2021 AMA Amateur Ice Racers of the Year Named
PICKERINGTON, OH (March 22, 2021) — Brady Bargeron of Bentley, Mich., and Kyle Johnson of Muskegon, Mich., were named the 2021 AMA Amateur Ice Racers of the Year for their performances in the 2021 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship, held on Feb. 6 in Oshkosh, Wis.
Bargeron won the Open Amateur Champion Class on the oval track at the 2021 High Voltage AMA Ice Race Grand Championship and was runner-up in the 450cc Amateur Class.
For Johnson, he won the 450cc Amateur Class and finished second in the Open Amateur Champion Class, making the two racers tied.
“Both Brady [Bargeron] and Kyle [Johnson] raced incredibly well at the championship this year and were fierce competitors,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “We don’t often have ties, but both racers are certainly deserving of the Amateur Ice Racers of the Year award and they clearly proved it.”
The AMA is the ultimate decider in who receives the award, with input from race promoters, referees and race results factoring into the decision, Saillant explained.
The Youth Ice Racer of the Year Award goes to another Michigan native, Blake Bradish, who pulled off victories in both the 65cc and 85cc Class Championship races in Oshkosh.
The AMA Ice Race Grand Championship – Oval event was put on by longtime AMA member and Milwaukee, Wis. native Ron Brefka’s iRon Enterprises, LLC. All proceeds from the races go to the WeCare Fund, benefitting world-class cancer research at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
The Veteran/Senior Ice Racer of the Year award went to fellow Michigander Craig Pickett for his running in the 2021 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship GP hosted by promoter Chris DaRonco and the Steel Shoe Fund, Inc. The race was held on Kettle Moraine Lake at the Tiki Beach Bar and Resort in Campbellsport, Wis., on Feb. 21.
“Craig [Pickett] is just a legend in the world of ice racing and is always ready to compete,” Saillant said.
The Steel Shoe Fund is a nonprofit organization that helps flat track motorcycle racers cope with injuries from competitive racing.
COVID-19 public gathering restrictions altered the races for this season, with safety protocols preventing traditional awards ceremonies from being held at the end of the races. Instead, racers will be receiving their awards through the mail.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.
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