AMA Board of Directors Awards

Identifying members who best serve the AMA mission

The motorcycling community owes its growth and success to its people. Overseen by the AMA Board of Directors, the AMA Board of Directors Awards Program recognizes the individuals and organizations who have demonstrated leadership, uncommon excellence, and dedication to the AMA mission of promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling—often while overcoming significant challenges or adversity.

Individuals are encouraged to submit the name of a person or group that may qualify as an applicant for one the AMA Awards listed below. Tell us the award for which you are nominating them, and why you think he or she (or the organization or group) is a standout in 500 or fewer words. Send your submission to submissions@ama-cycle.org or mail to: AMA Awards Program, American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. (Please, no self-nominations.)

Please note:

    • The AMA Awards program is separate from the AMA Hall of Fame induction process, which is overseen by the independent AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Selection Committee. If you would like to submit a name for consideration by the Hall of Fame, please download the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Application.
    • The AMA also recognizes outstanding achievement in numerous competition disciplines through the annual AMA Racing awards program. It is a separate program, and is administered by the AMA racing department.

The AMA Board of Directors has established four awards that honor members who serve the AMA mission in exceptional ways.

The awards include:

AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award

This award acknowledges the highest level of service to the AMA in any area of activity. This award is chosen by the AMA board and is presented by a member of the board or its representative. The AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award is not necessarily awarded for every calendar year.

AMA Bessie Stringfield Award

This award acknowledges an individual who has been instrumental in introducing or promoting motorcycling to emerging markets. This award is chosen by the AMA board and is presented by a member of the board or its representative. The AMA Bessie Stringfield Award is not necessarily awarded for every calendar year.

AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award

This award acknowledges an individual or organization that generates good publicity for motorcycling. This award is chosen by the AMA board and is presented by a member of the board or its representative. The AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award is not necessarily awarded for every calendar year.

AMA Jim Viverito Friend of the AMA Award

Renamed in honor of former AMA Board Member and longtime volunteer Jim Viverito in 2020, this award acknowledges individuals or organizations in the motorcycling community who have strongly supported the AMA mission and its programs. This award is chosen by the AMA president at his discretion and is presented by the AMA president or his representative.


Previous AMA Board of Directors Award categories

AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award

The AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award is presented annually to an individual who has contributed to the promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle and protection of the future of motorcycling.

AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award

The AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award is presented annually to an individual who has contributed to the promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle and protection of the future of motorcycling.