Born To Ride News

American Motorcyclist Association members save on advance tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Members of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) can now take advantage of a special discount on tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is July 20-22 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

AMA members can purchase a weekend pass for $35, a $10 savings off the regular advance rate, and a one-day pass for $20, a $5 savings off the regular advance rate. The AMA member discount is in addition to the regular $10 savings on advance ticket purchases, and there is no service charge for AMA members when purchasing through the AMA.

AMA member pricing, available through May 28, is only available by calling the AMA directly at (800) 262-5646. In addition to these ticket savings, kids under 12 will be admitted free with a paying, supervising adult.

“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is one of my favorite events of the year,” said AMA Director of Operations and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jack Penton. “The chance to hang out with good friends, see some incredible motorcycles, learn from motorcycling experts, meet our motorcycling heroes, get some great deals in the massive swap meet, and take part in some great vintage racing makes AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days the coolest place on the planet for three days in July.

“The AMA is excited to offer this special pricing so that more AMA members than ever can come out and experience this incredible event,” Penton said.

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 amateur national championship 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;
an AMA Life Member breakfast; and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts. This year will also include an AMA-sanctioned field meet on the infield, offering prizes and awards to riders who excel at the vintage skill events that have been a part of motorcycling for decades.

In addition to perusing the swap meet, enthusiasts also have the option of taking advantage of free on-site primitive camping as swap meet vendors. If you have some vintage parts, bikes or memorabilia that you would like to sell while immersing yourself in AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days experience, you’re encouraged to do so. Swap meet vendor applications are available at www.AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com > Vendor and Swap Meet Info.

For updates about events and activities, as well as information about past AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, visit www.AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com.

If you’re not an AMA member, join today at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Join the AMA. As a member, you can take advantage of this special even pricing and numerous other offers available to AMA members. These include AMA Roadside Assistance, which covers your bike, cars and trailers from breakdowns on the road; numerous product and service discounts; the right to compete in AMA-sanctioned competition; and the knowledge that you’re supporting your right to ride and race through the AMA’s lobbying efforts on behalf of motorcyclists.

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.

AMA congratulates and welcomes the Bay Area Riders Forum as the first AMA Online Motorcycle Community (O/MC)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that the Bay Area Riders Forum (BARF) is the association’s first official “AMA O/MC,” or Online Motorcycle Community.

The recognition comes on the occasion of the group’s 10th anniversary as the San Francisco area’s go-to internet gathering spot, and as BARF members have established a contribution fund in the group’s name at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. You can find BARF online at http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/

“The Bay Area Riders Forum has long been the kind of enthusiast hangout that exemplifies the best things about the internet and motorcycling,” said Grant Parsons, the AMA’s director of communications. “The group has built a vibrant community around a shared love of two wheels, and this latest outreach effort to support the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame just shows the kind of commitment the folks at BARF have.”

Bud Kobza (aka “Budman”), BARF’s CEO, said he’s glad to support the AMA for all the work it does on behalf of motorcycling’s history and to protect the rights of riders into the future.

“I originally joined the AMA to race in the early ’80s and enjoyed the heck out of those days,” Kobza said. “However, I soon learned that the AMA is so much more than racing, and the good work it does to help protect our right to ride, our places to ride and the opportunity to ride for future generations became so important to me. Also, the historical aspects of the AMA and the Hall of Fame Museum are so awesome. I hope to share that with the members of our forum as we move into our second decade of existence, and bring more motorcyclists into the AMA to help with the great work they do for us.”

As part of its show of support, BARF has become the first AMA O/MC as an AMA-chartered Online Motorcycle Community, a move that helps carry eight decades of AMA club history into the future.

As an AMA O/MC, BARF enjoys special branding on its site unique to members of this new program, and enjoys knowing its members are taking the extra step to help protect the future of motorcycling.

For information on how your website or web forum can become an AMA-recognized O/MC, visit http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ClubsAndPromoters/OMC.aspx or email gparsons@ama-cycle.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 U.S. Senate has approved a bill that extends the embattled Recreational Trails Program (RTP) that provides funding for trails, and the federal motorcyclist safety grant program, for nearly two more years, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

“Motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders by the thousands spoke about the benefits of the Recreational Trails Program and the fact that it’s funded by off-highway vehicle users, and federal lawmakers listened,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.

“We want to thank all the AMA members and others who contacted their lawmakers asking them to preserve the RTP,” Allard said. “It was a hard-fought battle in the U.S. Senate, and we are going to keep a close watch on the legislation to try to ensure that the language remains in the bill when it goes to the U.S. House of Representatives for further consideration, and then to the president to be signed into law.”

On March 14, the full Senate approved S.1813, “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century,” known as MAP-21. This bill authorizes transportation funding through fiscal 2013, which ends Sept. 30, 2013, maintains the RTP and provides $6 million a year for funding state programs that focus on motorcyclist safety. The AMA has long promoted motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness programs as essential strategies to prevent motorcycle crashes.

As originally written, S. 1813 would have effectively ended the RTP by severing the program from its dedicated funding. But Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and several bipartisan cosponsors offered an amendment to S. 1813, which was approved by the full Senate, to continue the RTP.

On the House side, H.R. 7, the transportation bill titled the “American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012″ included $85 million a year through fiscal 2016 for the RTP and funding for state motorcycle safety programs. After passing the House committees that shared jurisdiction of the subject matter in the bill, the House leadership is debating its options on what version of the transportation bill to consider.

Because the Senate bill may become the vehicle, the Senate language was extremely important if the RTP was to be saved.

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, 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.

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 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.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — A new U.S. Forest Service (USFS) guide to help land managers maintain off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails contains derogatory anti-OHV language, and OHV groups want to know why, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

In a letter dated March 9, seven organizations are demanding answers from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, whose department oversees the USFS. The groups are the AMA, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, the BlueRibbon Coalition, the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition, the Colorado Snowmobile Association, Trails Preservation Alliance, and the Utah Shared Access Alliance.

“The intent of the guidebook is laudable: to help OHV trail managers develop sustainable trails and protect the environment surrounding the trails,” said Wayne Allard, a former U.S. senator and U.S. representative from Colorado who is now the AMA’s vice president for government relations.

“But the document includes a variety of statements and innuendo that reflect an anti-OHV bias, and cites as a source for information an anti-OHV group,” Allard said. “This type of government guide should be fact-based and neutral. It shouldn’t include inflammatory, biased language and the recommendations of a group known to oppose OHVs.”

The 318-page guide, “A Comprehensive Framework for Off-Highway Vehicle Trail Maintenance,” was released in January in book form and was posted on the USFS website. But the document was quickly pulled off the website, apparently following protests from the OHV community about offensive language.

Among other things, the document states: “This framework was developed to help trail managers corral the OHV management dragon. The author hopes it has provided some insight into the nature of OHV trails, and some tools to help keep the beast at bay. Happy herding and happy trails!”

The guide also claims that OHV use causes an “increase in frequency and intensity of weather events,” and acknowledges gathering information from the Wildlands CPR, which is an anti-OHV group.

On its website, Wildlands CPR claims that “off-road vehicles can go nearly anywhere, killing and harassing wildlife and destroying vegetation,” and that “as a result of our on-going efforts, so far (with 47 decisions still to come), the Forest Service has removed 7,890 miles of roads and motorized trails from the designated travel system, and refused to designate 28,679 miles of user-created routes.”

In addition, the government document admits to citing a Wildlands CPR proposal that no routes or trails should be allowed in “citizen or agency proposed wilderness… and other lands with wilderness character.”

“This management practice usurps congressional authority in the process to designate Wilderness,” Allard said. “Only Congress can designate Wilderness.”

A Wilderness designation is one of the strictest forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area as Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are prohibited, including OHV use.

In the letter to Vilsack, the seven organizations representing OHV interests ask questions concerning the planning and review process of the guide, the content of the initial guide, and whether there are plans to reissue the guide without the offending language.

To read the letter, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Libraries/Rights_Documents_Federal/USDA_OHV_letter_Final.sflb.ashx?download=true.

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 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 — In a victory for motorcyclists, Virginia is the latest state to bar motorcycle-only checkpoints, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

On Feb. 28, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed into law H.B. 187, which was introduced by Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah). The new law, which takes effect July 1, prohibits law enforcement agencies from establishing checkpoints where the only vehicles subject to inspection are motorcycles.

The measure was introduced after the Arlington County Police Department set up a motorcycle-only checkpoint during the Rolling Thunder ride on May 28, 2011, that brings awareness to prisoner of war/missing in action (POW/MIA) issues.

Similar laws have been enacted in New Hampshire and North Carolina.

“Officials say they set up these motorcycle-only checkpoints to pull over motorcyclists to check for safety violations,” said Rick Podliska, a Virginia resident and AMA deputy director of government relations. “But if officials are really concerned about motorcyclists’ safety, then they need to stop discriminating against us with these checkpoints and start supporting programs that prevent motorcycle crashes, such as rider safety training and driver awareness programs.”

The AMA opposes motorcycle-only checkpoints and has been tracking the discriminatory practice since it first appeared in New York several years ago.

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) is pleased to announce the election of two corporate directors to the AMA Board of Directors: John Ulrich, founder and owner of Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology, and Sean Hilbert, CEO of Cobra Moto. The elections occurred at the annual AMA corporate members meeting in Indianapolis on Feb. 18.

Ulrich was re-elected, while Hilbert is serving his first term on the AMA board. Both terms are three years in duration.

In addition, Russ Brenan, senior advisor, government relations and public affairs, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., was appointed to fill the corporate member seat vacated by Jim Williams, who represented Kawasaki on the AMA board before joining the AMA as vice president of industry relations and corporate member programs. Brenan’s term runs through February 2013.

Also attending the board meeting for the first time was Ken Ford, a 27-year AMA member from Bartow, Fla. Ford’s election as the member representative from the Southeast region was announced on Jan. 25.

“The AMA is very fortunate to have individuals of this caliber on our board of directors,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Our corporate members bring expertise and knowledge of the industry to our board, and our six regionally elected and two elected at-large board members represent the voice of our members. Together they steer our association as we fulfill our mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.”

A longtime director of the association, Ulrich helped shepherd the association through the sale of AMA Pro Racing and its recommitment to motorcycling advocacy.

“The AMA is the first line of defense against unreasonable government restrictions on our sport,” Ulrich said. “That’s why I kept renewing my membership for 25 years, and that’s why I continue to serve on the Board of Directors. I’m proud to report that the AMA is now on sound financial footing with $10 million in reserves in addition to significant cash flow from the sale of AMA Pro Racing — which used to be a major money pit. The AMA remains a strong defender of our sport, and I will continue to work hard to keep it that way.”

As CEO of American manufacturer Cobra Moto, Hilbert understands minicross and the grassroots appeal of amateur motorcycle competition in America.

“I am very honored to be chosen for the board of an organization that has done so much for youth riding and racing over the past few years,” said Hilbert. “The AMA has uniquely positioned itself to become the strongest advocate for motorcyclists in Washington, D.C., and over my tenure, I hope to help the association become even more customer focused.”

Brenan guides the advocacy and outreach efforts for Kawasaki in the United States.

“As a lifelong motorcyclist I look forward to helping the AMA advance and promote the sport through its advocacy efforts, ensuring that motorcycling remains both a viable form of recreation and transportation in the future,” said Brenan. “I am excited to work with the AMA to maintain and expand riding opportunities for families and future generations of riders to enjoy all our sport has to offer.”

At the corporate member meeting, the AMA also welcomed 15 new corporate members (listed alphabetically): Academy of Motorcycle Operation, Cobra Moto, Double Take Mirror, EnfoTrace GPS, GE Capital, GiFOR USA/GOLDfren, Keihin North America, Metro Racing, RoadRunner Publishing, Saddlemen / BST Enterprises, Schuberth North America, Sprocket Media Group, Strider Sports International, Touratech USA, and Trailmaster Adventures.

“The depth and breadth of the companies supporting the AMA and its mission is impressive,” said Williams. “Our friends include major OEMs and distributors, leading wholesale and retail financing interests, endemic media, and a host of passionate and pioneering aftermarket firms.”

To contact Ulrich, Hilbert, Brenan 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 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.