AMA Congress 2001
- Updated: November 12, 2002
By ATV District 12 Ohio ATV Delegate, John Pellan
The ATVA Maxxis GNCs saw a 16% gain in entries from 1999 to 2000, while the 2001 season saw a 9% gain over the 2000 season. The ATVA made many changes to the 2002 GNC series. The biggest news comes from the promoters meeting, which was held a few days after AMA/ATVA Congress. The GNC series now boast 15 separate rounds, (9) Motocrosses and (6) TTs. Pro and amateur riders will count their best 8 of 9 events, while youth riders will count their best 7 of 9 in the motocross events. All 6 events will be counted in the TT events. The TT portion of the season is purposely centered one after another (for the most part) in the summer months to allow riders not to have to change back and forth from an MX to a TT set up. Points will no longer be tallied from a combined score. Instead, the GNC series will crown two separate champions from two separate portions of the series. In other words, there will no longer be one overall GNC champion.
The next biggest news from this year’s ATVA Congress and GNC promoter’s meetings comes in the way of an announcement for the 2003 season. Look forward to seeing the sport of ATV racing to be much less costly in the future. A proposal passes to no longer allow motorcycle motors in any of the GNC classes for the 2003 season. It’s also proposed that a Pro production four-stroke class will be added in 2003. Only four stroke motors from an ATV manufacturer and ATV OEM frames will be allowed in the class. The promoters and the media will focus on making this class the elite top shelf class of the series. This major movement allows a much more affordable racing venue and should introduce the sport to many people that would have otherwise not been able to afford to go ATV racing. An ‘A, ‘B and ‘C version of the class will also be available in 2003. Aftermarket frames and 250R-two-stroke racing will still thrive in all other classes.
The Open classes are now labeled Open (251-Open two-stroke and 441-Open four-stroke)
Pro riders ranked 1-5 in the previous year may not ride in any of the Pro-Am classes.
The 0-90cc Superstock class has been eliminated, while a 0-50cc Youth non-national class has been added to the GNC series.
First pick for next year’s GNC numbers will be available at the 2001 Awards Banquet. ATVA Referee Tom Prendergast will have a list available at the banquet. Top ten numbers from each class will be reserved for riders earning the positions from the year prior. Whether the racer moves up to a higher class or not his or her single digit will not be available to anyone in the class that the rider moved up from.
Riders earning a top ten in their respected class will have the right to run that digit if they so elect. No slashes, Xs or any other letters shall be used.
Nothing but the number may appear on a number plate, except to allow the top two inches of the front number plate for sponsor or rider name.
All ATVs in MX or TT competition must have a vertical number plate mounted to the front bumper and a rear grab rail number plate. In other forms of competition, the number plates are optional. The numbers shall be a minimum of 6 inch block numbers (no shading or outlining). The number plates and numbers shall be of contrasting colors, clear, legible and have a professional appearence. All numbers must correspond. Wood or metal number plates are not allowed.
An ATVA rulebook will be put in place (time yet to be determined)
If your point’s total sum is 20% of the B or C level class winner point’s total, then you must move up to the next higher class. Keep in mind that after you race in a higher level class at one of the GNCs – you’ll need to apply for permission from the ATVA to return to the lower class.
One Last Important Note
Attention all off road enthusiasts — especially you ATVers. We need your help. It’s time to vote in the new AMA board of directors. Please vote for Ellis Robertson from the Southwest region, Ron Widman (South Central) and Carl Reynolds from the South East. These three gentleman are the pioneers in getting the AMA to open the doors on the new ATVA. They are an extremely important asset to you ATV enthusiasts in that they are avid ATVers themselves. At this date the AMA represents and dictates the future of the ATVA. In other words, these three gentlemen bring the voice of the ATV community with them as board directors for the AMA. So as you can see the further success of the new ATVA organization hinges on your vote! The ATV industry and you the rider need to help yourselves! Cast your ballot! Vote for the above names. Make sure that ATV people are included on the board of electives within the AMA . Look for the above names when your AMA magazine arrives in your mailbox the 1st week of December. Just mark the names and send in the ballot. And no procrastinating – come December send in your ballots!