13 Rounds Scheduled for 2014 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series, Including Indy's Mid-America Speedway

The AMA released their complete 2014 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series schedule late yesterday, and as expected Indy's Mid-America Speedway will return to the series for the second year in-a-row this upcoming summer. 13 total rounds will make up the schedule, which kicks off in Florida in early March and wraps up in late September in New York State.

Falling mid-point in the schedule for the 2014 season is Mid-America Speedway, located on Indy's southeast side at the Marion County Fairgrounds. The 'little track that could' again will play host to racers young and old on August 9 as the circuit will once again highlight the Pro-level competition of today alongside the Pro-level racers of yesterday. The 2013 season saw the track host it's first AMA Vintage meet, with the Bultaco Astro Challenge showcasing the talents of racers from AMA Pro Flat Track's past while racing on some of the iconic brand's famous two-stroke model single-cylinder machines that set the bar for the short track competition from the late '60s through the mid '70s.

In the shot above, Brett Miller #44F leads former 2000 AMA Grand National Champion Joe Kopp #3 out of turn 2 at Mid-America Speedway during one of the evening's heat races in the Bultaco Astro Challenge series' initial outing at Indy on August 16, 2013. Kopp, in his first time on a two-stroke racer, took to the machines like the former champion he is, coming to terms with the compression release as utilized on the Bultaco models.

Indy's Mid-America Speedway will once again host the Bultaco Astro Challenge in 2014, that saw former champions of the sport Kopp, Jay Springsteen, Dave Aldana, Garth Brow, Steve Morehead and a host of others flock to the facility for the evening's great racing. The track is planning on the return of many of the great racers for the second outing of the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series, in what will be dubbed 'The Night After the Indy Mile' for the 2014 event. Many of the sport's stars past and present will be in town for the August 9 running of AMA Pro Flat Track's Indy Mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Another of the great racing classes showcased in the Vintage Dirt Track National Championship is the 60+ Vintage Open class, which will also return to Mid-America for the second time in 2014.

In the shot above, Tim Hurley #48E, Alan Niles #88, Bill Snyder #4, Joe Baggott #68, Dave Atherton #15X (partially hidden) and Dave Aldana #13 roar off the line at Mid-America Speedway during the 60+ Vintage Open main event on August 16 at the track's hosting of the 2013 Night Before the Indy Mile race. Aldana rocketed into turn one and never looked back to steal the win in front of a crowded house at Mid-Am's Marion County Fairgrounds.

With the racing season still just over two months away, it's never too early to start making your plans for the upcoming year's schedule. The AMA Vintage Series is one of the great series that each year showcases some of the machines and riders of days gone by, but the racing is at the very least some of the most competitive no matter the age of either, and is well worth your while to check out. Make sure to mark your calendar for whatever event is closest to you, and when you are in Indy in August, be sure to make Mid-America Speedway your go-to event for it's 2014 version of 'The Night After the Indy Mile' round to see all of the great action taking place on Indy's southeast side.

Check out the full press release below to see the full schedule for the 2014 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series!

AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series kicks off March 8

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- December 30, 2013 -- Racers of classic dirt-track racing motorcycles will begin their hunt for 2014 titles on March 8 in Savannah, Ga., when the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship kicks off with its first of 13 rounds.

"Motorcycle dirt-track racing is one of motorsports' great historic disciplines, and the AMA is honored to support the vibrant community of vintage dirt trackers with national championship recognition," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "The AMA has a rich history in the sport, dating to the original factory Class-A racing in the 1920s and the Class-C production-based format that continues today. The motorcycles that helped write that history are amazing machines, and it's thrilling to see many of them still on the track, competing for AMA national No. 1 plates."

The AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series recognizes national champions in period-correct classes that reflect the storied history of AMA dirt-track competition. Class winners are honored at the annual AMA Championship Banquet, which recognizes national champions in all amateur racing disciplines.

Class rules and equipment regulations are available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > National Championship Series > AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series. The full series schedule is below.

The first three rounds of the 2014 AMA Vintage National Dirt Track Championship Series run in conjunction with the AMA-sanctioned amateur dirt-track program that has grown up around Daytona Bike Week.

Following Bike Week, the 13-round series travels through Illinois, North Carolina, New York, Ohio and Indiana before returning to New York for the Sept. 21 finale in Cuddebackville.

2014 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series

Round 1: March 8
Half Mile
Steve Nace Racing
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
SteveNaceRacing.com
LOC: Oglethorpe Speedway, Savannah, Ga.

Round 2: March 10
Half Mile
Steve Nace Racing
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
SteveNaceRacing.com
LOC: Volusia County Speedway, Barberville, Fla.

Round 3: March 11
Short Track
Steve Nace Racing
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
SteveNaceRacing.com
LOC: Volusia County Speedway, Barberville, Fla.

Round 4: May 4
Half Mile
Steve Nace Racing
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
SteveNaceRacing.com
LOC: Henry, Ill.

Round 5: May 17
Short Track
Tar Heel Speedway
(910) 258-2272
richard.lovette@robeson.k12.nc.us
LOC: Tar Heel Speedway, Tar Heel, N.C.

Round 6: May 18
TT
Tar Heel Speedway
(910) 258-2272
richard.lovette@robeson.k12.nc.us
LOC: Tar Heel Speedway, Tar Heel, N.C.

Round 7: June 20
Short Track
Square Deal Riders
(607) 725-3069
williamsracing12@yahoo.com
SquareDealRiders.com
LOC: Harpursville, N.Y.

Round 8: June 21
Short Track
Square Deal Riders
(607) 725-3069
williamsracing12@yahoo.com
SquareDealRiders.com
LOC: Harpursville, N.Y.

Round 9: July 12
Half Mile
AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
AMA
(800) 262-5646
ksaillant@ama-cycle.org
AmericanMotorcyclist.com
LOC: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Ashland, Ohio

Round 10: Aug. 9
Short Track
Mid-America Speedway
(317) 871-4392
info@midamspeedway.com
MidAmSpeedway.com
LOC: Marion County Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Ind.

Round 11: Aug. 29
Short Track
Steve Nace Racing
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
SteveNaceRacing.com
LOC: Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.

Round 12: Sept. 20
Short Track
Tri-State M/C Ltd.
(845) 566-4956
TriStateClub.com
LOC: Cuddebackville, N.Y.

Round 13: Sept. 21
Short Track
Tri-State M/C Ltd.
(845) 566-4956
TriStateClub.com
LOC: Cuddebackville, N.Y.

 

About the American Motorcyclist Association

 

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

 

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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

Waters Auto Body/KTM North America Announces Signing of Johnny Lewis #10 to AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Twins Series Team for 2014 Season

The Waters Auto Body/KTM North America AMA Pro Flat Track team announced late yesterday that they have signed former SuperMoto Champion and Daytona Short Track winner Johnny 'JL10' Lewis to their Grand National Twins Series squad for the upcoming 2014 season.

The Albion, NY-based team will be in it's 5th full season of campaigning the KTM 950/990 LC8 platform, one of AMA Pro Flat Track's front runners in terms of diversity. Utilizing a handful of riders in their first four seasons of operation, the team has made some big strides along the way in terms of making National mains on a semi-regular basis, but has yet found the right combination of talent to guide them towards the front in terms of making mains on a regular basis, although not for lack of trying.

The team probably came closest to it's best finish of their young life this past season with the pairing of rider Rob 'Bugs' Pearson #27 at the Virginia Mega Mile. Pearson had the team's bike, through a joint one-off partnership with the Iowa-based Weirbach Racing squad, in the top-10 before falling out within the last lap of the race as the fuel-thirsty big twin came to a stop just before the completion of the National main, where he eventually finished in the 16th-place slot.

In the shot above, taken in the team's pit area prior to the first practice session at the Indy Mie on August 17, team owner and patriarch Dave Waters makes some fine-tuning adjustments to Mick Kirkness' #87 KTM North America/GE Capital/Waters Auto Body 990 LC8 as Kirkness blips the throttle. The team utilized Kirkness as their second rider in his brief return to the States and the series at the Indy and Springfield Miles, alongside regular rider Steve Murray #51, who has campaigned the WAB KTM's for the team the last two seasons.

Lewis, who won his first AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship race at the Daytona Short Track I in March 2012, should be a very welcome addition to the NY State-based team with his well-rounded personality, his ability to help in bike set-up and development, as well as his strong internet-based following and fan-friendly personality. Along with his seat time on the Scott Powersports Kawasaki team during the 2010-2011 and partial 2012 seasons, JL10 has shown his ability to run at the front in The Rolling Thunder Show on a variety of equipment.

One of his most recent outings at Springfield over the 2013 season saw Lewis aboard the #10 Latus Motors Racing/Triumph Motorcycles/Castrol Oil-backed 955 mount (shown above after the first practice session of the Springfield Mile I on August 31), and then putting in time on a Harley-Davidson XR750 and Suzuki 1000 over the course of the weekend at the Illinois State Fairgrounds after suffering a multitude of mechanical problems on each of the machines.

Lewis never seemed to come to complete grips with either the Latus Motors Triumph or the workings of the team during the 2013 season for whatever reason, and ended the season ranked in the 17th-place spot after finishes of 8th-place at Virginia and 10th-place at Pomona as his best outings on the year. 2014 should usher in a brand new vitality to not only JL10's great ability on the track, but the KTM North America/Waters Auto Body team as well, and should be able to help elevate the 'little team that could' to that next step to help them achieve the needed, and deserved results that they have been shooting for.

You can check out the full press release below, courtesy of Dave & Rhonda Waters, KTM North America/Waters Auto Body Racing and JL10, and we wish the team and one of the series' most popular riders the very best of luck in the upcoming season!

Johnny Lewis Joins Team KTM GE Capital Project K Racing

 

Waters Autobody KTM 990 to compete in AMA Pro Flat Track Twins Championship with #10

Coatesville, PA ( Dec. 23rd 2013) -- With a new year and a new season just around the corner, the Waters Autobody/Project K Racing team supported by KTM & GE Capital announces their partnership with National #10 Johnny Lewis. Lewis, a former Factory KTM Supermoto racer with 8 career podiums and a win in the AMA Pro Supermoto Unlimited class, has joined the Leo Vince supported team on the KTM powered 990 V-twin for the AMA Pro Flat Track Twins Championship in 2014. Lewis has opted to not re-sign with the Latus Motors Racing Triumph program for a second season, where the season’s best result came at Virgina’s Colonial Downs Mega Mile with a second place Dash for Cash finish and an 8th place finish in the main event after coasting to the finish line with engine issues. The 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Daytona winner is excited to help Project K Racing owner Dave Waters further develop the KTM 990 and hopes to bring it to the next step with a first-ever podium finish in the AMA Pro Flat Track Twins Championship next season.

      “For me it’s really exciting to be back on the KTM brand. From riding supermoto for KTM at the beginning of my racing career, to now riding one in the AMA Pro Flat Track Singles and Twins Championships. KTM has always been special to me. I love the bikes, the brand, and the image KTM represents. I want to bring KTM their first AMA Pro Flat Track Twins podium in the history of the sport”, stated Lewis.

The KTM North America/Waters Auto Body/GE Captial KTM 990 LC8 is shown in a display photo with Johnny Lewis' #10 on the side plate in a promotional shot courtesy of Waters Auto Body Racing/KTM North America. JL10 will be joining the team for the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Twins Championship season starting with the first round at the Springfield Mile I over the Memorial Day weekend.




      The Saddlemen Performance/Silkolene/K&N supported Project K Racing team, owned and managed by Dave & Rhonda Waters, stated, “When we heard Johnny Lewis wasn’t returning to the Triumph team we discussed the possibility of him riding for us this year.  We felt that his natural talent and experience would be just what our team was looking for in 2014.  The fact that he is riding a KTM in the Expert Singles division, along with his teammate Ryan Wells in the Pro Singles division,  makes him a great spokesperson for KTM. Johnny has a great marketing approach that we know will benefit our current strategy. We think with what Johnny brings to the table, this will be a win-win for our program.”
       
     Lewis, who hails from Pennsylvania, will line up for the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Expert Singles Championship rounds on a Solid Performance KTM 450 SXF. “Solid Performance KTM is a new KTM dealership located 5 miles from my house that is supporting my AMA Pro Flat Track Singles program. I actually work at the dealership, so my connection with the brand goes that much further”, says Lewis. March 14th & 15th marks the opening round for the AMA Pro Flat Track Series. Johnny Lewis and his wife Alysha are expecting the arrival of their first child with a due date of March 1st. This may make the Lewis’ attendance in Daytona questionable. “I’m so thankful to have a team and supporters behind me that support my decision to wait to commit to the opening rounds of the series. Our decision will of course be based on the well-being of my wife Alysha and soon-to-be newborn baby boy. Family comes first for me and the team understands that.” says Lewis.
       
     The first AMA Pro Flat Track Twins Championship round is scheduled at the legendary Springfield Mile on May 25th. Visit www.AMAProRacing.com/ft for more details on the event, including tickets sales and event schedule. The Waters Autobody/Project K Racing KTM powered 990 V-twin is supported by KTM North America, GE Capital, D&D Power Sports, Boughner Racing,  Motion Pro, K&N Filters, Saddlemen, Vortex, Silkolene Oils, RLJ Race Engines, Evans Coolant, Durelle Racing, Rekluse Clutches, Spider Grips, RK/Excel, Penske Shocks, Leo Vince, Lightshoe,  Hollink Motor Sports, PG Graphics, Pro Plates, The Fast and Dirty, Sudco Carbs, Mr Sign, Galfer Brakes, and Steve Fortunato.

     Stay tuned by visiting www.ProjectKRacing.com and www.Lewis10.com for future team updates, including pictures & videos of the 2014 program. Look forward to some new riding videos like “Mind Party with Johnny Lewis” coming up at a later date as well. Follow along with Johnny Lewis’ personal social networking sites: Instagram- johnnylewis10, Facebook- johnnylewis10, Youtube- johnnylewis10

Team Owners: Dave & Rhonda Waters
Waters Autobody/Project K Racing LLC
www.ProjectKRacing.com

Team SPONSORS:

KTM North America, GE Capital, Waters AutoBody/Project K Racing LLC, D&D Power Sports, Boughner Racing, Motion Pro, K&N Filters, Saddlemen, Vortex, Silkolene oils, RLJ Race Engines, Evans Coolant, Durelle Racing, Rekluse Clutches, Spider Grips, RK/Excel, Penske Shocks, Leo Vince, Lightshoe, Hollink Motor Sports, PG Graphics, Pro Plates, The Fast and Dirty, Sudco Carbs, Mr Sign,  Gafler Brakes, and Steve Fortunato

Lewis’ personal SPONSORS:

Solid Performance KTM, Keares Electrical Contracting, Coatesville Solar Initiative www.gogreencsi.com, Wallace Trucking, Triple J Racing, RIDE Academy, EYEBALL Moto, Arai Americas, CAFE RACER XXX, Saddlemen Performance, Impulse Design, KICKER Audio, TRX Training, Prewitt Racing, Matrix Concepts Racing, Ringers Gloves, www.supermotoec.com, JS Designs Tees, www.shtheadz.com, and his wife Alysha Lewis.

AMA Pro Road Racing Announces CBS Sports Network to Broadcast Encore of 2013 Season Events on December 27

CBS Sports Network to Air Encore AMA Pro Road Racing Events This Friday, December 27, 2013

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 23, 2013) - An encore presentation of select 2013 AMA Pro Road Racing events will be aired on CBS Sports Network this Friday, December 27, 2013.

 

The broadcast schedule will consist of six straight hours of AMA Pro Road Racing coverage on Friday beginning at 12:00 noon EST/9:00 a.m. PST. For channel and schedule information, please visit http://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/.

 

 

 

 

Josh Herrin #2 leads Martin Cardenas #36, Josh Hayes #1, Roger Hayden #54 and Danny Eslick #23 during the running of one of the 2013 AMA Pro Road Racing AMA Pro SuperBike Series events. AMA Pro Road Racing announced late yesterday that CBS Sports Network will be airing an encore presentation of the Utah and NJMP rounds this Friday, December 27, 2013. AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

 

 

 

The schedule for the encore broadcasts is as follows:

 

12:00 noon EST/9:00 a.m. PST- AMA Pro SuperBike Race 1 from Salt Lake City, Utah (8/3/2013)

 

1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 a.m. PST - AMA Pro SuperBike Race 2 from Salt Lake City, Utah (8/4/2013)

 

2:00 p.m. EST/11:00 a.m. PST - AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Race 1 from Millville, NJ (9/14/2013)

 

3:00 p.m. EST/noon PST - AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Race 2 from Millville, NJ (9/15/2013)

 

4:00 p.m. EST/1:00 p.m. PST - AMA Pro SuperBike Race 1 - Millville, NJ (9/14/2013)

 

5:00 p.m. EST/2 p.m. PST - AMA Pro SuperBike Race 1 - Millville, NJ (9/15/2013)

 

About AMA Pro Road Racing:

 

AMA Pro Road Racing is the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America and is universally regarded as one of the most competitive road racing organizations in the world. Learn more about AMA Pro Road Racing at www.amaproracing.com/rr/.

 

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.  Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.   For additional information contact:   AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com

Honda to Field 5-Rider Team in 2014 Dakar Rally

Press release courtesy of HRC

Honda's Participation in the 2014 Dakar Rally

Honda will participate in the motorcycle class in the Dakar Rally to be held in January 2014 in South America, with its works team “TEAM HRC.“

Five riders—Helder Rodrigues (Portugal), Sam Sunderland (United Kingdom), Javier Pizzolito (Argentina), Joan Barreda (Spain), and Paulo Goncalves (Portugal)—will ride the CRF450 RALLY, a rally-racing bike specially developed for the 2014 Dakar. TEAM HRC took the CRF450 RALLY for testing and competed in the 2013 Morocco Rally, a prelude to the Dakar Rally held in October of this year, and also the 2013 Merzouga Rally. The team took victories in both races.

To further popularize the sport of rally racing, Honda is planning to market the CRF450 RALLY in 2014 for teams and individuals who are aspiring to compete. As part of the verification process, Honda will provide pre-production models of the CRF450 RALLY and on-site technical support to riders Pablo Rodriguez (Argentina), Jea n de Azevedo (Brazil), and Laia Sanz (Spain), all of whom will race in the 2014 Dakar Rally.


Tetsuo Suzuki
Senior Managing Officer and Director, Chief Operating Officer, Motorcycle R&D Center, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
President, Honda Racing Corporation

“Since our entry in the 2013 Dakar Rally in January, the Motorcycle R&D Center and HRC have focused on developing an outstanding machine and a winning team. The 2014 Dakar Rally spans more than two weeks, but through this race we will fight to the finish to share our dreams and exhilaration with our customers. Next year starting with the Dakar Rally, HRC will boldly move forward to share the excitement of two-wheeled motor sports with its fans world wide, and we look forward to continued support for HRC"s activities”


Katsumi Yamazaki
TEAM HRC Rally Director

“Everything was new and we learned much from the 2013 Dakar Rally, since the last time we raced in the Dakar was 24 years ago. This year we will put together a winning team in a very short period, carefully considering the machine, rider and crew. We know we are on the right track since we won the Morocco and Merzouga rallies on our brand new CRF450 RALLY, and our team will do its best to achieve the ultimate goal, winning the Dakar. We appreciate all the support, and hope everyone will cheer us on as the team fights all the way to the checkered flag”

2014 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days to Offer Special Ticket Discount to AMA Members

AMA Members receive a special discount on tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 11-13, 2014

 

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- December 19, 2013 --The American Motorcyclist Association is offering a special discount to its members on tickets for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 11-13, 2014, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

AMA members can purchase a weekend pass for $45 or a one-day pass for $25, saving $5 off the regular advance purchase rate. The AMA member discount is in addition to the regular $10 savings on advance ticket purchases, and there is no service charge for AMA members when purchasing through the AMA.

 

AMA member pricing, available through May 27, is only available by calling the AMA directly at (800) 262-5646. In addition to these exclusive AMA member ticket savings, all kids under 12 will be admitted free with a paying, supervising adult.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spectators line the track at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH. during the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days event in 2013. Photo courtesy of the American Motorcyclist Association, by Yve Assad/The Fast and Dirty.com.

 

 

 

 

 

"AMA members enjoy significant discounts on gear and services with their membership, so it only makes sense that we carry that benefit over to the country's premier event for vintage motorcycles," said AMA Vice President of Operations Jeff Massey.

"AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days offers the perfect opportunity to hang out with thousands of motorcycling friends, see some incredible machines, learn from motorcycling experts, meet some heroes and watch or race in some fun vintage contests in motocross, road racing, dirt-track, observed trials and hare scrambles," Massey said. "The only thing better than attending is saving some money at the same time, so get your advance tickets now."

A fundraiser for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honors the riders who made them famous. Activities include the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, which include amateur national championship road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track; North America's largest motorcycle swap meet; bike shows and awards; stunt shows; demo rides of current production bikes; an AMA Life Member breakfast; and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts.

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

 

If you're not an AMA member, we invite you join the nation's largest grassroots organization that fights for your freedom to ride and race -- visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Join the AMA.  

About the American Motorcyclist Association

 

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

 

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

 

Media contact: Grant Parsons
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1199
E-mail: gparsons@ama-cycle.org

 

 

2014 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Dates Changed to July 11-13

Date change for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: July 11-13, 2014

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- December 17, 2013 -- In a move that will help Midwestern motorcyclists get more out their summer events, the American Motorcyclist Association and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course have worked together to change the date of the 2014 edition of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the country's premier celebration of vintage motorcycling.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days 2014 will be held July 11-13, one week earlier than previously announced. The new dates prevent a conflict with another event held in Wauseon, Ohio.

"Providing a date for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is never easy, given that it often can only be set after many other dominoes get lined up, including schedules for MotoGP racing in this country, World Superbike races here, and AMA Pro Racing events," said Jeff Massey, AMA vice president of operations. "We never like to wind up in competition with other motorcycling events nearby, and some years it's unavoidable. But in this case, we were able to work with other groups in an effort to find a new spot on the calendar for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days that makes the most sense for the fans."

The move sees Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course's popular AMA Pro Racing event move to July 19-20, track officials have announced.

 "It wasn't easy getting all the dominoes to fall the right way, but in the end, this change will be received well by the fans of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days," Massey said. "By changing these dates, we create the opportunity for a better fit in the mix of motorcycling attractions in the region next July."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spectators enjoy a variety of motorcycles during the 2013 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio, including this pristine 1983 Honda CB1100F. Photo courtesy of the American Motorcyclist Association, by Yve Assad/The Fast and Dirty.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Said Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course's President Craig Rust: "We're happy to work with the AMA and AMA Pro Racing to come up with a reformatted schedule that we believe will benefit everyone, including the great fans who support these events."

Advance tickets are available to the general public at www.midohio.com. In addition, AMA members should stay tuned for news of a special ticket discount only for AMA members available directly through the AMA offices.

 

About the American Motorcyclist Association

 

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

 

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

 

Media contact: Grant Parsons
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1199
E-mail: gparsons@ama-cycle.org

 

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Seeing Surge in Entries for 92nd Running in 2014

Entries For The 92^nd Running Of The Pikes Peak nternational Hill Climb Coming In At High Speed

Colorado Springs, December 12, 2013--Though the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is still months away, drivers and motorcycle racers are registering at a fast pace.

The 92^nd edition of the Race to the Clouds on Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain, will take place on Sunday, June 29 and already, 31 automobiles and 15 motorcycles and their competitors have registered to take part. All registrations, as always are subject to approval by the PPIHC Race Committee.

The high profile Unlimited Division has six registrations submitted, including Mark Rennison of Great Britain, who was fourth last year in the division that became legend when French driver Sebastien Loeb drove his 2013 Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak edition to the all-time record of a stunning 8:13.878.

 
 

 

Sebastian Loeb set the all-time record at Pikes Peak during the 91st running in 2013. Photo courtesy of Colorado Springs Sports Group, by Ford McClave.

 

 

 

 

Rennison piloted his 1986 Ford RS 200 Evolution to a respectable clocking of 9:46.634 in taking fourth behind the jaw-dropping time set by Loeb. This will be the third appearance by Rennison, the British two-time Rally Cross Champion, at Pikes Peak.

Also returning in the popular Unlimited Division are Spencer Steele of Denver, who was fifth last year with a time of 9:57.513, Steve Goeglein of Falcon, Colorado, eighth place with a time of 10:36.570 and veteran driver Kris Antal of Hungary.

Steele has three Pikes Peak titles to his credit, winning the Open Wheel Division in 2010, 2011 and 2013 before moving up last summer to the Unlimited field. He will drive a 2013 PVS Special this time around as he challenges the big cars.

Another Pikes Peak veteran favorite coming back is Jeff Zwart of Corona del Mar, California, who finished third last year in the loaded Time Attack Division with a time of 10:13.856 behind winner Paul Dallenbach (9:46.001) and second-place driver David Donner (9:53.581).

Zwart won the Time Attack 2WD division title in 2010 in a 2007 Porsche and won championships in the former High Performance Showroom Stock division in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 2002, each time in a Porsche. He will be racing in the Time Attack 2 class this summer in a 2013 Porsche 911.

The 2014 Open Wheel Division, won last year by Clint Vahsholtz, so far includes last year’s third place-place finisher Rodney O’Maley of Colorado Springs and fourth-place entry Andy Figueroa of Pueblo, Colorado. It will be Figueroa’s eighth appearance on the mountain after his rookie year in 2005.

In the Motorcycle Divisions, two-time Sidecar champion John Wood of Victorville, California, has signed up to compete once again. He won the division in 2011 and 2012 and was sixth last year. Wood will race a 1996 Windle F2 this time. He held the class record of 11:41.406 until it was snapped by 2013 winner Wade Boyd, who clocked 11:26.987 to claim the Sidecar crown.

The popular PPIHC Fan Fest, which annually draws more than 30,000 race fans, will take place on Friday, June 27 this year.

The 2014 Divisions and Classes

 

Electric Car Division – The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb recognizes the future of electricity in the automotive industry.  It is through this effort that constructors of electric vehicles may showcase their engineering excellence of these truly unique vehicles. There are 2 classes within the Electric Division.

 

Electric Modified Class – This class features the cutting edge of electric technology as it applies to racing. 

 

Electric Production Class – This class will feature Production Electric vehicles that are readily available to the public. Very few modifications are allowed.

 

Pikes Peak Challenge Car Division – A new division for 2014, the Pikes Peak Challenge Division will encompass several different class options.

 

Exhibition Class – In keeping with the mission statement of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, specifically to “demonstrate advancements in the practical application of motor sports technology,” the race encourages vehicles that don’t fit into one of its regular divisions to enter in the Exhibition Division. 

 

Open Wheel Class – The traditional race car on Pikes Peak. Their appearance ranges from an Indy car style to a dune buggies. Open wheel cars have competed in every Pikes Peak International Hill Climb since the first race in 1916. This is a very fast division. 

 

Pikes Peak Open Class – These cars may look like stock cars from the outside, but major modifications can be done to their engines, transmissions and suspension. 

 

Pikes Peak Vintage Car/Truck Class – These vintage race cars make us remember back to the glory days of Pikes Peak with cars like; Mustang, Cobra, Mercury and Lincoln too. Eligible cars are those manufactured in 1990 or earlier. 

 

Time Attack Division – A division for production based two and four wheel drive vehicles, this division features the Time Attack 1 Class and Time Attack 2 Class.  Eligibility is restricted to close-bodied four-wheel vehicles.

 

Time Attack 1 Class – This class will feature production based race vehicles with more modification and specialization than is seen in the Time Attack 2 Class. 

 

Time Attack 2 Class – This class will feature production based race vehicles with minor modifications allowed. 

Unlimited Division – Anything goes in the Unlimited Division as long as it passes safety inspection. The Unlimited Division features the most exotic vehicles, most of them built specifically for this race. These race cars have the best chance of setting a new overall race record.  In 2011 Nobuhiro Tajima finally broke the elusive ten minute barrier setting an overall course record with a time of 09:51.278.  today the record is held by Sebastien Loeb with a time of 8:13.878.

 

Pikes Peak Lightweight Motorcycle Division – A popular class with many riders. Two-stroke and four-stroke engines are eligible. Many older design machines of this size are successful in this race, but bikes off the showroom floor can also be competitive. Single and twin-cylinder engines are allowed.

 

Pikes Peak Middleweight Motorcycle Division – New for 2014, this division will feature a wide range of motorcycles. Competitors are eligible to enter bikes with 1-4 cylinders and a displacement of up to 849cc.

 

Pikes Peak Open Motorcycle Division – This is the top motorcycle division offered at Pikes Peak. This division will feature some of the fastest bikes available today.

 

Pikes Peak Electric Motorcycle Division – The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb recognizes the future of electricity in the automotive industry.  It is through this effort that constructors of electric vehicles may showcase their engineering excellence of these truly unique vehicles. There are 2 classes within the Pikes Peak Electric Motorcycle Division.

 

Electric Modified Class – This class features the cutting edge of electric technology as it applies to racing.

 

Electric Production Class – This class will feature Production Electric vehicles that are readily available to the public. Very few modifications are allowed.

 

Pikes Peak Challenge Motorcycle Division – A new division for 2014, the Pikes Peak Challenge Motorcycle Division will encompass several different class options.

 

Pikes Peak 250 Class – Don’t let the size fool you. There are motorcycles with bigger engines on Pikes Peak, but the Pikes Peak 250 class is fast and competitive. These machines are usually factory built for racing with two-stroke and four-stroke single or twin cylinder engines 

 

Quad Class – Essentially four-wheeled motorcycles, these machines are limited only by tread width and the use of an ATV engine of 500cc or less. Stability is aided by extreme weight-shifting by the rider. Cornering velocity is very high while the relative smallness of the engines hold down outright speed. 

 

Sidercar Class – Three wheels, two riders (“driver” and “passenger”), and one winning mission. The passenger (or aptly named “the monkey”) lets it all hang out in the turns, making for some interesting action. Sidecars are always a crowd favorite. 

 

UTV/Exhibition Powersport – This division includes Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) and other vehicles that don’t fit perfectly in other Pikes Peak Divisions. 

 

Pikes Peak Vintage Motorcycle – This division includes 650cc-750cc 4-stroke twin cylinder bikes that would qualify for current AHRMA events.

 

Visit The PPIHC Home Page at  www.ppihc.com

 

Mike Moran

Senior Media Consultant

The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation

1631 Mesa Ave., Suite E

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 634-7333, ext.1011

mike@thesportscorp.org 

 

Read About one of AMA Pro Road Racing's Greatest Seasons in the 600 Supersport Series as Cycle News' Larry Lawrence Remembers the '94 Daytona Thriller

In the late '80s, AMA Pro Road Racing introduced what would be one of the most competitive classes in professional road racing when it rolled out the 600 Supersport Series, a class that was designed to help support the race weekends, the factory as well as the privateer racers, and the ability for the manufacturers to 'race on Sunday and sell on Monday.'

Although the class was virtually dominated for decades with the factory racers and bikes, an occasional privateer would sneak through to take the win over the high-dollar factory efforts.

In what was arguably the most competitive of those seasons was the always-remember '94 year when Yamaha's Vance & Hines fielded '89 AMA Superbike Champion Jamie James on what was at the time considered somewhat of an underdog on the YZF600, against the ultra-dominating Honda CBR600s of the two Mikes, Mike Hale and Mike Smith, and the factory Kawasaki effort of multi-time Canadian Superbike Champion Steve Crevier.

But by virtue of his consistency, and by also winning four of the ten races on the series' calendar along the way (Pomona, Elkhart Lake, Mid-Ohio, Sonoma), James added to his championship tally by taking the crown as the '94 AMA 600 Supersport Champion over Smokin' Joe's Honda's Smith, who won the remaining six rounds, 315 points-294 points. Kawasaki's Crevier finished 3rd in the championship standings with a tally of 287 points.

In the shot above, James' eventual-championship winning #11 Vance & Hines Yamaha/Dunlop/Bel-Ray/Bell-sponsored YZF600 sits under the Vance & Hines hauler's awning at the Mid-Ohio Super Cycle Honda Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire round in July '94.

But the season started a little rough for James at the annual season-opener at Daytona, as the Yamaha was visibly down on 'legs' on the banking against the might of the Big H.

Cycle News' Larry Lawrence, who at the very least should be considered the 'unofficial' historian of AMA Pro Road Racing, penned a great article in this week's issue of CN that chronicles that start to what was a stellar year of racing in America's second-tier pro racing class. And whether you were there to witness part of that season or not as I was, or if you are just a follower of AMA Pro Road Racing's history, this one is a must-read.

Check it out here to take your time capsule ride back 20 seasons to the heyday of American professional road racing. And as always, thanks to Double L for taking us back to the glory days of AMA Pro Road Racing!

AMA Pro Road Racing Set to Return to Barber Motorsports Park for 2014 Season

AMA Pro Road Racing announced today that the series will return to the beautiful Barber Motorsports Park facility, located in Leeds, AL. for the 2014 season. With the new two-day format just recently announced, Barber will join the previously announced rounds in the new, shortened weekend schedule.

In the shot above, the AMA Superbike Championship takes the grid during race 2 at Barber during the April 2007 outing at the facility.

Check out the full press release below from the folks at AMA Pro Road Racing to read all about the return to the track that many consider the most beautiful road race course on the North American continent.

Barber Motorsports Park and AMA Pro Racing Announce June 21-22, 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing Event Weekend

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 11, 2013) - Motorcycle and motorsports enthusiasts in the Southeast will be pleased to learn that AMA Pro Road Racing will be returning to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala. for a weekend of SuperBike racing scheduled for June 21 - 22, 2014. The 2.38-mile, 14-turn natural road course will play host to the full complement of AMA Pro Road Racing classes, including AMA Pro SuperBike, GoPro Daytona SportBike, SuperSport and the Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series. The 2014 Barber Motorsports Park event weekend will feature the recently announced two-day format, with AMA Pro Road Racing action set to begin on Saturday morning.    "We're thrilled to be returning to Barber Motorsports Park for many reasons," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "Not only do our riders produce incredible racing action at the picturesque venue each and every year, but the immaculate grounds, fan-friendly viewing areas and amazing art strategically placed throughout the facility make Barber Motorsports Park one of the most interesting tracks in the country to visit."    Josh Hayes on the #1 Monster Energy/Graves Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R1 leads Roger Hayden on the #54 National Guard/Jordan Suzuki GSX-R1000 during one of the AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Series races at Barber Motorsports Park during round 3 of the 2013 season. AMA Pro Road Racing announced today their return to the track for the 2014 season located just outside Birmingham, AL. AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson. Last season at Barber Motorsports Park, Josh Hayes and Cameron Beaubier represented a tough Yamaha tandem by successfully winning each race in the SuperBike and GoPro Daytona SportBike classes, respectively. Adding to the excitement, a 16-year-old from Los Angeles, Calif. by the name of Joe Roberts exploded onto the AMA Pro Road Racing scene by winning both Motorcycle-Superstore.com SuperSport races in convincing fashion, and Steve Rapp began a three-race win streak in Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson competition.   "AMA Pro Road Racing has been on the schedule since the facility opened and we're excited to have them back in 2014," said Rick Humphrey, Vice President, ZOOM Motorsports. "The racing is as good as its ever been and fans can expect the new two-day event format to be as action packed and full of activity as they've come to anticipate at Barber Motorsports Park." As if the racing action isn't enough to look forward to, the historic venue is also home to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum which contains over 750 vintage and modern motorcycles for avid race fans to take in over the course of the weekend.   For tickets and more information regarding the AMA Pro Road Racing event scheduled to be held at Barber Motorsports Park on June 21 - 22, 2014, please visit http://www.barbermotorsports.com/ or call (877) 332-7804.    About AMA Pro Road Racing:  AMA Pro Road Racing is the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America and is universally regarded as one of the most competitive road racing organizations in the world. Learn more about AMA Pro Road Racing at www.amaproracing.com/rr/.

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines.  Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.   For additional information contact:   AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com