The AMA issued the following press release Tuesday morning, making official what roadracingworld.com posted at 12:00 midnight EDT, namely, that Gary Mathers has been put in charge of road racing operations. The text of the release follows:

“MATHERS NAMED AMA PRO RACING ROAD RACE OPERATIONS MANAGER

“PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Pro Racing announced today the addition of Gary Mathers in the capacity of Operations Manager for the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship.

“In this role, Mathers’ responsibilities will encompass the planning, budgeting and field operations for all AMA Pro Racing road-race events. More specifically, the Operations Manager attends each event, and directs the activities of all AMA operations staff, including full-time, part-time and volunteer staff, plus local labor hired for the event. Mathers’ responsibilities also include interfacing with racing teams, track operators and promoters to ensure the smooth operation of each event.

“Gary Mathers comes to AMA Pro Racing with a deep background in motorcycling and professional motorsports competition, as a racer initially and, more notably, as a team manager. He began his motorcycle racing career aboard a BSA 650 dirt-tracker, and in 1975 Mathers transitioned into race team management with Kawasaki, eventually heading up their motorcycle road racing and motocross teams.

“In 1985, Mathers joined American Honda in the capacity of race team manager, overseeing their burgeoning flat-track, road racing and motocross teams. The leadership experience and working knowledge of corporate structures that Mathers gained during his long tenure with two major motorcycle manufacturers will serve him well in his capacity of Operations Manager.

“Since entering the world of race team management, Mathers’ teams won a remarkable 76 national motorcycle and snowmobile championships, and never failed to win at least one championship every year — an enviable record that makes him the winningest team manager in the motorcycle industry. This impressive racing résumé makes Gary Mathers uniquely qualified to enter his new position with AMA Pro Racing.

“Mathers stated, ‘I’m flattered that AMA Pro Racing would consider me for this position, and I am anxious to begin in this new capacity. I know that my race team background will help me understand the needs of teams, sponsors, promoters and manufacturers. This is a time of growth for AMA Pro Racing and the road-racing community as a whole. Road racing is maturing as a sport, and it’s time for road racing to take a higher profile in the public eye.’

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