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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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

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (June 11, 2024) — While the Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship (FTGC) serves as the coronation of the sport’s next generation, current American Flat Track (AFT) stars and Grand Slam winners Briar Bauman, Dallas Daniels and Jared Mees will serve as this year’s Grand Marshals.

The 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, running June 30-July 5 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill., promoted and operated by the American Motorcyclist Association is the only race in the country where one can earn an AMA National No. 1 plate in amateur flat track racing.

“Not only are Briar, Dallas and Jared as quick as lightning on the dirt track, they’re also terrific role models for the up-and-coming generation of flat trackers,” AMA Track Manager Ken Saillant said. “We cannot wait to welcome them back to Du Quoin to help us ring in another great year of amateur flat track racing.”

As the only three active racers to register a grand slam — collecting professional victories on Half-Mile, Mile, Short Track and TT tracks — during their flat track careers, and their status as former Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winners, the trio of Bauman, Daniels and Mees represent the necessary speed and determination to contend at the highest level of the sport. They will be on-site during the week to help celebrate the future stars of the sport.

During his illustrious flat track career, Bauman has captured a pair of AFT Championships, but the Salinas, Calif., native got his start at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship. The 2010 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winner, Bauman transitioned into the professional ranks just one year later and has maintained a consistent level of success.

Daniels raced to a fast start to his professional racing career, winning two AFT Singles championships across his first three seasons at the top level of the sport. Completing his Grand Slam just a month after turning 20, Daniels is the youngest racer to complete the feat.

Since winning the 2001 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award, Mees has emerged as one of the greatest competitors the sport has ever seen. A two-time Grand Slam winner, completing the feat both in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, while capturing many Grand National Championships — including the last three AFT SuperTwins titles — Mees’ racing career is arguably one of the greatest of all time.

In addition to their status as Grand Marshals for the event, Bauman, Daniels and Mees will also have their talent on display in Du Quoin. AFT will run a round of its season at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds’ famous Magic Mile on July 6. For more information, visit www.americanflattrack.com/events/2024/view/du-quoin-mile-2024.

Those interested in racing at the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship can still pre-register at www.motorsportreg.com/events/2024-ama-flat-track-grand-championships-duquoin-state-fairgrounds-330045.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association will bring vintage form and modern pitbike racing together this July 26 at Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha. America’s grandest celebration of vintage motorcycles runs July 26-28 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

The pitbike competition will welcome older riders competing on minibikes, some as small as 50cc. The competition will range from laid back to blitzing-fast action on purpose-built, highly modified race machines. A fun youth class also will be offered.

AMA-chartered promoter Bagger Racing League (BRL) is partnering with the AMA to promote and operate the pitbike program at 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.

“While the AMA may be a century old, the sport continues to find ways to innovate and bring new excitement to the racetrack,” said BRL founder Rob Buydos. “Pitbikes are small, but in the right hands, they produce some of the most exciting bar-banging action you’ll see. We’ll have classes for pretty much anyone at VMD, and we expect many of them to fill up fast, so sign up now!”

Organized pitbike racing has been a staple of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for years, but this will be the inaugural year pitbike racing joins the AMA Vintage Grand Championship program, awarding AMA National Championships in select classes.

Motorcycling history will be showcased by the Vintage Minicycle class, which will feature motocross and trail bikes, primarily 80cc two-strokes from the 1970s. Also featured will be the AMA 100-Year Anniversary Invitational, which will include high-profile riders and legends, honoring the 100-year history of the AMA.

“Pitbike racing is not a modern concept, having been part of the dirt bike scene for generations, and for good reason. It speaks directly to the fun, thrill and pure joy of experiencing the freedom of two wheels,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “This year, VMD will elevate pitbike racing to a new level for the event, while shining a spotlight on vintage-class pitbikes in the Vintage Minicycle class.”

In addition to the Vintage Minicycle class, AMA National Championship classes will include Production Modified, Production Limited and Vet (age 35 and older).

Non-championship classes will include Unlimited, Women, Trailbike and Industry. A Youth class will be provided for riders ages 4 to 8 on 50cc playbikes and trail bikes.

Supplemental rules for the pitbike racing at VMD, as well as pre-entry information, are available now at https://vintagemotorcycledays.com.

Staged at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha features vintage and post-vintage competition in motocross, trials, hare scrambles, road racing and dirt track. In addition to demo rides of current production bikes, the event includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, motorcycling seminars, the Crossroads and more.

Coinciding with the AMA’s 100th Anniversary, the 2024 event is poised to be the biggest ever, with early interest at unprecedented levels and more new events to be announced soon.

AMA members can purchase discounted tickets and secure tent camping spots through the AMA at https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/tickets/. Tent camping is for non-reserved, non-self-contained units only, and spaces are first-come, first-served. RV passes are required for an RV or self-contained unit and are on sale, alongside non-AMA member tickets, at https://www.midohio.com/.

Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days support the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit. The AMHF raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which celebrates and preserves the rich tradition of motorcycling in America. Its exhibits honor the distinguished men and women whose competitive spirit, passion, vision and entrepreneurship have played a vital role in shaping the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling. For more information, call (614) 856-2222 or visit https://AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/.

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Vintage racing is at the heart of the VMD experience, and racers can pre-register at vintagemotorcycledays.com/racing/ to get in on the three days of bar-banging action.

“There’s never a shortage of racing fun at VMD, and 2024 will be no exception,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “With the addition of new classes, alongside the wide range of racing opportunities previously offered at VMD, there’s something for racers of all backgrounds this year. We urge all those interested in racing to pre-register to secure their spot at what’s bound to be the biggest VMD yet.”

Running alongside AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the AMA Vintage Grand Championship offers racers the chance to compete for AMA National No. 1 plates in motocross, hare scrambles, road racing, trials, and now, pitbike racing. Racers must compete on vintage motorcycles, spanning several eras across the different disciplines available at VMD.

Two new AMA Amateur National Championships will be added to the packed racing schedule at Vintage Motorcycle Days this year. The AMA Amateur National Bagger Champion will be crowned on Saturday, July 27, while No. 1 plates will also be awarded in a variety of pitbike classes during the three-day event. 

In addition to the action on-site at Mid-Ohio, a round of the AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series will be held at the Ashland County Fairgrounds — located roughly 25 miles from Lexington — on July 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Ashland Dinner Ride, which is being elevated to a VIP Flat Track Experience for the AMA’s 100th anniversary, takes riders on a scenic route to the flat track action at the Ashland County Fairgrounds, is also open for registration. Alongside the beautiful ride, those interested will enjoy special parking, a pit pass, grandstand seating, a special-edition AMA 100th Anniversary Ashland Dinner Ride t-shirt, and dinner at the legendary half-mile track for a $100 donation to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Visit https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/ashland-dinner-ride/ to register.

At the end of the three-day racing extravaganza, the AMA Vintage Grand Champion and AMA Vet/Senior Vintage Grand Champion will be crowned, recognizing the racers that collect the most combined points from the off-road racing disciplines — motocross, trials, hare scrambles, and pitbike racing.

All racers must possess general admission tickets to VMD prior to gate entry. Only pre-registered riders with entry confirmation will receive access to Mid-Ohio through Gate 3 on Thursday, July 25, at 9 a.m. General admission gates open at 5 p.m. that same day.

Minimum age requirements to participate can be found below:

• Trials: 4 years and up
• Motocross and Hare Scrambles: 9 years and up
• Flat Track: 12 years and up
• Road Race: 14 years and up
• Pitbike: 4 years and up

VMD extends far beyond vintage racing, as well, with North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, vendor displays, stunt shows and much more planned.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Show, complete with an AMA 100^th anniversary theme, is also open for pre-registration with a $20 entry fee. For more information, and to register, visit vintagemotorcycledays.com/bike-show/.

One of the most noteworthy recreational opportunities includes the Lap for History, which takes place Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the event, and allows riders the chance to ride around the historic 2.4-mile road racing circuit at Mid-Ohio. Those interested can pre-register by donating $10 to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame at .

To purchase tickets to 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha, visit https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/tickets/. Stay up to date with the latest VMD news — and there’s still plenty to be announced — by visiting https://vintagemotorcycledays.com/, sign up for the AMA VMD newsletter or follow the VMD Facebook and Instagram pages.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 20, 2024) — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the list of nominees for the Class of 2024, and that voting is now open.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committees have put forward 13 nominees from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.

Nominees include:

Competition

Dave Zanotti – Dirt Track

With four AMA Grand National Championships and 31 AMA Grand National dirt track event wins as a tuner, Dave Zanotti has a resume that few have replicated.

Using Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM and Indian engines, Zanotti elevated himself into the record books — capturing the third-most AMA Grand National championships and fourth-most AMA Grand National dirt track wins.

Along with his father, Mario, Zanotti helped propel AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Steve Eklund to an AMA Grand National Championship in 1979. Mario and Dave remain the only father-son duo to win individual AMA Grand National championships.  

Zanotti remains a steadfast supporter of motorcycle racing through his support of the AMA Bill Werner Fast Brain Award.

Kevin Windham – Motocross

Kevin Windham’s 19-year AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross career is one for the history books.

During his long, illustrious career, Windham raced to 47 total AMA Pro wins and collected the third-most starts (325), third-most points (9,070) and the seventh-most podiums (130). While Windham saw success domestically, he thrived in international competition, winning the 1999 FIM United States Grand Prix and 2005 Motocross of Nations as a member of the American team.

Windham retired from AMA Pro Racing in 2013, marking the end of a dominant career in the AMA and international circuits.

Mike Lafferty – Off Road

Mike Lafferty was bitten by the enduro racing bug in 1982 when he was 7 years old, and he turned this passion into one of the most successful off-road careers ever. Racing throughout the 1980s, Lafferty broke through when he won back-to-back East Coast Enduro Association championships as a teenager in 1993 and 1994.

Lafferty hit a launching point in 1997 when he claimed his first AMA National Enduro Championship. In total he tallied 71 wins — second all-time — and eight titles, which leaves him tied for the most all-time, while racing national enduros. Lafferty also raced AMA Grand National Cross Country and was a member of four U.S. ISDE teams.

Mat Mladin – Road Racing

In a 10-year span from 1999 to 2009 that continues to defy belief in hindsight, Mat Mladin notched seven AMA Superbike titles and won 82 AMA Superbike nationals in the process — each of those numbers more than anyone in history.

Mladin also won the legendary Daytona 200 three times during that period, achievements that have him tied for third all-time behind AMA Hall of Famers and multi-time D200 winners Scott Russell (5) and Miguel Duhamel (4). In 1999, he won his first of seven AMA Superbike titles — achievements that would make him, according to MotoAmerica, “the most dominant rider in the history of the AMA Superbike Championship.”

Billy Hamill – Specialty Competition

Nicknamed “The Bullet,” Billy Hamill began racing junior speedway in 1983, and he turned professional in 1986. Just 10 years after turning pro, Hamill became the fourth American to claim the FIM Speedway World Championship with his win in 1996.

Two years after his world title, Hamill raced alongside AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Greg Hancock to win the 1998 World Speedway Team Cup Championship for the United States. In 1999, Hamill claimed the AMA Speedway National Championship, which he went on to win five times.

During this impressive run racing AMA speedway, Hamill also collected four U.S. National Speedway titles. Hamill was named the 2012 AMA Sportsman of the Year.

Non-Competition

Sidney Biberman – Ambassadors & Industry

As one of Vincent Motorcycles’ greatest ambassadors, Sidney Biberman spent most of his life contributing to motorcycling culture in various ways.

Across his 60 years of involvement with the famed marque, Biberman elevated motorcycling as a drag racer, commercial engineer and overall advocate for motorcycle culture. As a drag racer, Biberman piloted “The Rattler”, widely regarded as one of the fastest bikes in the 1960s.

Biberman was also known for his prowess as a mechanic, dubbed a “motorcycle whisperer” by some of his biggest fans.

After Biberman passed away on June 23, 2013, the motorcycling community rallied around him and his family, honoring his contributions and commitment to furthering the lifestyle.

Gina Bovaird – Ambassadors & Industry

Gina Bovaird rose steadily through the ranks in the U.S. road racing scene, ultimately becoming the first woman to complete in the famed Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway in 1979. She reached 184 mph while qualifying, making her the fastest-qualifying rookie and fourth fastest overall.

As her career advanced, she attempted to qualify for the world’s premier class, the FIM 500cc Grand Prix Championships, achieving that goal in 1982 at the French GP at Nogaro.

Debbie Matthews – Ambassadors & Industry

Debbie Matthews has spent her life contributing to motorcycling, and has done so by serving in — and excelling in — almost every role the sport has to offer to increase opportunities for women riders. Known for her smooth and effortless racing style, Matthews set the record for longest consecutive pro and amateur career in women’s motocross when she raced for 27 years.

In 1996, she co-founded the Women’s Motocross League, and Matthews further worked on behalf of women riders when she met with AMA Congress and drove the change to give women “A” Rider classification for the first time in history. Recognizing Matthews’ work promoting women’s motocross, announcer Erv Braun described her as the “Godmother of Women’s MX.”

Bud Maimone – Design & Engineering

With the invention of the famed Cobra mini racer, Bud Maimone is considered one of the great innovators in the world of youth motocross.

Maimone’s creation of the Cobra prior to the 1994 AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch helped signal the end of more than a decade of dominance by the Yamaha PW50/Y-Zinger.

With a strong showing in the 51cc Stock Class that year, the Cobra quickly boomed as one of the most utilized motorcycles in youth motocross from that point forward. Despite the Cobra’s humble beginnings, Maimone’s efforts have cemented him as one of the sport’s great innovators.

Barry Willey – Design & Engineering

Barry Willey, a trailblazer with an eye for innovation, leaned on his upbringing in his family’s motorcycle accessory factory to help National Cycle greatly impact the motorcycle community.

With Willey at the helm, National Cycle became the first company to introduce and use General Electric’s MR4000 polycarbonate material — which came to be known as FMR hard-coated Lexan — for motorcycle windshields. In total, Willey’s pioneering nature gave the motorcycling industry many innovations and more than 25 mechanical patents.

Dana Bell – Leadership & Rights

A decade after her entrance into motorcycling, Dana Bell worked her way to being a nationally ranked enduro competitor. From 1992–1999, Bell shifted her focus to rights issues and worked as the western states representative for the AMA’s Government Relations Department. During this period, she also worked as a state partner for National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

For her role as one of the key voices for motorcyclists’ rights, the AMA Board of Directors presented Bell with the AMA Motorcycling Advocate Award, an honor created to recognize those who have been leaders in fighting for the rights of motorcyclists. Bell was just the third person to receive the award.

Rob Rasor – Leadership & Rights

For decades, Rob Rasor was instrumental in carrying out the AMA’s mission to promote motorcycling and protect the motorcycle lifestyle.

Hired in 1973 as part of the AMA’s Government Relations Department, Rasor helped ward off a federal “superbike” ban, helmet requirements and bike bans in several states and cities, and aided in the fight to ban healthcare discrimination against motorcyclists. Rasor was also a champion for off-road riding and assisted in the AMA’s efforts to accommodate off-road riders on public lands.

Rasor’s efforts extended beyond the United States, and he was awarded the FIM Nicolas Rodi Del Valle Gold Medal in 2019.

Gary Sellers – Leadership & Rights

Since the 1970s, Gary Sellers has given his life to motorcycle education and advocacy in his home state of Ohio and throughout the country. Sellers was one of the founding members of ABATE of Ohio, and he served as legislative agent for the organization for a decade. He was awarded the honorary Life Membership Award by ABATE of Ohio in 1997.

Alongside John “Farmer” Eggers, Sellers built a successful motorcycle safety training program in Ohio; it is estimated the program has saved thousands of lives over the years. Sellers is also a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Freedom Fighters halls of fame.

“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominees for 2024 include an accomplished and diverse group of men and women who’ve demonstrated extraordinary achievements in advocacy, competition and promotion of the sport of motorcycling,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “These individuals have contributed significantly to the advancement of motorcycling in many areas, from excellence in road racing, motocross and off-road competition, to tuning bikes to support champions, to creating innovative motorcycle designs, to advocating for motorcyclists’ rights. We’re honored to recognize this group of nominees and eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Class of 2024 soon.”

Voting for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is now open. Eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Boards of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Commitees. AMA Life Members are also eligible to vote, but should update their contact information to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.

Voting ends Thursday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m.

Voting results will be announced shortly after voting ends, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Oct. 10, in Pickerington, Ohio.

To vote on this year’s nominees, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members/current-class-and-voting/.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 8, 2024) — The American Motorcyclist Association welcomes the Buckeye Motorcycle and Music Rally to central Ohio. The rally will feature top musical acts, vendor exhibits, bike shows and more June 27-29, 2024, at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

“It’s great to see this jam-packed rally come to the AMA’s own backyard, promoting the motorcycle lifestyle in a very big way with multiple days of motorcycling fun and music,” said AMA Chief Operating Officer James Holter. “We appreciate the support and hospitality the event organizers, 614 Events and Haslam Sports Group, are providing to the AMA and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. We expect the Buckeye Motorcycle and Music Rally to thrive and enrich the region’s motorcycling community not only this summer, but many more.”

The AMA will work with AMA-chartered clubs that will plan rides to the event, bring its own 100-year AMA anniversary display to the event and support the event with a showcase of historic motorcycles that highlight the history and heritage of American motorcycling.

“This event has been a multi-year process to bring to the city of Columbus,” Tim Niese, Buckeye Motorcycle and Music Rally owner and organizer, said. “We are excited to be working with Haslam Sports Group and the AMA to grow this into an annual event.”

On June 28 and 29, several high-profile acts will play inside Historic Crew Stadium during the Buckeye Motorcycle and Music Rally. Country legend Hank Williams Jr. headlines the slate on June 28, with Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford and Cory Farley also to perform. Lynyrd Skynyrd serves as the headliner on June 29, with Oliver Anthony, Fuel, Taylor Austin Dye and The Rob Matterhorn Band rounding out the performances that evening. Tickets are required for access to the concerts inside Historic Crew Stadium.

The rally will have several exhilarating opportunities for motorcyclists, including stunt shows, motorcycle dealers and vendors, food trucks, live music and much more in the event’s Biker Mall. The Biker Mall, which will be free to the public, will include a free outdoor stage with performances by A Thousand Horses, Electrik Circus, David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers, Alan Carl, Appalachian Outlaws, Radio City and much more. There will also be camping available near the stadium throughout the three-day event.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at buckeyemotorcycleandmusicrally.com and frontgatetickets.com.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Dec. 13, 2023) — The American Motorcyclist Association will celebrate the great heroes of motorcycling with its annual AMA Hall of Fame Days, which will run Oct. 10-13, 2024, on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio.

“We look forward to hosting AMA Hall of Fame Days again next October,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “After the success of last year’s multi-day event, we can’t wait to open our doors to the motorcycling community again and celebrate the accomplishments of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024.”

The four-day event will be headlined by the 2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, which will take place at the nearby Violet Township Event Center in Pickerington, Ohio, on Thursday, Oct. 10. The Induction Ceremony will serve as the formal celebration of the Hall of Fame Class of 2024, which will be announced at a later date.

Following the Induction Ceremony, there will be several other exciting activities for motorcycling enthusiasts on and around the AMA campus.

Immediately after the Induction Ceremony, an evening reception will be held at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. In addition to the evening reception, the event will include a museum open house, bike night, adventure ride, organizer symposium, as well as a pit bike exhibition on the AMA campus.

Stay engaged with the AMA at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/ and on Facebook and Instagram for further information regarding the 2024 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Days.

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Nov. 15, 2023) — The 2024 AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship is set to run Aug. 2-4 in Red Wing, Minn., setting the stage for the nation’s best amateur hillclimb competitors to battle for AMA National No. 1 plates.

“We anticipate another highly competitive AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship in 2024,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “Each year, the most accomplished amateurs in the sport compete in the event and we look forward to seeing who emerges victorious next year.”

Not only will racers compete for AMA National No. 1 plates, but several special awards will also be on the line during the three-day event. The AMA Hillclimb Racer of the Year, AMA Vet/Senior Hillclimb Racer of the Year, AMA ATV Hillclimb Racer of the Year and AMA Youth Hillclimb Racer of the Year will all be awarded during the competition.

In addition to the special AMA awards, the fastest competitor in a run-off race will be crowned King of the Hill. Riders with the 10 fastest times during the weekend will compete for the title in a one-run class at the end of the event on Aug. 4.

The Indianhead Motorcycle Club, which is based in Red Wing, will host the event, and more information regarding the organization can be found at https://imc.clubexpress.com/.

For more information about the 2024 AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship, visit https://americanmotorcyclist.com/hillclimb/.

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