From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA CHEVY TRUCKS U.S. SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP BONUS MONEY DISTRIBUTED TO TOP-20 RIDERS

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The first payout of AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship bonus money has been distributed. The championship fund, which totals $120,000, is paid out three times during the season to the top-20 riders in the point standings. The first payout occurs after Round 7 with the second and final payouts being distributed after Round 11 and at the conclusion of the season, respectively.

Aaron Yates took home the largest share of the bonus earning $4,000 for leading the series through the Road Atlanta event. Second place Mat Mladin earned a check of $3,000 and Eric Bostrom took home $2,550 for being third in the standings. Privateer rider Scott Jensen earned $1,050 for his 20th-place standing through Round 7.

“Paying the championship bonus three times over the course of the season gives more riders an opportunity to share in the fund,” said Ron Barrick, AMA Pro Racing’s road race manager. “Additionally, we’ve structured the fund in such a way that we distribute payouts as deep in the field as possible. This bonus is a nice addition to riders’ salaries, contingency and sponsorship earnings. Also, for some riders, particularly those in the privateer ranks, this championship bonus helps defray the cost of racing.”

The 2003 championship bonus fund, made possible with Chevy Trucks’ sponsorship of the series, is in addition to the total series purse which exceeds $1.3 million as well as an available $3.2 million in contingencies.