Racer Productions, along with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), is pleased to announce that the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis will be an AMA-sanctioned National Championship in 2014.

“American off-road motorcycle competition is stronger when the AMA and GNCC works as one, and we’re pleased to partner with Racer Productions to recognize GNCC as an AMA National Championship Series in 2014,” said AMA Vice President of Operations Jeff Massey. “Without question, in terms of rider participation and media exposure, the GNCC series is the premier off-road racing series in America. We are proud to see them return as an AMA-sanctioned series, and we look forward to supporting Racer Productions and honoring GNCC class champions with AMA national No. 1 plates in 2014.”

Over the past two years, the AMA has made many changes and improvements that will benefit both the GNCC Series and its riders. For the first time ever, the AMA is implementing an off-road advancement points system, similar to the already standing advancement system in motocross, that will simplify the process for racers as they advance through the ranks of GNCC.

GNCC Racers will receive access to the online AMA Race Center and all benefits of AMA membership—including American Motorcyclist magazine—which now offers the dirt version of the magazine, including coverage of off-road riding and AMA-sanctioned competition events. In addition, full AMA members who elect to auto-renew their AMA memberships receive AMA Roadside Assistance for no additional charge. Riders are also are eligible to purchase rider accident medical insurance through the AMA RAMP program.

As part of an AMA-sanctioned series, GNCC Racers will gain AMA National Champion status for all classes, and class champions will receive recognition at the annual AMA National Champions Banquet in January.

“Now is the time for the AMA and the GNCC Series to renew our mutual commitment to promoting the sport of motorcycle racing, while showcasing the most prestigious off-road championship in the country. We look forward to many more years of hosting AMA-sanctioned races for our athletes and race teams, and of course all of the fans who follow the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series.”

In addition to the many benefits that the AMA provides to GNCC Racers, there are also several enhancements for the series as a whole. As AMA-sanctioned events, GNCCs have access to the AMA Competition Rulebook, which dates to 1924 and is updated annually by AMA Congress. In addition, the AMA provides an independent rider appeal process, risk management guidelines and event insurance. Each GNCC also will be supported by an AMA referee, as well as AMA staff, to ensure that AMA memberships are processed smoothly and member concerns are addressed properly.

The AMA also offers a “Partner Affiliate Program” to promoters of an AMA-sanctioned event or series. With that, the GNCC series will receive a monetary portion of each AMA membership acquired at a GNCC event, with all proceeds going to the new GNCC Rider Foundation. The GNCC Rider Foundation will appoint board members and those members will collectively decide how and where to spend the funds each year. The options are limitless and may include a donation to various charities, including ISDE support.

There are several options for joining the AMA to be eligible to compete in an AMA-sanctioned event. Racers can join with a $49 AMA Competition membership, as part of a $98 family membership that covers up to five immediate family members living in the same household, or with a $29 youth membership if they are 11 years old or younger.

Those new to the sport can also compete with the one-event pass option sold trackside. For $20, a non-member can participate in a single event. The $20 fee can be applied to full membership dues if the rider upgrades within 60 days.

Full AMA memberships can be purchased online. Family and youth memberships must currently be processed by phone by calling the AMA at (800) 262-5646. For more membership details, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com.