AMA and United States Motorcycle Coaching Association Partner to Expand Competition Coaching in America

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association has entered into a partnership with the United States Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA) to grow AMA membership and expand access to responsible and comprehensive coaching for motorcycle racers across the country.

Under the agreement, the AMA, the national sanctioning body for motorcycle sport, and the USMCA, which has pioneered a nationally recognized motorcycle coaching certification process and national network of rider coaches, will promote ease of access and availability, safety and membership in the AMA for AMA-sanctioned Competition Schools operated by USMCA-certified coaches.

“This effort will foster the development of responsible and competitive racers across numerous AMA-sanctioned disciplines,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “Through this partnership, each organization will be able to leverage the others’ resources and nationwide networks to meet the growing demand for race-oriented training. The result will be more racers, and more confident racers, enjoying the motorcycle lifestyle.”

The USMCA was launched in 2016 by then-head of KTM North America Jon-Erik Burleson, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer — and former Victory Motorcycle CEO — Mark Blackwell and former Supercross champion and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeff Emig. USMCA is a non-profit, membership-based organization that has certified coaches across several states, connecting students with coaches through www.motorcyclecoaching.org.

“As motorcycle sales have soared, especially during the pandemic, our robust coaching certification program has continued to grow to meet the needs of athletes,” said USMCA President Christy LaCurelle. “This agreement helps give USMCA coaches the chance to run AMA-sanctioned Competition Schools while broadening both of our networks.”

To become a USMCA-certified coach, applicants have to pass a motorcycle competency and skills test, complete a background check and have training in CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness and cardiac arrest. The USMCA’s nationally-recognized coaching certification program is an industry first that brings the professionalism of coaching on par with other well-established sports. Coaching certification must be renewed every two years.

As part of this program, the AMA will host a dedicated website page to link AMA members with USMCA coaches, and promote coaching opportunities to competition members of the association.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: americanmotorcyclist.com.

About the U.S. Motorcycle Coaching Association (USMCA)

USMCA is an association where riders and parents can connect to motorcycle coaches they can trust through the network, www.motorcyclecoaching.org. All USMCA Certified Coaches are required to adhere to a code of conduct, pass a background check and hold certifications in abuse prevention, CPR/First Aid, concussion protocol, heat illness and cardiac arrest training. For more information on the USMCA or becoming a USMCA Certified Coach, visit USMCA.org.