2020 Annual Report
To say that 2020 was filled with uncertainty and adversity would be quite an understatement. There’s no question the global coronavirus pandemic changed almost everything we do at the AMA.
In May of 2020, at least 20 states had issued stay-at-home orders and other directives prohibiting gatherings that included motorcycling events for which our members join the AMA in order to participate. We immediately encouraged AMA-chartered organizers to comply with all restrictions imposed by federal, state and local authorities affecting AMA-sanctioned activity. Unfortunately, this meant that countless events, including many held annually, had to be postponed or, in many cases, canceled. As a result, AMA sanctions for racing and recreational activities dropped significantly from the previous year.
Because participation in events put on by AMA-chartered organizers is a significant AMA member benefit, and because the AMA relies on those events to attract new AMA members, the inability to sanction races or rallies for a significant period of time was potentially catastrophic to the AMA, our many chartered organizers and a significant portion of our membership. Finding a new way to live with the new reality of life during the pandemic was essential.
With leadership from race promoter MX Sports, a Safe-To-Race Task Force was empaneled to compile best practices consistent with current health and safety standards and create necessary tools for event organizers to aid in their resumption of events. The goal of developing this guidance was to enable motorcycle and other motorsports venues, as well as recreational riding areas and competition centers, to reopen. The task force developed a toolkit that provided all-encompassing recommendations, from registration to parking and camping, to spectator seating and fan activities, to a comprehensive medical action plan.
This was the first effort of its kind in the world and was shared with our counterpart organizations in other countries, as well as with our own AMA-chartered organizers. There can be little doubt that the work of this task force enabled the completion of the AMA Supercross — an FIM World Championship — season, which had been suspended with a number of rounds left to complete. It also helped facilitate the running of the MotoAmerica Series, the home of the AMA National Superbike Championship, the AMA Pro Motocross Championship and many AMA amateur racing championships.
For its remarkable effort and achievement, the AMA Board of Directors named the Safe-To-Race Task Force the 2020 AMA Motorcyclists of the Year.
Back home in Pickerington at AMA headquarters, we implemented strategies to keep as much of our staff employed as possible throughout the crisis. But the failure of Congress to provide organizations like ours timely assistance meant that layoffs eventually became unavoidable. A reduced work schedule was implemented for the remaining staff. Work from home for all but critical staff functions became a way of life for the rest of the year.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum closed to the public in March. Local museum activities, such as Bike Nights, had to be cancelled. Fortunately, the museum was reopened on June 22 in a limited capacity, in accordance with Ohio’s Responsible RestartOhio plan.
Major national events, such as AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and the AMA Championship Banquet were cancelled. However, the AMA still acknowledged the racers who competed successfully in national championship competition with official certificates.
Despite the existential threat of the pandemic, I am proud to report that the association rose to the occasion with uncommon vigor and strength of purpose. Our advocacy on behalf of motorcyclists — a signature benefit of the association — continued without interruption. AMA Congress, normally an in-person event, met virtually Dec. 3-5. We significantly increased our web-based and social media presence to ensure motorcyclists everywhere remained engaged and enthused. And thanks to our nimble financial acumen, we closed the fiscal year with a substantial increase in net assets.
As we look forward to 2021 and beyond, perhaps most encouraging has been the increase in new off-road motorcycle sales reported by many manufacturers. Unable to gather in person, Americans and their families sought respite in the great outdoors and enjoyed responsible motorized recreation like never before.
As always, the AMA is committed to representing new and longtime riders alike, on all brands and styles of machine, as we promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Rob Dingman
President and CEO
American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. From the street to the track to the trail, AMA members come from all walks of life and they navigate many different routes in their pursuit of freedom on two wheels.
Every day, millions of Americans enjoy motorcycling. Many riders journey to places near and far, whether on-road, off-road or both. Some commute to work. Others ride for pleasure on weekends. Still more seek the thrill of competition.
As the world’s largest motorcycling organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations and the court of public opinion. Through its relationships with members, clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorcycle competition and recreational events than any other organization in the world.
Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.
AMA Mission Statement
The mission of the American Motorcyclist Association is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.
| Consolidated Statement of Activities (Year Ended Sept. 30, 2020) | |
| Revenue | |
| Contributions and Revenues | $11,632,531 |
| Expenses | |
| Functional expenses | $9,405,236 |
| Administrative and support expenses | $1,848,643 |
| Increase in Net Assets from Operations | $378,652 |
| Other Income | |
| Net interest and dividend income | $291,505 |
| Net realized and unrealized gains on investments | $714,868 |
| Grant revenue | $297,292 |
| Total Other Income | $1,303,665 |
| Net Assets | |
| Net assets, beginning of year | $7,261,981 |
| Net assets, end of year | $8,995,427 |
| Changes in Net Assets | $1,733,446 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet (Year Ended Sept. 30, 2020) | |
| Current Assets | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $2,085,915 |
| Accounts receivable | $294,093 |
| Prepaid expenses and inventory | $362,699 |
| Total Current Assets | $2,742,707 |
| Investments | $11,519,729 |
| Property and Equipment (Net) | $2,908,120 |
| Total Assets | $17,170,556 |
| Liabilities and Net Assets | |
| Liabilities | |
| Accounts Payable | $775,547 |
| Accrued compensation and related liabilities | $251,453 |
| Deferred revenue | $6,347,798 |
| Rider purses and insurance premiums | $128,430 |
| Other liabilities | $671,901 |
| Total Liabilities | $8,175,129 |
| Net Assets (Unrestricted) | $8,995,427 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $17,170,556 |
| Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Year Ended Sept. 30, 2020) | |
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |
| Increase in net assets | $1,733,446 |
| Adjustments to Reconcile Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | |
| Depreciation | $412,681 |
| Net realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments | $(760,958) |
| Bad debt expense | – |
| Decrease in Operating Assets | |
| Accounts receivable | $254,628 |
| Inventory | $57,540 |
| Prepaid expenses and other | $307,049 |
| Increase in Operating Liabilities | |
| Accounts payable | $(757,951) |
| Accrued compensation and related liabilities | $(57,306) |
| Deferred revenue | $(79,368) |
| Rider purses and insurance premiums | $(114,600) |
| Other liabilities | $105,406 |
| Net Cash (Used In) Provided By Operating Activities | $1,100,567 |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities | |
| Payments for Purchase of Investments | $(1,960,922) |
| Proceeds from the Sale of Investments | $1,672,213 |
| Payments for the Purchase of Property and Equipment | $(273,195) |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities | |
| Proceeds from Line of Credit | $350,000 |
| Payments on Line of Credit | $(350,000) |
| Proceeds from Debt Obligations | $450,000 |
| Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents | $988,663 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Year | $1,097,252 |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Year | $2,085,915 |
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. The AMA Government Relations Department takes the lead in representing motorcyclists’ rights in the halls of government, from towns and cities to state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.
The AMA supports access to public lands for responsible motorized recreation and helps protect the rights of motorcyclists to ride on private property. Government Relations Department staff members assist AMA members and other motorcyclists and organizations in efforts that align with the AMA mission statement and official position statements on specific issues.
Q – How many legislative alerts and bulletins did the AMA send out in 2019?
A – The AMA issued 264 AMA Action Alerts in 2020.
Q – How many individual advocacy messages were sent to elected and regulatory officials in 2020?
A – In 2020, the AMA sent 15,859 advocacy messages to elected and regulatory officials.
Q – How many people subscribe to AMA Action Alerts?
A – 164,215 people subscribed to AMA Action Alerts in 2020.
Q – How can I keep up to date on the issues facing motorcyclists?
A – To stay abreast of rapidly changing developments and news affecting the motorcycling community, subscribe to AMA Action Alerts and the monthly AMA News & Notes.
Safe Fuels
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to weaken or eliminate the E15 (fuel that is 15% ethanol by volume) warning label at the pump, likely leading to more confusion and misfueling by consumers. The AMA opposes the expansion of E15 in the marketplace because it increases the risk of inadvertent misfueling by motorcyclists whose machines are not EPA-certified for fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol, thereby potentially causing engine or fuel system damage.
RPM Act
The Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act, H.R. 5434 and S. 2602) was reintroduced in 2019, but the AMA—along with SEMA and other groups—has been involved with this issue for several years. The latest version of this bipartisan bill is a culmination of the collective efforts of a coalition of motorsports organizations and would ensure that converting motor vehicles, including motorcycles, into competition-only vehicles remains legal. The RPM Act states that it was the clear intent of Congress when passing and amending the Clean Air Act that motor vehicles, including motorcycles, used solely for competition would be exempt from the Clean Air Act’s prohibitions against modifying emission control devices.
Safe to Race Task Force
The AMA government relations team participated in the Safe-To-Race Task Force in 2020, providing valuable tools for racing and recreational event organizers to communicate with their elected officials while also engaging with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure international competitors could compete in AMA-sanctioned competition held in the U.S.
The AMA was originally created to organize motorcycle activity and provide a way to register riders to enhance motorcyclists’ political and societal influence. Much of the association’s activity over the decades has been recreational riding.
Recreational events focus on camaraderie, fun and accessibility. Activities include poker runs, organized road rides, trail rides, dual sport rides and adventure rides.
Q – How many recreational riding events did the AMA sanction in 2020?
A – In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of events by approximately 60%. Nevertheless, the AMA sanctioned 260 recreational riding events attended by tens of thousands of AMA members and other riders. They included street events, dual-sport and adventure rides.
Q – What does the AMA offer for dual sport and adventure riders?
A – AMA dual sport and adventure riding events are two of the fastest growing on- and off-highway activities in America. In addition to local rides, the AMA sanctions superior, national-level events:
• The AMA National Dual Sport Series features challenging single-track trail tied together by incredible back roads.
• The AMA National Adventure Riding Series offers the best routes, roads and two-track trail showcasing the abilities of adventure-class motorcycles.
Q – What are some of the various street-riding events sanctioned by the AMA?
A – The AMA partners with the nation’s top organizers to offer incredible riding events across the country:
• The AMA National Gypsy Tour features some of America’s biggest and best road riding events.
• AMA Grand Tours allow riders to participate at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Q – What mileage recognition programs does the AMA offer members?
A – The AMA LongRider Program allows members to track their miles ridden and earn patches at 10,000, 25,000 and 50,000 annual miles or lifetime mileage awards at 25,000, 50,000, 100,000, 250,000, 500,000, 750,000 and 1 million miles.
Q – How do I connect with the AMA at riding rallies?
A – The AMA National Gypsy Tour is our presence at America’s biggest motorcycling events, such as Laconia, Americade, Daytona Bike Week and more. The AMA hopes to see you there!
AMA Road Captain and Trail Boss Workshops
The AMA offers two workshops to teach best practices for successfully and safely leading a group ride or off-road ride. In 2020, the AMA Road Captain Workshop and AMA Trail Boss Workshop series expanded into a virtual format to accommodate limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
AMA EAGLES
Through the AMA EAGLES program, members learn more about the association in order to become better volunteers, grassroots activists and membership promoters. AMA EAGLES is a series of on-demand, educational training modules that empowers individuals with knowledge, tools and resources tailored to their interests. In 2020, AMA EAGLES was revised to make volunteer training more accessible online.
AMA State Chapters
The AMA State Chapter program provides a way for people to come together locally for riding, recreation and advocacy. Each AMA member belongs to a state chapter. There are no additional forms to fill out or fees to pay.
AMA State Chapter Coordinators are lead volunteers in each state who work with AMA staff, AMA-chartered organizers and individual members to determine the best recreational riding and advocacy interests for the state.
Motorcycle racing in America captures the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of fans, riders and racers of all experience levels. It is one of the most diverse sports on the planet, with active members from all social and economic backgrounds, ages and regions of the country.
The AMA works with motorcycle clubs and promoters to develop programs, events and series to attract competitors and keep them coming back year after year. Through longstanding relationships with organizers and members and its status as the sole U.S. affiliate of the international sanctioning body, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the AMA is the sanctioning body for the vast majority of motorcycle sport in America.
Q – How many members compete in AMA events, and how long has the American Motorcyclist Association been involved in racing?
A – Every year, tens of thousands of motorcycling enthusiasts participate in AMA-sanctioned competition events.
• The AMA has been sanctioning amateur, pro-am and professional motorcycle racing across America since the inception of the AMA in 1924.
• AMA members compete in sanctioned events on asphalt, dirt, sand, ice and gravel.
• AMA-sanctioned events are the top-tier of motorcycle racing in the country, and these events are where the fastest riders develop their skills.
Q — How is the AMA involved with promoting clubs and professional promoters on the amateur level?
A — The AMA maintains relationships with many promoting clubs and professional promoters, creating comprehensive amateur racing programs in all competition disciplines.
Q – How many competition events did the AMA sanction in 2020?
A — In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the number of sanctioned events in the U.S. However, due to the substantial efforts of the Safe To Race Task Force, competition resumed under conditions that met local, state and federal health requirements and guidelines.
The AMA sanctioned more than 1,000 amateur and pro-am competition events in the following disciplines: Motocross/Arenacross, flat track, enduro, EnduroCross, extreme off-road, hare scrambles/Grand National Cross Country, hare and hound, hillclimb, ice racing, land speed, MotoTrials, Pro-Am Motocross, road racing, speedway, Supercross, supermoto, vintage racing, and international competition.
Q – Does the AMA participate in professional competition?
A – The AMA sanctions numerous professional competitive series in collaboration with managing and marketing partners.
• AMA Supercross, promoted by Feld Motor Sports, is one of the highest profile motorsports in the world.
• MotoAmerica is the AMA’s partner in professional road racing in America.
Q – Do AMA racers compete on the international stage?
A — The AMA is the sole U.S. affiliate of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, the motorcycle sanctioning body for international competition. The AMA sends teams to prestigious events, including the International Six Days Enduro, Motocross of Nations, Junior Motocross World Championship, Trial des Nations and Speedway World Cup.
AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman is the president of the North American Continental Union of the FIM, which gives him a seat on the FIM Board of Directors. He also is a member of the FIM Executive Committee and serves as chairman of the Finance Committee.
Q – Where can I view racing results for AMA competitors?
A – The AMA Race Center provides an easy-to-use web interface with full results and advancement points, cross-linked results by rider or track, rider performance charts, a comprehensive search function and coming events.
Q — Does the AMA sanction vintage racing?
Vintage racing is a significant part of the AMA’s racing programs. The AMA has vintage programs in all disciplines and crowns AMA Champions at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
Q – Where can riders learn more about getting started in AMA racing?
A — AMA-sanctioned motorcycle racing is the most exciting, accessible and affordable motorsport in the world.
AMA Championship Banquet
Every year, hundreds of competitors of all ages, experience levels and disciplines gather to honor the season’s fastest amateur motorcycle racers and top event organizers at the AMA Championship Banquet. In 2020 the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the AMA still acknowledged the riders who competed successfully in national championship competition with official certificates.
AMA Championship Series and events
AMA Supermoto National Championship Series
AMA Vintage Flat Track National Championship Series
AMA Flat Track Grand Championship
AMA Road Race Grand Championship
AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship
AMA Ice Race Grand Championship – GP
AMA Ice Race Grand Championship – Oval
AMA ATV Ice Race Grand Championship
AMA Speedway Mini 150cc Long Track National Championship
AMA Speedway Youth 250cc Long Track National Championship
AMA Speedway Under 21 National Championship
AMA Tennessee Knock Out Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship
AMA National Enduro Championship Series
AMA EnduroCross National Championship Series
AMA Grand Prix National Championship Series
AMA Grand National Cross Country Championship Series/AMA Hare Scramble National Championship Series AMA National Hare and Hound Championship Series
Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series
Kicker AMA Arenacross National Championship Series
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following racing series were not conducted in 2020.
AMA Vintage Road Race Grand Championship
AMA Speedway National Championship Series
AMA Speedway Youth National Championship
AMA Land Speed Grand Championship
AMA RSD Super Hooligan National Championship
AMA Speedway National Extreme Sidecar Championship
AMA Speedway Pairs Championship
AMA/FIM North America Youth Speedway Silver Cup Championship
FIM World Record Attempt
AMA NATC MotoTrials National Championship
AMA Vintage Hare Scramble Grand Championship
AMA Vintage Trials Grand Championship
AMA Vintage Motocross Grand Championship
Supercross Futures, an AMA National Championship
AMA Congress
During AMA Congress, AMA Commission members meet to discuss the creation and enforcement of technical and operational rules and guidelines for AMA amateur competition events and activities sanctioned by the AMA. In 2020, in light of travel and gathering restrictions mandated by state and local governments in response to COVID-19, the AMA organized a virtual AMA Congress for the first time, ensuring that much-needed discussions took place to ensure a safe and fair return to racing for the 2021 season. The following commissions take part in AMA Congress:
- Flat Track Commission
- Medical/Safety Commission
- Motocross Commission
- Off-Road Commission
- Specialized Sports Commission
- Sporting Commission
- Technical Commission
- Trials Commission
The following virtual seminars were held Dec. 3-5:
- Racing Referee Workshop
- Recreational Riding Event Management
- Soliciting Sponsors for Your Event
- Surveying Riders/Getting Event Feedback
- Promoting Your AMA Event
- Utilizing AMA Organizer Resources
- Update from the AMA Government Relations Department
- AMA State Chapter Coordinators
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors the men and women who have significantly influenced the growth and development of America’s motorcycle culture. Its members come from all walks of life and have excelled in their chosen disciplines and endeavors. They are the fastest racers, the brightest minds, the hardest workers and the most successful promoters in the history of motorcycling.
Q – What is the purpose of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame?
A – The Hall of Fame’s purpose is to collect, record, preserve and honor the events, motorcycles and people who define the spirit of motorcycling in America, and to educate people about that rich history. The nonprofit American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation raises funds to support the Hall of Fame. The mission of the AMHF is to cultivate, secure and perpetuate funding for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Q – Where is the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame?
A – The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
There is no admission for AMA members.
Q – What will I see when I visit the Hall of Fame?
A – The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum features two floors. The upper level honors the lives and careers of Hall of Famers: the men and women who have shaped motorcycling in America in racing, rights, design, industry and ambassadorship. The lower level includes themed exhibits, as well as examples of historic motorcycles from the museum’s permanent collection.
Q – How many members are in the Hall of Fame?
A – The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame has 467 members, inducted between 1999 and 2019.
Q – How are men and women inducted into the Hall of Fame?
A – The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame welcomes new members at an annual induction ceremony. In 2020, there were no inductees and no induction ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q – How can I contribute to the Hall of Fame?
A – In 2020, 1,250 individuals and organizations donated funds to support the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
From motorcycles to memorabilia, each year the museum acquires new pieces of motorcycling history in America. In 2020, we added 343 motorcycles, items, documents, photos, and books. To inquire about non-financial donations, call (800) 262-5646 or email info@motorcylemuseum.org.
Q – How does the AMA support the Hall of Fame?
A – The AMA organizes numerous activities and events and provides staffing to support the Hall of Fame.
• Each year, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Raffle offers chances to win one or more motorcycles to encourage donations to the charity.
• Every July, tens of thousands attend AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in Lexington, Ohio. (The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.) VMD, as it is known to participants, includes vintage racing, the country’s largest motorcycle swap meet, seminars, stars from the sport’s past and present, bike shows, demo rides and more. Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days support the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
• Whenever the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame inducts a new class of members, the staff of the AMA — in addition to a team of volunteers and advisers — support the induction process, plan the ceremony and raise funds to produce the event.