AMA Pro Racing issued a press release May 9 announcing the hiring of John Farris, the new Vice President of Commercial Development.

The release read as follows:

“AMA Pro Racing announced today that John C. Farris, Jr. has been named Vice President of Commercial Development, a newly created position for the organization. Farris will collaborate with sponsors, promoters, teams and media representatives to strengthen the current line-up of AMA professional racing series and he will also focus his attention on a variety of existing projects as well as design and implement future plans for growth in racing.

“‘To have someone of John’s caliber joining AMA Pro Racing is a huge step forward,’ said Pro Racing’s CEO Scott Hollingsworth. ‘The motorcycling industry is undergoing a time of rapid growth and change, which makes it absolutely vital for us to staff up and apply strong guidance to our sport during this time of incredible opportunity. John’s knowledge of the industry and passion for the sport of motorcycle racing will be great assets to our organization.’

“Farris has ridden and raced motorcycles nearly all his life and owns eight motorcycles. He comes to AMA Racing from General Motors’ Brand Management organization, where he was most recently the Marketing Manager for the company’s highest volume brand, Chevrolet Silverado. Farris orchestrated the cooperative efforts that brought financial support from Chevy Trucks to individual race teams and entire AMA racing series – partnerships that introduced significant levels of sponsorship from a high profile, well-respected ‘outside industry’ source.

“‘The integration of Chevy Trucks into the sport of professional motorcycle racing was extremely gratifying to me both professionally and personally,’ said Farris. ‘As I became more involved with the motorcycle industry, I identified more and more opportunity to become directly involved with the sport of motorcycle racing, and I began to recognize how I could help AMA Pro Racing fulfill a larger overall potential. I’m excited to be coming on board in this vital capacity with AMA Pro Racing.’

“A native of the Detroit area, Farris worked for General Motors for 17 years. After graduating from Central Michigan University, he began his GM career as a district manager, moving rapidly up the ranks in key sales and marketing positions to eventually head the marketing for Chevy’s Silverado, a position he held since 1997. Farris is married and has four children, and he will continue to reside in the Detroit area.

“For immediate post-race results, rider information, AMA Pro Racing notes and news, log on to www.amaproracing.com.”

(See related May 3 Roadracingworld.com post, Former Critic Vreeke Now Advises AMA Pro Racing On PR Strategy)