American Motorcyclist January 2016 Street (preview version)
Photo Brian J. Nelson
2015 AMA MOTORCYCLIST OF THE YEAR: WAYNE RAINEY
On Nov. 8, Trials Inc. held its first official round of the 2016 competition season at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio. The event—the first of its kind on the corporate campus—was a huge success. See video and photos at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
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NAVIGATION
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2015. Printed in USA.
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January 2016
Volume 70, Number 1
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
COVER Wayne Rainey is not just one of the most-talented racers in history, but he’s also the man who brought professional road racing in America back from the brink in 2015. That’s why he’s the 2015 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.
PAGE 18. Adventures are everywhere. Need a reason to go find one on your motorcycle? Here’s some inspiration.
PAGE 18. Off-road races often become part of the communities where they’re held. Racers and clubs recognize that, and give back in cool ways.
To switch the version you receive, call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services. Want to read both versions? Call the above number to get both delivered to your home for just $10 more a year. Members can read both versions online at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine for free.
Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs
DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES
John Bricker, Mailroom Manager
Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator
Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway
Elizabeth Starek, Staff Assistant
Casey Wright, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway
STATE CHAPTERS
Marie Wuelleh, State Chapter Manager
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
MARKETING
Amanda Donchess, Membership Marketing Manager
Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Manager
MEMBER SERVICES
Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
ANY CARD PICK A CARD,
No matter what or how you ride, the AMA has a special card for you. Want one? Just let us know by renewing early, or telling us when you renew via our online signup form at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, or calling (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646).
ROAD RACING’S CHAMPION
Announcing The 2015 AMA Motorcyclist Of The Year
When the AMA sold its rights to select professional racing series in 2008, it was not without controversy. In fact, controversy was among the primary reasons for the sale. The AMA had become mired in controversy for its handling of professional racing. Much of that controversy stemmed from the fact that the AMA was attempting to be both the sanctioning body and series promoter for several of the various disciplines.
the bottom fell out of the U.S. economy, making a challenging situation much more difficult. There is no doubt that, had the AMA continued as both professional race sanctioning body and series promoter during the worst economy since the Great Depression, the organization would have been decimated financially.
There is a great deal of financial risk associated with being a professional racing series promoter. Everyone has heard the phrase, “The show must go on.” That financial risk is the reason. No promoter wants to lose his or her investment in an event or series of events.
The primary task of the sanctioning body is to ensure safe and fair competition. It is difficult to do this in a manner that doesn’t at some point adversely affect the interests of the promoter. If a racing star is penalized for a rules infraction, or if bad weather causes unsafe conditions that lead to an event cancellation, for example, there is an inherent conflict with trying to be both the series promoter and sanctioning body. Add to this that the AMA was risking members’ money to promote professional racing, and you get an idea why something needed to be done. Particularly since most of the professional racing series were losing a great deal of money.
When the decision by the AMA Board of Directors to sell the professional racing rights to the Daytona Motorsports Group was announced, there was reason for optimism. DMG was backed by Jim France and there was a belief that with the backing of a member of the famed France family, DMG would do what the AMA couldn’t, and make AMA professional racing successful and profitable.
Although DMG faced many challenges caused at least in part by its own missteps, perhaps the greatest challenge was a faltering economy. Just as DMG acquired the rights to AMA Pro Racing,
By the end of the 2014 season, the AMA-branded road racing series being run by DMG was in a difficult place. Series and team sponsorship was elusive. The television package was not what the teams needed to attract sponsors. Tracks and event promoters were unwilling to commit to sanction agreements for the following year.
Fortunately, for all parties involved, a partnership called the KRAVE Group stepped forward. A deal was struck late in 2014 between and among the KRAVE Group, DMG and the AMA that enabled KRAVE to take over commercial and promotional responsibility for professional road racing in America and restored the AMA as the sanctioning body for professional road racing.
In 2015, the KRAVE Group operated the first season of its MotoAmerica professional road racing series sanctioned by the AMA and FIM North America. The MotoAmerica series was not without its own challenges in its inaugural year, but it built a strong platform and set professional road racing in America on a new path for success.
The KRAVE Group and MotoAmerica are headed by three-time MotoGP World Champion and two-time AMA Superbike Champion Wayne Rainey, an AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer who was honored in October as a Hall of Fame Legend. Rainey was the driving force behind the KRAVE Group, MotoAmerica and getting the deal done.
While Wayne Rainey is one of the most accomplished racers of all time, it is due to his efforts as an executive rather than his greatness on the race track that he is the 2015 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year. It is always important to point out that the AMA Motorcyclist of the Year is not a lifetime achievement award. Rather, it is recognition for the profound impact that an individual has had on motorcycling in the last 12 months. While Rainey was under serious consideration for the honor last year for his efforts to acquire the rights to the road racing series, the AMA Board
wanted to be sure that his efforts and the series were successful.
Over the last year and a half, I have had many discussions with Wayne about the future of American road racing. One thing that stood out early in our conversations was Wayne’s motivation. He said that he wanted Americans to again be competitive on the world stage. He wanted to build a ladder from the amateur racing ranks to national professional racing to the world championship level. He has been instrumental in helping the AMA bring the various amateur road racing organizations around the country together to develop a path to a professional road racing license that runs through the AMA.
Wayne has not traded on his multi-time world champion status to accomplish what he has on the business side of road racing. Certainly, his name and racing success have opened some doors and gotten people to return his phone calls, but that can only get you so far.
Given three world championships and two national championships and the fact that a crash while racing ended a phenomenal career, it would be understandable for someone in these circumstances to be driven by the worst combination of arrogance and bitterness. This could not be more contrary to who Wayne Rainey is. He is the most down-toearth and humble person, let alone world champion, I have ever met. He is also perhaps the most optimistic person I have ever met. There is no doubt in my mind that the strength of Wayne’s character and his personality have made him successful. It is, therefore, my great honor to present Wayne Rainey as the 2015 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year.
Rob Dingman is AMA president and CEO.
By Rob Dingman
Wayne visits his AMA Superbike Championship winning Kawasaki GPZ750 at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.
Jeff Guciardo
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A few of the AMA-sanctioned events this month, listed on the following pages.
Southeastern Short Trackers in Campbellsport, Wis., is hosting an ice race on Jan. 17 as a benefit for the Steel Shoe Fund that assists flat track motorcycle racers who have been seriously injured during competition within the U.S. Info: www.steelshoefund.org
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On Jan. 1, Mid-West Motorcycle Club is putting on a road rally in Indianapolis, Ind. Info: www.midwestmc.com
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The first Kenda SRT AMA Hare and Hound National Championship Series race for the season will be held in Lucerne Valley, Calif., by the Desert Motorcycle Club on Jan. 23-24. Info: www.nationalhareandhound.com
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Madison Motorcycle Club is hosting its annual New Year’s Day poker run in Madison, Wis., on Jan. 1. Info: www.madisonmotorcycleclub.org
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Family Riders MTC is hosting the Broxton Bridge Dual Sport in Ehrhardt, S.C., on Jan. 16-17. The first 125 participants to pre-register receive a free t-shirt and dinner Saturday night. Lunch is provided on Saturday. Sunday’s route will take riders by a spot where they can buy their own meals. Info: www.carolinadualsporters.com
The AMA Ice Race Grand Championship will take place Feb. 13-14 at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Waterford, Mich. The event is hosted by White Lake Racing. A specialty award for the AMA Ice Racer of the Year will be bestowed upon one outstanding rider, and the AMA ATV Ice Racer of the Year will be also be awarded. Info: www.whitelakeracing.com.
Mark Kariya
Marie Schultz
The AMA Beta National Dual-Sport Series features the country’s best organized dual-sport rides. Events include miles of well marked, challenging trail connected by scenic backcountry roads. The challenging, national caliber terrain is designed to bring out the best in each rider.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MOTOCROSS
FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS
FIM-LIVE.COM
Sept. 25: Maggiora, Italy
FIM JUNIOR MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
FIM-LIVE.COM
Aug. 21: Orlyonok, Russia
LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS PROMOTOCROSS.COM
May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic
May 28: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National
June 4: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National
June 18: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point National
June 25: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National
July 2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National
July 9: Southwick, Mass.: Southwick National
July 16: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National
July 23: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National
Aug. 13: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National
Aug. 20: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National
Aug. 27: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National
AMA ATV MOTOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ATVMOTOCROSS.COM
March 8: Daytona, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (Pro points only)
April 9-10: Kemp, Texas: Underground MX Park
April 23-24: Blountville, Tenn.: Muddy Creek Raceway
May 7-8: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman Raceway
May 21-22: Mount Morris, Pa.: High Point Raceway
June 4-5: Tallassee, Ala. Monster Mountain
June 18-19: Walnut, Ill.: Sunset Ridge MX
July 2-3: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek MX Park
July 16-17: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla MX
July 30-31: Buchanan, Mich.: Redbud MX
Aug. 13-14: Hurricane Mills, Tenn.: Loretta Lynn Ranch
Jan. 9: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium
Jan. 16: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park
Jan. 23: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium
Jan. 30: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum
Feb. 6: Glendale, Ariz.: University of Phoenix Stadium
Feb. 13: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park
Feb. 20: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium
Feb. 27: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome
March 5: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (note: not a Feld Motor Sports produced race)
March 12: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre
March 19: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field
April 2: Santa Clara, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium
April 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium
April 16: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome
April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium
April 30: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium
May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium
Jan. 9-10: Cincinnati, Ohio: U.S. Bank Arena
Jan. 15-17: Baltimore, Md.: Royal Farms Arena
Jan. 22-24: Allentown, Pa.: PPL Center
Jan. 30-31: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum
Feb. 4-7: Colorado Springs, Colo.: Broadmoor World Arena
Feb. 13-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Legacy Center
Feb. 20-21: Tampa, Fla.: Amalie Arena
March 5-6: Omaha, Neb.: CenturyLink Center
March 12-13: Lafayette, La.: Cajondome
May 22-23: Berwick, Pa.: South Penn Enduro Riders
June 4-5: Romney, W. Va.: Green Marble Enduro Riders
June 18-19: Tamaqua, Pa.: Reading Off Road Riders
July 16-17: Mahoney City, Pa.: Valley Forge Trail Riders
July 30-31: Catawissa, Pa.: High Mountain Dirt Riders
Aug. 20-21: Clifford, Pa.: Meteor Motorcycle Club
Sept. 17-18: Mount Cobb, Pa.: Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club
Sept. 2-6: Southern California Motorcycle Association Three Flags Classic: sc-ma. com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902
SIGNATURE EVENTS
A young couple resign from their jobs in the midst of a recession to embark on an epic road trip with their life savings, a tent, and very few plans. This is the story of their adventures through the American continents on a BMW R100RS motorcycle that is older than both of them.
From Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, wild animals, brutal climates, mechanical troubles, kind strangers, magnificent landscapes, and ocean crossings fill 31,254 life affirming miles in this inspiring and heart warming account.
Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Southern California Motorcycle Association 15 Best Roads: sc-ma.com, scmariskmanager@gmail.com, (602) 705-4902
March of Dimes - Bikers for Babies (events nationwide): BikerForBabies.org
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation - Ride for Kids (events nationwide): RideForKids.org
OF FAME EXHIBITS AND EVENTS
AMA MOTORCYCLE HALL OF FAME MOTORCYCLEMUSEUM.ORG
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2015 inductees.
Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.
The Birth of a Hurricane: How AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter reimagined BSA for an American market.
Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.
Motorcycle Toys and Collectibles Exhibit: A collection of more than 1,000 motorcycleinspired toys.
2015 AMA SWEEPSTAKESMEMBER
The 2015 AMA member sweepstakes is better than ever! Members who join or renew their AMA membership from Jan. 1, 2015, through Dec. 31, 2015, are automatically entered to win one of these awesome motorcycling prizes! Only new and renewing members are eligible, so don’t delay!
• 2 – New motorcycles. Two lucky AMA members who renew or join in 2015 will win a new bike! There’s one drawing for a Yamaha Super Ténére and another drawing for a Suzuki Boulevard 109R!
• 4 – TomTom Rider GPS Units, navigation tools designed specifically for motorcyclists.
• 1 – Cardo Systems/Scala Rider G9 Communication Set. Bluetooth intercom and communication system lets you connect with up to eight other riders.
• 1 – Shark Kage Ramp. This 6-in-one multi-use ramp is the ultimate truck accessory.
• 12 – Guardian Weatherall Plus motorcycle cover.
Don’t let your membership
Drawings!
75th annual DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK
March 4 – March 13, 2016
America’s most famous beach invites you to come make history where history was born at the world’s premier motorcycle event: The 75th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week. Start your historic journey with 10 days of riding, entertainment, bikes shows, and celebrations in the one and only destination with an authentic American motorcycle vibe. Join us and you’ll understand why this is the ultimate motorcycle mecca. Daytona Beach, the Original American Beach.
