Thirty-five AMA National Championships were awarded, and four racers were recognized for their impressive performances, when racing concluded at the 2017 Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship that took place July 31 - Aug. 5 at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
Thirty riders took home the 35 AMA National No. 1 plates, with five of those riders securing two AMA National Championships apiece.
"It is with great pride and confidence that I say the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship was a huge success," AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow said. "We would like to congratulate the 30 newly crowned AMA National Champions, as well as all of the talented racers who showcased their skills in the country's most prestigious amateur motocross event."
Hall of Famer Tom McDermott stopped by to explore the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum on Aug. 4 with his son Patrick and caregiver Angela Maganon.
"It's probably been seven or eight years since I've been here," McDermott said as he examined the array of bikes in the museum. "I was here in 2004 for a celebration, as well. It's nice to come back for a visit."
With every motorcycle he caught sight of, McDermott recounted another story from his successful racing career in the 1940s and 1950s. It was clear the bikes made him nostalgic.
Amateur hillclimb racers from across America competed for one of 23 AMA National Championships at the 2017 AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship, hosted by the Indian Head Motorcycle Club, in Red Wing, Minn., on Aug. 5-6.
"Hillclimb racers made their way to Wisconsin from all over the country to prove their talent and skill in one of the most thrilling disciplines of motorcycle racing," AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant said. "We would like to congratulate all those who participated in the event and, especially, those who were able to take home an AMA National Championship."
Bodee O'Neil of Hager City, Wis., was honored as AMA Amateur Hillclimb Racer of the Year after winning an AMA No. 1 Plate in the 125cc, 200cc and 250cc classes. His best run of the event was in the 250cc class, taking just 6.247 seconds to reach the top of the hill.
See the latest models and newest updates from the motorcycle industry's leading manufacturers and organizations at the 2017 AIMExpo in Columbus, Ohio on Sept. 21-24.
AMA Members can receive a $4 discount on adult one-day passes to the event by using the special AMA Member discount code when purchasing tickets at
www.aimexpousa.com.
Visit the
Members Only section of the AMA website to locate the discount code and read about more benefits of AMA membership.
