This year’s recipients of the annual AMA Sound Meter Program include the Coast Riders Motorcycle Club, Trail Riders of Southern Arizona, Coconino Trail Riders and Ocean State BMW Riders. With the sound kits provided by the program, these clubs will be able to accurately check the sound emissions of their motorcycles and institute training efforts to limit sound pollution at their events.

“With the AMA Sound Meter Program, we’re supporting and encouraging riders and clubs to take sound issues seriously and make decisions based on accurate information,” AMA Government Relations Director and Western States Representative Nick Haris said. “Phone apps and cheap meters are often not reliable and it’s important to have accurate, repeatable information prior to implementing any sound-related rules.”

The AMA Sound Meter Program, started in 2005, has awarded more than 130 sound meters and helps riders and event organizers better understand acceptable sound levels according to AMA guidelines.

The sound testing kits provided by the AMA contain a Type 2 sound meter, a tachometer, training materials, a spark-arrestor probe, personal protective equipment and a storage case.

In addition to the AMA Sound Meter Program, the AMA remains committed to supporting quieter motorcycle use and fighting against unfair sound ordinances. For more information on the AMA’s stance on excessive motorcycle sound, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/rights/ama-board-position-statements/excessive-motorcycle-sound/.

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Team USA includes Josh Roper, Alex Myers and Alexander Niederer on the men’s team, while Maddie Hoover, Kylee Sweeten and Louise Forsley make up the women’s team.

In addition to the men’s and women’s teams, the AMA is sending two riders to the Trials Des Nations Challenge, which formed in 2022. This added event provides younger riders with the opportunity to compete on the international stage for an FIM Championship. The U.S. TDN Challenge team will be composed of Murphy Aaron and Hailey Glueck.

“I am incredibly proud of the team we’ve assembled to represent the United States on the world stage at the Trial des Nations,” Team USA Manager Daniel Blanc-Gonnet said. “This event is a major milestone in the trials calendar, and our team is eager to showcase their talent and sportsmanship.

“Having spent nine years as an athlete on this team, my goal now is to leverage that experience to enhance the USA’s presence globally by providing our riders with the best possible environment for success,” Blanc-Gonnet continued. “We deeply appreciate the continued support from our fans and encourage everyone to follow our journey and contribute through mototrials.com/tdn or connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.”

The Trials des Nations began in Europe in 1983, and is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, with the goal of showcasing the best trials riders from across the globe. Since its creation, the Trials des Nations has grown into one of the most anticipated international motorcycle events of the year. Each competing nation fields two teams — a men’s and women’s team each consisting of three riders.

The team is tasked with raising money for the trip each year, so donations are greatly appreciated. Those looking to support the U.S. riders can do so by visiting http://mototrials.com/tdn.

Fans can stay up to date on the journey by checking the USA Trials des Nations Team Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/USATrialDesNations/.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 28, 2024) — A trio of top-flight motocross racers will represent the United States at the 2024 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Motocross of Nations, which will be held Oct. 4-6 at Matterley Basin in Winchester, U.K.

Leading the charge for the United States will be 2024 Pro Motocross 450 and 2023 AMA Supercross 450SX champion Chase Sexton, who will be joined by fellow AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross competitors Aaron Plessinger and Chance Hymas during the three-day event.

“This team has the shared mission of bringing the United States back to the top of the podium on the world stage, and will fight hard to accomplish that goal,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “We have brought together three outstanding racers that are eager to represent their country. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this year as a team.”

Sexton — who aided the United States to the 2022 Motocross of Nations title — will take over as team captain for Team USA this year and will compete in the MXGP Class for the stars and stripes.

“There is no greater honor than getting the opportunity to show your real patriotism on a world stage and represent your country overseas,” Sexton said. “I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a winning Team USA before, and there’s no greater feeling than standing on top of the podium waving the red, white and blue. I’m lucky enough to get that chance to do it again this year alongside two great teammates.

“I couldn’t ask for a more America-loving teammate than Aaron, who I know will give it his all as he has all season,” Sexton continued. “Chance I know well and he has shown a lot of speed all season long, so looking forward to building the bond with the boys and vie for the top spot in the UK in a few weeks.”

Plessinger returns to the Motocross of Nations for the second-consecutive year and will battle for glory in the Open Class.

“Man, I love America! I am so happy they have asked me to be part of Team USA again. Last year was bitter-sweet for me. Bitter we didn’t win but sweet because I got to put my money where my mouth was and show up with my American spirit on full display,” Plessinger said.

“This year I want redemption and just want it to be sweet,” Plessinger added. “I get to represent my country on the world stage alongside my teammate Chase, which is just awesome. And I look forward to getting to know Chance even more and hopefully some of my Americana will rub off on him. Let’s go USA!”

At just 19 years old, Hymas is the youngest member of the team, but the significance of the event is not lost on the budding motocross star. Hymas will race on behalf of the United States in the MX2 Class.

“It’s an honor to be chosen to represent team USA this year. It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to race Motocross of Nations,” Hymas said. “It means so much to get the support from Team Honda HRC and the AMA. I can’t thank Mike Pelletier enough for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to go represent my country against the best in the world!”

The United States will once again be led by motocross legend and team manager Roger DeCoster, who competed on six victorious FIM Motocross of Nations teams during the 1960s and 70s. Since his retirement from racing, DeCoster has remained an integral part of the sport as a team manager for several AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross teams. DeCoster has led the United States to 21 FIM Motocross of Nations team victories.

“I’m pleased we are able to put forward another strong contingent of riders at this year’s 2024 Motocross of Nations. All three riders were quick to sign on for the opportunity to represent their country and fly the red, white and blue flag for Team USA in the UK,” Decoster said. “Chase, Aaron and Chance all had extremely strong Motocross seasons this year and earned their positions on the team.

“I want to thank Honda for answering the call and showing unwavering support for Chance’s first time selection as part of the team and KTM for always supporting the Des Nations efforts,” DeCoster continued. “It really is and should always be the greatest honor to represent your country on the international stage and I have the utmost respect for any rider and team that steps up to the challenge. With this group of three highly patriotic and talented racers, I have high hopes we will be waving the USA flag from the top step of the podium this year.”

Beginning in 1947, the FIM Motocross of Nations is among the most significant motorsports events in the world each year — with national teams from around the world competing for supremacy in motocross.

For more information on the 2024 FIM Motocross of Nations, visit www.mxon.co.uk/.

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Photo Credit: AMA

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 28, 2024) — The AMA Road Race Grand Championship will return to the historic Daytona International Speedway on Oct. 18-20, running alongside the famed Biketoberfest event.

“As is the case every year, the 2024 AMA Road Race Grand Championship is sure to be an excellent event filled with fierce competition for AMA National No. 1 Plates,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “You cannot find a better venue than Daytona International Speedway, and we’re looking forward to another outstanding weekend of racing.”

Sanctioned by the AMA and operated by the America Superbike Racing Association, the AMA Road Race Grand Championship will include three days of high-speed racing action on the asphalt in Daytona Beach, with a number of AMA No. 1 plates and special awards ripe for the taking.

“ASRA is once again excited to host the AMA Road Race Grand Championship at the extraordinary Daytona International Speedway,” said ASRA Partner Alex Spellman.  “Once again we will crown the Road Race National Champions.”

In addition to the national championships up for grabs, several riders will race their way to prestigious AMA special awards. Chief among them is the Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award, which is earned by the racer who shows the necessary ability and demeanor to excel at the professional level. The AMA Amateur Road Racer of the Year and AMA Road Race Vet/Senior awards will also be presented during the event.

For more information on the AMA Road Race Grand Championship, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/racing/track-racing/road-racing/ and asraracing.com/.  

Running alongside the AMA Road Race Grand Championship, Biketoberfest is a rider’s paradise with hundreds of vendors, motorcycle shows and scenic rides throughout Daytona Beach’s iconic landscape. For more information on Biketoberfest, head over to https://www.daytonabeach.com/biketoberfest/.

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Photo Credit: Daytona Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 27, 2024) — The American Motorcyclist Association is adding a new stop to its annual AMA Gypsy Tour: Biketoberfest® in Daytona Beach, Fla, which runs Oct. 17-20 this year.

“Biketoberfest® is a fall staple for motorcyclists, giving riders the opportunity to enjoy Florida’s longer riding season along with the many vendors, motorcycle shows and custom bike builds that are a part of this city-wide road rally,” AMA Director of Marketing & Communications Joy Burgess said. “We’re pleased to add Biketoberfest® to our AMA Gypsy Tour schedule and look forward to fostering a long-term partnership with the event.”

At the four-day rally, AMA Gypsy Tour pins, as well as other materials that highlight the 100-year history of the AMA and American motorcycling, will be distributed at the Official Biketoberfest Welcome Center located trackside at Daytona International Speedway’s Fall Cycle Scene display area.  

“Biketoberfest® attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world to enjoy the Florida sunshine, gentle ocean breezes, scenic rides, fun-filled activities and live music and to share their passion and love for motorcycles,” said Lori Campbell Baker, Executive Director for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the promoter of Biketoberfest®. “We’re thrilled to have Biketoberfest® included on the AMA Gypsy Tour schedule and bring more awareness to all the activities surrounding this popular rally.”

The weekend event will include motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway, motorcycle shows, hundreds of vendors, scenic rides throughout Daytona Beach area, and much more!

For more information on the 2024 Biketoberfest® event, visit www.daytonabeach.com/biketoberfest/.

To learn more about AMA Gypsy Tours, head over to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/riding/on-road-riding/national-gypsy-tour/.

About Biketoberfest®
The Daytona Beach area welcomes motorcycle enthusiasts for the 32^nd annual Biketoberfest® rally on October 17-20. Biketoberfest® is a four-day event that attracts motorcycle enthusiasts to Volusia County with beautiful Florida weather, live music, the industry’s top vendors, bike shows, motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway, and miles of scenic rides along famous A1A, historic Main Street and The Loop in Ormond Beach. More information is available on the official event website, Biketoberfest.org, including a list of area events, concerts, demo rides, places to stay, top scenic rides, and more.

Official sponsors of Biketoberfest® include the American Motorcyclist Association, Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club, Dream Giveaway, Florida Motorcycle Safety Program (Florida Department of Transportation), Alert Riders, Rue & Ziffra, Southern Stone Communications and Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson.

About the Daytona Beach Area | #LoveDaytonaBeach

Experience endless adventures in this eclectic destination that offers the perfect, beach base camp from which to explore the greater Daytona Beach area and all of Central Florida. Choose thrilling activities or embrace the tranquility of days spent on 23 miles of world-famous, white-sand beaches. With more than 12,000 rooms, and a variety of meeting hotels and unique spaces, the destination has accommodations for meetings and groups of all sizes and budgets. Learn more at DaytonaBeach.com. #LoveDaytonaBeach

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The American Motorcyclist Association mourns the loss of Dave Pickett, who dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of motorcyclists throughout Northern California and Western Nevada.

Pickett, a lifelong motorcyclist and AMA Life Member, served as President of AMA District 36 from 2004 through 2013, while also working as the Legislative Action Officer for the District until his retirement in 2018. In these roles, Pickett advocated for off-road trail access for enthusiasts across his district, allowing for a thriving off-road riding community in District 36.

In 2011, Pickett earned the Jim Hutzler Service Award — AMA District 36’s highest honor.

In addition to his time with AMA District 36, where he started in the early 1970s and also served on the Board of Directors, Pickett served as an AMA Congressman. Pickett was also a lifetime member of the BlueRibbon Coalition and California Enduro Trails Riders Association.

An avid off-road riding participant, Pickett began riding and racing in 1965 and rose to the A class of AMA racing.

Pickett’s contributions to the AMA and motorcycling were vast, and he will be greatly missed.   

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Photo Credit: Brian J. Nelson/MotoAmerica

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 19, 2024) — The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates MotoAmerica on a triumphant return to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, after a 10-year absence from the iconic track. MotoAmerica, home of the AMA Superbike Championship, visited Mid-Ohio for its eighth round of the 2024 season.

“It has been a long time coming but worth the wait to welcome the AMA Superbike Championship back to the flowing curves of Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “The weekend wasn’t without some challenges from Mother Nature, but the MotoAmerica team, supported by the Mid-Ohio track crew, were decisive and flexible, squeezing in as much racing action as possible.”

Race officials and track personnel battled volatile weather on both Saturday and Sunday but successfully completed the program. The hard work and quick planning allowed for a full slate of racing, rewarding fans with two championships and memorable moments on the newly paved road-race course.

In the premier Steel Commander Superbike class, Warhorse HSBK Racing’s Josh Herrin had a perfect weekend, with a clean sweep of the class doubleheader. While his first race was a runaway, the second offered some of the most exciting racing action of the weekend, with a full race battle with Sean Dylan Kelly and Cameron Beaubier, both on BMWs.

Two support class championships were decided on Sunday. Mikayla Moore wrapped up the 2024 Royal Enfield Build Train Race title with her seventh win of the season, and Matthew Chapin locked down the 2024 Junior Cup Championship on his BARTCON Racing Kawasaki with the double-header sweep.

The titles also are notable because both young riders have been selected to represent North America at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Intercontinental Games on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Jerez, Spain. Teams from all six of the FIM Continental Unions of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America and Oceania will compete for world bragging rights at the two-day event.

“Congratulations to Mikalya and Chapin for outstanding seasons,” said Dingman, who presented Moore with her AMA No. 1 plate. “Their performances this year have been impressive, and both Mikalya and Matt will represent us well on the international stage in Jerez.”

The Supersport class saw a split in wins, with Rahal Ducati’s PJ Jacobsen winning on Saturday and Strack Racing’s Mathew Scholtz finishing out front on Sunday with his seventh win of the year.

Saturday’s Supersport race likely will be remembered by Mid-Ohio fans for the rider who crossed the line in third behind Jacobsen and second-place finisher Scholtz: veteran AMA racer and Ohio native Larry Pegram. With the race starting in the wet, the 51-year old, riding a Suzuki for TopPro Racing, led the race on rain tires for several laps before fading slightly. It was his first AMA podium finish since 2014 in the AMA Superbike class at New Jersey Motosports Park.

In the Mission Super Hooligan class, Saddlemen Racing/Harley Davidson’s Jake Lewis easily won the first race, with Lewis’s teammate Cory West winning by just 0.105 of a second over S&S/Indian Motorcycles Tyler O’Hara in the second contest.

In King of the Baggers, the two riders at the top of the points standings, Harley-Davidson’s Kyle Wyman and Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss split wins.

MotoAmerica resumes its season on Sept. 13-15 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. For racing and ticket information, see www.motoamerica.com.

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Photo Credit: Align With Us

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 13, 2024) — The American Motorcyclist Association awarded No. 1 plates to 36 class champions at the 2024 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, which ran July 29-Aug. 3 at the famous Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

In addition to the large collection of champions, the AMA honored four racers with special awards based on their overall body of work throughout the week of competition. Most notably, Drew Adams of Chattanooga, Tenn., brought home the 2024 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer most primed for success at the professional level based on performance and demeanor.

“It’s always great to watch the next generation of motocross stars compete at a venue as iconic as Loretta Lynn’s ranch, and this year’s AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship proved that the future of our sport is incredibly bright,” AMA Deputy Director of Racing Mike Burkeen said. “Thank you to MX Sports, the racers and their families for continuing the tradition and excellence of this event.”

Adams secured the Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award with a pair of championships in the Open Pro Sport and 250 Pro Sport (4-1-1) classes, sweeping his way to victory in the Open Pro Sport class.

Caden Dudney of Athens, Texas, raced his way to 2024 AMA Amateur Rider of the Year honors behind victories in the 250 B (3-1-1) and Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C (1-1-1) classes. Dudney finished the week by winning his final five motos en route to his pair of class championships.

The 2024 AMA Youth Rider of the Year was awarded to Owen Covell of Plymouth, Mass., who claimed the 125 Jr. (12-17) B/C (4-1-2) and Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C (1-1-1) classes.

With a victory in the Senior (40+) class, behind a 1-2-1 performance in motos, Andrew Short of Smithville, Texas, earned the 2024 Vet Rider of the Year award. Short also tallied a 12^th-place finish in the Open Pro Sport class.

List of 36 AMA National Championships and 2024 Winners:

• Open Pro Sport: Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
• 250 Pro Sport: Drew Adams, Chattanooga, Tenn., Kawasaki (4-1-1)
• WMX: Kyleigh Stallings, Yukon, Okla., Kawasaki (1-1-4)
• 250 B: Caden Dudney, Athens, Texas, Kawasaki (3-1-1)
• 250 B Limited: Grayson Townsend, St. George, Utah, Kawasaki (1-2-1)
• 250 C: Ryan Jaramillo, Los Lunas, N.M., Husqvarna (2-1-1)
• 250 C Limited: Austin Ellis, Grass Valley, Calif., Honda (3-6-2)
• 250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited: Drew Roberts, Kemp, Texas, Yamaha (9-5-3)
• 450 B: Diesel Thomas, Raymond, Neb., Husqvarna (1-1-1)
• 450 B Limited: Diesel Thomas, Raymond, Neb., Husqvarna (2-2-1)
• 450 C: Jamieson MacDonald, Grafton, Ontario, KTM (1-10-2)
• 125 C: Carson Asay, Vancouver, Wash., KTM (3-1-3)
• Schoolboy 2 (12-17) B/C: Caden Dudney, Athens, Texas, Kawasaki (1-1-1)
• College (18-24): Noah Stevens, Danbury, N.C., KTM (1-2-1)
• Junior (25+): Jacob Hayes, San Antonio, Fla., Honda (3-1-1)
• Vet (30+): Brandon Haas, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (1-1-1)
• Senior (40+): Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM (1-2-1)
• Senior (45+): John Boruff, Maynardville, Tenn., Kawasaki (2-2-5)
• Masters (50+): Mike Brown, Bristol, Tenn., KTM (1-1-1)
• Micro-E (4-7) Limited: Mickey Fluhart, Brandywine, Md., Cobra (2-1-1)
• Micro 1 (4-6) Shaft Dr LTD: Wyatt Tedesco, Checotah, Okla., Yamaha (1-2-1)
• Micro 2 (4-6) Limited: Trey Geary, Imperial, Neb., Cobra (2-2-3)
• Micro 3 (7-8) Limited: Tate Brush, Atwood, Tenn., Cobra (1-1-1)
• 65cc (7-9) Limited: Kannon Zabojnik, Rowlett, Texas, Cobra (4-2-1)
• 65cc (7-9): Kannon Zabojnik, Rowlett, Texas, Cobra (4-1-1)
• 65cc (10-11) Limited: Carter Gray, St. Clairsville, Ohio, Cobra (1-1-3)
• 65cc (10-11): Jaydin Smart, Berry Creek, Calif., Cobra (1-1-2)
• 85cc (10-12) Limited: Nolan Ford, Fairfield, Calif., KTM (1-1-4)
• 85cc (10-12): Braxtyn Mes, Temecula, Calif., Husqvarna (7-1-1)
• Mini Sr 1 (12-14): Ries Seeba, Wrightwood, Calif., KTM (1-3-2)
• Mini Sr 2 (13-15): Dane Pappas, Livermore, Calif., GASGAS (2-1-4)
• Supermini 1 (12-15): Grant McDonald, Cairo, Ga., KTM (2-2-2)
• Supermini 2 (13-16): Aidan Zingg, Hemet, Calif., KTM (1-3-1)
• 125 Jr. (12-17) B/C: Owen Covell, Plymouth, Mass., Yamaha (4-1-2)
• Schoolboy 1 (12-17) B/C: Owen Covell, Plymouth, Mass., Yamaha (1-1-1)
• Girls (11-16): Lachlan “La La” Turner, Gardnerville, Nev., GASGAS (1-2-1)

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