PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The 32nd Annual AMA Pro Racing Championship Banquet returns to The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. The star-studded event held each year concludes AMA Pro Racing’s championship season and honors the leading riders who have competed in AMA Supercross, Motocross, Superbike, Flat Track, Supermoto and Hillclimb.

The highlight of the banquet each year is announcing the AMA Pro Racing SPEED Athlete of the Year recipient. Last year Ricky Carmichael became the first rider in AMA history to win the Athlete of the Year Award for the fourth time.

Television personalities/motorsports commentators Jamie Little and Todd Harris are scheduled to host this year’s banquet.

“We’re excited about Jamie and Todd and bringing the banquet back to The Rio,” said Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing’s Vice President and Director of Communications. “Once again, the weekend is going to be a major invasion of Las Vegas by AMA stars, fans and industry leaders. We’re also happy to have the AMA Sports Banquet on the Friday before the Pro Banquet. It promises to be a fun-filled weekend for anyone who loves motorcycle racing.”

The AMA Pro Racing Championship Banquet at The Rio gives fans the opportunity to see their favorite riders in a more relaxed setting than a race weekend. The banquet has also been noted for its eye-catching multimedia presentation. That tradition will continue this year.

In addition to the 32nd Annual AMA Pro Racing Championship Banquet, the Rio will also host the 4th Annual AMA Sports Banquet on Friday, Nov. 17. In between, fans will have the opportunity to watch the exciting Maxxis EnduroCross at the Orleans Arena. AMA Supercross great Jeremy McGrath has announced that he will race in this year’s race.

The public is welcome to attend the banquet. Tickets are $125 which includes admission, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. For ticket information visit ~http://www.amaproracing.com/banquet~ or call (614) 856-1900, ext. 1232.