AMA Professional Races

Professional Racing

Supercross

AMA Supercross is one of the highest-profile motorsports in the world. It features world-class athletes pushing motorcycles to their limits in stadium settings across the country. 

Supercross got its start in 1971 when the AMA conducted a professional motocross race on a temporary track at Daytona International Speedway. While most motocross races had been held in the rural countryside, this inaugural Daytona event brought motocross to the people.  

A year later, the concept was taken a step further, when motocross was brought to major urban sports stadiums, beginning with the Los Angeles Coliseum. The term “Supercross,” a combination of Super Bowl and Motocross, was coined. In the 1980s and 1990s, teams, motorcycle manufacturers, broadcast partners, race facilities and sponsors worked together to bring the sport to new audiences. Top Supercross riders became household names, and off-road motorcycle sales soared. 

Today, AMA Supercross is undisputedly one of the most elite motorcycle racing series in the world and draws elite rider talent from every corner of the globe. An international cadre of manufacturers targets their best equipment and development teams at these series in the quest for Championship titles. 

The AMA Supercross Championship is presented in the 450 SX class, which primarily features four-stroke, 450cc technology. The 250 SX class, which showcases riders on four-stroke, 250cc motorcycles, is split into Eastern (U.S.) and western regional divisions, each awarding its own title.

Moto America

The AMA’s partner in professional road racing in America is MotoAmerica. Led in part by AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer and national and world champion road racer Wayne Rainey and backed by a dedicated team of motorsports professionals, MotoAmerica is the best-funded, most-capable and most-talented road racing promotion group in America. 

As the sanctioning body, the AMA staffs officials at each round of the professional series, manages the rule enforcement and appeal process, licenses riders, and awards each champion an AMA National No. 1 plate. In addition, as the U.S. affiliate of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme and a member of FIM North America, the AMA administers MotoAmerica’s FIM North America Continental Union sanction. 

MotoAmerica, with the consultation of the AMA, is responsible for maintaining a competitive and commercially viable class structure, drafting the rules of competition and event procedures, selling series sponsorships, negotiating with tracks, processing crew and media credentials, and engaging with fans. 

Licensing & Regulation

MotoAmerica, with the consultation of the AMA, is responsible for maintaining a competitive and commercially viable class structure, drafting the rules of competition and event procedures, selling series sponsorships, negotiating with tracks, processing crew, and media credentials, and engaging with fans.