Showing posts with label AMA Road Racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AMA Road Racing. Show all posts

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Dale Quarterley Returns to the Paddock in MotoAmerica Road Racing Series
































Dale Quarterley may best be remembered as the first AMA Superbike racer to take a win in the class as a privateer in some time at the Mid-Ohio round of the AMA Superbike Series in the summer of 1993 on his then-Teenage Mutant Ninja/Team Mirage-sponsored Kawasaki, but his list of achievements in the AMA Road Racing series runs even deeper then many will or can remember.

As was announced last week, the former pilot and top-notch privateer in the premier road racing series in America is making a return to the paddock in the MotoAmerica/AMA-sanctioned events as the owner of Quarterley Racing On Track Development that will sponsor and tutor some fast up-and-coming talent beginning this weekend in the MotoAmerica series at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX.

In the shot above, Quarterley (or '1/4ley' as he always signed his name) can be seen taking a rest in his pit area during a break in the on-track action over the course of the WERA GNF weekend at Road Atlanta in late October/early November of 1990. Quarterley's rocket of choice during the 1990 AMA and Formula USA Series was his #32 The Boys/Sunoco/Wiseco-sponsored Honda RC30, which he raced to a pair of top-10 finishes during the FUSA doubleheader weekend held in conjunction with the WERA GNF in late '90.

Quarterley has some solid company in his new venture which you can check out below thanks to the press release courtesy of Larry Lawrence and Quarterley Racing On Track Development. And as a long time fan favorite, it's going to be great to see the Connecticut resident back at the track bringing his wealth of experience on two wheels to the new youngsters coming into the series!


(NEWS RELEASE)

Quarterley Racing: A Legend Returns

Quarterley Racing On Track Development Brings a Wealth of Experience to MotoAmerica Series

MOORESVILLE, NC (April 5, 2016) -- Dale Quarterley was an American road racing legend of the 1980s and ‘90s. After his career on Superbikes, Quarterley went on to earn acclaim in the 2000s as a multi-time winner in the NASCAR Busch North Series. Now Quarterley is turning his attention back to his original love of motorcycle racing and is going help develop the next generation of American road racing champions. Heading up Quarterley Racing On Track Development, Quarterley will once again be a major presence in the paddock of America’s premier motorcycle road racing series.

Riders from America dominated Grand Prix and World Superbike racing in the 1980s into the early ‘90s, but the fortunes of American born and bred road racers has suffered a major downturn in recent years, to the point that there are no American riders in MotoGP in 2016.

Quarterley would like to see that change and with the formation of his racing team, he’s doing more than just giving lip service to putting Americans back on top on the world stage.

“We’ve all watched the roll of American riders in world championship racing diminish over the years,” Quarterley said. “The goal with our team is to help young riders develop, and giving them the backing and experience of a team of people who knows what it takes to become champions.”

When he retired from AMA Superbike racing in the mid-1990s, Quarterley was the leading privateer in the history of the series. He’d compiled more points-paying finishes than any other rider in Superbike and won championships in Pro Twins and AMA Endurance Racing. He was also one of the few privateer riders of the era to win an AMA Superbike National.

As owner/rider Quarterley had to bring a complete skillset to be successful, not only as a rider, but as a mechanic and procurer of sponsors. He was successful on every level, fielding a Superbike team in Team Mirage in the 1990s that was nearly on par with the factory teams. He also helped bring in one of the most highly-visible outside-the-industry sponsors ever in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

With Quarterley’s 35 years of motorsports experience and success, the new Quarterley Racing On Track Development, even though they are a new squad, hope to be competitive in short order.

And it’s not just Quarterley experience the team is bringing to the table. Ron Barrick will be crew chief for Anthony Kosinski with the Quarterley team’s Superstock 1000 effort. Longtime racing observers will remember Barrick’s enormous success as crew chief for multi-time AMA National Road Racing Champion, the late-great Randy Renfrow. Just as Quarterley did in his racing days, the team of Renfrow and Barrick competed and won against much better funded factory and factory-supported teams.

“Ron knows how to make a lot out of a little,” Quarterley commented. “I went up against him and Randy and saw firsthand how professional and consistent of a team they ran. It will be great to have someone of Ron’s background bring that experience and know-how to our new team.”

Quarterley Racing will field a three-rider team with Benjamin Smith and Draik Beauchamp racing in the KTM RC Cup along with Kosinski in the Superstock 1000 class. The team is based out of Mooresville, North Carolina.

“We’re looking forward to adding another solid team to the MotoAmerica paddock,” Quarterley concluded. “The ultimate goal is to do our part to bring American motorcycle road racing back to the level of excellence we had in the past and help our young riders have a clearer path to the next level.”

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Quarterley Racing On Track Development Rider Bios

Benjamin Smith – No. 118

Smith made a late-season KTM Cup debut last year in New Jersey and was impressive with a fourth in race one. This will be the first full season racing the KTM RC Cup Series for Smith.

Quarterley Racing On Track Development, KTM RC Cup

Benjamin Smith cut his teeth club road racing on East Coast tracks for the last couple of seasons. He earned a number of victories and scored a CCS regional title along the way. Smith showed his was ready for prime time when he entered the KTM RC Cup race at New Jersey Motorsports Park last September and scored a solid fourth-place finish in his MotoAmerica debut.

Birthday May 29, 2000

Birthplace Glenmoore, Pa

Hometown Glenmoore, Pa

Height 5’ 8”

Weight 125 lbs.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Benjamin-Smith-Road-Racing-955196414576534/?fref=ts

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Draik Beauchamp – No. 771

A WERA National Champion in 2015, Beauchamp will make his MotoAmerica debut in 2016 with the Quarterley Racing On Track Development racing in the KTM RC Cup Series.

Quarterley Racing On Track Development, KTM RC Cup

Draik Beauchamp’s road racing career began at age five on pocketbikes. Also did a little flat track as a youth. Later he moved to Mini-Motard and eventually to club road racing with WERA. Raced a Honda RS125 GP bike in WERA and later moved to a Kawasaki Ninja 250 and last year moved up to racing a Suzuki SV650. In 2015 he won five regional titles and earned the WERA Lightweight Twin Superstock Expert National Championship.

Birthday Jan. 11, 2000

Birthplace Terre Haute, IN

Hometown Knoxville, TN

Height 5’ 10”

Weight 136 lbs.

Website www.thedraik77.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/TheDraik77/115213881854281

Twitter @TheDraik77

Instagram @TheDraik77

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/TheDraik77/

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Anthony Kosinski – No. 603

Kosinski went from novice club racer to pro in short order and made his MotoAmerica debut in 2015 at New Jersey where he scored and 8th and 11th in Superstock 1000.

Quarterley Racing On Track Development, Superstock 1000

This will be his sophomore MotoAmerica season for Kosinski after racing in one event last season. He is being coached by the great ex-Superbike racer Dale Quarterley. Was an amateur club racer in CCS as recently as 2014, but then turned expert and scored an Expert GTO victory a week before debuting in MotoAmerica at New Jersey. Kosinski is an aerial survey pilot.

Birthday June 3, 1991

Birthplace Mishawaka, IN

Hometown Philadelphia, PA

Height 6’ 2”

Weight 190 lbs.

Website www.kosiracingteam.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kosiracing

Twitter @kosi_racing

Instagram @anthony_kosinski

Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/kosiracing/videos

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Quarterley Racing On Track Development Staff Bios

Dale Quarterley - Team Owner/DirectorDale Quarterley made his name as a hard-nosed, independent racer who shook up AMA Superbike racing with his memorable performances in the 1980s and ‘90s. Over the years Quarterley evolved from his early 1980s persona as an ultra-aggressive rider with tons of raw talent, until by the ‘90s he was viewed as a shrewd champion who not only raced with passion, but ran one of the leading independent teams in the history of AMA Superbike.

Quarterley won the AMA Pro Twins Championship in 1988 and was part of three championship-winning AMA Endurance racing teams (Lockhart Racing in 1987 and Dutchman Racing in 1989 and 1990). In 1993 Quarterley became one of the few non-factory riders in series history to win an AMA Superbike race, when he won the national at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 1993.

By the mid-1990s Quarterley began a successful transition from motorcycle racing to stock cars. Quarterley became one of the brightest driving talents in the NASCAR Busch North Series was one of select elite drivers in the history of the Busch North Series to obtain race wins at a short track, superspeedway and road course.

Quarterley now returns to the MotoAmerica paddock in 2016 to oversee the new Quarterley Racing On Track Development team. The team is dedicated to develop American racing talent and give young riders an early boost in order to see America eventually return to prominence in world championship racing.

Ron Barrick – Crew Chief Ron Barrick joins Quarterley Racing On Track Development as crew chief for Anthony Kosinski.

An accomplished racer in his own right, Barrick has a strong track record in the racing industry both internationally and in the United States. His credentials range from Grand Prix race mechanic for former AMA Superbike Champion Bubba Shobert, crew chief for former AMA Pro Twins Champion Dale Quarterley and crew chief for former AMA Formula I and 250 Grand Prix Champion Randy Renfrow and has earned Tuner of the Year awards from the AMA and the Mid-Atlantic Road Racing Club.

The pairing of Quarterley and Barrick is a reunion since the two worked together in 1993 when Quarterley experienced his best year in AMA Superbike, finishing the season ranked second.

Barrick brings a wealth of experience to the team, not only as a top-notch mechanic and crew chief, but also with the knowledge gained by working within the upper echelons of road racing to improve and standardize international rules, procedures and regulations. As AMA Superbike Series Manager from 1994 – 2007 and a member of the FIM Road Racing Commission from 1995 – 2007, Barrick has interacted with members of the industry at the highest level, including Motorcycle Sport Manufacturer’s Association (MSMA), DORNA (Moto GP promoter), FG Sport (World Superbike promoter) and officials from other major national motorcycling federations.

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1/4LEY RACING
206 PERFORMANCE RD
MOORESVILLE, NC 28115
DQTRLEY
@AOL.COM
Tel: 413-218-6464

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

AMA Opens Licensing Application Process for MotoAmerica Road Racing Series, KTM RC Cup Schedule Released







MotoAmerica race license processing available 

KTM RC Cup schedule announced

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- January 20, 2015 --The American Motorcyclist Association has opened the license application process for all MotoAmerica-eligible road-racing classes. MotoAmerica is the new home of the AMA Superbike Series.

Riders can submit their license applications through the AMA website at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Racing/RoadRacing/RoadRacingLicense.aspx, which also includes AMA/FIM North America road-racing license criteria and national number procedures.

License criteria were announced on Jan. 8. Licenses include:
  • Superbike license, which will allow a rider to compete in the Superbike, Superstock 1000 and Supersport classes
  • Supersport license, which will allow a rider to compete in Supersport
  • Superstock 600 license, which will allow a rider to race in the Superstock 600 and KTM RC Cup classes
  • Superstock Limited license, which will allow a rider to race in the KTM RC Cup
In addition, the AMA and MotoAmerica have identified the rounds of the championship series that will feature KTM RC Cup competition. Announced last November, the KTM RC Cup is a new spec class that will feature the KTM RC 390.

The spec class is designed to develop youth road-racing talent in the United States. The class will be open to racers age 14 to 22 with sufficient road-racing experience to compete on this premier stage.

"The partnership that KTM has created with the AMA and MotoAmerica has provided an opportunity for KTM RC Cup competitors to compete in a professional environment to launch their road-racing careers," said KTM North America Director of Product Development and Product Marketing John Hinz. "We are excited to offer the RC Cup at key venues across the nation to give more riders a chance to participate in this new and exciting series."

KTM RC 390 price, availability and purchasing information will be announced shortly by KTM North America Inc.

2015 AMA MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Schedule

(Provisional; subject to change)

May 29-31: Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.
June 12-14: Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Ala.
June 26-28: Miller Motorsports Park, Tooele, Utah
July 17-19: Laguna Seca, Monterey, Calif. (World Superbike support race; one race only)
Sept. 11-13: New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, N.J.

 
 
About MotoAmerica
 
MotoAmerica is the new North American road-racing series created in 2014. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Fame Inductee Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner.
 
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

AMA Announces Sunoco as Spec Fuel for MotoAmerica Road Racing Series







AMA announces spec fuel for MotoAmerica

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- January 20, 2015 -- The AMA and MotoAmerica, the new home of the AMA Superbike Series, have announced an update to the 2015 rulebook regarding spec fuel.

Sunoco RMR has been named as the controlled fuel for all classes in the series. Sunoco RMR is available throughout the country and will be available at MotoAmerica race events. Participants can go to www.racegas.com/fuelfinder to find the nearest distributer.  

The updated rules are available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/racing/roadracing/roadracingrules.aspx.
 
About MotoAmerica
 
MotoAmerica is the new North American road racing series created in 2014. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Fame Inductee Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner.
 
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

Thursday, January 8, 2015

AMA & MotoAmerica Release Licensing & Rider Number Guidelines for 2015 Professional Road Racing Season







AMA issues licensing requirements and rider number procedures for MotoAmerica


PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- January 8, 2015 --The AMA and MotoAmerica, the new home of the AMA Superbike Series, have announced the four classifications of licenses for the MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North America Road Racing Series: Superbike, Supersport, Superstock 600 and Superstock Limited.

The licenses are as follows:

  • Superbike license will allow a rider to compete in the Superbike, Superstock 1000 and Supersport classes
  • Supersport license will allow a rider to compete in Supersport
  • Superstock 600 license will allow a rider to race in the Superstock 600 and KTM RC Cup classes *
  • Superstock Limited license will allow a rider to race in the KTM RC Cup**
*Riders who have finished in the top 15 in championship points in any prior AMA road racing season in a class other than AMA Pro Supersport or Red Bull Rookies Cup, and riders who have won two National 600cc Superstock Championships are not eligible for a Superstock 600 license. In addition, riders who have won a National 600cc Superstock Championship retain only two additional years of eligibility in Superstock 600.

**Riders who have held a Daytona SportBike or Superbike license may not possess a Superstock Limited license. Riders who have finished in the top 15 in championship points in any prior AMA road racing season or in Red Bull Rookies Cup competition may not be eligible. In addition, riders who have won a KTM RC Cup Championship and reached the age of 16 retain only two additional years of eligibility in KTM RC Cup competition. Riders who have won two KTM RC Cup Championships and have reached the age of 16 are no longer eligible for the class.
 
Riders who are new applicants or want to change AMA/FIM North America license classification will compete under a probationary period of two race weekends. AMA/FIMNA will evaluate the applicant's performance during that period to determine eligibility in the requested category.

National rider numbers between 1 and 99 will be assigned upon request to riders who have participated in at least one-fifth of the races and earned a minimum of one point during the previous season. New riders, or those not meeting the criteria for a national number, will be assigned a three-digit number.
 
Every effort will be made to allow riders to retain their current career numbers until that eligibility is no longer earned.

The full AMA/FIM America Road Racing License criteria and national number procedures are available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Racing/RoadRacing/RoadRacingLicense.aspx.
 
About MotoAmerica
 
MotoAmerica is the new North American road racing series created in 2014. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Fame Inductee Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner.
 
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





Friday, December 26, 2014

AMA & MotoAmerica Announce Updated Rules for 2015 Road Racing Series







AMA announces rule updates for MotoAmerica 2015

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- December 23, 2014 -- The AMA and MotoAmerica, the new home of the AMA Superbike Series, have announced updates to the rulebook for MotoAmerica, an AMA national championship series and an FIM North America championship. The changes include adding weight to motorcycles in the Superstock 1000 class and a change to the spare-motorcycle requirement in the Supersport class.

The updated rules are available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/racing/roadracing/roadracingrules.aspx.

To match the recently released FIM Superstock rules, motorcycles competing in the Superstock 1000 class must now weigh a minimum of 170 kilograms (374 pounds) -- up from the previously announced weight of 168 kilograms (369.6 pounds). Additionally, motorcycles competing in Supersport and Superstock 600 must comply with a new lowered Superstock Kit ECU price cap of Euro 2,500.

The AMA has also made a change to its spare-motorcycle requirement in the Supersport class with riders and teams now permitted to use their backup motorcycles in the warm-up sessions. Previously, the spare motorcycle could not be used in any practice/warm-up sessions. Teams and riders must, however, declare their primary and spare motorcycles during the initial tech inspection and prior to any on-track activities.

Additionally, the AMA has created an Annex A to all classes, which is basically a rule-change list. Teams and riders can now refer to the Annex A list to more easily track rule changes.

The AMA will also publish approved equipment lists and requirements for suspension and electronics. There will be no fees associated with the application to include components to the approved equipment lists; and there will be no approved equipment lists other than the aforementioned suspension and electronics lists. To receive an application, please submit your request to technicaldirector@motoamerica.com.
 
About MotoAmerica
 
MotoAmerica is the new North American road racing series created in 2014. MotoAmerica is an affiliate of KRAVE Group LLC, a partnership that includes three-time 500cc World Champion, two-time AMA Superbike Champion, and AMA Hall of Fame Inductee Wayne Rainey, ex-racer and former manager of Team Roberts Chuck Aksland, motorsports marketing executive Terry Karges, and businessman Richard Varner.
 
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

Friday, December 12, 2014

MotoAmerica, AMA and Several Road Racing Groups Meet in Ohio to Discuss Future of Road Racing in America







Groups explore areas of cooperation for advancing road racing in America 

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- December 12, 2014 -- Representatives from the American Motorcyclist Association, MotoAmerica and seven regional and amateur road racing organizations met at AMA headquarters on Thursday, Dec. 11, to discuss ways they can work together to improve road racing in America.

"The AMA is committed to creating a brighter future for all levels of road racing competition," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "MotoAmerica is demonstrating exceptional dedication with respect to the professional national and continental championship series. This meeting was an important step to extend that level of collaboration to the grassroots level, where tomorrow's stars will get their first taste of competitive road racing."

MotoAmerica principals Wayne Rainey and Chuck Askland attended the meeting, as well as MotoAmerica Race Operations Manager Niccole Cox. 

In addition to Dingman, the AMA was represented by Chief Operations Officer Jeff Massey, Racing Director Bill Cumbow, Director of Pro Racing Relations Kevin Crowther and Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. 

Representatives from other road racing groups included Evelyne and Sean Clarke from WERA Motorcycle Roadracing; Kevin Elliot, president of ASRA/Championship Cup Series; Greg Nulman, owner, and Mana Claus, timing and scoring, with Moto West Grand Prix; Walter Walker, director of competition for the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association; Dana Wilson with the Utah Sport Bike Association; Jim Wilson, president of the Motorcycle Roadracing Association; and Berto Wooldridge, president of the American Federation of Motorcyclists. 

"Our goal is to create a better path from the amateur ranks to national championship competition and, ultimately, to help American riders ascend to the MotoGP World Championship," said Rainey, a three-time world champion and an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer. "That work begins at the club level. The more cooperation and standardization that we can create across the board, the easier it will be for amateur racers to one day become pros in MotoAmerica." 






L-R: Mana Claus (MWGP), Walter Walker (CMRA), Ken Saillant (AMA), Berto Wooldridge (AFM), Greg Nulman (MWGP), Niccole Cox (MotoAmerica), Dana Wilson (USBA), Kevin Elliot (ASRA/CSS), Wayne Rainey (MotoAmerica), Kevin Crowther (AMA), Sean and Evelyne Clarke (WERA), Rob Dingman (AMA), Jim Wilson (MRA), Chuck Askland (MotoAmerica), Jeff Massey (AMA), Bill Cumbow (AMA). Photo: Jeff Guciardo/AMA.





Askland reported that the industry has expressed ongoing support for MotoAmerica's progress. He asked the other organizations in attendance to work closely with the AMA to build a framework for long-term viability. 

"We also want to create value for the sport," Askland said. "If all of our organizations can be aligned on key classes, develop standardized race procedures and work together to homogenize certain rules, the foundation will be in place for sustainable success."

Representatives examined several ways they can work together. In addition to classes and race procedures, discussions included license processing, technology sharing and racer promotions.

As part of its responsibilities as the sanctioning body for professional road racing in America, the AMA licenses riders and manages the advancement process. In addition, as the U.S. affiliate of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme and a member of FIM North America, the AMA administers MotoAmerica's FIM North America Continental Union sanction.

MotoAmerica, with consultation of the AMA, is responsible for maintaining a competitive and commercially viable class structure, drafting the rules of competition and event procedures, selling series sponsorships, negotiating with tracks, processing crew and media credentials, and engaging with fans. 

The AMA will announce licensing criteria and procedures soon at www.americanmotorcyclist.com. 

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



Friday, September 19, 2014

AMA Pro Road Racing Reviews Season Finale Round of AMA Pro SuperSport Series from NJMP








Gillim claims first AMA Pro SuperSport title following epic battle with Dominguez

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 19, 2014) - Hayden Gillim emerged as AMA Pro SuperSport champion at the Kawasaki Devil's Showdown at New Jersey Motorsports Park last weekend. Gillim, who had finished second in the points four straight years in his various AMA Pro attempts and three times in AMA Pro SuperSport, had his hands full with Dustin Dominguez, and the battle for the title in 2014 was a true showdown.
 
The racing was very close - typical of the AMA Pro SuperSport class. Gillim had a two-point lead coming into the event and left with the same margin after he and Dominguez split wins in the Garden State.
 
"The last three years I have finished short, and to finally to come out to battle for wins every weekend and battle with Dustin, Corey (Alexander) and Wyatt (Farris) and everybody is fantastic. I was finally able to get the No. 1 plate," Gillim said. The TOBC Racing pilot won on Saturday in a shortened wet race and set himself up for a scenario where he only needed to follow Dominguez and the Houston Superbikes entry on Sunday. Gillim gave it his best shot to shot at the win in the finale but his second was more than enough to take the crown.
 
Hayden Gillim on the #69 TOBC Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 won the AMA Pro SuperSport Series Championship over title rival Dustin Dominguez on the #68 HSBK Racing Yamaha YZF-R6 by a scant two points, with both earning wins in the season finale at NJMP last weekend. For the year, Gillim earned three wins and nine podiums to Dominguez' four wins and eight podiums. AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson.
 
 
On Saturday, Gillim got off to a solid start, trailing Mark Miller, Jr., on the Mar Del Racing machine. Dominguez was third early, but was cautious in the slightly damp conditions. The Oklahoman upped his pace and was the fastest man on the track as the contest approached the midpoint, but he needed to make up serious ground. Gillim worked past Miller and pulled away. Dominguez made his way to second by lap eight. The conditions worsened throughout the race and as the leaders were working lap 10, the a red flag flew. Multiple riders, including several fighting inside the top ten, crashed as the rain picked up. The race was called since the stoppage came after the halfway point. Gillim was the winner ahead of Dominguez and Miller. "The first couple of laps felt really good," said Gillim. "But (the rain) started getting thicker and thicker."
 
On Sunday, polesitter Dominguez got away second behind Gillim and was able to run strong. Even though Gillim was much friskier than one might expect from a rider just needing to finish second, Dominguez was in a good position and put pressure on Gillim early. Eventually Dominguez took the lead and seemed to have a little more than Gillim. Unfortunately for Dominguez, no other rider could join the fray and Gillim stayed on two wheels. Dominguez won the 16-lapper but it was not enough and he ended up two points short in the title chase. "This is probably the most depressing win I've ever had but it's a win and that's good. I was trying to push (Gillim) into making a mistake and he never did. He rode a great race. At the end I decided to pick it up a bit," said Dominguez.
 
Gillim admitted the championship wasn't the only thing on his mind. "The strategy was to win. It always is," said Gillim. "The first few laps, I was pushing as hard as I could. We were having a really good battle."
 
Miller had a great weekend, earning third and fifth. The Maryland native has performed well in AMA Pro competition before, but led Race 1 extensively and was rewarded with his best weekend yet on the Mar Del Racing Yamaha. "It was amazing to be on the podium with these guys, a dream come true," said Miller.
 
Wyatt Farris also earned the podium the next day. Farris fought in the second group on Saturday on his way to fourth but upped his pace in the dry. Farris also finished a clear third in points in a season where he learned plenty. Farris seemed to be involved in close battles all year, a great situation for the young Californian on the Celtic/HVMC Suzuki. "It was kind of a crazy race, I didn't spend too much time with the harder tire and by the time I came to grips with it, they had gotten away," said Farris, who described his season as solid. "It's good to finish the year on the box."
 
The final championship picture emerged with the checkered flag on Sunday.
 
Reigning East champ Corey Alexander saw his season slip away late. A couple of tough rounds meant he was out of the title fight. The other Celtic/HVMC pilot won the first three races but was only 23rd and sixth in New Jersey. Alexander held off young ace Kaleb De Keyrel for fourth place by a single point. De Keyrel and his De Keyrel Racing team rallied on Sunday to jump five spots to fourth place. The 17 year-old earned a podium in 2014 and made a big leap from his first year in class.
 
Jason Aguilar, another youngster, took sixth in the final points. The Tuned Industries pilot put together the solid season in his first year on the tour. Aguilar's best moment was his third place at Road America. Race Worx USA's JC Camacho was solidly inside the top ten all year long and took seventh in points. The Texan earned seven top tens in 2014. Three young riders filled the last spots in the point standings, with Cody Wyman (Harv's Harley-Davidson) leading Excel Racing's Conner Blevins and TOBC Racing's Curtis Murray home.
 
Riders impressing in New Jersey included Justin Jones. The Showtime Inc., pilot was fifth on Saturday. Escalante Racing's Richie Escalante, from Mexico, took sixth and seventh. Florida's Tim Hunt earned another eighth place.
 
Gillim was a fitting champion in another exciting year for the class. Having given it a great shot in previous campaigns, Gillim's conquest serves as a testament to perseverance and hard racing. 
 
Photos

Saturday
Sunday

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,






Thursday, September 18, 2014

AMA Pro Road Racing Reviews Season Finale Round of AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Series from NJMP








Gagne continues his rise to the top by winning AMA Pro Road Racing GoPro Daytona SportBike championship

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 18, 2014) - At New Jersey, Jake Gagne wrapped up his first AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike championship, winning one race and finishing second in the other in last weekend's doubleheader. Gagne marked his stamp on the 2014 season as he continues the upward trajectory of his racing career.
 
Gagne showed up at the Kawasaki Devil's Showdown at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the midst of a close title fight with a hot young rider and left the Garden State after making a statement in a pressure-filled weekend. No stranger to championship hunts, the RoadRace Factory/Red Bull pilot previously won the highly contested Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in Europe. He showed up at New Jersey calm and collected then went about his business in his usual professional manner. The season was especially competitive, with five riders winning races and a dozen or more racers capable of putting their machine on the podium at any race. Gagne was consistently quick and it paid off over the course of the year. Gagne won when he could (with three victories, tied for the most in class) but grabbed maximum points when he couldn't.
 
Several riders experienced hot streaks along the way, but the Californian finished first or second in the last four races, when it counted most. His combination of speed and temperament paid off big time. Gagne may have given the impression everything was smooth, but it wasn't always. The team changed to Penske suspension before the season, so previous data wasn't necessarily relevant. Gagne also had arm pump issues early and had surgery following the Alabama round.
 
Jake Gagne on the #32 RoadRace Factory/Red Bull Yamaha YZF-R6 clinched the 2014 AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Series championship last weekend, ending the season with three wins and eight podiums out of the 10 races held this season. AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson.
 
 
In New Jersey, Gagne took second place to Dane Westby in the first race, clinching the championship when second place points man Jake Lewis had bike issues during the red flag. On Sunday, he won in the dry to end the season in style. His pace was hot and he grew a gap while riders behind him diced for position. For Gagne, the future is bright, indeed. His smooth riding style should adapt to bigger bikes, too. "It was a huge weight off our shoulders to get it done," said Gagne. "I'm totally stoked for my guys and for the team. This is awesome. I mean, there's no better way to thank your guys for their hard work than by winning the championship. We set out with one goal this season, to win races.  If we did that then the championship would come. We didn't win as many as we wanted (but) in the end we got the championship. Ending the season with a win is amazing," he added after his 2.562-second victory on Sunday. "Dane and Garrett (Gerloff) and those guys were really haulin', and I could see on my pitboard that I needed to turn it up a little bit."
 
Westby also had a huge weekend in New Jersey. 'The Wolverine' grabbed the opportunity to leap to third in points on the Yamalube/Westby Racing entry. His pole, a win on Saturday, and third on Sunday rounded out a great year as Westby cemented his status as a class contender on a brand new team. Westby won three races, equal with Gagne as best in class in 2014. He rebounded from a tough start, with a crash at Daytona while running at the front and then a machine failure in the next race at Road America, to charge up to the top three via some fast riding.
 
Westby said he couldn't sleep the night before Saturday's races. Never a great qualifier, Westby surprisingly put it on pole for the races and then was a demon in the wet, running away on Saturday in both legs of the red-flagged race. "I still have the claws," said the Oklahoman. "It was extremely treacherous out there, even with the rain tires. Until the very end, it was tough even with the bike straight up. Eric Knight, my Ohlins guy, put a new shock in at the last second for the wet conditions. I am glad we had a couple of laps to try things out before the race started. The crew has really worked hard for me all year and this morning they really came through again. They gave me a great bike in the dry and in the wet. I felt like I was on fire."
 
Jake Lewis came into the season eying the title. He and his Motosport.com/Meen Yamaha team entered the weekend trailing by seven points. An unfortunate machine issue left him in pit lane when the race restarted after a red flag and his championship hopes evaporated. Still, it didn't take away from Lewis' season, one that saw him win twice (his first AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike victories) and fight back into the points. The teenager proved he is a hot commodity in the paddock. Lewis charged back on Sunday, fighting for the second spot before ultimately finishing a close fourth.
 
Gerloff closed out the year with fourth on Saturday and second on Sunday. The Yamaha Extended Service/Monster Energy/Graves Yamaha pilot was strong late in Race 2, making his way through Westby and Lewis on the last laps. "That was a fun race, to be in that group with Dane. I was glad to get at the front of those guys and finish second," said Gerloff, sixth in the final standings. "The year didn't go quite the way I'd hoped, but I have to thank my Y.E.S./Monster Energy/Graves/Yamaha team for giving me an awesome R6 all season long."
 
Eslick emerged as fourth in points. The DAYTONA 200 win was a highlight of his season and 'Slick' also took a championship in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series, but a Sunday morning tumble didn't help him hold off Westby in the points. "Crashing the Harley wasn't a good thing. My thumb is sore and my shoulder is pretty banged up," said Eslick.
 
Eslick's fifth and sixth held off JD Beach in the standings. Beach, on board the other Yamaha Extended Service/Monster Energy/Graves Yamaha entry, earned eighth and fifth in New Jersey. J
 
Jake Zemke earned his first podium of the year on Saturday. The veteran made the most of tough conditions to put the M4 Motorcycle Racing squad on the box for the first time in 2014. "It's been a tough year for us and we wanted to get up on the podium before the year was out," said Zemke. "I wanted to get up here to reward all the guys who worked hard all season." Zemke dedicated the performance to his stepson who passed away this spring. He ended the year seventh in points.
 
Castrol/Triumph/Sportbike Track Time's Jason DiSalvo couldn't back up his Mid-Ohio win this time out, but the New York native secured eighth in the championship, ahead of fellow New Yorker Kyle Wyman with Kyle Wyman Racing. Blake Young finished tenth on the GN Gonzalez entry. Young topped the best rookie in class, Tomas Puerta of RoadRace Factory/Red Bull. Another young rider, Joe Roberts of M4 SportBikeTrackGear.com, earned his best result of the year on Saturday with sixth place.
 
Photos

Saturday
Sunday

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,






Wednesday, September 17, 2014

AMA Pro Road Racing Reviews AMA Pro SuperBike Season Finale Round from NJMP








Hayes adds to his legendary status with fourth AMA Pro Road Racing SuperBike title

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2014) - Monster Energy Graves Yamaha's Josh Hayes entered the 2013 AMA Pro SuperBike season on the heels of the most dominant campaign in the history of the series and with his primary threat no longer in the paddock. Seeking an unprecedented fourth-straight premier series crown, Hayes was ultimately upset following a tumultuous season in which he demonstrated the pace to win every single race but still fell short of the title.
 
Hayes came back in 2014 a year closer to 40 and with a new teammate - one even quicker than the man who had just taken his No. 1 plate. After his season got off to another shaky beginning and upstart Cameron Beaubier flashed the potential to be untouchable at times, the end of the Josh Hayes era seemed to be within sight. However, the 39-year-old fought back like the champion he is officially once again, ultimately securing his fourth AMA Pro SuperBike crown in convincing fashion.
 
 
 
 
Josh Hayes on the #4 Monster Energy/Graves Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R1 leads the pack during the season finale round in race #2 at NJMP on Sunday, September 14 and went on to take the win, the 48th of his career in the AMA Pro Superbike Series. Hayes also collected the 2014 Championship on Saturday, his fourth in the series. AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson.
 
 
 
 
Hayes ended his 2014 campaign on Sunday at the Kawasaki Devil's Showdown at New Jersey Motorsports Park by scoring his seventh victory in eleven races, upping his mammoth career tally to 48. Hayes has accumulated his Hall of Fame credentials so thoroughly since finally getting a shot at a factory ride in the SuperBike class, that it's now difficult to remember that only a handful of years ago he was a journeyman rider in his mid-thirties who was repeatedly passed over and seemingly destined to never get a legitimate shot at the class. Now he stands alone in second in virtually every class category of any importance, trailing only the legendary Mat Mladin.
 
Appropriately, Hayes' era began when he closed the door on Mladin's career by winning six of the final eight races that season - Hayes' first as a factory SuperBike rider. He's been the man to beat ever since. "I remember early in 2009, having tears in my eyes because I was racing for eighth for the third weekend in a row," Hayes said. "And within two months I had become the overdog. I was the giant killer. And then all the sudden, I was the giant. As soon as Mat retired, it became 'Who's going to beat Josh?' It's not been completely smooth for five years since then - I've had ups and downs. I've had great challenges and some years that were pretty easy. But I'll always remain motivated to make up for lost time."
 
Hayes demonstrated his continued desire by racing for the win in treacherous conditions on Saturday despite having a title to lock up. The following day, he powered off to the win despite having already clinched the crown. "If somebody takes a race win on me, I want them to feel good about it," Hayes remarked. "I'll always give everything I have - nothing left. I'm never going to give one away. If someone beats me, they earned it. Those are the right things to do and the right way to think about things. There are no gifts. I've never felt like anyone ever handed me anything and I'm not going to cheapen anyone else's experience. If I can maintain the way I feel - reinvigorated and motivated - I think all the things are in place for me to continue at a high level for a long time."
 
Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing's Roger Hayden earned his first victory of the year on Saturday and closed out his season by finishing second - both in the race and in the standings - on Sunday. Hayden was narrowly edged to the stripe by Hayes on Saturday but later awarded the win when Hayes was penalized for passing under yellow. The Kentuckian rewarded Suzuki for making room for him when he was without a gig deep into the offseason by claiming its only SuperBike victory of the year. He also finished strong in general, closing out his first campaign with Yoshimura by ripping off five straight podium placements to edge second Yamaha pilot Beaubier for season runner-up. "I'm really happy with the way the season went," Hayden said. "We've been consistent and fast, and we were on the podium at just about every race. This was our first year together and I'm really proud of my team. I can't thank Yoshimura and Suzuki enough for giving me this opportunity. This weekend was a good way to finish the season, I rode as hard as I could, every lap. This was my first time to finish second in points, and I learned a lot this year. We can all be proud of this."
 
Beaubier ended his up-and-down rookie effort with a pair of crashes but made a huge impression during his first season in the premier class. Beaubier showed the raw speed to beat Hayes on his day and picked up three victories in the process. Hayden's Yoshimura Suzuki teammate Chris Clark also enjoyed a breakthrough season in which he earned his first SuperBike podium. He ultimately edged ADR Motorsports/Sic/Motul Fly Racing's David Anthony - who took a big step forward himself - for fourth in the standings by a single point. "Overall, it was a really incredible year," Clark said. "I felt like we were finally going in the right direction and we became a lot more competitive. There were some changes with my Yoshimura Suzuki crew, our chemistry improved and we were able to communicate really well. I have to thank the whole Yoshimura Suzuki team for opportunity to race and for providing me with a great bike like the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000."
 
Preseason title hopeful Martin Cardenas struggled at times in 2014 but ended the year with a strong podium effort - his fourth of the season - to wind up ranked sixth. "This was a tough weekend," said Cardenas. "The track is very physical. I wanted to finish a little higher on the podium on Sunday but third was the best I could do.  I'm very happy for me and for the Yoshimura Suzuki team to finish on the box."
 
Team AMSOIL Hero EBR's Cory West moved ahead of KTM/HMC Racing's Chris Fillmore to finish seventh as Fillmore again saw a potential first podium ride end in disappointment. Foremost Insurance Pegram Racing's Larry Pegram earned his first podium ride of the season aboard the EBR 1190RS in Saturday's wet race while Proto-Tech Spain's Bernat Martinez secured tenth in the championship with what was easily his most impressive outing of the season.
 
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. The series is comprised of four production-based classes: AMA Pro SuperBike, AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson Series. 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