American Motorcyclist Association names Mike Pelletier Director of Racing

Acting Director Bill Cumbow transitions to Director of International Competition

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has promoted Mike Pelletier to director of racing from his role as AMA Supercross manager, effective immediately.

In his new role, Pelletier will manage the AMA’s domestic amateur and professional competition operations, and will continue to oversee the AMA’s responsibilities for the AMA Supercross Championship. Pelletier grew up racing motocross and held professional licenses from 2011 to 2015 in the United States and Canada. He graduated from New Hampshire’s Plymouth State University with a bachelor’s in business administration.

“Mike has proven his abilities as a leader and collaborator as the AMA Supercross manager for the past three years, highlighted by his composed and determined focus to help see the championship through arguably its most challenging season in 2020,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “In addition to a deep understanding of sporting operations, Mike has the intangible qualities that make him the right person for this job, notably a steady demeanor and a lifelong appreciation for competition’s role in motorcycling in America.”

Pelletier said he is looking forward to the challenge of directing the department, particularly during an unprecedented time for the sport, with sweeping schedule changes and cancellations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “In 2020, the racing community is demonstrating its flexibility, ingenuity and ability to work together to overcome obstacles,” Pelletier said. “Racers, promoters, clubs, our operational support crew, fans and the AMA have all become smarter and more adaptable in the wake of the pandemic. I’m excited to be part of efforts to leverage these qualities and skills to take our sport to new heights in the years to come.” In addition to amateur and professional operations, Pelletier will be responsible for AMA Competition Commissions and their role in the maintenance and development of the AMA Amateur Competition Rulebook.

Bill Cumbow, who was the acting director of racing, is now the director of international competition, transitioning from his previous role as director of road racing relations. Working closely with Pelletier, Cumbow will manage all of the AMA’s activity in events sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme and FIM North America.

Cumbow will continue his responsibilities for MotoAmerica, home of the AMA Superbike Championship and the FIM North America Road Racing Championship.

“Bill has an understanding and perspective of motorcycle racing and the AMA’s historic role in the sport that few others have achieved,” Dingman said. “We value Bill’s continued role in AMA operations, and, in addition to managing our FIM-sanctioned international activity, he will continue to be an asset to Mike and our domestic partners as we grow motorcycle racing in America.”

Both Cumbow and Pelletier will report through Chief Operating Officer James Holter and work directly with Dingman to manage the AMA’s competition- and FIM-related activity.

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 americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

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Dunlop’s Roadsmart IV sets a new Sport-Touring benchmark 

Buffalo, NY: Sport-touring riders have unique demands. They want sport-bike level grip and handling, a compliant ride, and most of all high mileage.

Dunlop exceeded customer expectations with the Sportmax Roadsmart III^® (RSIII), a tire with class-leading mileage and performance that lasted deep into its lifespan.

Now the benefits of the RSIII have been elevated in the all-new Sportmax Roadsmart IV^® (RSIV), which joins the RSIII in Dunlop’s sport-touring line. Dunlop’s two-tiered market strategy gives riders the option to choose between the high-performing and now lower-priced RSIII or opt for the class-leading performance of the new RSIV.

The RSIV establishes a new benchmark for best-in-class mileage and stays close to its peak performance throughout its lifespan. Additionally, the RSIV offers performance upgrades compared to the RSIII, including quicker steering response, more nimble handling, and greater wet-weather performance—grip, stability and overall response.*

The RSIV is a completely new tire—new tread patterns, construction, compounds, and profiles. And while the RSIV utilizes Dunlop’s exclusive MT Multi-Tread^™ technology for high mileage and high grip, the tire features innovative new technology that expands the performance envelope.

Benefits include:

– Increased mileage (up 26% in the rear, up 23% in front**)

– Class leading grip in wet and dry conditions

– 15% lighter steering

– More neutral steering and rider feel 

– Quicker warm-up

– More even wear across the life of the tire

– Greater compliance, ride quality, and comfort

Widest Range Available

With the addition of the Roadsmart IV, Dunlop has created the most market-driven sport-touring tire range available in sizes to fit a broad variety of motorcycles. Additionally, Dunlop continues to be the only brand offering sport-touring tires that perform on both “Standard” and “GT” bikes, eliminating the need for two separate versions of its sport-touring tires.

The Roadsmart IV joins Dunlop’s premium performance products by offering what other tires cannot: class-leading mileage, the handling of a full-on sport tire, and tremendous wet-weather grip—all while letting riders enjoy these advantages throughout its lifespan.

To find out more about Dunlop’s new Sportmax Roadsmart IV, go to www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com

*Testing performed at the Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. proving grounds in Japan on a 2016 Suzuki GSF1250 with tire sizes 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear. Individual results may vary.

**Testing performed by Dunlop in Japan on a 2018 Honda CB1300 SB with tire sizes 120/70ZR17 front and 180/55ZR17 rear on 40% public roads and 60% highways. Individual results may vary.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com

JALEK SWOLL MILD CONCUSSION

TO MISS August 22nd LORETTA LYNN’S MX NATIONAL DUE TO MILD CONCUSSION

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM APPROACHES ROUND 2 FULL STEAM AHEAD
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team’s Jalek Swoll will not line up for this Saturday’s Loretta Lynn’s National, Round 2 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, due to a mild concussion sustained during the first 250MX moto last Saturday.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Stephen Westfall, “We are disappointed that Jalek won’t be able to line up this weekend and are hopeful that he will return to racing soon.”

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will field two riders in the 250MX class this weekend with Swoll’s teammates RJ Hampshire and rookie fill-in Stilez Robertson, as well as the 450MX trio of Zach Osborne, Jason Anderson and Dean Wilson.

Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS) Launches ContinueTheRide.com

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 20, 2020 — Today, the Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (IMS), the industry leader for connecting powersports’ top brands with enthusiasts and buyers, announces the pre-launch of ContinueTheRide.com, a platform that will host a slate of new digital content all designed to reach and support industry-facing professionals as they address industry challenges and opportunities, as well as educate new and existing enthusiasts inside the world of motorcycling, powersports, and all things two-wheeled conveyance. ContinueTheRide.com will officially launch July 24th and will include:

Business-facing Content

• Centerstand: A Motorcycle Industry Podcast
• Continue The Ride Blog dedicated to the industry-professional
• Bi-monthly e-newsletters exploring the content above

Consumer-facing Content

• The Reserve Tank, a consumer-facing podcast
• Inside the Garage, a do-it-yourself (DIY) video series
• IMS Rides, a video series exploring exciting routes, communities, and rider personalities
• Continue The Ride Blog dedicated to the new and experienced rider
• Sweepstakes and Contests
• Bi-monthly e-newsletters spotlighting the engaging content above

To subscribe to the e-newsletter and learn more about the IMS digital products visit ContinueTheRide.com.

“IMS has been at the center of the industry for 40 years now, successfully connecting all sectors of the motorcycling community while supporting and growing with the industry,” said Tracy Harris, Senior Vice President, IMS. “Our deep bench of industry knowledge and long-standing customer relationships are the driving forces behind the creation of our digital products.”

“Our expansion beyond in-person events into digital products enables us to bring new and old friends together while sharing knowledge and expertise between the broad community of motorcycle/powersports enthusiasts and industry-professionals year-round. Each digital product was produced and curated to have content relevant for everyone; I highly encourage enthusiasts of all experience levels to check out the entirety of ContinueTheRide.com and immerse themselves in the fun and engaging world of riding while even inspiring a new rider or two,” continues Harris.

A renewed industry momentum with reported increased sales of motorcycles amid the COVID-19 pandemic presents a great time for returning riders as well as those looking for safer transportation alternatives, and even new riders, to begin exploring the diverse lifestyle of motorcycling. “Not only is the industry seeing an unexpected sales increase— but there is a new energy with existing riders who see a great opportunity to get outside where the roads are less busy. We all want and need to further increase motorcycling interest and the ‘Centerstand Podcast’ will be a chance to hear from industry insiders about their perspectives and ideas to benefit all of motorcycling. I look forward to the great conversations and being part of new ideas with the IMS team,” said Robert Pandya, host of the B2B Podcast “Centerstand” and IMS’ Discover the Ride Program Manager.

All IMS digital products have been curated and produced with topics speaking to each sector within the powersports industry – aftermarket brands, manufacturers, the supply chain, and more – and how to unify the aforementioned touchpoints to spur industry growth, as well as all levels of experience and interest across the broad range of riding lifestyles in the community from actionable tips to ride safer to picking the correct gear, grow and build a powersports business, tune-up an old bike, discover new routes to take, and much more.

Digital Content Hosted on Continue The Ride Website Include:

Podcasts: 

• “The Reserve Tank” will be hosted by avid rider and IMS content creator, Sam Bendall, where we will introduce well-known and experienced personalities in the motorcycle industry to offer listeners a ‘Reserve Tank’ of knowledge and resources spanning hot topics in motorcycling today. Topics include how to get into ADV riding, tips to build a riding community, where to find training, find the right gear, and more. “The Reserve Tank” will consist of a 10-episode season with a new 25 – 30-minute podcast premiering monthly and will also be available everywhere listeners find their podcasts. Tune into the first episode on July 20th, featuring lifestyle motorcycle publication, META.
• “Centerstand: A Motorcycle Industry Podcast” will be the B2B conversation hosted by motorcycle industry veteran, new rider advocate, and IMS’ Discover the Ride Program Manager, Robert Pandya. Listeners will have a unique opportunity to hear from key players in all sectors of the industry. With a focus on the future, the podcast will seek to spark ideas that will leave listeners with 1 -2 pieces of actionable advice. “Centerstand” will consist of a 10-episode season with new bi-monthly episodes premiering on Wednesdays. Tune into the teaser episode on July 22nd where Robert discusses the upcoming content of the podcast series.

Video Series

• “IMS Rides” is where a diverse group of riders will showcase their personalities as they ride on their favorite route in their communities—highlighting the roads and venues they stop along the way and speak to why their route is their favorite. Supplemental episodes will dive deeper into practical tips and tricks to help riders explore similar routes on their own. The first episode of “IMS Rides” will premiere August 7th, visit ContinueTheRide.com for updates on future guests.
• “Inside the Garage” is a DIY series featuring various Community Garages, Service Shops, Mechanics, and Custom Builders from across the U.S. where they’ll share their tips, tricks, and tutorials on basic motorcycle maintenance that viewers can perform in their own garage. After each episode premiere, there will be a live Q&A allowing viewers to ask the garages questions from the DIY task at-hand. Catch the first episode of “Inside the Garage” on the IMS YouTube channel.

Continue The Ride Products

The Continue The Ride Blog is the go-to place for motorcyclists to find quick, bite-sized content about all-things motorcycling. The blog will feature hot topics from the Continue the Ride podcasts and video series’, to product reviews and interviews with motorcycle personalities.
Continue The Ride E-Newsletter is a bi-monthly newsletter that will include content from the podcast and video series’ premieres, new blog content, giveaways and contests, and more. Subscribe to the newsletter on the bottom of the ContinueTheRide.com main page.
Sweepstakes and Contests will be featured on the site to give motorcyclists and new riders the chance engage with Continue The Ride and get excited about scoring new parts, gear and accessories to enhance their riding.

To learn more about IMS, please visit: motorcycleshows.com.

Connect with IMS (#RidersUnite) and Continue The Ride (#ContinueTheRide):

About Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® (www.motorcycleshows.com)

The Progressive® International Motorcycle Shows® offer enthusiasts an all-access pass to the world of motorcycling. Launched in 1982, the tour showcases hundreds of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters and ATVs for new and experienced riders, and gives enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to check out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories, as well as hours of entertainment.

CRAIG DELONG SCORES LITTLE RACCOON PODIUM

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM’S CRAIG DELONG

SCORES PODIUM FINISH AT LITTLE RACCOON NATIONAL ENDURO
KEEPS PODIUM STREAK ALIVE IN NE PRO2 CLASS

Tiffany Cipoletti joins American Motorcyclist Association staff

New Government relations manager to handle on-highway issues

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA member Tiffany Cipoletti, who has worked on motorcycle rights issues in Washington, D.C., for more than a decade, is the new American Motorcyclist Association government relations manager for on-highway issues.

She will be based at the AMA Government Relations office in Washington, D.C., reporting to AMA Government Relations Director Mike Sayre. Tiffany Cipoletti spent 13 years in various roles at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and served as MRF director of government relations from September until her departure earlier in July.

“Having worked with Tiffany for several years while she was at the MRF, I was well aware of her knowledge of the issues affecting motorcyclists today and her skill in addressing those issues,” Sayre said. “We are happy to be able to bring someone of her caliber aboard.”

Beyond her professional career in motorcycling, Cipoletti is an active member and former volunteer legislative director with the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists. She also has participated in women’s motorcycle riding groups to help foster a motorcycle community that is more inclusive of all demographics of riders enjoying the motorcycling lifestyle. “I am looking forward to this next step on my motorcycling advocacy path,” Cipoletti said. “I am very familiar with the issues that are important to every AMA member, and I am already getting involved.” While she did not grow up riding motorcycles, Cipoletti cheered for her brother at local motocross tracks.

Several years after beginning her career in motorcycling with the MRF, Tiffany signed up for a basic riding course to educate herself on the importance of rider training. With a temporary license in her hands, she bought her first motorcycle a few days later.

Tiffany Cipoletti has been an AMA member since 2015.

Off-Highway Bike Sales Jump by a Staggering 50%!

FIGURES FROM MIC SALES REPORTING SYSTEM

AMA National No. 1 plates awarded at Flat Track Grand Championship

August 6, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMA National No. 1 plates awarded at Flat Track Grand Championship
Half-mile and TT competition determined titles for 19 classes

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — More than 725 riders from as far away as California and New York turned out July 19-25 for the 2020 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, first at Plymouth Speedway in Plymouth, Ind., and, then, at Ashland County Fairgrounds in Ohio.

Rainstorms forced adjustments to the event schedule and racing disciplines. At the close of the week, three days of half-mile and one day of TT racing were completed. AMA National No. 1 plates were awarded in 10 Amateur and nine Youth classes.

Kody Kopp, son of 2000 AMA Grand National Champion Joe Kopp, is the recipient of the 2020 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award.

“Nicky was a great guy, the best on two wheels, in my opinion,” said the 15-year-old from Mica, Wash. “It’s such an honor to be the next person to receive this award.”

The Horizon Award is presented to the most promising amateur rider aiming for success in the professional ranks. Previous winners of this prestigious award include Jared Mees, Brad Baker and Briar Bauman, all of whom went on to become AMA Grand National Champions.

Eight-year-old Braxton Ragan took home the AMA Flat Track Fast Brain Award, which is given to a racer who also demonstrates excellence in the classroom.

This year’s Horizon winner, Kopp, won the Fast Brain award in 2018. “It’s the ‘A’ grades that matter most,” Joe Kopp said at the time.

The Fast Brain award includes a $1,500 educational scholarship and is funded by Tim Estenson of Estenson Racing, Jerry Stinchfield of Roof System Racing, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Bill Werner and Dave Zanotti of Zanotti Racing.

The week started strongly at Plymouth Speedway, with the half-mile getting underway on Monday afternoon after the clay track was prepped. The full program included two practices for each class, heat races, semis and, then, mains for 178 entries.

Following Indiana and Ohio state coronavirus guidelines, organizers mandated social distancing and mask wearing in the pits, and riders’ meetings were conducted the over the public address systems. Only one person and one motorcycle at a time were permitted through tech inspection.

Tuesday featured TT racing, but rain stopped the program during the heats. Wednesday brought enough dry weather to complete the heats and a half-dozen semis before the skies again opened up, leaving parts of the TT track under water.

Organizers began re-prepping the half-mile after the short-track course in the speedway’s infield, likewise, proved too muddy to use. An unexpected 11 p.m. curfew ultimately scrubbed any late-night activity. TT points were awarded based on the heats and semis.

Thursday, the championship moved 235 miles east to the Ashland County Fairgrounds, which hosted two more days of half-mile racing. After battling rains in Indiana, in Ohio, participants, some 375 across Friday and Saturday, encountered heat, wind and dust.

In all, 14 riders took home AMA National No. 1 plates at the 45th annual event, with Brandon Pflanders, Travis Horn, Casey Chisham, Chase Saathoff and Kopp collecting two each. Jack Brucks won the AMA Flat Track Youth Award, and Simon Neto captured the AMA Flat Track Vet/Senior Award.

“Success at the AMA Flat Track Grand Championship demands not just speed, but consistency across a multi-day event competing in different flat-track disciplines,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “While several riders excelled this year, we congratulate all who earned 2020 AMA National No. 1 plates and put their names in the AMA record books forever.”

AMA National No. 1 Youth Classes

50cc DTX SR (7-8): Linwood Patton (Cobra)

50cc DTX PW Shaft (4-8): Jace Dimatteo (Yamaha)

50cc DTX PW (4-8): Jackson Brown (Cobra)

65cc DTX (7-11): Jack Brucks (Yamaha)

65cc Modified (7-11): Dalton Hunn (KTM)

85cc DTX (7-11): Bradon Pflanders (KTM)

85cc DTX (12-15): Travis Horn (KTM)

85cc Modified (7-11): Bradon Pflanders (KTM)

85cc Modified (12-15): Travis Horn (KTM)

AMA National No. 1 Amateur Classes

250cc DTX: Evan Renshaw (Husqvarna)

250cc Modified (150cc 4-stroke excluded): Casey Chisham (KTM)

201cc-250cc: Casey Chisham (KTM)

251cc-500cc DTX: Kody Kopp (KTM)

450cc Modified: Kody Kopp (KTM)

450cc-Open Singles: Chase Saathoff (Husqvarna)

450cc-Open Modified (Singles & Twins): Chase Saathoff (Husqvarna)

Veteran 25+: Joey Boulis (Honda)

Senior 40+: Simao Neto (KTM)

Super Senior 50+: Kenny Dahlin (Honda)

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 americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship

2020 Calendar update, 12 August

Please find enclosed the Press Release / FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship
2020 Calendar Update
Rallye du Maroc postponed until 2021
The spread of Covid-19 in Morocco is still very active, and makes the organisation of the Rally very difficult at this moment.
Therefore, with a double concern for compliance with the imperative health measures adopted by the Moroccan Government and taking into account the global situation of the Kingdom of Morocco and the Moroccan population, the FIM, the organiser ODC and the Moroccan Motorcycling Federation regret to announce that the 2020 edition is postponed until next year.

The FIM is working on a new calendar for the 2020 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and will communicate further information as soon as possible.

 Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Motocross Championship

Dunlop riders extend win record at Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Motocross Championship

Buffalo, NY: Dunlop riders at this year’s Loretta Lynn’s amateur nationals won 32 of a possible 36 titles. That gives Dunlop a win record at Loretta’s nobody can touch: In the past seven years, Dunlop riders have won an incredible 241 out of 255 possible championships at Loretta’s—including winning every title two years in a row.

This year, Team Dunlop Elite riders took six championships as did Team Dunlop Elite alumni, bringing the Team D total to 12 titles. Among the Dunlop Elite riders, Haiden Deegan and Ryder DiFrancesco both took two titles in commanding fashion, winning all six of their motos, and Seth Dennis grabbed two more titles for the team. Dunlop Elite alumni rider Max Vohland also swept his six motos to take two titles, and Stilez Robertson and Matt Leblanc added two more titles each to the alumni count.

Standout performances earned Team Dunlop riders high honors this year with DiFrancesco taking the AMA Motocross Youth Rider Of The Year Award, and Robertson earning the AMA Nicky Hayden Horizon Award in his last amateur race before turning pro. Dunlop-mounted Levi Kitchen took the AMA Motocross Amateur Rider Of The Year Award, won all six of his races, and set the fastest times throughout the week in the B class.

“It was great week with great weather and awesome racing,” said Rob Fox, Amateur Motocross Support Manager. “The MX33 was the tire to have this week, and I want to thank all the champions for choosing Dunlop.”

For sponsorship opportunities and more information, visit TeamDunlop.com.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com.

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP`s Top-10 Hopes Dampened

Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Maverick Viñales and Valentino Rossi were unable to better their morning times in the FP2 session due to mixed conditions. They ended the day in 11th and 13th position respectively.
Read all about it here.

Comments from Monster Energy Yamaha Riders

After FP1 at Austrian GP

Read what they have to say here. 

August 14, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship awards AMA National No. 1 plates
AMA National Champions determined in 36 classes during weeklong event

PICKERINGTON, Ohio –The American Motorcyclist Association recognized four outstanding racers with special awards at the conclusion of the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship held Aug. 3-8 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

AMA National No. 1 plates were awarded in 36 competition classes at the event, as well.

Stilez Robertson, of Bakersfield, Calif., won the 2020 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award, which the AMA presents annually to an amateur rider poised for professional success.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” Robertson said. “This is something every amateur racer wants to get.”

Robertson went 1-2-1 in Open Pro Sport and 2-1-1 in 250 Pro Sport to take both titles at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship. His first competition at the venue came at age 4, and he won his first title there at age 6 in the 51cc 4-6 Class.

Robertson intends to start his professional career this weekend in the 250 class in the first round of the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. For the first time, that event also will be held at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. The AMA awards National No. 1 plates to the 250 and 450 class champions at the conclusion of each season on behalf of AMA Pro Racing, which sanctions the events, and series promoter MX Sports Pro Racing.

“I want to have some fun, and we’ll see how it goes,” Robertson said.

Stilez Robertson, of Bakersfield, Calif., won the 2020 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award. Photo by Cole Beach Photography

The AMA Amateur Motocross Rider of the Year is awarded annually to a standout rider in a B or C class at the amateur national event. The 2020 winner, Levi Kitchen, of Washougal, Wash., led 62 out of 66 laps, winning all six motos he competed in at the event. He raced in the 250 B Limited and 450 B Limited classes.

Levi Kitchen is the 2020 AMA Amateur Motocross Rider of the Year. Photo by Cole Beach Photography

Ryder DiFrancesco, of Bakersfield, Calif., is the 2020 AMA Motocross Youth Rider of the Year. He won all six motos in Supermini 1 and Supermini 2, leading 55 of 61 laps. He has won eight AMA National Championships so far in his amateur career.

Ryder DiFrancesco is the 2020 AMA Youth Rider of the Year. Photo by Cole Beach Photography

The 2020 AMA Vet Rider of the Year is Brandon Scharer, of Gardena, Calif. Scharer went 2-1-1 in the Junior (25+) class at Loretta Lynn’s, leading the second two motos from start to finish. In his previous eight trips to Hurricane Mills, his best finish was seventh.

Brandon Scharer is the 2020 AMA Vet Rider of the Year. Photo by Cole Beach Photography

For complete results from the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship visit resultsmx.com/lorettas/class.asp.

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, visit the series’ website at mxsports.com or call (304) 284-0101.

For more information about AMA motocross competition, visit americanmotorcyclist.com/motocross-arenacross.

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 americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

MICHAEL MOSIMAN SIDELINED

MICHAEL MOSIMAN SIDELINED FOR THE FIRST THREE ROUNDS OF PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

More from Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Riders

Following a drying FP3 session, Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP‘s Maverick Viñales topped the FP3 timesheets and has secured a place for this afternoon‘s Q2. Valentino Rossi wasn‘t able to improve on his fully dry FP1 time. He will later take part in Q1 at the Motorrad Grand Prix von Österreich.
Read their thoughts about this here. 

ZACH OSBORNE CLAIMS FIRST-CAREER 450MX OVERALL AT LORETTA LYNN’S PRO MOTOCROSS OPENER!

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM’S JASON ANDERSON AND RJ HAMPSHIRE EARN SECOND-PLACE FINISHES

Anderson came out swinging in Moto 1 as he quickly turned a third-place start into the race lead on the opening lap. He pushed hard to create a comfortable gap over the rest of the field as he went on to lead all 18 laps for a clean sweep in the first moto. In Moto 2, he once again put himself in a favorable position off the start as he battled inside the top-four early on. He charged into second by lap three and battled inside podium contention for the better part of the race. With about five laps to go, Anderson got caught up in lapped traffic and lost a few positions to ultimately finish sixth in the moto. With 1-6 moto scores, he was able to secure an overall podium with second-place on the day.

“I feel like my pace was good in the second moto but my arms pumped up and I was headed back with four to go,” Anderson said. “All-in-all, I’m out here and I’m on the podium so I can’t be too bummed. I’m excited to get out here next weekend and try to redeem myself.”

In Moto 1, Wilson started around 15th and he battled his way up to finish 12th. In Moto 2, he got off to a better start but he collided with another rider on the opening lap and he was forced to come from behind to ultimately finish ninth. With 12-9 finishes, Wilson secured a top-10 overall at the season opener.

“I’m obviously not very happy with the overall result but that was a good little wake-up call to keep pushing,” Wilson said. “The conditions were very tough and rutty today and the class 

is stacked right now so I’m just going to have to keep pushing and it will all happen.”

250MX

In his first race back from knee surgery, RJ Hampshire let his presence be known as he battled up front all day long. In Moto 1, he got off to a third-place start and quickly worked his way into second by the end of lap four. He dropped back to fourth for a few laps before climbing his way back to finish on the podium in third. In Moto 2, Hampshire got a second-place start and he charged his way into the lead on lap five. After leading for two laps, Hampshire got overtaken by another rider and from there, he maintained a solid pace to ultimately finish second in the moto and second overall for the day with 3-2 finishes.

“I wish we could have gotten a win but that felt good,” Hampshire said. “I tried to hang on but Dylan was riding really good and I just had to settle in otherwise I would have been on my head. I’m happy to be up here, thankful to be here and ready to go for next weekend!”

It was a tough start for 250MX class rookie, Stilez Robertson, who emerged from his professional debut with 22nd overall after succumbing to a race-ending pileup in Moto 1. In Moto 2, Robertson began just outside the top-20 and he battled all race long to ultimately finish 17th, scoring his first points in the pro division.

Jalek Swoll also experienced issues in Moto 1 after getting landed on by another rider in the “Ten Commandments” section during the opening lap. He eventually re-mounted and rode his way through the field to finish 21st. However, Swoll and his team made the decision for him to sit out for the rest of the day due to injuries sustained in Moto 1.

Loretta Lynn’s National Results

450MX Results

1. Zach Osborne – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (2-1)

2. Jason Anderson – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (1-6)

3. Eli Tomac, Kawasaki (7-2)

… 

10. Dean Wilson – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (12-9)

250MX Results
1. Dylan Ferrandis, Yamaha (1-1)

2. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (3-2)

3. Jeremy Martin, Honda (2-3)

…
22. Stilez Robertson – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (39-17)

36. Jalek Swoll – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (21-40)

450MX Rider Point Standings – After 1 of 9 rounds
1. Zach Osborne – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 47 points

2. Jason Anderson – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 40 points

3. Eli Tomac, 36 points

… 

10. Dean Wilson – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 21 points

250MX Rider Point Standings – After 1 of 9 rounds
1. Dylan Ferrandis, 50 points

2. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 42 points

3. Jeremy Martin, 42 points

…
22. Stilez Robertson – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 4 points

Rossi and Vinales Take Fifth and Tenth on Shocking Spielberg Race Day

Crashes and technical issues, coming back from 20th place and more. 
Read about this amazing effort here. 

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