PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today the 2009 schedule for the AMA Racing West Hare Scrambles Championship Series. The Western United States' premier motorcycle cross-country series features racing on some of the toughest off-road terrain in North America, and offers classes for a range of ages and skill levels.
For 2009, AMA Racing has partnered with Off Road Sports LLC to provide promotion and logistical support for the AMA Racing West Hare Scrambles Championship Series, including management of the series website at www.westernharescrambles.com.
Three rounds will run in conjunction with the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS), which will be AMA Racing-sanctioned in 2009, bringing together the best riders of both series on one course.
"We are excited about our association with Off Road Sports LLC," said AMA Off-Road Director Chuck Weir. "We are looking forward to leveraging their experience at running top-caliber events. We know that our valued competitors will also be excited about the positive changes that Off Road Sports will bring to the series next year."
Sean Reddish, CEO of Off Road Sports, explained that some of those changes will include uniformity in rules, race format and scoring.
"It is my goal to introduce a new level of series-wide professionalism to the AMA Racing West Hare Scrambles Championship Series," Reddish said. "In 2009, there will be a unified scoring system and race format for the series. This also means an organized numbering system that makes each skill level recognizable when in the pits or on the track. There will be one phone number to call for information."
AMA competitors who earned a No. 1 plate in 2008 will be able to run their earned plate in 2009. In addition, with the exception of the three rounds that will run in conjunction with WORCS events, the series will maintain the traditional hare scrambles course layout. WORCS courses tend to be shorter and incorporate longer motocross sections than traditional hare scrambles.
"Amateur riders are the most important aspect of hare scrambles racing, so making sure that we keep it a fun family weekend is critical," Reddish said. "Bringing everyone together to enhance hare scrambles racing will increase the value of the AMA Racing West Hare Scrambles Championship Series, and we're looking forward to working with everyone involved."
The 2009 AMA Racing West Hare Scrambles Championship Series will begin on Feb. 13-14 at Ryno Land in Anza, Calif. The seven-round championship will wrap up on Oct. 23-25 in Mesquite, Nev. The complete schedule is below.
For series information, contact: Sean Reddish, Off Road Sports LLC, 1055 West Redcliffs Drive, Suite 509C, Washington, UT 84780. Phone: (435) 635-1597; website: www.westernharescrambles.com.
2009 AMA Racing West Hare Scrambles Championship Series Schedule
Round 1
Feb. 13-14, 2009
LOC: Ryno Land, Anza, Calif.
Round 2
April 11, 2009
LOC: Hollister Hills SVRA, Hollister, Calif.
Round 3
June 12 - 14, 2009
LOC: Pacific Raceways, Auburn, Wash.
Co-sanctioned with WORCS
Round 4
Aug. 4 - 6, 2009
LOC: Straddleline OHV, Olympia, Wash.
Round 5
Aug. 29 - 30, 2009
LOC: Bull Hollow Raceway, Monticello, Utah
Round 6
Sept. 18 - 20, 2009
LOC: Glen Helen, Devore, CA
Co-sanctioned with WORCS
Round 7
Oct. 23 - 25, 2009
LOC: Mesquite, Mesquite, NV
Co-sanctioned with WORCS
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different roads on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
