From a press release issued by the AMA:

AMA ROAD RACING GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS SET FOR JULY AT MID-OHIO

PICKERINGTON, OHIO — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that the 7th Annual AMA Road Racing Grand Championships will be held July 23 – 24 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Showcasing top young road-racing talent from throughout the country, the AMA Road Racing Grand Championships will be held mid-week, between two popular weekend events: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 18 – 20; and Round 9 of the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, July 25 – 27.

At the 2003 AMA Road Racing Grand Championships, riders from WERA’s Northeast and North Central Regions will be able to earn championship points toward those WERA series, made possible by an agreement between AMA Sports and WERA Motorcycle Roadracing. WERA Race Director Sean Clarke, along with other key WERA officials, will work alongside AMA Sports officials to manage and officiate the competition.

Also new for 2003 is the AMA Club Road Racing Challenge, created by AMA Sports to provide an opportunity for three-rider teams from the nation’s many club road-racing programs to compete against one another. And in the coming weeks, AMA Sports will name a notable road-racing personality as the 2003 AMA Road Racing Grand Championships Honoree.

“We’re excited to offer the new AMA Club Road Racing Challenge in conjunction with the 2003 AMA Grand Championships, and we’re delighted to be working with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing in the presentation and officiating of the events,” said AMA Vice President of Events and Entertainment Bill Amick. “This relationship will assure a top-notch team of officials, and will introduce many new riders to our event — riders from all U.S. road racing organizations will be welcome.”

A variety of classes will be run, designed specifically to be compatible with many club racing programs. The scenic and challenging 2.4-mile Mid-Ohio road course was selected because it provides “a level playing field,” since no club-racing organizations host regular events there.

“We look forward to being part of a great event and helping it realize its full potential,” said WERA President Evelyne Clarke. “WERA and AMA Sports share a lot of common ground, and we hope that this project will encourage closer cooperation among road-racing organizations throughout the U.S.”

Supplemental regulations, schedules and class structures will be announced in early May.

For information about the 2003 AMA Road Racing Grand Championships and the AMA Club Road Racing Challenge, contact Stephani McIntyre at AMA Sports: (614) 856-1900 extension 1345, or [email protected].

For information about the WERA championships, contact WERA Motorcycle Roadracing, 2555 Marietta Highway No. 104, Canton, Georgia 30114; (770) 720-5010; [email protected].