AMA Pro Flat Track: Kiesow Racing & Jeffrey Carver, Jr. #23 Team Up Again for 2013 Season

A promising announcement out of the Kiesow Racing and Jeffrey Carver, Jr. camps was made earlier this week when it was announced that they would be teaming-up again for the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season.  Carver, the 2010 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Champion, will again be aboard the ultra-sano Kiesow Racing Harley-Davidson XR750s for the 10-confirmed Twins Series events and three others that are yet to be announced and/or confirmed.

After campaigning the 2011 season under the tutelage of long-time flat track tuner Eddie Adkins (riding the same mounts that Henry Wiles used to win the Lima Half-Mile in June '10), Carver had a decent year in his Rookie Expert season, finishing the year ranked as the 12th-place rider in the series with a best finish of 7th-place at the I-96 Speedway round in Lake Odessa, MI.  Carver ended the year ranked as the second-best rookie in The Rolling Thunder Show behind Saddlemen Rookie of the Year, Brad 'The Bullet' Baker.

Teaming with the Kiesow Racing team for the 2012 season, along with Eddie Adkins again helping out with the wrench turning ,Carver and the blue and orange XRs stepped it up and came out fighting for his sophomore campaign and finished the season ranked as the 8th-place rider in AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship competition.  Carver only missed two Nationals during his 2012 campaign (Daytona Short Track I, Tucson Half-Mile) in the 16-race season after missing 7 of 20 races in his rookie season of '11.

In the shot above from round 4 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Springfield Mile I, Carver rolls out ahead of the practice pack on the #23 Kiesow Racing/Hall's Cycles/Eddie Adkins/Sponseller-backed XR750.  In his first race on the team's XR, Carver brought it home in the 9th-place slot at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Memorial Day Weekend mile event.

Also seen in the shot are eventual event-winner Willie McCoy on his #59 Harley-Davidson of Wausau/Independence H-D/Tucker Rocky/Arai-sponsored XR, Nichole Cheza on the #15 Global Products/Harley-Davidson Co/Black Hill's H-D/Mr. Sign Yonkers, New York-backed XR, Luke Gough on the #62 Dick Ford/Skip Eaken Racing/Johnson Cams/KK Motorcycle Supply-sponsored Kawasaki, and Jethro Halbert on the #69 Goodwin Racing/Drew Massa Trans/SHR/Arai-sponsored XR.

Round 5 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season saw Jeffrey Carver, Jr. on the podium after taking the #23 Kiesow Racing/Hall's Cycles/Eddie Adkins/Carver's BBQ-sponsored XR to his first-ever Twins Series heat race win (and his second-ever direct pass to the Dash for Cash) at the running of the Ohio National Championship round at the Lima Half-Mile.  Carver upped his best-ever finish in a Grand National main later that evening to bring the Kiesow Racing #23 XR home in the 7th-place spot after finishing in 5th-place in the Dash.

Carver and the team look to move things up a notch for the upcoming 2013 season after their 8th-place ranking from last season, and there's no reason to believe it won't happen with the team's immaculate preparation of their equipment and Carver's never-say-die resolve to run things up another rung on the ladder when he's on the track.

We wish them the very best of luck this year and are looking forward to seeing more out of this great pairing!  

Thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track for this press release from Kiesow Racing concerning their plans to team with Jeffrey Carver, Jr. again for the 2013 season.

You can check out Kiesow Racing's Facebook page here.

And here's Jeffrey Carver, Jr.'s Facebook page to peruse.

AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships to be Held at Springfield May 28-31

Springfield, Ill., to host AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships May 28-31


PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- January 30, 2013 -- The 2013 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships will take place at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., May 28-31, bringing the fastest amateur dirt-track racers on the planet to one of the sport's most historic venues.

"For 39 years, the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships have crowned the country's top amateur dirt trackers, making this one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur motorsports racing events in America," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "The world-famous Springfield Mile has been the location of many storied dirt-track races, and we're excited to add to that legacy with what promises to be an incredible week of racing showcasing the fastest amateur racers in the country."

Longtime dirt-track promoter Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing will promote the event.

"The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships represent the top rung of amateur dirt-track racing," Nace said. "We are excited to once again work on this premier event, and we're looking forward to delivering a well-run program that exceeds the expectations of both racers and fans."

The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships crown amateur and youth champions in individual dirt-track disciplines, including half-mile, TT and short-track events. Amateur racers also compete in mile events.

Tuesday, May 28, will feature amateur and vintage competition on the Springfield Mile. On Wednesday, May 29, youth and amateur classes will compete on the TT course. On Thursday, May 30, youth and amateur classes will race on the short track. Then, on Friday, May 31, the event will close out with youth and amateur racing on the half mile. June 1 will serve as a rain date if needed.

Online entry will be available soon at www.stevenaceracing.com.

In addition to championships in the individual disciplines, AMA Grand Championships are awarded to the riders in each class who have the highest point totals across all four types of dirt-track racing. The fastest riders in premier classes also compete for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.

Competitors at the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships field both traditional dirt-trackers and the latest DTX motorcycles, which begin as stock motocross bikes that are then fitted with dirt-track tires, suspension and other modifications.

For more information about dirt-track competition, see the Racing section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com.


About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

For more information, please visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

AMA Pro Flat Track: Harley-Davidson Increases Contingency Payouts for 2013 AMA Grand National Twins Series Events

Round 10 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season saw The Rolling Thunder Show share the limelight in Indianapolis with the 5th Annual Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP circus in the return to the Lucas Oil Indy Mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on August 18.

Waiting for the final qualifying round while the Indiana State Fair activities are going on around the premises are Kenny Coolbeth, Sr. and his son, Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on the #2 Screamin' Eagle/Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Fox/Arai Helmets-sponsored factory XR750, along with the rest of the top riders in the sport.  

Coolbeth, the lone factory-supported rider and team in the sport, made his first return to the race track after having been out of action since the Lima Half-Mile on June 30 where he suffered a broken leg on the opening lap of the 25-lap National main, came back in a big way at Indy in qualifying in the 8th-place spot out of the 47 riders who took a timed lap.  The King of Cool then proceeded to finish in the 3rd-place spot in his heat race in order to qualify for the main event, where he eventually brought it home with a 5th-place finish for the evening in the 18-rider field.

Today, the Harley-Davidson Motor Company announced that they will be increasing their contingency awards in the upcoming AMA Grand National Twins Series Championship, doubling the payouts for anyone mounted on the company's tried and true XR750.  With all of the cutbacks in the sport over the last decade, this is one great announcement especially in lieu of all the support they have given the greatest racing series on wheels in the world over the course of the last 40+ years.

Riders aboard the company's long-standing weapon of choice in flat track will now be able to earn up to $4000 per win in each of the scheduled Twins Series events for the 2013 season.  Along with the extra millimeter in restrictor opening that the XR750 was given for the mile events for the upcoming season, and the minimum weight limits set on all Twins Series machines for this year, this should really help to keep more XRs on the grid for the foreseeable future. 

Bravo to The Motor Company for going the extra distance this year in helping keep the great sport of AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Series racing going forward.  You guys rock!

Check out the official press release below to see what the payout schedule looks like, and you better be getting your XR ready to go come Springfield at the end of May!

Harley-Davidson Increases AMA Pro Flat Track Contingency Purse

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (January 29, 2013) – Harley-Davidson Motor Company is pleased to announce that it will double its contingency payouts to racers in the AMA Pro Grand National Twins class from $5,500 to $11,000 per race for the upcoming racing season.

For 2013, Harley-Davidson Motor Company will provide a $143,000 contingency fund for Twins riders competing on Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the series’ thirteen scheduled Twins events. The Twins contingency program will pay out up to $11,000 in contingency per event to the First through Eighth place finishing positions to riders on Harley-Davidson motorcycles per the following schedule:

First place: $4,000
Second place: $2,000
Third place: $1,800
Fourth place: $1,200
Fifth place: $1,000
Sixth place: $400
Seventh place: $400
Eighth place: $200

To be eligible for Harley-Davidson contingency awards, riders must display the Harley-Davidson Bar & Shield logo prominently on their leathers either on the front chest or right ribcage area.

“Harley-Davidson’s support for dirt track racing goes deep into the roots of the sport and we are pleased to increase the financial reward for racers who proudly carry the Bar & Shield in AMA Pro Flat Track competition,” said Kris Schoonover, Harley-Davidson Racing Manager.

“AMA Pro Racing would like to thank the Harley-Davidson Motor Company for all of its support,” said Dan Johnsen, Director of AMA Pro Flat Track. “By increasing support for the riders that are bringing fans across the country such thrilling entertainment, Harley-Davidson is helping to ensure the future success of the sport. We are thankful and proud to have them as a partner.”

For more information on AMA Pro Racing Flat Track series, visit www.amaproracing.com.

Company Background

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

Aaron Yates Signed to Ride for Erik Buell Racing in 2013 AMA Pro Superbike Championship

Aaron Yates and members of the GPTech team take a final look at the team's #20 BCL Motorsports/GPTech GP212 before Double A-ron heads out for another practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 11, 2012.  Yates and the team were taking part in AMA Pro Road Racing's and IMS's hosting of the pre-race testing held at The Brickyard the weekend before the 5th Annual Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP.  After getting used to the team's Suzuki GSX-R1000 set-up, Yates and the GPTech team were ready to do some tire testing with the Bridgestone 'Battlax' spec tire of choice for the MotoGP and CRT class.  

Yates, in his first big return to racing after suffering a severely broken leg at Fontana in March '10, went on to finish 16th at Indy the next weekend in his and the team's MotoGP debut.  After having raced a couple of WERA events before the Indy round, Erik Buell Racing brought him back to the Superbike class in AMA Pro Road Racing's premier U.S. series towards the end of last season, and Yates rewarded himself and the team with a 4th-place finish in one of the season-ending rounds.

EBR announced yesterday that Yates would be back with the team, and full-time for the 2013 AMA Pro National Guard Superbike Championship season and along with returning sponsors AMSOIL and Team Hero will be on-board the team's EBR 1190RS superbikes, starting with the upcoming Daytona doubleheader opening round in less then 40 days.  Great news for EBR and for Aaron!

You can read the full press release below and we're looking forward to seeing #20 back on the track full-time again for the 2013 season!


Thanks to RoadRacing World.com for this press release announcing Aaron Yates' signing to ride for Erik Buell Racing in the 2013 AMA Superbike Championship.

AMA Road Racing: Superbike Planet.com Saturday Cinema Takes Us Back to the '93 AMA Superbike Charlotte Round

One of the Commonwealth Racing Honda RC30s sits in the pit area at Road America during the AMA/Coca-Cola Super Cycle Classic over the June 26-28, 1992 weekend.  Being shared by riders Mike Smith #68 and Tom Kipp #16, the American Honda/Camel/HRC/Dunlop-sponsored team was sharing resources at the annual running of the Elkhart Lake, WI. event held at the 4.0 mile track located about an hour north of Milwaukee.

The AMA Superbike Championship paid a visit to the Charlotte Motor Speedway during the next season in what was a mostly-failed attempt to construct a road racing course inside a high-speed Nascar-type oval.  At least as far as the then-150hp+ bikes were concerned.  Think Daytona with pylons and hay bales.

Much like events such as Pomona and Phoenix held back in the early '90s (although those events were mostly held in parking lots), Charlotte consisted of a high-speed section that was part of the banking where track promoters and AMA Pro Road Racing constructed a chicane with road construction orange cones in order to slow the bikes down.  

During the race itself, Kipp, riding a Commonwealth Honda RC30 similar to the one above from the '92 season, was involved in a wicked accident along with Miguel Duhamel and Doug Polen, that effectively ended the Ohio native's year, suffering from a severely broken leg.  It was just by great fortune no one else was injured, or worse and AMA Pro Road Racing never returned to the track.  Thank the lord safety for the riders is more tantamount today.

Dean Adams from Superbike Planet.com has put together the television video from that event that was shown by the now-defunct Prime Network back in the day.  In spite of the way the track was put together, some of the racing held at Charlotte was excellent, with names like Colin Edwards, Pascal Picotte, Dale Quarterley and Jamie James going for it throughout the day's race.  

Check it out below, and thanks to Dean for all the work!

A big thanks to Dean Adams at Superbike Planet.com for this video of the '93 AMA Pro Road Racing round of the AMA Superbike Championship from the Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Sit back, pop the top on your favorite beverage and enjoy the races!

AMA Members Can Get Discount Tickets for Remaining Progressive International Motorcycle Shows

AMA members receive 25 percent ticket discount on Progressive International Motorcycle Shows


PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- January 25, 2013 -- Want to see the hot trends in motorcycling for 2013 or find out what new models rev you up? What about gear tech and innovative add-ons that you -- and your bike -- can't ride without?

You'll find it all at the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows, where AMA members can save 25 percent on advanced adult one-day general admission tickets.

"We all love to ride, but the next-best thing just might be dreaming about riding, and there's no better place to do that than surrounded by hundreds of the world's coolest motorcycles at the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows," said AMA Director of Marketing and Communications Grant Parsons. "Even better, AMA members can get a special discount on tickets purchased online, one of the many AMA discounts that help our members save money."

To take advantage of the discount, AMA members should buy their tickets at www.motorcycleshows.com and use the discount code available on the Members Discount Code page at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

This weekend's show in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 25-27, is followed by Novi, Mich., on Feb. 1-3, Chicago on Feb. 8-10, Indianapolis on Feb. 15-17 before the tour wraps up in Charlotte, N.C., on Feb. 22-24.

New motorcycles and ATVs take center stage at the shows. With hundreds of the latest streetbikes, dirtbikes, cruisers, scooters and ATVs for both new and experienced riders, the world's largest traveling powersports event gives enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories.

"There is something for everyone at The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows," said Brand Director Tigra Tsujikawa. "The Tour offers consumers a chance to check out new models from more than a dozen manufacturers and aftermarket parts and accessories. Additionally, attendees can check out the Podium -- an interactive rider's forum with industry experts, the J&P Custom Bike Show, the Pit Stop Challenge, the MotoGP Experience, the Marketplace for vendors, plus vintage club booths, the XDL Street Jam stunt riders, the Ducati Fashion Show and much more."

Tsujikawa added: "I invite all AMA members to take advantage of this discount and come out and experience the most exciting two-wheeled event in the nation."


About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

For more information, please visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

ICE Speedway Reviews Bloomington 'Big One' Round 5 Event

2012 World Championship ICE Racing Series January 12, 2013 U.S. Cellular Coliseum - Bloomington, IL Round - 5 By: Ole Woody Doogan THE "JAMMER" IS BACK! & A DUSTY TORNADO TORE THRU TOWN!! The "Battle For Bloomington" is traditionally one of the best WC Rounds of the season and tonight was no different. An enthusiastic, much larger than last year, crowd braved the cold winter weather to get to the coliseum for some red hot ice racing inside. The Manufacturers World Cup Bikes started off the program with the big story being the return of Defending World Champion Jared Mees-Clio, MI to the Series. He picked up right where he left off last season with a perfect Heat Race performance. Also winning all his Heats was "Captain" Kirk Cheney-Hastings, MI and with quick time he earned the Pole for the Main. Before the Main a 6-lap LCQ was run. This one showcased a strong run by the "Freight Train" Tom McGrane-Gap, PA leading wire to wire. The real battle for this one for second place between Darren Carter-Bloomington, IL and Oakland, NJ's Jay Maloney. Carter held off a determined Maloney for 4 laps but Jay was too strong and got by on lap 5 down low. Fourth place went to "Fly'n" Brian McKenna-Boston, MA who was struggling tonight with a new set of tires. He was followed by Bloomington natives Shea Knuth and Brittany Powell who both looked good out there tonight. The 8-lap Main Event was up next and all "safe" money was on the "Jammer". Official ICE Referee Robert Arms released the starting gate and it was Cheney out first and in the lead for a lap and a half. On lap 2 Jared got by underneath and set sail. From that point on all the action was to see who would join Mees on the podium. Maloney also got by Cheney moving into second place. McGrane made a late race move taking the third and final spot in the limelight. He was followed respectively by Cheney; MeKenna; Knuth; Powell and Carter who crashed out. A big ole Bloomington style field of Pro ICE Unlimited Outlaw Quads turned out tonight to give it a go, 19 to be exact. It was great to see so many of our old friends from Iowa and Illinois! Round one Heat Race victories were earned by Chuck "The Ica Man" Calvert-Madison, WI; Dusty "Time Bomb" Crouch-Topeka, KS; Kevin Veon-Winterset, IA; Mandy "Wild Child" Brodil-Poplar Branch, NC and Table Grove, IL's Ryan "Hit Man" Kaufman. Tonight's Round-2 Heat winners were, going better every week, Anthony Demeo-Woodland Park, NJ; also getting quicker and quicker Ken "Stuntman" Remer-Burlington, WI; local hot shoe Todd McGuire-Bloomington, IL; Crouch and Brodil. So is so often the case with big fields like this the LCQ is the most intense race of the night. The top 4 finishers will move on to the money race Main Event and the bottom 4 going home empty handed. There's only 4 laps to get the job done so if you snooze you lose! Veon was wide awake in this one taking the lead from the #2 starting slot. Once he got there he never looked back. Had he turned around he'd seen Demeo and Remer chasing him down like the blood hounds in Cool Hand Luke! But hold on to your horses! In a daring last move Shane "Nitrous Man" Quam-Gladstone, IL blew by Remer! In the process Remer was turned around allowing the new age "Cool Hand" Kevin Smith-Overbrook, KS to move up to the 4th and final transfer position. Told ya these LCQ's get wild! Just missing the cut was Calvert followed by Garrett Dean-Hamilton, IL; Brandon Davis first time up on the Harley-Davidson powered "Thunder Quad" and Remer who got so close to making the Main. Wow! After that wild LCQ we still had the Main to run! Boom! The gate went up and Mandy was gone being chased by Crouch and McGuire. Mandy had opened up a big lead by lap 4 of this 6-lapper when suddenly, and totally uncharacteristic, the "Wild Child" lost it spinning out of control on the ice! She quickly gathered it back up and was immediately WFO but the "Time Bomb" pounced on the opportunity to grab the lead. In the chaos McGuire and others following got all messed up. Once things sorted themselves out for the last lap Crouch wasn't about to give the gift he'd just received back! He went on win just ahead of Brodil and Kaufman to round out the podium. Following the first three respectively were Veon; Smith; Quam; Demeo and McGuire. Man! If the Official ICE Scorekeeper job ever opens up I'm not available! Way too hard!! Things are getting very interesting with just two more Rounds, Hampton, VA and Trenton, NJ, before the 2013 World Champions will be crowned at the beautiful new Ford Center in Evansville, IN on February 23rd. See ya soon at an ICE Race!! (FOR COMPLETE RESULTS AND STORY CLICK HERE) THE GREATEST SPECTACLE ON ICE!TM 37TH ANNUAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ICE RACING SERIES SCHEDULE: (Click Link for Tickets) Fri-Dec 14th 7:30 PM - Showare Center - Kent, WA Sat-Dec 15th 7:00PM - Comcast Arena - Everett, WA Fri-Jan 4th 7:00PM - Maverik Center - Salt Lake, UT Sat-Jan 5th 7:00PM - Maverik Center - Salt Lake, UT Sat-Jan 12th 7:30PM - US Cellular Coliseum - Bloomington, IL Sat-Jan 19th 7:30PM - Hampton Coliseum - Hampton, VA Fri-Feb 15th 7:30PM - Sun National Bank Center - Trenton, NJ Sat-Feb 23rd 7:00PM - The Ford Center - Evansville, IN I.C.E. World Headquarters, P.O. Box 8648, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 P: (843) 750-0741; E:info@icespeedway.com ; www.icespeedway.com THE GREATEST SPECTACLE ON ICE!TM -Celebrating 37 years of arena motorsports entertainment excellence- Photos From Salt Lake City (CLICK TO ENLARGE) FreeMotoPix International Championship Events, LLC. PO Box 8648 Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 EMAIL I.C.E. HERE Copyright International Championship Events, LLC. & Icespeedway.com 2011-2012

AMA Championship Banquet Awards & Recognition Wrap-Up

AMA Championship Banquet honors national champions


PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- January 22, 2013 -- The American Motorcyclist Association honored the accomplishments of hundreds of AMA champions from all motorcycle racing disciplines on Saturday, Jan. 19, at the Aladdin Event & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. The banquet celebrated the 2012 racing season and announced the recipients of a number of special awards that recognize the best of the best.

Speaking at the banquet, AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman thanked all AMA competitors for their contributions to the sport of motorcycling and congratulated them on an unforgettable year.

"You are here tonight because you are among the best motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle racers in the country," Dingman said. "Through your hard work and dedication, motorcycle and ATV racing has become one of the most exciting and entertaining pastimes in America. AMA racing and recreational events are special because we accommodate riders from a wide range of skills and abilities, making motorcycling the greatest family sport on the planet."

Emceed by Laurette Nicoll and Greg White, the banquet awarded national championship trophies, placement medals and AMA No. 1 plates to competitors from disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between. Special awards included AMA Athlete of the Year honors.

The AMA Sportsman of the Year award was presented to World and AMA National Speedway Champion Billy Hamill. Hamill is not only a world-class athlete, winning at the highest level of his discipline, but in recent years he has donated his own time and resources to promote the sport of speedway racing to America's youth.

"This is a very proud moment," Hamill said upon accepting the award. "I've been racing a long time and never won this award, so this is quite an honor. I would like to thank the AMA for recognizing my efforts and what I'm trying to do to promote American speedway. We do what we do for our love and passion for the sport of motorcycling."

The AMA's highest competitive honors, the AMA Athlete of the Year awards, recognize a rider from each of the two categories of national championship competition: AMA National Championship Series and AMA Grand Championships.

Taddy Blazusiak, the overall champion of the 2012 AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series, won the AMA National Championship Series Athlete of the Year award. Blazusiak--who is originally from Poland and resides in Murrieta, Calif., when in the United States--dominated the series to win his fourth consecutive AMA EnduroCross title. He has 27 career main event wins in AMA EnduroCross.

Zach Bell won the AMA Grand Championship Athlete of the Year Award. Bell, from Cairo, Ga., was the AMA Motocross Horizon Award Winner in 2012, winning the 250 A class championship with a 1-1-1 moto finish.

The AMA ATV Athlete of the Year Award was won by one of the most dominant riders in the history of ATV dirt-track competition: Harold Goodman. In 2012, Goodman successfully defended his Pro and Pro-Am national No. 1 plates in the AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series. The Brownstown, Mich., resident won six of eight rounds in the Pro class and five of eight rounds in the Pro-Am class to repeat as double champion in the series.

Molly Terry was the AMA Female Rider of the Year. At the 2012 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships Terry, from Creve Coeur, Ill., was the 450 Modified Mile champion, beating many of the best male amateur dirt-track racers in the country. She also was the Women's class grand champion at the event.

AMA Veteran/Senior Rider of the Year was Kurt Nicoll. Nicoll, from Temecula, Calif., was the Vet 35+ Champion at the AMA EnduroCross Grand Championships.

Adam Cianciarulo was the AMA Racing Youth Rider of the Year. The Port Orange, Fla., resident dominated at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's last summer, winning the Super Mini 1 (12-15) and Super Mini 2 (13-16) classes.

Sponsors of the AMA Championship Banquet included Artina Promotional Products, Barnett Clutches & Cables, Fly Racing, FMF, Galfer USA, Helix Racing, Matrix Racing Products and Traveline Travel.

Other special awards included:

AMA Racing Media Award
Motoplayground Magazine

Motocross Organizer of the Year
Unlimited Sports

Off-Road Organizer of the Year
Western New York Off-Road Association

Track Racing Organizer of the Year
Steve Nace Racing, Dirt Track

ATV Organizer of the Year
Mid-America Cross Country

Recreational Road Riding Organizer of the Year
Motorcycle Sport Touring Association

Recreational Off-Road Organizer of the Year
Tri-County MC

AMA Club of the Year
Brandywine Enduro Riders


About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

For more information, please visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org 

AMA Pro Flat Track Regular Mick Kirkness Steals the Win at Inaugural Troy Bayliss Classic in Aussie Homeland

Mick Kirkness floats the front wheel on the #87 Yeager Cycles/Clipper Industries/Arai/Memphis Shades-backed Honda CRF450R during the final round of qualifying at round 14 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Peoria TT.  The popular Australian, who has been a regular fixture on The Rolling Thunder Show tour for the last five seasons, qualified with a strong showing of 16th-place out of the 39 riders on-hand to take a timed lap.

However, as the day wore on Kirkness' luck wore out at the track where he has had some strong finishes in his short Grand National career, missing the direct transfer to the National main in his heat by just under .7 second, and by just over a second in his semi.

Mick didn't miss a beat at the Inaugural Troy Bayliss Classic held in his home country this past weekend, though.  Coming in as a wild card entry alongside such luminaries of the sport as multi-time World Superbike Champion Bayliss, fellow Australians Josh Waters and Jamie Stauffer, and a host of other top-notch riders and racers, Mick took them all to school while making the early pass in the SuperMoto-style final to take the win in front of 5000 spectators on-hand for the Bayliss-promoted event.

Check out more below as we look forward to seeing National #87 back in the States in lucky '13 to bring his great blend of savvy, charisma and racing ability to The Rolling Thunder Show.  Way to go Mick, congrats man!


 Thanks to MC News.com for this race and photo report from the Troy Bayliss Classic over the weekend.

Check out the video from over the weekend from the inaugural Troy Bayliss Classic.  Watch right around the 1:45 mark as Manic Mick makes the pass that will take him to the win from this last Saturday in the Land Down Under.  Great move mate!

Check out more on the Troy Bayliss Classic here on their Facebook page.

Mick, a regular contender for the last several seasons in the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship, talked with Just 2 Wheelz TV in his homeland Australia just several days before competing in this last weekend's event, where he went in as a wild card and stole the show from a list of motorcycling greats such as Broc Parkes, Josh Waters, Jamie Stauffer and Troy Bayliss, just to name a few.  Way to put it to them Mick-O!  

AMA Flat Track: Shayna Texter to Ride for Crosley Radio in Pro Singles Championship for '13

Shayna Texter is shown signing autographs for the fans during round 12 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Springfield Short Track on September 15.  One of the most popular riders on The Rolling Thunder Show tour, the Pennsylvania resident regularly has people lined up in her pit area during the fan walk at each event throughout the hour long break in the on-track action, as seen from this shot from the final National main event at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Multipurpose Arena.

Texter and her #25A DFW Honda/RLT Racing/McElroy Packaging/Herr's-sponsored Honda CRF450Rs had a rough go of it at Springfield, however, in spite of qualifying in a respectable 30th-place spot out of the 55 riders on-hand in the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship Series who took a timed lap on the day.  Surprisingly, she missed the Pro Singles main by just shy of 1.5 seconds in her heat and by just .183 seconds in the Last Chance Qualifier heat race.  

In her third full season of contesting the 'feeder' series for AMA Pro Flat Track, Shayna had a very strong season in spite of the Springfield outcome in mid-September.  Winning three rounds of the series' tour (Sacto Mile, Knoxville and Tucson Half-Miles), she finished the season ranked as the 5th-place rider in the Pro Singles Championship to further cement her legend as one of the fastest people on two wheels in the greatest racing show on wheels in the world.

It was announced late Saturday that Shayna would be getting sponsorship from Crosley Radio, along with her existing sponsor, DFW Honda, for the 2013 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship season to better help propel her to the top in one of the tightest and fastest competitions on wheels.

Check out the press release below as we await the coming of the new season, with Daytona less then six weeks away, and we wish Shayna the very best of luck to go after her passion. Go get 'em lady!


Press release courtesy of Shayna Texter/RLT Racing and Crosley Radio.

Note-to view, right click/open in new window.

RIDE Academy's Ocala, FL. Stop on January 26-27 to Have AMA Pro Flat Track Director Dan Johnsen in Attendance

RIDE Academy founder and former AMA Grand National competitor and National #67 Mike Hacker (back to camera) can be seen talking with current AMA Grand National #10, Johnny Lewis at round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Springfield TT on May 26.

Hacker and Lewis (seated on the #10 Scott Powersports/Saddlemen Seats/Silkolene/Wallace Trucking-sponsored Honda CRF450R) will be opening the 2013 season of RIDE Academy's riding schools next weekend as they take their many years of on and off track experience to the Sunshine State to spend another weekend teaching their skills to a sold-out class at the Marion County Speedway in Ocala, FL.  Also expected to lend a hand in the teaching department is former 3-Time AMA Grand National Twins Champion, Kenny Coolbeth, Jr., who is also a frequent instructor for the riding school.

Also seen in this picture are Willy Halbert (getting Sammy's #7 Frederickstown Yamaha set to go for the first round of practice at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Multipurpose Arena) and 2012 Daytona Short Track II winner, Matt Weidman on his #20 DFW Honda.

Check out the full press release below the next shot, and even though the school is sold out in Ocala, if you're in the area be sure to drop by to take in some of the great action sure to be present with these greats of AMA Pro Flat Track as they teach their tricks to the lucky few who will be in class next weekend!

AMA Pro Flat Track Director Dan Johnsen (center) can be seen talking with Australia native Mick Kirkness/AMA Grand National #87 and Sammy Halbert/AMA Grand National #7 at round 14 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.coms season at the Peoria TT on August 21.  Johnsen, who will be entering his third year as the manager of flat track operations for AMA Pro Racing after taking over the reigns from former '81 AMA Grand National Champion Mike Kidd in early 2011, will make the trip from the DMG offices in Daytona Beach next weekend to sit-in as a student at RIDE Academy's stop at the Ocala, FL. season-opening class.


Press release courtesy of Mike Hacker/RIDE Academy founder & Johnny Lewis AMA Grand National #10/RIDE Academy instructor

RIDE Academy Draws in AMA Pro Racing

 Director of AMA Pro Flat Track to Attend RIDE Academy

Ocala, FL. (January 18, 2013) – Since first appointed the Director of Flat Track for the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Series, Dan Johnsen has been looking to learn more about the sport even if it means throwing a leg over a bike and strapping on a steel shoe.  At the first RIDE Academy of the season in Ocala Florida, Dan will be doing just that!  He will be joining a sold out class where RIDE Academy will provide two days of training and instructing, both on and off the track.  Dan Johnsen will make the trip from the Daytona Beach, FL headquarters for the January 26/27 "RIDE Academy Ocala", presented by Metro Racing.

Dan will get the chance to ride and learn from AMA Pro Flat Track professionals: Johnny Lewis (National #10), Kenny Coolbeth (National #2) and former National #67 Mike Hacker.  The RIDE crew with also be bringing in two guest instructors, 2012 AMA Pro Singles race winners: Ryan Wells (94B) & Cody Johncox (96B).  Johnny Lewis stated in a conversation earlier this week, that he feels RIDE Academy is going to be able to show him (Dan Johnsen) the little things you can’t see by sitting in the stands or track side.  “The game is changing. From the bikes to the techniques of the riders, it’s not in a text book. 2013 is going to be a new chapter for AMA Pro Flat Track racing on many levels, and I feel Dan is taking the appropriate next steps to further his knowledge in the sport,” says Johnny Lewis.

It's not all business for Dan though.  He will be strapping on his helmet along with a steel shoe and is prepared to have some fun with the RIDE crew over the two days while seating up on one of the RIDE Academy CRF Honda training bikes.  RIDE starts the students off on their professionally prepared CRF Honda bikes, ranging from 50cc’s to 230cc’s.  They begin on a smaller course designed to allow the rider to progress faster than they would be able to riding at 100% performance on a full-size race bike.  Just like every other RIDE Academy Ocala student, Dan will then advance to the race bike on day 2 on a larger short track.  This will then lead into a full-size TT track for the last portion.

RIDE Academy Ocala, Florida is sold out but for more information on this school and other RIDE dates coming to a track near you, follow us on Facebook @ fb.me/rideacademytraining or at www.rideacademy.com.


About RIDE Academy

Riding. Instruction. Determination. Excellence.
RIDE Academy is determined to change the world of flat track racing.  We believe we have a formula that will lead many riders to success.  We are here to extend our combined knowledge to fellow riders so that they can become the best they can be in a far less amount of time that it has taken each of us.

About Metro Racing

Taking a page from motorcycle history and providing it to the enthusiasts of the world.  Check out our website at www.metroracing.com where you can get all kinds of cool vintage motorcycle gear.  Buy our stuff and support our racing habit!

Geico Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Releases 2013 Rulebook

2013 GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Rulebook

To: GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Community

From: AMA Pro Competition
Date: January 19, 2013

Subject: 2013 GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Rulebook

The 2013 GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Rulebook has been released and is now available at the Competitor Information section of AMAProRacing.com. All changes from the 2012 rules package are printed in red bold italic type and items that are indicated with a strikethrough are no longer valid. Competitor Bulletin #2013-03 has also been released as a document that outlines the changes implemented as part of the 2013 rules package. Direct links:

• 2013 GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Rulebook
• GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Competitor Bulletin #2013-03 - Rule Changes for the 2013 GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Rulebook

NOTE: The Competitor Bulletin does not include the entirety of the rulebook. Please make sure to click the first link above to download the complete 2013 rules package.


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AMA Pro Racing