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/.

The post 2024 United States Trials des Nations Team Announced appeared first on American Motorcyclist Association.

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/.

The post AMA Announces 2024 U.S. Motocross of Nations Team appeared first on American Motorcyclist Association.

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: 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.

The post MotoAmerica Makes Successful Return to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course appeared first on American Motorcyclist Association.

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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Photo Credit: Mary Rinnell

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 12, 2024) — As 31 total riders will represent the United States at the 98^th FIM International Six Days Enduro, which takes place Oct. 14-19 in Galicia, Spain, history will be made in more than one way.

American club Team Eric Cleveland Memorial will be the first FIM-recognized club team fully comprised of women riders to compete in the ISDE, headlined by riders Ava Silvestri (GASGAS), Olivia Pugh (KTM) and Jocelyn Barnes (Husqvarna).

“ISDE serves as the pinnacle of international competition when it comes to Enduro racing, and each year the sport’s history books are rewritten,” ISDE Coordinator Michael Jolly said. “Team Eric Cleveland Memorial is primed to make their own mark on the history of the event as the first all-female club team, and we cannot wait to see them compete in Spain this October!”

Club teams rely on generous donations to help cover the costs of competing in the prestigious ISDE event, including travel costs, lodging and bike transportation. Follow the links below to offer support for Team Eric Cleveland Memorial.

• Olivia Pugh
• Jocelyn Barnes

To support Ava Silvestri, visit her Instagram for more details regarding her raffle bike and shirt sales.

Other fundraising efforts for the U.S. Trophy Teams, include Rabaconda’s limited-edition tire changer and Fredette Racing Products’ custom bike mats, with sales proceeds going to support the three teams in their quest for glory in Spain.   For more information regarding the U.S. ISDE teams, head over to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/racing/off-road/isde-international-six-days-enduro/

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Photo Credit: Tim Lester

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Aug. 7, 2024) — As the world’s best amateur flat trackers battled for AMA No. 1 plates in Du Quoin, Ill., during the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, the American Motorcyclist Association congratulates Walker Porter, winner of the 2024 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, and Meghan Greimel, winner of the 2024 Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award.

With intense racing throughout the week, Porter and Greimel emerged above the rest for their efforts on and off the dirt track. In addition to Porter and Greimel, the AMA congratulates Youth Racer of the Year, Drew Eldred, and the Vet/Senior Racer of the Year, Dave Tyo.

“Walker Porter’s resilience and racing ability made him an excellent choice for this year’s Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award,” AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. “Walker separated himself with a terrific showing on the Short Track, and his racing ability combined with his professional demeanor will serve him well at the professional level of racing.”

Saillant also recognized the accomplishments of Greimel, whose academic resume, along with her dynamite showing on the track throughout the week — winning all four main events in the Bromley Motorsports Women’s Class — made her the perfect choice for the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award.

“Meghan is as sharp as they come, both as a student and a racer,” Saillant said. “Her prowess as a racer is remarkable, as she had an outstanding showing this past week, but her excellent performance in the classroom and desire to challenge herself as a student really stood out.”

Porter, who hails from Athens, Ala., struggled to find his footing during the first day on the Half-Mile, but thanks to a dominant performance on the Short Track, as well as a strong showing on the final day of amateur competition, he was able to separate himself as the racer most primed to make an impact at the professional level.

“I was just really excited because I’ve been dreaming about it forever,” Porter said about winning the Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award.

Porter was presented the award by last year’s Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winner Evan Renshaw, who represents a long line of notable winners of the prestigious award that have gone to have success at the next level. Porter joins flat track greats like Jared Mees, Roger Lee Hayden, Briar Bauman, Kody Kopp, Chase Saathoff and Dallas Daniels as winners of the award.

Awarded to the racer that shows ability on the track and academic achievement in the classroom amidst a difficult workload, the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain Award is selected by the AMA through the analysis of a wide range of academic transcripts sent in by each contender for the award. The winner of the award receives a $1,500 scholarship.

A native of Havre de Grace, Md., Greimel excelled throughout the week, winning all four main events in the Bromley Motorsports Women’s Class and competing in several 250cc main events. Greimel, who will be a junior in high school this fall, emphasized her excitement to win the award.

“It was definitely cool,” Greimel, the first female recipient of the Bill Werner AMA Fast Brain award, said. “I don’t think I truly understood the history behind the award, so after some research, it means a lot more to me.”

The complete list of AMA amateur national champions crowned at the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship includes:

50cc Production Chain (4-8)

Odin Music

Pinconning, Mich.

50cc Production Chain Drive Shifter (4-8)

Cruise Texter

Willow Street, Pa.

50cc Production PW Shaft Drive (4-8)

Cruise Texter

Willow Street, Pa.

65cc Modified (7-11)

Drew Eldred

Trout Run, Pa.

65cc Production (7-11)

Jackson Joiner

Bakersfield, Calif.

85cc Modified (9-11)

Beckem Daniels

Matoon, Ill.

85cc Modified (9-13)

Jed Fyffe

Jindera, NSW, Australia

85cc Production (9-13)

Jed Fyffe

Jindera, NSW, Australia

85cc Modified Supermini (12-15)

Colton Shafer

Caruthers, Calif.

Veteran (25+)

Adam Beldyga

Chesaning, Mich.

Senior (40+)

Adam Beldyga

Chesaning, Mich.

Super Senior (50+)

David Tyo

Prescott, Mich.

Masters (60+)

David Tyo

Prescott, Mich.

Bromley Motorsports Women’s 122cc and Up (12+)

Meghan Greimel

Havre De Grace, Md.

250cc Production

Sam Drane

Forbes, NSW, Australia

250cc Modified

Sam Drane

Forbes, NSW, Australia

Motion Pro 450cc Modified

Bodie Paige

Helensvale, QLD, Australia

450cc Production

Walker Porter

Athens, Ala.

Open Heavyweight

Bodie Paige

Helensvale, QLD, Australia

Open Singles

Bodie Paige

Helensvale, QLD, Australia

The post AMA Congratulates 2024 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award Winner Walker Porter appeared first on American Motorcyclist Association.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (July 31, 2024) — For three days, a large collection of racers from across the country competed for the titles of AMA Vintage Grand Champion and AMA Vintage Senior Grand Champion at 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha.

Compiling points from the AMA Vintage Grand Championship, which consists of motocross, hare scrambles and trials competition, Quinn Wentzel of Canfield, Ohio, collected his second-consecutive AMA Vintage Grand Championship — his sixth overall — while Mark Murphy from Geneseo, N.Y. claimed the AMA Vintage Senior Grand Champion title.

With previous AMA Vintage Grand Championships in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2023, Wentzel raced his way back to the top of the leaderboard again during the three-day event. Capturing second-place finishes in the Vintage Vet 250cc A class in hare scrambles and Vintage Open A class in motocross, in addition to a class win in Vintage Old School trials, Wentzel ran away with the overall title while clearing second-place Chris Arnold by 23 points.

“We come here pretty much every year, and some years we don’t [win] because whatever reason, bike troubles and whatnot,” Wentzel said. “It’s always good when the bikes make it through and we have a good finish. It means a lot and it’s nice to have my family and friends out here. It’s a fun weekend for us all.”

While Wentzel dominated the field, Murphy eked out the AMA Vintage Senior Grand Championship by just one point. Murphy had a second-place finish in hare scrambles while landing a pair of fourth-place finishes in the Vintage Senior 40+ class in motocross and Vintage Factory Expert in trials competition to earn the overall title.

“My motorcycle stayed together, and trying to keep a 40- or 50-year-old motorcycle together for three different competitions, it all starts there,” Murphy said. “Then, it’s self-preservation, dumb luck and charging as hard as you can while having a good attitude. You have to have grit.”

For more information about the AMA Vintage Grand Championship and Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha, visit vintagemotorcycledays.com/racing/.

To ensure you stay up to date on the 2025 event, sign up for the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days newsletter, follow the official event Facebook page, follow the AMA VMD Instagram page and stay tuned to https://www.vintagemotorcycledays.com/.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (July 2, 2024) — The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce the 11 members of the 2024 United States Junior Motocross Team at the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, which is set to run on July 12-14 at the Circuit Kamperweg Heerde in the Netherlands.

“We have put together an incredibly talented team full of world-class riders to compete at this year’s FIM Junior Motocross World Championship,” AMA Deputy Director of Racing Mike Burkeen said. “I know this group of racers will represent the United States well and we look forward to going out to the Netherlands and competing on the global stage.”

Representing the U.S. in the 125cc class are Brennon Harrison (KTM), Chace Lawton (Yamaha)and Patrick Joseph Shipley (Yamaha).

Chase Dashiell (KTM), Wyatt Duff (KTM), Easton Graves (KTM) and Braxtyn Mes (Husqvarna) will compete on behalf of the U.S. in the 85cc class.

Seeking victory in the 65cc class are Austin Keller (KTM), Jaydin Smart (Cobra), Eidan Steinbrecher (KTM) and Joey Vicari (KTM).

“It has been my honor to lead Team USA as Team Manager for the last few years!” U.S. Junior Motocross Team Manager Jeff Cernic said. “I am looking forward to our representing the USA with grace and class for years to come!”

The 2024 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship will pit the fastest up-and-coming motocross riders across the globe against one another. For more information on the intense racing event, visit the FIM event website.

The post AMA Announces 2024 U.S. Junior Motocross Team appeared first on American Motorcyclist Association.

Photo courtesy of Dale Miller

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (June 22, 2024) — Broc Nicol made a big statement in Kern County, reeling off 6 straight wins to take the win and top points as the 2024 AMA National Speedway Championship Series kicked off. Speedway, for a sport that is often regulated by weather, most notably rain, had other elemental factors on race day that put the ‘Bake’ into Bakersfield! High temperatures meant that when gates opened, weather was around 107 degrees Fahrenheit, just over 40 centigrade! Though temps cooled to a chilly 100 when the racing started, the racetrack, though on the grippy side, did not experience a single heat of that notorious Paris/Dakar rally type dust bowl.

The Grand Prix format was once again used with a 16-rider main program, albeit utilizing the former GP points scoring system for the 3-round series. Ahead of the first heat, the oversubscribed event and series meant that a runoff had to be held for the final places. Charlie Trana made it through that race with ease with Greg Moore riding the deep and sticky outside line to get by Rees Todd to become the second qualifier. An early fall from Justin Almon, who has been showing much improved form all season, ended his night early.

Onto the main show itself, eleven-time AMA champ Billy Janniro showed he wasn’t letting up in his quest for 12 with victory over former Wolverhampton Wolf Chris Kerr to kick things off. Heat two had defending champion Max Ruml coming head-to-head with Nicol. When Ruml beat his big rival with relative ease, one could be forgiven for thinking that Mad Max would be set for another big night after so many big scores in the series over the last three seasons. However, as we know, anything can happen in speedway. USA’s two recently returned SGP2 riders met in heat 3 with Alex Martin using the outside to his advantage to lead home Slater Lightcap. Louie Mersaroli, perhaps the most under the radar star of American speedway led home Austin Novratil, the ultimate showman, to round out the first set of heats.

Martin went two for two in winning ahead of Mersaroli in heat 5. He didn’t know it at the time, but the 19-year-old would be the only unbeaten rider by the end of the round. Heat 6 saw Max Ruml hit immediate bikes trouble and suddenly the event and series took on an early twist. Ruml, to his credit, completed 4 laps on a very sick sounding bike. Seventeen-year-old Trana was the impressive victor over Lightcap and Kerr. Heat 7 was another blockbuster and the first sign of Nicol’s big night ahead, as he led from Janniro from veteran Bart Bast. Novratil ran an impressive heat 8 leading home Russell Green.

Back into the action for round 3, and it was Ruml who resumed business as usual ahead of Novratil in heat 9. Kerr got his first win of the night, moving up to 6 points by heading home Bast in heat 10. Janniro stopped anyone from being able to go perfect all night by taking heat 11 from Martin. Nicol won heat 12 with Lightcap scoring his third second place of the event. Nicol, Janniro and Martin were all tied on 8 for the lead at this point.

After a break for track prep, Nicol went from the inside gate to win heat 13 from Trana and Timmy Dion. Kerr made it two in a row in 14 with Green and Mersaroli finishing in the next spots. Janniro kept on 11 points at the joint top of the leader board (with Nicol) next out with victory over Novratil and Lightcap. Max Ruml took his third win of the event in heat 16 with the impressive Martin in second place.

The final round of heats roared into action with Lightcap finally getting onto the winner’s board over Green in heat 17. Nicol led home Martin and Kerr in 18. The win meant that due to his round 2 defeat of Janniro, Nicol would be getting first gate choice in the semifinals. Janniro and Ruml had an epic battle in heat 19 but it was the 11-time champ and former Coventry Bee who came out on top. The heats were rounded out with a popular win by Blake Borello, who up to that point had endured a tough evening. Eddie Castro led the first running of heat 20 but a fall on turn 4 brought out the red flags and an exclusion.

Semi Final 1 was loaded with Nicol, Ruml, Lightcap and Novratil all in it together. This line-up could be your main event at any typical Southern California speedway track. Nicol made no mistake with another fantastic start and his fifth win in a row. Ruml booked his spot in the final with second place with Novratil in third after a late charge. Semi Final 2 saw Janniro, Martin, Kerr and Trana, an all-Northern California race. In the first staging Martin went down hard in turn 1 and took a while to get up. Referee Steve Lucero correctly called all riders back for the rerun, where Janniro again got the best start. Kerr slotted into second with Trana third while Martin struggled with mechanical issues on his back up bike. While Janniro cruised to his fifth win on the night, Trana attacked Kerr hard on the inside, but Kerr fended off the challenge to get the last place in the big final.

With the series ‘big three’ all together, there was much anticipation for the final and bragging rights heading into round 2. It was Nicol who got the start from Janniro and Ruml. Janniro briefly challenged Nicol and Ruml made a daring late charge on Janniro, but positions held with Nicol claiming first blood and a slender 1-point series lead going into round 2.

The series resumes at Industry Hills Speedway on Saturday, August 3^rd and concludes at Fast Friday’s Speedway on September 21^st.

There was a limited support program with each class’s winner taking all three races in their division. Local rider Isiah Canales won Support, Jameson Hutchison 250 Junior and Riley Rearick 150cc Mini.

There was also a final Division 1 race for the ‘Red White and Blue Young Guns Helmet,’ sponsored by the band ‘WhiteStar.’ The race featured the four riders who were also entered into the early evening run off. It consisted of the ‘1 lap and eliminate last place’ format before the final two contenders took part in a two-lap match race for the win. Greg Moore was the first eliminated with Justin Almon (the current helmet holder) out in leg two. Charlie Trana capped off a big night winning the final head-to-head from Rees Todd.

The event was once more brought into being by Mike Helm, son of the late and legendary Digger Helm,  a local Flat Track and race car racer and the original speedway promoter in Bakersfield in the 1970s. Helm Junior brought on board event partners and a beautiful perpetual trophy as a nod and tribute to his much loved father.

Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway speedway program takes a summer break and returns for action mid-September with late year events including the AMA FIM North America Final and the AMA Under 21 National championship.

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