AMA Motocross: Exclusive List of Amateur National, Major & Featured Events (2022)
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MX athletes love spending their weekends at tracks all over America. But to compete against the best racers in the country, you should consider racing these elite AMA motocross events.
To clarify, the races mentioned above are events that offer AMA #1 plates to the champions participating in each class. Additionally, the AMA has three levels of premier MX events: Nationals, Majors and Featured Events.
National races are considered the most prestigious. However, the Majors and Featured Events typically have just as many if not more of the fastest racers in the country. Keep in mind that an active AMA membership is required to race these events.
AMA Motocross National Events
There are five different AMA programs that are considered Nationals. Each program awards the winners of each class a national title and an AMA #1 plate.
Motocross Action Coloring Book
Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Championship
Organized by MX Sports, the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Championship is the most prestigious amateur motocross race you could attend. Formerly known as the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Championship, the annual race is held at Loretta Lynn’s family ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
In the 1980s, race promoter Dave Coombs wanted to try something new. He aimed to hold a race on a track that couldn’t be considered anyone’s “stomping ground”. Loretta Lynn’s 6,000 acre horse ranch became that place. If you go to the “ranch” any other time of the year, the track is merely a grassy area for the animals to graze.
AMA MOTOCROSS RACING FORMAT:
First we have to look at what it takes to even race at the Loretta Lynn MX national. To clarify, you must go through a series of qualifying races to even attend. Let’s lay out the groundwork. There are eight regions in the US:
- Northeast
- Southeast
- Mid-East
- North Central
- South Central
- Northwest
- Mid-West
- Southwest
Each region has a maximum of eight area qualifiers. A racer must attend one of the area qualifiers and finish in an advancement position to qualify for the Regional Championship. Typically, Limited classes are raced on Saturday and modified classes on Sunday (with a Friday practice). Additionally, area qualifiers are a 2 moto format.
If you earned a qualifying position at the area qualifier, you can attend the regional qualifiers. Regional qualifiers are a 3 moto format and the next step before making it to the “Big Show”. At this stage, each region has a separate race for Youth, Amateur and Vet classes. Note that as of 2022, motos at the regionals will be timed motos.
Only the top riders per the advancement chart qualify to race at the national event. For example, in the Northeast region, the top 6 in each class qualify for the National (or “get their ticket”).
| Regionals | Advance from Area Qualifier | Advance from Regional |
| Northeast | 9 | 6 |
| Southeast | 9 | 6 |
| Mid-East | 9 | 6 |
| N. Central | 9 | 6 |
| S. Central | 9 | 6 |
| Northwest | 15 | 4 |
| Mid-West | 12 | 4 |
| Southwest | 12 | 4 |
2022 AMA Motocross Advancement Chart / mxsports.com
The Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Championship is a 3 moto format. Motos are timed (with the exception of the Micro-E class which runs 4 laps) ~ 50cc, Girls, Senior (45+), Masters (50+) and “C” classes run 15 minute motos while most other classes run 20 minute motos. As of 2022, the Open Pro Sport and 250 Pro Sport classes will run 25 minute motos. Furthermore, the event spans over the course of a week beginning around the first of August.
The track is known for its rough terrain and long ruts. In addition, the weather is usually very hot and humid.
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:
- First of all, factory teams and sponsors will be at Lorettas watching. It’s a great opportunity to rub elbows with some of the industry’s elite. Further, most bike manufacturers will be there with parts and offer mechanical assistance.
- The facility itself offers a lot to do. For instance, there is a pool and a creek for your swimming enjoyment. In addition, there is a Grist Mill Museum as well as a Coal Miners Daughter Museum. Plenty of vendors will be available to purchase gear or food. Also, there is a store across the street from the main gate (accessible by pit bike or golf cart).
- Lorettas is a huge race event. As a result, there are many fun activities throughout the week. For example, there is a country music concert, STACYC events, an annual talent show, autograph signing and much more.
- If you qualified for Lorettas and need some help getting ready, check out the Ultimate Loretta Lynn Packing List!
Risk Racing Strapless Transport System
AMA Motocross Major Events
Although they aren’t considered national races, AMA Major events are equally as huge. As a matter of fact, it’s likely that these events can be even more competitive. Currently, there are four races that the AMA considers Major events:
Daytona Amateur Supercross
Each year at the beginning of March, Ricky Carmichael hosts the Daytona Amateur Supercross race. Held in conjunction with the professional supercross race, this major event presents a unique experience for racers of all ages.
AMA MOTOCROSS RACING FORMAT:
First of all, the track is built in the middle of the Daytona Motor Speedway. That in itself creates a very unique and fun racing environment. Additionally, there are a limited number of racers for each class (either 34 or 64 depending on demand). You must sign up online and the spots are first come first serve.
Pros race on Saturday. The Daytona amateur race is held Sunday and Monday. Although the race is outdoors, it follows a supercross format. Heat races determine your gate pick and the main event dictates your final position.
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:
- Because the pro race is held on Saturday, there is a very good chance that you’ll get to see or even meet your favorite racer.
- Pay attention to the fees. For example, you might have to purchase the pro race tickets separately as well as pit bike passes and camping. Also the facility offers NASCAR garages to rent for the weekend. The garages give you a dry place to pit close to the track.
- Daytona Amateur Supercross is held during bike week in Daytona. Therefore, you can find many other things to do if you want to explore outside of the track.
Ride on Lift Bike Stand
Freestone Spring Championship
The James Stewart Freestone Spring Championship is located in Wortham, Texas on the 1,150 acre Miller Ranch. Freestone Raceway was established as a pro racing facility and hosted the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship from 2007-2012.
AMA MOTOCROSS RACING FORMAT:
Presented by Parts Unlimited and Thor, the Freestone Spring Championship is a four day event held annually. The event is typically held in mid-March (March 11-15, 2022). Although they stick to a 2 moto format, there are a lot of classes and racers in attendance. Many classes will have more than 40 participants so heat races are a great possibility.
FREESTONE AMA MOTOCROSS
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:
- The award for winning a class is probably the coolest thing about this race. Each champion is invited to attend the Champions Ride Day at James Stewart’s training compound in Haines City, Florida in November.
- Freestone is also the promotor of one of the largest amateur motocross series in America, the AMA Texas Winter Series. Additionally, the track hosts the Texas Night Series from April through August.
- Be prepared for scorching heat. Like it’s seriously hot at Freestone. Therefore, you should bring all of your “stay cool” products such as: a canopy tent, cooling towels, straw hats and a trailer fan.
On Any Sunday II
Mammoth Mountain Motocross
Established in 1968, Mammoth Mountain Motocross is the oldest continuous running motocross in the USA. Located in Mammoth Lakes, California, the track was built 8,000 feet up in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
AMA MOTOCROSS RACING FORMAT:
The “Road to Mammoth” begins with qualifying at one of the six qualifying races throughout California. In late June, anyone who has qualified can race the finals at Mammoth Mountain.
The event lasts more than a week but different classes compete on specified days. For instance, a particular class might race on Tuesday and Wednesday only. Furthermore, both Supercross and Motocross formats are used (one day will be sx and the next mx).
CREDIT/MAMMOTH AMA MOTOCROSS
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:
- All classes are modified, including the 50cc classes. Also, there are random top 5 teardowns in all mini classes.
- If you race at least 4 of the qualifying races, you will have the opportunity to race Mammoth with the AMA King of the West red front #1 plate. In addition, the top five in points at the qualifying races will get that gate pick at the finals.
- Make sure to check the rules. Certain classes are expected to have front number plates of a particular color scheme.
- Also I wanted to mention that Mammoth gives out super awesome carved bears as the trophy!
Thor Mini O’s
Thor Mini O’s is an annual event held at Gatorback Cycle Park in Alachua, Florida. Racers from all over the world show up to participate in this highly competitive event. 2021 marked the 50th annual running of the Mini O’s event.
AMA MOTOCROSS RACING FORMAT:
Mini O’s is a week long event that begins with supercross racing and ends with motocross racing. During the supercross event, racers run a heat race to determine gate pick for the main event. The main event results are the final results in supercross. After that, motocross racing begins. The two motocross motos are averaged for overall finishes.
Thor Mini O’s AMA Motocross
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:
- Mini O’s is held during the week of Thanksgiving. As an annual tradition, friends get together and enjoy dinner with their moto families. Turkey dinners are usually offered at the track as well.
- In addition to the usual trophies, Mini O’s gives out Olympiad awards as well. For example, the Pro Circuit Platinum Pipe Award goes to the rider who accumulates the highest number of points in SX and MX combined. Several other rider awards are given out as well as the Renthal Mechanic of the Year Award.
- Make sure you bring your pit bike or golf cart. Gatorback is a large facility and you may be parked quite far from the track. Also, they create a “switchback” type pit bike track which is super fun. Furthermore, they do have golf cart rentals on site but it’s probably a good idea to reserve one in advance.
3D Illusion Lamps – Motocross
AMA Motocross Featured Events
AMA Motocross Featured Events aren’t quite as big as majors or nationals but still deserve recognition as awesome racing events. Currently, there are thirteen AMA Featured Events:
Arizona Open
Arizona Cycle Park in Buckeye is the host of the annual Arizona Open. It is a five day event held November 30th – December 4th, 2022. The race program follows a 3 moto format with the exception of certain classes. Additionally, several other fun activities are held. For example, they hold a STACYC race, a DodgeBall Championship and even have an “Adult Zone” where free beer is in the cards.
Baja Brawl
Baja Brawl runs for four days at the beginning of September (2nd-5th, 2022). The race is hosted at Baja Acres in Millington, Michigan. Moreover, Baja Brawl is known for it’s extracurricular activities. For instance, at the 2021 event, racers were able to enjoy a freestyle event, Side X Side racing and even a belly flop contest.
Dirt Bike Bedding
California Classic
The California Classic is at Fox Raceway in Pala, California. The 2022 event will be held April 15-17th and is a two moto format. In addition to the regular track amenities, Fox Raceway offers trackside support and parts through Temecula Motorsports.
Chillitown Classic
On July 5-10 2022, the first running of the Chillitown Classic will take place. This event is held at Chillitown MX located at the Ross County Fairgrounds in Chillicothe, Ohio. Chillitown MX offers an amazing facility with over 1,100 full hookup campsites as well as a bathhouse and dump station.
Fly Racing Spring Shootout
The Fly Racing Spring Shootout is also new to the list of AMA Featured Events for 2022. This event will take place on May 29-30, 2022 at Lincoln Trail Motosports in Casey, Illinois.
OGIO Gear Bag
Kings Cup
The Kings Cup will be another new race on the list of 2022 AMA Featured Events. The Kings Cup will take place at Silver Dollar Motorsports Park in Reynolds, Georgia on February 18-20, 2022. The motos will be 15 minute timed motos versus a specified number of laps.
Kawasaki Race of Champions
The Kawasaki Race of Champions (aka KROC) is held annually during the first weekend in October. Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey hosts the event. KROC is a four day event. Amateurs and vets race a 3 moto format (Friday & Saturday) and Pro-Am racers compete in a 2 moto format program (Sunday). In addition, many prizes and giveaways were up for grabs at the 2020 event. For example, six new Kawasaki’s were given away as well as a brand new set of tires for all PW50 racers.
The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City
The Motoplayground Race is held each year at Ponca City MX. Ponca City MX is located at the Jack Blevins Motocross City Park in downtown Ponca City, Oklahoma. In addition, the facility has over 200 RV hook-ups as well as restrooms and showers. The Motoplayground Race is a four day event that follows a 2 moto format (October 6-9, 2022). Thursday practice is a required timed practice day.
Racer X Maine Event
Sponsored by FXR, the Racer X Maine Event is held at MX207 in Lyman, Maine. It is a three day event with a three moto format scheduled for the last weekend in August (27th-29th). Currently they are building a pit bike track in the barn for a new pit bike racing event. This is in addition to the many activities already planned.
Alpinestars Men’s Motorcycle Shoe
Spring A Ding Ding
Spring A Ding Ding is another Motoplayground race held at Underground MX in Kemp, Texas. The race is a four day event scheduled for March 15-19, 2022. Furthermore, the facility offers full RV hook-ups, a laundry facility, on-site gym and a restroom/shower facility. In addition, there are skate half pipes, pit bike jumps and fishing ponds.
Texas Winter Series
The Texas Winter Series is the only AMA Motocross Featured Event that is an actual race series. As one of the largest series in America, stops are made at Freestone Raceway, Village Creek MX Park, Swan MX Raceway Park and Oakhill MX Park. The individual race events follow a 2 moto format and awards are provided for 1st – 5th place.
“JAMMIN” JIMMY WEINERT: Living My Dream
Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am
Doublin Gap Motocross hosts the annual Yamaha All-Star Pro-Am. The event runs September 10-11, 2022 and is a 2 moto format. In addition to racing, there will be Barbie Jeep races and a pig roast. Also, any 50cc rider that races in the Cobra Cup will be entered in a drawing to win a Cobra 50 Senior bike.
Washougal Amateur Days
During the week of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship race, Washougal MX Park holds its Amateur Days racing. Amateur Days follows a 2 moto format and is held on the Thursday and Friday before the pro race (July 21-23, 2022). The track is located in the foothills of southwest Washington and is one of the most scenic racing venues in America.
If you enjoyed this article, check out MX Training Facilities: Exclusive List & More!! See you at the track! Thanks for visiting Badash Life and make sure to sign up for email updates on your screen ❤
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