsors of the event, including AMA Board Chairman Stan Simpson and long-time Hall of Fame supporters Mike and Margaret Wilson. Additional sponsorships — individual and corporate — are available by contacting Steve Gotoski at sgotoski@ama-cycle.org.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.