The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is looking forward to a successful Regional Championship season in advance of the 2011 AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch. Produced by MX Sports, the Regional Championship Schedule features races at premier locations around the country to qualify the best racers for the Nationals on Aug. 1-6.
"The AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, including the Area and Regional qualifying schedule, are a nationwide program that requires enormous organization and precise execution," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "MX Sports delivers, year in and year out, and this year is promising to be one of the best ever."
One highlight of the Regional Championship Schedule is the return of Gatorback Raceway in Winter Garden, Fla. The historic track is not only a local favorite, but its convenient location will reduce travel for the large Florida contingent expected at the event. Thunder Valley Raceway in Lakewood, Colo., will host the South Central Regional Championship, a welcome break for the many Colorado riders who usually have to travel to Regional Championships further south.
As always, the Regional Championship tracks revolve on a rotating schedule year-to-year.
"The best amateur motocross racers in the world earn their way to the top through the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships," says AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow. "But qualifying to line up at Loretta Lynn's isn't easy. These competitors must race their way through a challenging Area and Regional qualifying system that guarantees a best-of-the-best lineup at the championships every summer. The AMA is looking forward to working with the dedicated and talented staff at MX Sports, and all the local track organizers who will make this happen in 2011,"
MX Sports organizes and produces the events and the AMA provides the rules package and sanctioning, which ensures an objective program for determining the best amateur motocross racers in the country. The program is headlined by the coveted AMA Motocross Horizon Award, bestowed ever year on the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.
"The AMA's amateur racing platform is, without question, the leader in the motocross world," said Director of MX Sports Tim Cotter. "The best riders come to compete under the AMA's watchful eye, because they know the rulebook, procedures and their support staff ensure every rider is treated fairly and justly."
2011 AMA Amateur National Motocross Regional Championship Schedule
Northeast Regional Championships:
June 11-12 Youth: Broome Tioga - Richford, N.Y.
June 18-19 Amateur: High Point - Morris, Pa.
Southeast Regional Championships:
May 28-29 Youth: Muddy Creek - Blountville, Tenn.
June 11-12 Amateur: Gatorback - Winter Garden, Fla.
Mid-East Regional Championships:
June 4-5 Youth: Sunday Creek - Nelsonville, Ohio
June 11-12 Amateur: Red Bud - Buchanan, Mich.
North Central Regional Championships:
June 18-19 Youth: Sunset Ridge - Walnut, Ill.
June 25-26 Amateur: Spring Creek - Millville, Minn.
South Central Regional Championships:
June 4-5 Youth: Freestone - Wortham, Texas
June 11-12 Amateur: Thunder Valley - Lakewood, Colo.
Northwest Regional Championship:
May 28-29 Youth/Am: Washougal - Washougal, Wash.
Southwest Regional Championship:
June 18-19 Youth/Am: Competitive Edge - Hesperia, Calif.
About the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships
Produced by MX Sports Inc., the AMA National Motocross Championships is the world's largest amateur motocross race. Hosted annually since 1982 at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., approximately 25,000 racers attempt to qualify in 34 classes for the 1,400 available gates at the finals. The National event, christened "The World's Greatest Motocross Vacation," is held the first week of August annually. As proof of the significance of winning an AMA Amateur National Championship title, the biggest names in AMA Pro Racing Motocross and Supercross, including Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto, and Ryan Dungey won championships at the Loretta Lynn Ranch. For more information, please visit www.mxsports.com.