Ask the AMA About Amateur Racing

Why are there C classes at Loretta’s? Do we really need them? 

If we do need them, why only big bikes? Why not 65 and 85 C class?

I get that, it’s about making a profit. The issue is there are only a couple that write the policy needed, and they have the promoters by the stones and suck them dry. Is the AMA doing anything to get legislation introduced like they have in Arkansas and Texas about the inherent risk of riding that falls on the rider rather than the track owners? Maybe a better liability release that protects the tracks and discourages frivolous lawsuits? Something that actually holds up and pushes the risk on the rider that signed it?

Dear AMA Motocross committee,

You’ve decided that in 2027 superminis will not be allowed in Women’s class. This effectively will take out half the women’s class locally. Any beginner, intermediate women, or simply anyone advanced who doesn’t want a big bike. There would be no more stepping stone into racing for adult women or anyone not ready for a big bike. This sport is already hard for girls and women as it is, why make it harder? You were not thinking of the local races. Putting someone on a big bike who is not ready or simply just not built for it is not a smart decision.

I don’t think you realize how many this will actually impact but this will severely hurt the turnouts. If you insist on standing by this. Add a class. Make a class for women on smaller bikes who don’t feel safe racing a full sized bike.

Thank you,

Amanda Ward.

Honestly new bikes keep getting heavier and taller as time goes on too. New 4 strokes are absolute hippos.

Not my intent to offend, although it will be easy to take my question that way.

Why would anybody want the AMA involved in amateur racing? Most PNW tracks I've been to aren't AMA, which many of us view as a distant out of touch bureaucracy. How does the AMA benefit the local racers?

Mx sports dictates amateur racing, not the ama, right?

Make amateur moto amateur again... One "exhibition" class at Lorettas, +25 Vet Pro for anyone who has made the fast 40 or those who get their rocks off getting lapped by ex pros. All other vet classes, no fast fast 40s dating back to the first year that info started being recorded. Vet pros can still race designated vet A classes and pro sport classes. 

The "no minis in the womens class" thing is just stupid. I doubt any woman supports that and if they do they're shooting themselves in their own foot. 

Seems like you at least should be given an explanation. I can see where the ladies should be allowed to use the smaller bikes because of your size. If you and your competitors are fine with it shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding women and big/small bikes: forcing a small or slower girl to ride a full size bike will only slow them down as opposed to a small bike. Therefore the speed differential increases, between faster and slower girls, potentially leading to more crashes. 
The right answer is to separate them into A,B, or C classes, but the participation numbers aren’t there for that. So just leave them alone, and keep the AMAs hands off it.

Thanks for answering questions.  Great topic.  I think that a 125 senior class ( like over 45 years old)  would be popular if there  was a class.   I get why no old guys ride 125's, but really, they don't have a competitive option to either.......

I understand your philosophy on supermini racing, but feel it is flawed.  A larger bike may make individuals race in a more unsafe manner, as sometimes a larger bike can be a handful for some.  Isn't this the idea of young people not able to ride a 450 till a certain age? Young and smaller???

I’m going in a totally different direction than everyone else… I would like to see a program that teaches kids to ride Supercross on the local level that extends to the national and regional level. 

— Road to Supercross: A New Path to Pro Racing

“Because not every champion starts at Loretta’s.”

- Program Introduction

The Road to Supercross is a groundbreaking national program built for one purpose:

to prepare, develop, and launch riders into the world of professional Supercross /Arenacross racing.

This program opens a new door for local and regional riders who dream of racing under the stadium lights—by giving them a legitimate, structured, and progressive pathway through Supercross and Arenacross-style competition.

🧭 How It Works: Tiered Structure

1️⃣ Local Qualifier Series – State Level

Each state across the country will host a 4-5 round Supercross series, held at:

• Local rodeo arenas

• Arenacross venues

• Motocross facilities with Supercross-style tracks already built or approved

These events simulate real Supercross racing—tight lanes, technical rhythms, and pressure-packed main events. Riders will earn points throughout the series, and the Top 3 overall finishers per class will qualify for the next stage.

2️⃣ Regional Championship – One Shot to Rise

The top 3 from each state in eligible classes will move on to their designated Regional Supercross Championship Final. Regions include:

• West

• Central

• East

Riders must compete within one region only. No transfers or cross-region qualifying.

The top 3 podium finishers in each Regional Championship Final will earn their golden ticket—to line up in the Supercross Futures / SMX Next event when the AMA Supercross tour hits their region.

⸻

3️⃣ Supercross Futures / SMX Next

Podium finishers at the Regional level (in qualifying classes) will advance to race in the Supercross Futures or SMX Next program—held at select rounds of the AMA Supercross Championship.

This is their first taste of the big stage:

• Stadium crowd

• National TV

• Factory team eyes

• Real professional race day format

This is where tomorrow’s stars make their mark.

— Eligible Rider Classes for Supercross Advancement

The Road to Supercross is designed to bring forward true next-level talent from the amateur ranks. Only the following classes are eligible to qualify for Supercross Futures / SMX Next:

• 250 B

• Schoolboy 2

• Collegeboy (18–24)

These classes represent the riders most likely to transition into the pro ranks in the next 1–3 years and are the core focus of the developmental push.

— What About the Youth & Vet Classes?

While the Supercross advancement path is reserved for the key pro development classes, Youth and Vet classes are absolutely part of this program.

These classes will:

• Race in their state series

• Qualify for the Regional Supercross Championship Final

• Compete for the #1 Championship Plate in their class at the regional level

Their journey may not go to the stadium, but the prestige and intensity of a regional Supercross title still matter.

⸻

A Note to the Critics: “What About Loretta’s?”

We’ve already heard the question:

“Is this going to overlap or conflict with Loretta Lynn’s qualifiers?”

Let’s be clear: This program isn’t meant for everyone.

This program is not built to mirror or compete with Loretta Lynn’s. It’s built for those who want something different.

• Some riders don’t want to race motocross all year.

• Some want a career path built around Supercross and ArenaCross only.

• Some families want a different financial and logistical route than the traditional Loretta’s grind.

Road to Supercross is that alternative.

It’s not a replacement.

It’s not a competitor.

It’s a new road—for a new generation of racers with a new vision for their future.

⸻

🔥 The Vision Forward

This program is about:

- Preparing riders for stadium racing

✅-Making Supercross more accessible

✅-Identifying real talent in real SX environments

✅-Giving local riders a reason to keep chasing the dream

And most importantly—giving young racers hope that there’s more than one way to make it.

⸻

Closing Statement:

Not every champion comes out of Loretta Lynn’s.

Not every family can afford the grind.

Not every rider wants to race outdoors.

But every rider deserves a path to the career they dream of.

^^^^^ as cool as some of these ideas above are.  The people in control have stopped many of these ideas over the years and will continue to do so.

carry on.

One i thing i can tell you.  ALL champions start at a local event.  not some, not many, but ALL.  

Seems our sport forgot that.