PICKERINGTON, Ohio–The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced major changes to the 2008 AMA Sports Road Race Grand Championships, set for September 19-21 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, intended to provide more track time, a streamlined class structure, better value and easier signup. “Everything from simplified signup to faster tech to better result reporting will greet our riders,” said AMA Racing Senior Director Bryan Cohn. “Most important, all competitors will have more chances to circulate the world-class Mid-Ohio track. We’ve also restructured our program to better serve our core group, those competing on today’s most-popular racing motorcycles, to give them even more opportunity to ride.” With a tighter program, riders can expect as much as 1 hour, 55 minutes, of track time during the two race days of the event for each class they enter. In addition, a Friday practice will offer additional sessions, allowing for up to three times the track time compared to previous years. A new class structure also makes it easier for riders on the most popular bikes to sign up for additional classes. Another positive development is the elimination of gate fees for the 2008 AMA Sports Road Race Grand Championships. This year, an entry fee is good for up to four additional attendees (crew, friends or family) for each rider. Cohn said that another big draw this year is the program is entirely and exclusively AMA sanctioned. “Before, the AMA Sports Road Race Grand Championships have been affiliated with other sanctioning bodies,” Cohn said. “That approach worked OK, but it also created some confusion regarding the nature of the No. 1 plates being won. This year, the event is fully independent, allowing racers to compete for AMA amateur national championships in all classes on a level playing field.” Registration for the 2008 AMA Sports Road Race Grand Championships is now open. Online registration this year is hosted by DLB Racing and competitors can sign up at www.dlbracing.com/clubs/ama-cycle/roadrace.aspx?EventID=3557. “DLBRacing.com is proud to offer its online registration services to the AMA and we look forward to a long and productive partnership,” said Donovan Brown, owner of DLB Racing. For more information about the 2008 AMA Sports Road Race Grand Championships, see the Racing section of www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.