The Battle for the 2015 AMA Grand National Championship All Comes Down to the Season Finale at the Las Vegas Short Track This Friday, November 20

The final event of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series that everyone has been waiting for over the course of the last two months of inactivity is almost upon us, as the stars of The Rolling Thunder Show get set to duke it out in the season finale event at the Las Vegas Short Track, inside the tight confines of the Orleans Arena to determine who the 2015 AMA Grand National Champion will be this Friday, November 20.

With the title down to the three remaining survivors of the rough and tumble season, defending champion Jared Mees will do his best to stave off the charges of rivals Bryan Smith and Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. to determine who will get to wear that elusive #1 plate for the 2016 season, and with just 20 points separating the three (Mees 188 points, Smith 181 points, Coolbeth 168 points) you can be sure that the battle royale will not only involve the three main men in the chase for the 2015 crown, but the rest of the competitors as well once the riders hit the surface inside the Orleans Arena come Friday afternoon (practice begins 6PM ET/3 PM PT).

In the shot above, riders vie for position coming out of turn 2 during the National main event at round 9 of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series at the Peoria TT on August 16.

In the mix of this dirt-slinging fray are Rob Pearson on the #27 R&R Racing/Country Saloon/Clipper Ind.-sponsored Yamaha YZ450F, Jake Cunningham on the #94K Best Exteriors/Arai Helmets/Motion Pro-backed Yamaha, JD Beach on the #95 Yamaha USA/Victory Circle Graphics/Team 95-sponsored Yamaha, and reigning AMA Grand National Champion Jared Mees on the #1 Montgomeryville Cycle Center/Rogers Racing/National Cycle-backed Honda CRF450R.

Everything that can be said has been said up to this point heading into the final round of the season where riders will take to the track in just over 48 hours of this writing, and if you don't have your bets in and your rider picked to make it happen for you, the time is almost up.

Check out the full press release below from AMA Pro Flat Track to get up to date on the happenings for Friday night. The colored links throughout will take you to the schedule of events for Friday's finale shoot out and to the results page for the Las Vegas event, and FansChoice.TV is the place to go to catch all of the action online. May the best man win!

A huge shout out to all of the riders, teams and sponsors for this year, and the best of luck to everyone this Friday night. Good luck and go get 'em!

AMA Pro Flat Track visits Las Vegas for the Flat Track Season Finale on Friday night, Nov. 20

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 18, 2015) - The battle for the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines championship will end in Las Vegas this Friday night, Nov. 20, on a purpose-built short track inside the dome of the Orleans Arena.

 

Defending champion Jared Mees has put together another monster year and he'll enter the season's final round with a seven point advantage over Bryan Smith and a 20 point edge over Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. in the standings.

 

The rivalry between Mees and Smith this season has been nothing short of fascinating, and the two will duke it out one final time on a track that neither have competed on before. The event format has been specifically tuned to provide a full night of compelling racing on the purpose-built short track, including six GNC1 heat races and a B Main prior to the night's 25-lap main event.

 

Mees will ride the No. 1 Montgomeryville Cycle Center Honda CRF450R in Las Vegas and Smith will pilot the No. 42 Crosley Radio Kawasaki KX450F. Smith, a Mile specialist, will be giving it all he's got in a attempt to claim his first-career Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines championship. If Mees is able to hold off Smith and win the championship, it will be his third title in the premier class in the last four years.

 

Coolbeth is the only other rider besides Mees and Smith in the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines field who has a chance at winning the 2015 championship. Despite being 20 points behind down, he will have an outside chance to win it all on Friday aboard the No. 2 Zanotti Racing Honda CRF450R if the night doesn't play out in favor of Mees or Smith.

 

Aside from the championship fight between the trio of contenders, one of the most intriguing storylines entering the weekend is the return of Brad Baker. Baker was injured during the Black Hills Half-Mile in August and the 2012 GNC1 champion hasn't raced in AMA Pro Flat Track competition in over three months. Baker will ride the No. 6 Brothers Powersports Honda CRF450R on Friday night and again on Saturday during the Superprestigio of the Americas presented by Yamaha.

 

Filling in for Baker during the last four rounds has been Jake Johnson, and the two-time champion has performed very well. Johnson has recorded back-to-back third-place finishes and he'll look to roll some of his momentum into this weekend when he takes to the track aboard the No. 5 Honda CRF450R in Vegas.

 

Sammy Halbert has put together another strong season and he'll enter Vegas sitting fourth in the GNC1 point standings. Prior to last round at Delaware, the Graham, Wash., native hadn't finished outside the top ten in any main event so far this season. Look for the No. 69 Fredericktown Yamaha YZ 450F pilot to maintain consistency in the final races of the season.

Opening ceremonies for Friday's night's AMA Pro Flat Track Season Finale will take place at 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. ET), followed by a full slate of races leading up to the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines championship-deciding 25-lap Main Event at 10:00 p.m. PT (1:00 a.m. ET). All of the action will be live streamed free of charge and in high definition on FansChoice.tv at http://www.fanschoice.tv/watch-live/ama/flat-track.

 

GNC2

 

It has been a year to remember for Davis Fisher. The 17-year-old clinched the GNC2 championship at the penultimate round of the 2015 season with his victory at the Roar on the Shore in Delmar, Del. The second-year competitor entered the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track season as the odds-on favorite to claim the GNC2 championship after coming up one point shy of the title a year ago, and he'll sport the No. 1 plate in Vegas on his Parkinson Brothers Racing Honda CRF450R this Friday for the final event of the season.

 

Although the GNC2 championship is locked up, the next three riders in the standings are all within three points of each other in the standings. Second-place rider Bronson Bauman has 145 points to his credit, Dan Bromley sits in third with 144, and Jamison Minor comes into Last Vegas fourth in the points with 143. The trio of riders have each had outstanding seasons. Bauman has accounted for one victory and four podiums in 2015, and he'll ride the No. 30Z Rod Lake Honda CRF450R in Vegas.

 

Bromley's consecutive runner-up finishes at Indianapolis and Black Hills, combined with his six top-five finishes have him well within striking distance of closing out the year with a runner-up result in the championship. He will ride the No. 54A Bromley Brothers KTM 450SX-F on Friday. Minor, who has qualified for every main event so far in 2015, will be competing for the second spot in the final GNC2 point standings on Friday aboard the No. 27U Roy Built Honda CRF450R in Vegas.

 

The 20-lap GNC2 main event is slated to begin at 9:30 p.m. PT (12:30 a.m. ET). Fans that can't make it to Las Vegas are invited to follow along with all of the live streaming action by logging on to FansChoice.tv at http://www.fanschoice.tv/watch-live/ama/flat-track.

 

Superprestigio of the Americas presented by Yamaha

In addition to watching the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track championship wrap up, flat track fans are in for a double dose of racing action this weekend in Las Vegas. On Saturday night, the Superprestigio of the Americas presented by Yamaha will bring together leading motorcycle racers from various motorcycle-racing disciplines from around the world to compete head-to-head with the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track.

In addition to live streaming on FansChoice.tv, the Superprestigio of the Americas presented by Yamaha will be aired on NBCSN on Sunday, November 29, at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT).

 

For tickets and additional information on this weekend's flat track spectacular in Las Vegas, please go to www.superprestigio.com or call toll free 1-844-722-6453.

About AMA Pro Flat Track:   AMA Pro Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track, please visit www.amaproracing.com/ft/, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or live stream the on-track action on FansChoice.tv.   About AMA Pro Racing:     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.

NBC Sports Set to Broadcast Season Ending Superprestigio of the Americas Race from Vegas on Tape Delay, Sunday, November 29

Great news came down the pipeline last week when it was announced that NBC Sports Network will be broadcasting the season ending Superprestigio of the Americas race in Las Vegas on a tape-delayed basis on Sunday, November 29. The event that pits American AMA Pro Flat Track riders against a diverse field of National and International motorcycle racing stars will be held inside the tight confines of the Orleans Arena this coming Saturday, November 21 in Las Vegas.

You can check here to see where to find NBC Sports Network on your local cable or satellite provider.

In the shot above, riders in the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series get ready to do battle in round 9 of the season at the Peoria TT on August 16.

(L-R) Shayna Texter stands outside of Briar Bauman and tuner/team owner James Hart of the #14 Rod Lake Racing/Drew-Massa Transportation/Arai-sponsored Honda CRF450R, team owner Babe DeMay stands behind rider Dominic Collindres on the #66Y Babe DeMay Racing/Memphis Shades/Yamaha-backed YZ450F, Thomas Englehart holds the bike he helped prepare for rider Chad Cose on the #49 ERT/Rod Lake/Nazzissi Racing-sponsored Honda, AMA Pro Flat Track's Dani Medin interviews Peoria TT record holder Henry Wiles (partially hidden by cameraman) on the #17 Zanotti Racing/Motion Pro/Bell Helmets-backed Honda, while Rogers Racing's tuners Sammy Sweet and multiple championship-winning tuner Kenny Tolbert ready the #1 Montgomeryville Cycle Center/Rogers Racing/SDI-sponsored Honda for their rider and defending AMA Grand National Champion Jared Mees while he makes some final adjustments before the start of the National main event in Thunder Valley.

Also seen on the second row, outside left is Stevie Bonsey on the #80 Cernics Suzuki/Yoshimura/Cliff Racing-backed Suzuki RMZ450.

The Superprestigio of the Americas race this coming Saturday, November 21 promises to be a great event that will no doubt cap off the wonderful season of racing we have seen this year. You can check out the full press release below thanks to SMI and be ready to take in all the action online this Saturday and watching the tape-delayed event in two weeks time. It's guaranteed to be a barn burner full of fun bar banging and tire smoking swapping of places throughout the evening.


Press release courtesy of SMI Promotions, the promoters of the AMA Pro Flat Track Season Finale and the Superprestigio of the Americas

NBC SPORTS NETWORK TO BROADCAST SUPERPRESTIGIO OF THE AMERICAS SUNDAY, NOV. 29 AT 9 P.M. ET

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 10, 2015) – NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will televise the 2015 Superprestigio of the Americas presented by Yamaha motorcycle race on Sunday, November 29, at 9 p.m. ET /6 p.m. PT.

The Superprestigio of the Americas, held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, will bring together motorcycle racers from different disciplines to race together on the same track that will host the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Final the night before in this exciting season-ending doubleheader. Top flat track riders such as defending AMA Pro Grand National Champion Jared Mees and former champs Jake Johnson, Kenny Coolbeth, Jr., Brad Baker and X Games Gold Medalist Bryan Smith will race against road racing champs such as former MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike Champion Josh Hayes and former AMA Supersport Champion Roger Hayden, current MotoAmerica champs Joe Roberts and Jake Gagne as well as more riders to be announced.

“We’re thrilled to be able to showcase the Superprestigio of the Americas to a national audience on NBCSN ,” said SMI President Steve McLaughlin. “It’s a great opportunity to expose a national audience to the excitement of flat track racing. It also provides our riders, their sponsors and the supporters of our event an immense reach to an audience of more than 85 million households on NBCSN.”

The Friday and Saturday night races at the Orleans Arena will be the centerpiece of a full weekend of exiting activities in Las Vegas, including the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Awards Banquet scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

NBCSN’s telecast of the Superprestigio of the Americas is being made possible by sponsorship from Yamaha Motor Corp.,USA, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers, Geico, Saddlemen, Ascot Motorsports, Evans Oil Coolers, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson and Mitas Tires.

NBC Sports Group is the television “home of motorsports” in the U.S., with comprehensive coverage of the NASCAR Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series, the Verizon IndyCar Series and Formula One. NBC Sports Group’s motorsports portfolio also includes the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Red Bull Global RallyCross and the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC), presented by Maxxis.

The Superprestigio of the Americas (SOTA’15) will bring together leading motorcycle racers from various motorcycle-racing disciplines from around the world to compete head to head with the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track on a specially-designed indoor short track at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Nov. 21, 2015. The special race is part of the big Las Vegas doubleheader weekend with the AMA Pro Flat Track finale taking place the night before (Nov. 20, 2015) on the same track. #VegasFT

For additional information go to www.superprestigio.com or call toll free 1-844-722-6453.

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Larry Lawrence
c. (317) 332-3899
SMI Media Rep
Sacramento Mile - May 30
Charlotte Half Mile - Aug 29
Las Vegas Finals - Nov 20
lawrencemedia@hotmail.com

AMA Pro Flat Track to Allow 2015 AMA Pro GNC2 Champion Davis Fisher to Wear #1 Plate at Las Vegas Short Track Season Finale

Davis Fisher set the world of AMA Pro Flat Track racing on fire during the last two seasons in the AMA Pro Pro Singles/GNC2 Championship, nearly winning the title last season only to come up one point short in the end, but this season being able to seal the deal with one round to go at the Delaware Half-Mile.

As a result of him clinching the championship at the Roar on the Shore, and the fact that he will be moving to the GNC1 Championship for the 2016 season, AMA Pro Flat Track will be allowing him to wear the #1 plate at the season finale round of the Las Vegas indoor short track being held at the Orleans Arena this coming Friday, November 20.

Jerry Cameron out of the Beaverton, OR. area where Fisher resides from, was able to get this photo last night of Dashin' Davis' Honda CRF450R with the #1 plate aboard at the season finale short track in Salem, OR. A big tip of the helmet to Jerry!

In the shot above, Dashin' Davis on the #67M Parkinson Brothers Racing/Bob Lanphere Beaverton Motorcycles/Dan Wall Racing-sponsored Honda CRF450R battles with Justin Jones on the #19B RLJ/Elder Trucking/Hollink Motorsports-backed Honda during heat race #2 in the AMA Pro GNC2 Championship series at round 9 of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season at the Peoria TT on August 16.

With the long two-month wait since the last round in Delaware, fans, riders and teams alike are chomping at the bit to get the last race of the season in this Friday in Las Vegas, and the event is looking to be a very competitive one inside the confines of the indoor Orleans Arena facility, and the entry list for both the GNC1 and GNC2 classes are shaping up nicely.

We wish the best to the new champion in the GNC2 class, Davis Fisher, as he heads into his last event as a Pro/GNC2 rider before taking the big step into The Rolling Thunder Show GNC1 class for the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship, and I am sure he won't disappoint either this coming weekend or next season when he moves up to the bigs. Go get 'em man and good luck!

You can check out the full press release below from AMA Pro Flat Track as we await the final round coming up this Friday.

2015 GNC2 Champion Davis Fisher to wear No. 1 plate in Vegas

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 13, 2015) - Davis Fisher clinched the 2015 GNC2 championship after earning the Roar on the Shore victory in dramatic fashion last round in Delaware. On Nov. 20 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Fisher will sport the No. 1 plate on his Parkinson Brothers Racing Honda CRF450R during AMA Pro Flat Track's final round of competition in 2015.

 

The No. 1 plate is typically reserved for the defending champion in each of AMA Pro Flat Track's classes. However, since there is not an active defending champion in the GNC2 class this season, Fisher has been granted the right to wear the heavily sought-after No. 1 plate on his motorcycle at the AMA Pro Flat Track season finale.

 

"It feels great to be able to run the No. 1 in Vegas," said Fisher. "It will be really cool because I'm able to show what I have earned by wrapping up the GNC2 championship early and there is no deciding factor in Vegas. It feels even better knowing that I have accomplished this after missing the championship by a single point in 2014."

 

 

 

Davis Fisher #67M on the Parkinson Brothers Racing Kawasaki leads Andrew Luker on the #11Z Kennedy Racing XR750 during a qualifying round at the Springfield Mile II on September 6. Fisher, who clinched the GNC2 Championship at the Delaware Half-Mile, will be granted the right to wear the #1 plate in his final GNC2 race at the Las Vegas Short Track Season Finale this coming Friday, November 20. AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Last season, Michigan-native Kyle Johnson topped Fisher by just one point to claim the GNC2 championship before stepping up to the elite Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines class. It was Fisher's championship to lose heading into 2015, and the Oregonian didn't disappoint.

 

Like many riders who win the GNC2 championship, Fisher plans to graduate to the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines ranks next season. This rising star is sure to impress when he matches up against the best flat track racers in the world in 2016.

 

The Flat Track Season Finale will take place on a specially-designed indoor short track at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday night, Nov. 20. The Superprestigio of the Americas will take place on the following night, Nov. 21, bringing together leading racers from various motorcycle-racing disciplines to compete head to head with the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track.

 

To purchase tickets for the Flat Track Season Finale or the Superprestigio of the Americas, please visit www.superprestigio.com. If you can't make it to Vegas, be sure to tune in to the FansChoice.tv broadcast at www.fanschoice.tv/watch-live/ama/flat-track or watch the cable broadcast of the event on NBC Sports Network the following weekend on Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT).

About AMA Pro Flat Track:   AMA Pro Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track, please visit www.amaproracing.com/ft/, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or live stream the on-track action on FansChoice.tv.   About AMA Pro Racing:     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.

SMI Announces Yamaha as Presenting Sponsor of the Superprestigio of the Americas Race in Las Vegas on November 21

Former AMA Superbike pilot and SMI president Steve McLaughlin announced last week that Yamaha has been brought on board as the presenting sponsor of the Superprestigio of the Americas race scheduled at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, November 21.

With their long-storied history in the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship, it will be great to see the crossed tuning forks brand back alongside the greatest racing show on two wheels in the world when this big event rolls off and pits former champions of different disciplines against the stars and heroes of The Rolling Thunder Show within the tight confines of the indoor Orleans Arena facility.

In the shot above, former racer and championship-winning tuner Babe DeMay and team work on DeMay's brilliant blue #66Y Babe DeMay Racing/Memphis Shades/Yamaha/Motorcycle-Superstore-sponsored Yamaha FZ07 of rider Dominic Collindres in preparation for the Springfield Mile II in round 11 of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series on September 6.

DeMay, with limited funding from Yamaha, built a nearly-stock GNC1-spec half-mile and mile racer based around the popular FZ07 parallel twin, and in the team's first outing this season saw some decent results once Collindres got settled into the role of the team's rider. With Cory Texter starting out in the saddle, Collindres, the former GNC2/Pro Singles Peoria TT winner, took over the ride at the end of June at the Lima Half-Mile. In the three events that he qualified for, the first year expert managed impressive finishes of 14th-place (Lima), 13th-place (Black Hills) and just missed out on a podium finish with a 4th-place finish (Delaware) aboard the trick looking machine.

Collindres (and tuner to the stars DeMay) did a great job in bringing Yamaha back into the spotlight this season, and also pulled out a superb 3rd-place finish aboard DeMay's Yamaha YZ450F Singles mount at the Peoria TT in early August while also winning his heat and besting defending AMA Grand National Champ Jared Mees in the process.

Yamaha had most recently announced the unveiling of their prototype Yamaha FZ07 flat tracker at the AIMExpo in Orlando last month, but weren't ready to admit whether or not they would be hitting the track with it for the 2016 season. Rumors have been swirling since late spring that they had talked to several riders about possibly contesting a factory-backed team in the Grand National Championship, among them former 2-Time AMA Grand National Champion Jake Johnson. It would only be fitting to see them come back to the sport in an assault involving Johnson, who is known as a great development rider and a bring-it-home type of racer throughout his illustrious career in the sport. We'll see and we can only hope!

With Yamaha being announced as the presenting sponsor in Vegas, maybe this will help to spur them along in getting back to the track with a full factory assault on the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series. Keep your fingers crossed!

Check out the full press release below, and if you are in the Vegas area over the November 20-21 weekend, be sure to get to the Orleans Arena to see the AMA Pro Flat Track Finals on November 20 and the Superprestigio of the Americas race on November 21. You won't be disappointed.


Press release courtesy of SMI, the promoters of the Superprestigio of the Americas race in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, November 21.

YAMAHA NAMED PRESENTING SPONSOR OF SUPERPRESTIGIO OF THE AMERICAS

LAS VEGAS (NOV. 4, 2015) – SMI is proud to announce that Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA will be the presenting sponsor of the inaugural running of the Superprestigio of the Americas on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

“We’re thrilled to bring Yamaha on board as a presenting sponsor of the Superprestigio of the Americas,” said SMI President Steve McLaughlin. “Having a company so steeped in racing tradition makes them a natural partner to launch what we hope will become one of the premier motorcycle racing events in the country. Yamaha and racing are almost synonymous and it’s a great honor to have them as presenter of the first Superprestigio of the Americas.”

The first ever Superprestigio of the Americas (SOTA’15) will bring together top racers from varying racing disciplines to race head to head against AMA Pro Flat Track racing’s leading riders in a big two-day season-ending event at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Running the day before the Superprestigio of the Americas, on Friday, Nov. 20 at the Orleans Arena, will be the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship finale where the 2015 AMA Pro Grand National Champion will be crowned.

Yamaha has a rich history in AMA Grand National Flat Track racing highlighted by AMA Grand National Championships won by legendary Hall of Famer Kenny Roberts in 1973 and ’74. The Yamaha TZ700-based flat track motorcycle remains one of the most unforgettable machines ever raced in the history of AMA Grand National competition. Kenny Roberts reuniting with the TZ and doing exhibition laps at racing speed at the Indy Mile during Indianapolis MotoGP weekend in 2009, instantly became an iconic moment in the history of flat track racing.

Last month Yamaha thrilled show goers at AIMExpo 2015 by unveiling its Yamaha DT-07 Flat Track concept bike. The machine, powered by a Yamaha FZ-07 engine, was the hit of the show. This summer an FZ-07-based machine built by Babe DeMay showed great promise in flat track competition. Dominic Colindres won a Grand National Heat race at the Roar on the Shore Grand National in Delmar, Del., in September and went on to score an excellent fourth-place finish in the national.

“Yamaha is very excited to be a part of the Superprestigio of the Americas,” said Yamaha’s Communications General Manager Bob Starr. “We love the concept of bringing together top riders from various disciplines to compete head to head in this kind of all-star competition. We think the event will be a big success and we’re pleased to be involved particularly during the 60^th Anniversary celebration of Yamaha Motor Company.”

Spots are still open for additional AMA Pro Grand National riders to qualify and some of those won’t be decided until the night before SOTA’15 during the AMA Pro Flat Track final on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, also at the Orleans Arena.  The two riders who win the GNC1 and GNC2 class in the AMA Pro Flat Track final Friday night will also gain participation in the Superprestigio of the Americas. More details to come at www.superprestigio.com.

The Superprestigio of the Americas (SOTA’15) will bring together leading motorcycle racers from various motorcycle-racing disciplines from around the world to compete head to head with the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track on a specially-designed indoor short track at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Nov. 21, 2015. The special race is part of the big Las Vegas doubleheader weekend with the AMA Pro Flat Track finale taking place the night before (Nov. 20, 2015) on the same track. #VegasFT

For additional information go to www.superprestigio.com or call toll free 1-844-722-6453.

 

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Larry Lawrence
c. (317) 332-3899
SMI Media Rep
Sacramento Mile - May 30
Charlotte Half Mile - Aug 29
Las Vegas Finals - Nov 20
lawrencemedia@hotmail.com

 

 

AMA Pro Flat Track & Saddlemen Name Jarod Vanderkooi 2015 Rookie of the Year

Jarod Vanderkooi burst onto the scene in AMA Pro Flat Track in the 2014 season while riding in the former Pro Singles class, winning two points-paying races (Grey's Harbor, Indy) and completely dominating in both runs of the no points-paying Pro Twins races at both Springfield Miles. By the end of the season, he had amassed not only those wins, but four other top-5 and three more top-10 finishes to end the season in the 4th-place spot in the AMA Pro Pro Singles Championship while riding his family-owned and prepped Honda's.

Fast forward one year and the rookie sensation from Ohio was inked alongside Jeffrey Carver, Jr. to ride on the newly revamped Don's Kawasaki team in the newly renamed AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines class. And Vanderkooi accepted the challenge and has had a strong season running against the best of the best in The Rolling Thunder Show.

Although missing two rounds due to not being able to qualify (SF Mile I, Lima), Vanderkooi still has amassed enough points to sit in the 11th-place spot in the championship heading into the final season round in Las Vegas in just shy of three weeks. With two top-5 finishes (Charlotte, Delaware) and two more top-10s to his credit (DuQuoin, SF Mile II), Jarod was able to total enough points ahead of fellow rookie contender Dominic Collindres to garner the nod for the 1st year Expert/GNC1 riders this season.

In the shot above, Vanderkooi works his magic on the #17F Don's Kawasaki/DPC Racing/Floyd Tapp-sponsored Kawasaki EX650 during the second qualifying session at the Lima Half-Mile held at the Allen County Fairgrounds on June 28.

Vanderkooi will be officially announced as the new Rookie of the Year at the season-ending banquet in Las Vegas, and will add his name to a long list of greats to garner that special award like Matt Weidman, Jake Johnson, and Jake Shoemaker, among others. He will receive a special $5K check from Saddlemen for his accomplishments that will help to line his and his team's pockets for their hard-earned efforts for this year's outstanding season.

Check out the full release below thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track, and be sure to put the final round of the season on your calendar for the Flat Track Finals at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, November 20.

Jarod Vanderkooi locks up 2015 Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Award

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 26, 2015) - Jarod Vanderkooi etched his name in AMA Pro Flat Track history by earning the 2015 Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Award after putting together a stellar season competing in the elite Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines class.   The $5,000 Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Award is given to the rookie rider who earns the most points in Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines competition throughout the course of each season, and Vanderkooi will officially receive the award at the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Awards Banquet scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 22 at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. In previous seasons, Brad Baker, Briar Bauman and several other AMA Pro Flat Track riders have earned the prestigious Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Award.   "It means a lot to win the Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Award," said Vanderkooi. "Our goal coming into this season was to finish inside the top ten in as many races as possible and to win this award. To have it wrapped up before the season ended is really cool and it definitely means a lot to me and my team."   Of the 12 main events so far this season, Vanderkooi has qualified for 10 of them, and his 37-point lead over second-best rookie rider Dominic Colindres is insurmountable to overcome with only one round left in the season.             Jarod Vanderkooi is shown on the #17F Don's Kawasaki during action at the Springfield Mile II on September 6. The Ohio resident was announced this week as the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Saddlemen Rookie of the Year. AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Brian J. Nelson.         Vanderkooi got his first taste of Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines competition at the Daytona doubleheader back in March when he finished 14th and 16th to start the season, and after failing to qualify for two of the following three main events at Springfield and Lima, it appeared he was going through some of the common growing pains that most rookie riders struggle with during their first seasons at the highest level of competition.   However, Vanderkooi's "growing pains" didn't last long, as he has qualified for every main event since those two early mishaps and the 17-year-old rookie is looking more and more like a seasoned veteran each time he takes to the track.   As good as the Mt. Gilead, Ohio native has been this year, he has been nothing short of amazing over the course of the last three rounds. Many people would argue that he is tenfold the rider now than he was seven months ago when he suited up for Daytona, and his two top 5's at Charlotte and Delmar are evidence that he is getting acclimated to Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines competition quite nicely.   "My team and I are just learning the bikes a lot more after each round that passes," said Vanderkooi. "Earlier in the year, we didn't know the best setup for our gearing and suspension, but now that we have figured out what works best, I am doing better in the races. We've really gotten it down the past few rounds, I think that is the biggest reason for my success. The biggest difference I'd say between GNC2 and GNC1 is that the GNC1 guys really get off the line quickly. As soon as the lights go green, everybody is going all out. I love it up here and I'm excited to see what the future holds."   Vanderkooi will be gunning for his third top-five performance next month when the stars of the sport gather in Las Vegas for the Flat Track Finale at the Orleans Arena on Nov. 20. Also, since he won the 2015 Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Award, Vanderkooi has been added to the roster for the inaugural running of the Superprestigio of the Americas.    The Superprestigio of the Americas will bring together leading motorcycle racers from various motorcycle-racing disciplines from around the world to compete head to head with the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track on a specially-designed indoor short track at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on Nov. 21, 2015. For tickets and information, please visit http://www.superprestigio.com.

About AMA Pro Flat Track:   AMA Pro Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track, please visit www.amaproracing.com/ft/, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or live stream the on-track action on FansChoice.tv.   About AMA Pro Racing:   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

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Holds 2015 Induction Ceremony in Orlando

The 2015 Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson was held last night in Orlando, FL. as part of the AIM Expo that has been taking place there for the last few days. The new class including former 2-Time World Champion John Kocinski, former 3-Time 500cc World Champion Wayne Rainey, former Ascot AMA Flat Track Champ Alex Jorgensen and the founder of J&P Cycles, John Parham, among others, were inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame during the big ceremony on the east coast of Florida.

In the shot above, former 2-Time World Champion ('90 250cc & '97 World Superbike) & 3-Time AMA 250cc Champion ('87-'89) John Kocinski acknowledges the crowd while being interviewed after taking the win in the Bultaco Cup event at the Springfield Short Track during the Steve Nace AMA National All-Star Flat Track Series event on September 5, 2015 aboard his ultra-sano and hand-built Knight Frame/Honda CR250 'Red Rider' flat tracker. 

Kocinski holds the track record at Perris Speedway in California with this slick machine which is a combination of titanium and carbon fiber, built to the max with help from his father and a combination of race experts in California. To hear this alone sounds like a chain saw on acid with it's big time red line and Kocinski kept it on the pipe all night in winning several events by wide margins against a stacked field of riders including Joe Kopp and Chris Carr.

Kocinski was one of several of the inductees who were enshrined last night in Orlando, and you can check out the full press release below on what went down in Florida during the annual ceremony. A big congrats to all for your accolades last night, they are very well deserved!

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducts six new members, honors one Legend at 2015 induction ceremony

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- October 18, 2015 -- On Saturday, Oct. 17, the American Motorcyclist Association Hall of Fame welcomed the members of the Class of 2015 at the 2015 Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson.

The ceremony, hosted by actor, motorcyclist and AMA board member Perry King, inducted dirt tracker Alex Jorgensen, road racing champion John Kocinski, longtime Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. race team manager Keith McCarty, entrepreneur and industry patron John Parham, off-road racing champion Rodney Smith and former Harley-Davidson CEO Richard Teerlink.  

Also honored was 1999 Hall of Fame inductee and three-time world road racing champion Wayne Rainey as the 2015 AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend, presented by MAG. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legends are existing Hall of Famers who are being recognized for their ongoing contributions to motorcycling.

"A strong future can only be built on a secure historical footing, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is motorcycling's custodian of that history," said AMA Board of Directors Chair Maggie McNally, speaking at the ceremony. "It is the showcase of those who have built the foundation of American motorcycling. Tonight, it's my honor to welcome six more of these amazing individuals into the Hall of Fame."

Following the Hall of Fame VIP Reception, presented by Suzuki, attendees were treated to a video chronicling each inductee's motorcycling accomplishments. Then each new Hall of Fame member was presented with a Hall of Fame ring, sponsored by Zero Motorcycles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2015 (l-r): Rodney Smith, John Parham, Alex Jorgensen, Keith McCarty, John Kocinski (with son) and Richard Teerlink. AMA Hall of Fame photo by Jeff Guciardo.

 

 

 

 

 

"With the greatest resolve, each of these icons has placed an indelible mark on motorcycling's past, present and future," said King, as he closed out the evening's ceremony. "From their motorcycles that set and broke world records, to inventions and innovations that revolutionized an industry, to the stories of hard-fought victories, from the racetrack all the way to the halls of government, each member of the Hall of Fame is an enduring testament to the steadfast and unwavering ability to dream big -- and never look back."

The evening concluded with a roll call for all attending Hall of Fame members to join the class of 2015 on the stage. The tribute drew a standing ovation from the room.

The 2015 Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by Harley-Davidson, was held in conjunction with AIMExpo. The AIMExpo is a diverse powersports event that welcomes members of the industry, motorcycle media and consumers.

Sponsors of the event included title sponsor Yamaha, presenting sponsor Harley-Davidson, reception sponsor Suzuki Motor of America, ring sponsor Zero Motorcycles, and Hall of Fame Legend sponsor Motorsport Aftermarket Group. Platinum level sponsors included American Honda, BMW of North America, GE Capital and Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. Manufacturer Elite sponsors were GEICO Motorcycle, Husqvarna Motorcycles and KTM North America. Motion Pro was an Aftermarket Gold sponsor, and Motul and Rea & Associates were Aftermarket Silver sponsors. Service sponsors included AVIS/Budget, Chet Burks Productions and Federal Motorcycle Transport.

John Kocinski

John Kocinski, who began racing as a teenager, won the AMA 250 Grand Prix Championship in 1987, 1988 and 1989 and took the 1989 600 Supersport win at Daytona International Speedway. In 1990, in his first full season with Team Roberts, he won the 250cc World Championship in Europe, claiming eight pole positions and notching seven wins on tracks he had never seen before. In 1997, he won the World Superbike championship, scoring 10 wins on a Honda RC45, the bike's crowning world title.

Kocinski went on to record 18 AMA 250 GP wins. During his career, he raced on teams that included AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame members David Aldana, Erv Kanemoto, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey, including Team Roberts assembled by Kenny Roberts. He officially retired from racing in 2002. Kocinski was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the Road Racing category.

In his induction speech, Kocinski talked about his long career and how it all began with a spark of inspiration, witnessing legendary tuner Bud Aksland work on a Yamaha TZ250 at Daytona in 1982.

"I really can't thank Bud enough for everything he did for me," Kocinski said. "I would like to thank the AMA for being a world-class federation and giving me a place to hone my skills. I want to thank my family for their sacrifices."

Richard Teerlink

Richard Teerlink was part of the executive team responsible for Harley-Davidson's financial turnaround in the late 1980s. As president and CEO, Teerlink helped establish the company's new mission, values, objectives and strategies. His approach included working closely with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as with union leaders. In addition, he believed a participative approach with dealers, suppliers and riders would lead to the development of mutually beneficial relationships.

Teerlink joined Harley-Davidson in 1981 as chief financial officer. That year, the company posted an operating loss of $15.5 million on revenue of $210 million. When Teerlink retired as chairman and CEO in 1999, Harley posted operating profits of $416 million on revenue of $2.45 billion and held nearly 50 percent of the U.S. market for 650cc and larger motorcycles.

"Joining Harley-Davidson as chief financial officer was a life changing experience," Teerlink said. "As CFO and later as CEO, I was able to meet customers face to face, and share the experience and the camaraderie of the open road. And through the Harley Owners Group, my wife and I have had the opportunity to build relationships with riders, customers and friends from all over the world. To be admitted to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is an honor beyond belief."

Rodney Smith

Rodney Smith started riding motorcycles in the hills of Northern California with his family in the '70s. From there, he blossomed into a local motocross standout and then an international contender. Smith accepted an offer to race in Brazil in 1985 and won five Brazilian national championships. He then moved to the world level and finished third in the 1988 Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme 250cc World Motocross Championships before returning to America in 1990.

Back in the United States, Smith turned his focus to off-road racing, where he became one of the most dominant riders of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Smith won 13 AMA-sanctioned national championship series, including five Grand National Cross Country titles, three AMA National Hare Scrambles titles and five AMA National Reliability Enduro Championships. He also excelled in the International Six Days Enduro, winning multiple gold medals, competing on the premier U.S. Trophy Team and twice earning top-American honors.

"From Day 1 when I was a kid, we were just an average family riding dirt bikes," Smith said. "I never thought in those days, that it would come to this. What a great honor. I never thought I would be up here being inducted into the Hall of Fame."

John Parham

John Parham opened his first shop with a partner in 1975 in his hometown of Anamosa, Iowa. Four years later, he branched out with his wife Jill, starting J. Parham Enterprises. This company came to be known as J&P Cycles. By the 1990s, J&P Cycles had grown into one of the largest motorcycle accessory mail order companies in the world.

Parham stayed on board to run J&P Cycles after selling it to Motorsports Action Group in 2001. At that time, he also focused additional energy and resources on preserving motorcycling history. In 2001, Parham relocated the National Motorcycle Museum to Anamosa, where it has continued to thrive and grow into one of the world's foremost motorcycle museums.

"J&P Cycles was successful because of all of our wonderful employees," Parham said. "Everyone's goal was to provide the best customer service that we could, no matter whether it was to the retail customer, your fellow employees, or the companies we did business with. I wish to thank all of our employees past and present."

Keith McCarty

Keith McCarty's first job as a motorcycle mechanic was for U.S. Suzuki in 1973 for rider Mike Runyard. In 1975-76, he wrenched for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Tony DiStefano, winning two 250cc AMA National Motocross Championships. When the motocross schedule didn't conflict, he worked with the Hall of Fame duo of Erv Kanemoto and Gary Nixon in road racing.

In January 1977, McCarty began his long career with Yamaha as the mechanic for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Bob "Hurricane" Hannah. McCarty has remained in Yamaha's racing division ever since, working as mechanic, supervisor, department manager and, most recently, division manager for all of Yamaha's U.S. racing activities.

McCarty, who lives in Orange, Calif., is known not only for his technical knowledge, but also for inspirational prowess and organizational acumen that transcends racing disciplines, making him not only an asset for Yamaha but also a valued member of the motorcycling community.

"I want to congratulate the other inductees tonight," McCarty said. "I want to thank my Yamaha family. The thing about being in a family is being certain that someone has your back no matter what, though wins and losses. I'm so proud to be a member of the AMA and to receive this honor tonight."

Alex Jorgensen

Alex "Jorgy" Jorgensen exemplifies the talent, skill and diverse abilities that are trademarks of the greatest AMA Grand National competitors in history. Of the handful of riders who have wins in all four dirt-track disciplines -- short track, TT, half mile and mile -- Jorgensen is the only rider who achieved the feat in his first four Grand National wins, while competing on four different motorcycles -- Can-Am, BSA, Norton and Harley-Davidson.

Jorgensen's career boasts a number of special wins. He is the last rider to win an AMA Grand National on a Norton or BSA, both wins coming at Ascot. He earned Can-Am its first AMA Grand National win.

He also logged the first AMA Grand National victory on Rotax's four-stroke single at the Ascot TT. From 1982 to 2004, the Rotax engine would dominate the highest levels of short-track and TT competition. Along with Gary Scott, Jorgensen holds the record of most AMA Grand National wins at Ascot with six.

"I'm very honored to be here tonight," Jorgensen said. "I want to thank all of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers who voted for me. I'm so lucky that I raced motorcycles. It allowed me to meet so many people I wouldn't have. I want to thank the AMA for giving me this chance. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Wayne Rainey

Wayne Rainey was the top World Championship 500cc Grand Prix rider of the early 1990s, winning three consecutive World Championships riding for Yamaha in 1990, 1991 and 1992. In addition to his accomplishments on the world level, Rainey was also a star of AMA Superbike racing during the 1980s, winning that title in 1983 with Kawasaki and again for Honda in 1987.

Following a career-ending injury while leading the Italian Grand Prix in September 1993, Rainey, who also was in the points lead for a fourth straight title at the time, returned to the sport the next year as a team owner and manager. Rainey retired from that role following the 1998 season.

Today, Rainey is the president of MotoAmerica, the AMA and FIM North America championship road racing series. Rainey was the motive force behind the creation of the new series, serving as both its inspiration and most prominent advocate, insisting the series was necessary to prepare today's American road racers for success on the world stage.

Rainey treated the attendees on a heartfelt ride through his life, recounting his career from the time he started racing to his U.S. championships to his world championships, his injury, his return as a team owner, and finally his commitment to MotoAmerica.

"I want to thank the AMA for originally inducting me in '99," Rainey said. "It's pretty cool that everybody here tonight is connected through motorcycles. Anything is possible. To my son, Rex, when you go through the challenges of your life, I hope you see how I dealt with tough times and let that guide you."

 

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.

  

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join  

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