Today’s Season-Opening Race to Begin New Era in AMA Pro SuperSport presented by Shoei Class AMA Pro’s Young Rider Showcase to Feature East/West Championships and Shootout Finale DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 5, 2009) – The SuperSport name has a long history in AMA Pro Road Racing and now the class will play a key role in the organization’s future. AMA Pro SuperSport presented by Shoei is AMA Pro Road Racing’s new showcase of the sport’s future motorcycle racing stars today. The proving ground series is reserved strictly for up-and-coming riders between the ages of 16 and 21 who compete on 600cc sport bikes that are only minimally modified from what you will find at your local Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Honda or other motorcycle dealerships. AMA Pro SuperSport is divided into East and West Championships although two combined race rounds will be run during the season and an overall National Champion will be crowned in October’s Shootout Finale at Daytona. Today’s season-opening race at Daytona and this summer’s event at Heartland Park Topeka, July 31 – August 2, are the dual championship events while the non-points paying Daytona Shootout will be held October 16 – 18. “The SuperSport name has a winning legacy in AMA Pro Road Racing and this new format will not only continue this history but will also develop the future of the sport by spotlighting some of the motorcycle road racing’s emerging talent,” said AMA Pro Racing President Roger Edmondson. “Having separate East and West Championships also makes sense for these young competitors as many are still in school in addition to learning their craft as motorcycle road racing’s future stars.” The same motorcycles that are featured in the headlining AMA Pro Daytona SportBike division are the eligible machines in SuperSport, albeit in a much less modified form. The list includes the Yamaha YZF-R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, Honda CBR600RR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and similar sport bikes. SuperSport is all about the riders, however, and creating an arena where they can shine. Riders can’t compete in the division – or any other AMA Pro Road Racing class – until the age of 16 and they are no longer eligible for SuperSport in the season following their 21st birthday. Any rider who has finished in the top-10 in any other AMA Pro Road Racing class is also not eligible for SuperSport, regardless of age. Success in SuperSport also means successful graduation from the class. Any rider that wins a SuperSport season championship is no longer eligible in the class and all riders are no longer eligible after three season of competition in the division. As in all AMA Pro Road Racing classes, Dunlop and its proven racing tires are the series-standard application in SuperSport and competitors must use original equipment wheels and braking systems, with alternate brake pads or discs the only change allowed.