AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships heat up Bonneville

AMA Racing

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Some of the fastest motorcyclists in the world take to the Bonneville Salt Flats today as the 2010 AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships kick into high gear near Salt Lake City. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will certify numerous land-speed records expected to be set at the event, in classes featuring everything from 50cc mini-bikes to 2,000cc-plus purpose-built high-speed motorcycles.

"From the venue to the machinery, land-speed racing is one of the more unique types of motorcycle competition, and the AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships, promoted by BUB, is the sport's premier event," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "There is a lot of thrilling action on the salt this week on many different levels. No question about it, land-speed racing is so engaging because each class has its own competitive landscape, with different personalities vying for the top of the box."

One battle that is capturing a lot of attention in 2010 is the race for the top time for a sit-down motorcycle. Richard Assen and 2008 AMA Female Rider of the Year Leslie Porterfield are two of the top competitors for this honor, which recognizes the fastest one-way run on a traditional-styled sportbike rather than a purpose-built, streamlined land-speed racer.

Last year, Porterfield achieved the feat with a pass of 240.382 mph in the 1350-APS-BF class. However, Assen claimed the class record, which is based on an average of two runs in opposing directions, with an official time of 236.01 mph.

"Interest also is running high in our electric-powered classes," Bromley said. "Several competitors are eager to establish records with this new, non-traditional technology, and it is an area that is ripe with innovation.

"That isn't limited to the electric classes, though," he added. "You can spend an entire day just checking out amazing technology in the pits, all designed for one purpose: to simply go as fast as possible."

The current outright motorcycle land-speed record is held by seven-time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr, on the Denis Manning-built No. 7 streamliner. Carr upped the record last year with a two-pass average of 367.382 mph in Bonneville's measured mile. The previous record was 360.913, set by rider Rocky Robinson and builder Mike Akatiff in 2008. Current records for all classes can be downloaded here: http://home.ama-cycle.org//RACERESULTS/RESULTS/2010/FIM/BUB%20RECORDS.pdf.

The AMA Racing Land Speed Grand Championships run through Thursday, Sept. 2. Results will be available at AMARacing.com and SpeedTrialsByBUB.com following the event.

AMA Fast Brain Award offers educational scholarship to winner

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- AMA Racing, the amateur-racing department of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), is pleased to announce that this year's AMA Fast Brain Award will include an extra incentive for the young dirt-track stars competing at the 2010 AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships: an educational scholarship for the award winner.
 
Funded by AMA members, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner, AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson, 2009 AMA GNC Twins Champion Jared Mees, 2010 AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championship Honoree Bryan Smith and dirt-track fan Shawn Ralls, the AMA Fast Brain Award and educational scholarship recognizes a young racer whose skill on the track is rivaled by his or her skill in the classroom. The scholarship currently stands at $1,500, and donations are still being accepted.
 
"Although we all have dreams of winning on the track and enjoying the financial rewards of a racing career, for the vast majority of today's young racers, professional success will be found or lost in the classroom, not in the field of competition," said Werner, who will also be a special guest at this year's AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, as well as a member of the award selection committee. "As such, I'm proud to honor one of today's outstanding young role models who recognizes the importance of laying a solid foundation of academic excellence. I'd also welcome others who feel the same to contribute and help this fund grow."
 
Those who wish to contribute to the AMA Fast Brain Award should contact Tamra Jones at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1235.
 
The award winner's selection will be based on performance at the weeklong AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, held on July 17-23 in Du Quoin, Ill., as well as official school transcripts supplied at the time of application. Riders must apply by July 9 to be considered for the award, which will be announced in Du Quoin.
 
"It's tough to make a living in motorcycle racing, so hopefully kids will realize that you have to do well in school, no matter where you intend to go professionally," said Mees, who is backed this year by Rogers Lake Racing, Montgomeryville Cycle Center, Lucas Oil, RockysOnline.com, Digger Helm, Rod Lake, Twisted Beverage Company and Blue Spring Harley-Davidson.
 
Smith, who races for the Monster Energy Werner Springsteen Racing Kawasaki Team, added that strong grades are also critical for the few who do find professional success on the track.
 
"There are a lot of guys who make decent livings at motorcycle racing and also have college degrees, and that wouldn't happen without a good education," Smith said. "Even if you make it as a pro, you can't overestimate the value of a good education. After all, there's always life after racing, and you need to be prepared for that, as well."
 
More information about the AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships and instructions for applying for the Fast Brain Award can be found at AMARacing.com.