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AMA

PICKERINGTON, Ohio--The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) thanked U.S. Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell for asking media outlets to stop airing a Smokey Bear public service announcement (PSA) that unintentionally implied all all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) pose a fire hazard in national forests.

Kimbell made the request after off-highway vehicle (OHV) organizations, including the AMA, complained that the video not only implied to non-riders that ATVs start forest fires, but also sent a message to OHV riders that they should stay out of the forests during the summer.

"The Advertising Council, U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters put the public service announcement together to educate riders about fire safety," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "But the PSA completely missed the mark and questioned the intentions of responsible OHV riders everywhere."

The PSA in question showed a woman riding an off-road bicycle, approaching two ATV riders at a trailhead. The video then morphed the woman into Smokey Bear, who suggested to the riders that they go home so that they didn't risk starting a forest fire with their machines.

Concerned OHV groups told Kimbell that the PSA should have educated riders about having U.S. Forest Service-approved spark arresters on their machines, and staying on designated trails as ways to prevent forest fires. Spark arresters are original equipment on new ATVs and are provided by aftermarket manufacturers for exhaust systems intended for trail riding.

AMA Government Affairs Manager Royce Wood and Duane Taylor, government relations specialist with the Motorcycle Industry Council, had a face-to-face meeting with Kimbell's staff to discuss the PSA. Other groups that expressed concerns to the U.S. Forest Service included the BlueRibbon Coalition, the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, and the Off-Road Business Association.

"Chief Kimbell is to be commended for listening to the concerns of the OHV community," said Moreland. "We support public service announcements that promote responsible riding, and we have asked the U.S. Forest Service to consult with OHV experts when producing OHV-related PSAs in the future. The OHV community is certainly willing to help."

To that end, members of the Americans For Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA), which includes the AMA, delivered a letter to Kimbell on Monday, August 4, endorsing the proper use of a USDA-approved spark arrester on all OHV vehicles and offering assistance in the development of a PSA that educates riders about the importance using such a device, as well as the need to stay on designated trails.

"Our common interest with the Forest Service makes it imperative that we work cooperatively on all initiatives intended to address responsible OHV use and the prevention of wildfires," Moreland said.

AMA Racing announces 2008 AMA Team USA for Motocross of Nations

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the members of AMA Team USA for the 2008 Motocross of Nations. A trio of Monster Energy Kawasaki riders--James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto and Tim Ferry--will carry the Stars and Stripes as AMA Team USA goes for its 19th Motocross of Nations victory at the Donington Park Circuit in England on September 27-28.

Leading the way will be MX1 entrant James Stewart. The 2007 AMA Supercross Champion and current AMA Motocross Championship points leader returns to Team USA after missing the 2007 event with a knee injury.

"I'm excited to be a part of Team USA," said Stewart. "My main goal this season was to win the motocross championship, and I knew if I could do that I would have a good chance of representing the USA at the Motocross of Nations."

Stewart has recorded perfect scores during the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship and recently positioned himself fourth on the all-time AMA wins list behind Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath and Bob Hannah.

After his dominating performance at last years Budds Creek Motocross of Nations, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto will make his third consecutive appearance as AMA Team USA's MX2 rider. Villopoto has been the overall MX2 champion at the event in both of his appearances and is looking to wrap up his third straight AMA Motocross Lites Championship before closing out his stellar Lites class career at the Motocross of Nations.

"Riding for Team USA is a great experience," said Villopoto. "This will be my last race on a Kawasaki KX250F and I really want to end my Lites career with another great run against the world's best."

Veteran Tim Ferry will return to AMA Team USA as the Open class rider, marking his third appearance at the famous event. Ferry was a member of the 2003 team in Zolder, Belgium where the team finished second overall. His most recent run came with the victorious 2007 effort in which Ferry was the overall Open class champion.

"It is an honor to be a part of this team," said Ferry. "Being on the team with James and Ryan is awesome and I know we are going to do our best to win it all again."

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days: Will Harding keeps vintage racing on track Old bikes going fast at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- For many of the thousands who trek to the American Motorcyclist Association's (AMA) Vintage Motorcycle Days each summer, the allure of old bikes going fast is a powerful one. In fact, it's not unusual to discover that many fans are racers themselves. A case in point is Will Harding, one of scores whose passion for vintage racing will be on display at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, July 25-27.

Harding is co-founder of the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) and one of the more active racers in the paddock. He's often spotted pushing his own race bike to the grid and this year he's campaigning a Vintage Superbike BMW and a sidecar rig in a sport that is experiencing a surge in popularity.

"The people who are taking interest now grew up in what I think of as the great motorcycle boom, the end of the '60s, when stuff started to come out that was reasonably priced and reliable," said Harding. "Maybe they're getting back into it, finding their first bike again. We're also seeing people who never had motorcycles take it up. Probably a lot of guys can spend the money now when they couldn't then."

While vintage racing attracts past AMA champions like Jay Springsteen and Gary Nixon, there are few barriers to vintage motorcycle racing newcomers.. "We have novice classes, so there's a place for everyone," explained Harding. "We'll get guys who have never raced, or guys who maybe raced once or twice. I think the appeal is they don't have to go 200 mph, and they're able to ride with older ladies and gentlemen who are a little more sedate."

One of the big attractions of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is that all forms of racing are on display at Mid-Ohio's modern complex and the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds, including road racing, motocross, cross-country, trials and dirt track.

"The dirt side has been growing very, very well," said Harding. "I think one reason is that it's fairly inexpensive to get into. A lot of people have those old bikes in their garage or barn, and they're easy to get going. We've added cross-country to the program this year, and that will be popular. Then there's trials, the simplest form of racing we have-just get on a bike and try not to fall down!"

Harding's love is road racing, and he's been an AHRMA national road-race referee for many years. "I try to make it run smoothly, so some guy can get from the pits to the grid, and never knows anything about all the work that went into it. He's just having a good time and finds that his scoring sheet is correct. If we're doing our job, the average racers don't even know we're there."

There's something for everyone at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days

In addition to vintage motorcycle racing, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days offers many attractions. Swapmeet™, sponsored by Motorcyclist Retro magazine, is the biggest draw. Collectors, bargain hunters and curious motorcyclists from throughout North America flock to the event each year to enjoy what has become the world's largest motorcycle swap meet.

Triumph is the featured Marque of the Year for 2008, and 1970 Grand National Champion Gene Romero and seven-time AMA Grand National Enduro Champion Bill Baird will be co-grand marshals. Triumph motorcycles from past and present will be on display, and there will also be a Triumph-only bike show. An added bonus is the Vintage Triumph Roadshow with Triumph expert and Baxter Cycle owner Randy Baxter, who will be on hand to appraise classic Triumphs and Triumph memorabilia.

Other AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days activities include:

2002 World Champion Triumph stunt rider Kevin Carmichael, Team FMX Freestyle, Team Extreme Motosphere and Ryan Young's Trials Stars Show. Motorcycle demo rides provided by Triumph, BMW, Buell, Can-Am Spyder, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Kymco USA, Moto Guzzi and Vectrix. Motorcycling seminars sponsored by Kymco USA, featuring noted world travelers, authors, writers, builders and experts such as Zack Coffman, John Healy, Don Hutchinson, Clement Salvadori, Mike Seate, Alice Sexton, Ted Simon, Bob Vail, Craig Vetter and Mark Wilsmore. A special display by the North American Laverda Owners Club, featuring Laverda founder Piero Laverda. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Auction. Guided rides of the rolling countryside around Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. All proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days benefit the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in nearby Pickerington, Ohio. Advance tickets to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can be purchased at www.midohio.com or by calling (800) MID-OHIO. For more information, visit www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.

AMA Announces Teams for 2008 Trial des Nations 

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the North American Trials Association (NATC) are pleased to announce the rosters for the men's and women's teams that will compete on Team USA at the 2008 Trial des Nations (TdN) in La Rabassa, Andorra, September 28-29.

"The Trial des Nations is an important part of our international racing effort, and we're excited that these talented riders have agreed to support that effort as part of our men's and women's teams," said AMA Off-Road Racing Director Chuck Weir. "The competition at the world level in trials is tough, but we're confident that Team USA will be up to the challenge."

The men's Team USA will feature Patrick Smage, Cody Webb, William Ibsen and Keith Wineland.

Smage, from Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is the defending AMA/NATC National Trials Champion. Smage, who also currently leads the points race for the '08 national title, will be returning for his second trip to the TdN.

"I'm real proud to return and race for Team USA at the TdN," said Smage, who will be 18 at the end of July and will ride a Sherco 290 at the TdN. "Last year, because I was too young, I had to ride a 125cc, so I'm really looking forward to showing what I can do on a full-sized bike this year."

Webb, from Watsonville, California, currently sits second in the national points race behind Smage. He will ride a Sherco 320 four-stroke in Andorra.

"This will be my fifth consecutive time representing the U.S. in this prestigious event," Webb said. "I have been to Spain, Italy, France, the Isle of Man, and I can't wait to try and earn America's best result ever this coming September. Thank you all for your support."

Ibsen, from Roswell, Georgia, will ride a Gas Gas 300cc two-stroke at the TdN. Ibsen is third in the national points race and will be returning for his second trip to the TdN.

"I hear they have some awesome riding there," Ibsen said. "It might be a more difficult round than the Isle of Man, but I think we'll fare better this year (than last year's sixth-place finish). It's a big privilege to get to do this, so I hope to have a strong performance and represent the country well."

Wineland, from Fountain, Colorado, is currently fourth in the national series. Wineland, who will ride a Beta 270cc two-stroke, last went to the TdN in 2006.

"It's totally amazing to be on the team. I didn't go last year, so it's good to be going again this year," Wineland said. "I've heard Andorra is dry and grippy, kind of like Colorado, which is where I'm from. So I'm hoping to do well."

The Women's Team will showcase the talents of Louise Forsley, Sarah Duke and Caroline Allen. Forsley, from Hillburn, New York, will make her fifth trip to the event. Duke, from Colorado Springs, Colorado, is returning for her fourth TdN, and Allen, from Norton, Massachusetts, will make her TdN debut.

"I feel really lucky to have the opportunity to ride in another country," said Forsley, who will field a Gas Gas 250 at the TdN. "The competition is a lot of fun and it is also a great learning experience."

Added Duke, who will also ride a Gas Gas 250 in Andorra, "When I travel to other countries to do these competitions, I feel like I am not just another tourist. But I am there for a reason and to show everyone what America can do in world competition."

Allen, the youngest member of the team, says she is "expecting to go out there and have fun and try to ride the best that I can. Not a lot of people get this type of opportunity so it really is an honor."

The sport of trials involves riders navigating their motorcycles over seemingly impossible terrain. The Trial des Nations began in Europe in 1983 as a way to bring the best trials riders from each country together to compete as teams, and it has evolved into one of the most anticipated trials events of the year. Each competing country fields two teams, a men's team consisting of four riders and a women's team consisting of three riders.

Andorra is a small country on the border between France and Spain that is known for its thriving tourism industry. Located in the eastern Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra has a predominance of rugged terrain and no shortage of elevation changes. La Rabassa is roughly a 390-mile drive from Madrid and a 550-mile drive from Paris.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the rosters for the world championship-defending U.S. Women's Trophy Team, the U.S. Junior Trophy Team, the U.S. Senior Team and the members of the U.S. club teams that will help carry the banner for American off-road racing honor at the 2008 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Serres, Greece, September 1-6.

"As always, we are very proud to call these world-class riders part of Team USA for the ISDE effort," said AMA Off-Road Racing Director Chuck Weir. "It not only takes a great deal of riding talent, but enormous dedication, to race the ISDE. These riders answered the call and stepped up. We look forward to supporting them in Greece this fall."

The U.S. Women's Trophy Team claimed the Women's World Cup in Chile last year, and brings back two riders from that championship-winning effort for '08. Nicole Bradford and Amanda Mastin will be joined by ISDE rookie Maria Forsberg.

"I'm really excited about it," Bradford said. "I've ridden with Amanda in three other Six Days, and having an opportunity to ride behind Maria at the last qualifier, I have no question that she will be a strong rider. We will have a great team."

Bradford, who will be riding a KTM 250XCF at the ISDE, says the mantle of defending champions does create some additional pressure.

"This year, we will have to step it up to win," she said. "Because it's in Europe, more European countries will be able to field strong womens teams, and since we won the inaugural Women's World Trophy, it inspires other countries to try to take that away. But we have three very strong riders. We used to go to the Six Days to finish. Now, we don't go there just to finish. Now, we go there to be the best in the world."

The U.S. Junior Trophy Team, which won the Junior Trophy Championship in 2006, fields four riders younger than 23-years old. Led by four-time ISDE veteran Team Captain David Kamo, the Junior Trophy Team also will include Joe Giordano, Joshua Morros and Ryan Lee Powell.

"I'm honored to be on the Junior Trophy Team. It means a lot to me to go against the best in the world," said Kamo, who plans to ride a KTM 300XCW at the ISDE. "The best advice I can give our other riders would be that Six Days is a six-day race. You have to save your body. You have to save your bike. You can't win it on day one."

The most experienced U.S. ISDE rider of all-time, Jeff Fredette, returns for what he's "pretty sure" will be his 10th trip with the U.S. Senior Team-and his 28th altogether. Fredette will be joined by Dennis Decker and Eric Jordan on the Senior Team.

"Every year seems about the same anymore, but I'm looking forward to riding in a new country, Greece, and from the sounds of it, it looks like they're going to put on a pretty cool show," said Fredette, who will ride a KLX450 at the ISDE this year. Fredette says he will tell the less-experienced riders to "be ready for anything and everything. The best tip is to listen to what everyone has to say, but take everything with a grain of salt because it may happen that way and it may not."

These teams join the U.S. World Trophy Team, which will contest the ISDE World Trophy Team Championship. Announced in March earlier this year, the Trophy Team's riders are Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett, Nathan Kanney and Nathan Woods.

While the Trophy Team, the Women's Trophy Team, the Junior Trophy Team and the Senior Team are a critical piece of the U.S. effort, they are a small part of the entire U.S. contingent that makes the trek to the annual event. Dozens of club team riders will also represent the U.S. at the 2008 ISDE.

The following riders were selected as club team members: Annell Elaine Allen, William C. Burns, Dan Capparelli, Jim Conner, Mason Harrison, Fred Hoess, Kevin Hutchinson, Nolan Irwin, Kyle Kubitschek, Justin Lipana, Luke McNeil, Ben Smith, Rory Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Dennis Sweeten, Lars Valin, Sean White, Chilly White.

Of course, the ISDE program couldn't happen without a solid group of dedicated sponsors. Companies that are making Team USA a possibility in 2008 include Arai Helmets, Spectro Lubricants, Kenda Tires, Bob Lamphere's Beaverton Honda Yamaha, MSR/Tucker Rocky, Mountain Glass and Fly Racing.

America's motorcylists can help support Team USA, and looking good while doing it, by buying an official Team USA ISDE T-Shirt. All proceeds support the massive effort to transport the riders, bikes and crew to and from Greece. To buy a shirt, just visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on Gear, then select Apparel.

For more information on the ISDE and Team USA, please see www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/amrace/2008/isde/index.asp.

AMA statement regarding former AMA Board Chairman Dal Smilie

Indianapolis -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) released information today concerning unsubstantiated expenses reimbursed to former AMA Board Chairman Dal Smilie. The information was presented by AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman during the annual corporate board members meeting held at the Omni Severin Hotel in on Saturday, February 16.

"In September, 2007, the AMA undertook an internal review of Board members' travel expenses," said Dingman. "During the review, a pattern emerged of unsubstantiated expense reimbursements to Mr. Smilie. In October, AMA counsel contacted Mr. Smilie regarding the nature of the unsubstantiated expense reimbursements. Preceding the AMA Board's November 17 meeting, Mr. Smilie offered his resignation from the Board.

"At the November meeting, the AMA board accepted Mr. Smilie's resignation and approved AMA management's recommendation to undertake a third-party review intended to document the scope of the unsubstantiated expense reimbursements to Mr. Smilie. The AMA engaged the services of an outside firm to undertake a forensic review of Mr. Smilie's expense reimbursement requests. Information gathered to date was presented to the AMA Board in its meeting yesterday, Friday February 15.

"At Friday's meeting, the AMA Board voted to report the results of the review to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Meanwhile, the forensic review is continuing, and therefore we can make no further statements regarding the matter at this time.

"This action demonstrates that the AMA Board of Directors and AMA management hold themselves accountable and act with integrity," Dingman said. "I want to assure our members that we consider the management of their money to be a sacred trust. If that trust is violated, then we owe it to each and every member to seek justice on their behalf and to undertake measures to ensure that their trust is never violated again."

AMA announces results of Board of Directors election

The American Motorcyclist Association has announced the results of its recent elections for the AMA Board of Directors. In the Southeast Region, incumbent Carl Reynolds of Danville, Virginia, was re-elected. In a special election in the Northeast Region to fill a Board vacancy, Joseph W. Bromley of Warrington, Pennsylvania, was elected. In addition to his experience as a dealer and promoter, Mr. Reynolds has been active in the AMA for more than 30 years.

He first joined the AMA Board of Directors in 1991 and previously served as chairman. In 2007, the AMA Board made changes to stagger the terms of Board members. To implement these changes, Mr. Reynolds was elected to a one-year term as Southeast Region representative. An election will be held in the Southeast Region in 2008 for a full three-year term.

Mr. Bromley was president of AMA District 6 for 12 years and was an AMA Congress delegate. He operates a family-owned dealership and has won numerous AMA amateur racing titles. He was elected to a three-year term on the Board. The AMA Board of Directors consists of 12 members. Six individual Directors are elected by the general membership in their respective regions and six corporate Directors are elected by the corporate membership.

American Motorcyclist Association proposes new sound-level standards for amateur and professional racing events

As part of the American Motorcyclist Association's long-term commitment to racer and fan safety, as well as improving the overall impression of the sport of motorcycle competition, the AMA is proposing a plan to reduce the sound levels at professional and amateur motorcycle racing events nationwide.

The new rules would apply to AMA-sanctioned Supercross, motocross, and all-terrain vehicle closed-course competition events on both the professional and amateur levels.

"Responsible sound management is an important part of the AMA's strategic planning regarding the safety and health of both our competitors and race fans," said AMA Chief Executive Officer Patricia DiPietro. "These measured reductions in the sound limits for closed-course competition at both the professional and amateur levels will not only make race courses safer and more enjoyable for competitors and fans alike, but they will improve the standing of our events among non-race fans who are nevertheless impacted by our sound policies."

In accordance with the rules-making process for AMA-sanctioned competition, both the Racing and Rights Committees will ask the Rules Committees for all professional AMA racing disciplines to pass these sound level standards this year so race teams and manufacturers have time to prepare for the 2008 season. The committees will also propose the same standards to the AMA Congress, which writes the rules for amateur motorcycle racing.

Currently, motorcycles in closed-course AMA-sanctioned motorcycle competition must meet sound limits of 99 decibels (on the "A" scale), measured at a distance of 20 inches from motorcycle's exhaust outlet. The proposed plan calls for reducing the allowable standard to 98 dB(A) for 2008, 97 dB(A) for 2009 and 96dB(A) for 2010.

The current sound testing procedure uses the SAE J1287 stationary sound test, developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Using the SAE J1287, AMA officials and race teams can balance sound testing requirements with the logistical hurdles of testing every motorcycle entered in an event. In this procedure, the motorcycle is brought to a prepared test site. With the engine warm and the transmission in neutral, engine revolutions per minute (rpm) are brought up to the specified test speed (306,000m divided by the stroke in millimeters) and a sound reading is taken. The sound level is measured 20 inches from the exhaust outlet, with the sensor held parallel to the ground and at a 45-degree angle to the exhaust centerline.

"Sound is every motorcyclist's responsibility, because excessive sound impacts every motorcyclist, from competitor to street rider," DiPietro said. "It's important that we continue to move forward and improve in this important area."

The American Motorcyclist Association: rights. riding. racing. Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 270,000 members. The Association`s purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com 

New Area Qualifier at Florida’s Seminole MX Added to MX Sports’ Air Nautiques/AMA Loretta Lynn’s Schedule

Morgantown, WV – MX Sports, producers of the Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s, has announced an additional Area Qualifier round in the Southeast Region. Seminole Tribe MX in Clewiston, FL, will host the race on April 21 and 22, completing the Southeast Region with eight qualifying races.

“Oh yeah, we looked at the track and found it would make an excellent addition to the program,” said MX Sports’ Systems Manager Tim Boryk. “Great people and a great race track down in Florida.”

The track is located further south in Florida than previous qualifiers, which brings a race closer to a huge group of amateur MX talent. Located in the heart of Florida’s Big Cypress Indian Reservation, the Seminole MX track and staff are ready for the MX Sports’ program. “We’re so excited to host a race of this caliber at our track,” says Seminole MX Manager Jack Gorton.

For more information on the facility, visit the track’s website at www.seminoletribemotocross.com . The complete schedule of MX Sports Qualifiers and Championship events is listed at www.mxsports.com/schedule.

About the Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships:

The MX Sports produced event is the world’s largest amateur motocross race. Hosted annually since 1982 at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, the event is the premier amateur motocross race in the world. In 2006, over 23,000 entries attempted to qualify in 33 classes for the 1320 available gates at the national. This year the National event will be held July 30th – August 4th, 2007. As proof of the significance of winning an AMA Amateur National Championship Title, most of today’s top motocross and supercross stars, including Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart, won championships at Loretta Lynn’s before turning pro. Sponsors include Air Nautiques, Amsoil, Thor, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Parts Unlimited, Ogio, FMF, Toyota, Gatorade, Wiseco, Kicker, Cobra, CTi, Boyesen, MotoTees, Alpinestars, Scott, Twin Air, Renthal, DC Shoes, EK Chain, DeCal Works, Liquid Performance, MotoTees and AGV Helmets.

About MX Sports

MX Sports is a Morgantown, West Virginia-based motocross production company. The group coordinates the Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships, which includes a national qualifying program consisting of 49 Area Qualifying races during February-May and 12 Regional Championship races during the month of June. Less than five percent of the Area Qualifier entries actually qualify for the national championship event, held during the first week of August at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Most riders attend the National Championship with the help of their families. In fact, many groups consider the event their family’s summer vacation.

For the 2007 qualifier and regional schedule, supplemental rules, and other information, please visit www.mxsports.com or call 304-284-0101.