Five outstanding racers earn qualification to race at Columbus Round of the SMX Playoffs
Photo Credit: Ben Paul
There was plenty on the line at the AMA campus on Wednesday evening.
The American Motorcyclist Association hosted the organization’s first-ever AMA Pitbike Qualifier on Sept. 9 in Pickerington, Ohio, with an opportunity to race in front of thousands at the Yamaha SMX Pitbike Championship — taking place during the Columbus round of the SMX Playoffs — on the line. Riders battled the elements in search of glory, with blistering heat, and eventual rain, adding an extra layer of challenges for the five accomplished riders who earned their spot at Historic Crew Stadium.
When the dust settled, Landon Rodgers, Jack Winland, Eurrat Saylor, Cole Mellor and Austin Becker secured the five spots up for grabs, with the decision fueled by their racing prowess and professionalism.
“Landon, Jack, Eurrat, Cole and Austin all stood out because of their lightning-fast speed, but more importantly, their character, as they displayed the necessary professionalism needed to advance to the Yamaha SMX Pitbike Championship,” AMA Motocross Manager Willy Browning said. “This was our very first AMA Pitbike Qualifier, and it was a smashing success. We are so grateful to all of the riders that made it out to our campus and helped make the event an exciting time for everyone involved.”
The AMA hosted competition in eight classes, including 12-Inch Open, 110 Stock, 110 Stock Limited, Trail Bike, Vet (35+), E-Bike (13+), Youth (9-12) 110 Stock/110 Stock Limited and PW50 Shaft Drive (4-8) — which was free to compete in thanks to good2grow, who sponsored the class and paid for all entrants to compete.
View a photo gallery of the AMA Pitbike Qualifier, shot by Ben Paul, at gallery.americanmotorcyclist.com/AMA-Racing/2026-AMA-Pitbike-Qualifier.
The full list of class champions include:
12-Inch Open
Taylor Romian
110 Stock
Jack Winland
110 Stock Limited
Ted Seeley
Trail Bike
Jack Winland
Vet (35+)
Nathan Skaggs
E-Bike (13+)
Logan Piccirillo
Youth (9-12) 110 Stock/110 Stock Limited
Bensyn Levan
PW50 Shaft Drive (4-8)
Wesley Jackson