PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Racing, the amateur-racing arm of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), is pleased to announce the release of a new publication designed specifically for AMA members who compete in AMA Racing-sanctioned events: AMA Racer. The first issue of AMA Racer focuses on dirt-track racing, and is available online now at AmericanMotorcylist.com/AMARacer. “AMA Racer covers the sport from the unique perspective of competitors, while providing information that members expect and need from their sanctioning body,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “This publication will not just report on the rules from a technical perspective. We also feature the racers, promoters, events, equipment and locales that make motorcycle racing so cool.” Added AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley: “Complete and honest communication is an integral part of successful competition, and AMA Racer is part of a larger program to improve our performance in that area. Each issue will not only cover many of the disciplines that we sanction, but will devote extra space to highlight an upcoming event. The first issue focuses on the AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, the country’s biggest week in amateur dirt-track racing, and an event I myself competed in for two decades before joining the staff of the AMA.” Featured riders in the first issue include this year’s AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships Honoree and 2003 AMA Racing Female Athlete of the Year Nichole Cheza, last year’s 2008 AMA Racing Dirt Track Horizon Award winner Brad Baker, and inspirational vet racer Curt Comer, who collected AMA Racing national championships last year in dirt track, enduros and trials. AMA Racer will be published periodically over the course of the year to coincide with major AMA Racing activities. The next issue, which will focus on both the AMA/Air Nautiques Amateur National Motocross Championships and the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, will be available by mid-June. AMA Racer is currently provided free online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/AMARacer. Printed copies also will be available at select AMA-sanctioned events. AMA Racer is part of an expanding AMA commitment to support amateur racing in all disciplines. In February, the AMA Board of Directors established a $1 million endowment fund for amateur racing programs. The interest earned on this endowment helps fund amateur racing initiatives for years to come. Editorial inquiries and suggestions are welcome. They can be sent to AMA Racer, c/o American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147, or via e-mail to [email protected]. Companies interested in advertising in AMA Racer can contact Advertising Manager Ray Monroe at (815) 885-4445 or [email protected].