Desert Center, CA — As preparations continue for the upcoming 2026-27 Winter Series, Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is pleased to announce some key staff promotions.

• Rainey Pogue Named Technical Director

CVMA has officially appointed Rainey Pogue as Technical Director following her successful service in the position during the second half of last season.

Pogue brings a lifelong passion for motorcycles and racing, along with the attention to detail, professionalism, and consistency that are essential to one of the club’s most important operational roles. Outside of CVMA, she serves as mechanic for MotoAmerica racer Brenden Ketelsen and the BPR Racing team, bringing professional-level experience back to the paddock each race weekend.

As Technical Director, Pogue oversees motorcycle technical inspections, ensures compliance with CVMA’s rulebook, and works closely with racers and officials to maintain the high standards of safety and fairness that racers expect.

“Rainey has earned the respect of everyone in the paddock. She’s organized, fair, and incredibly knowledgeable. She stepped into the Technical Director role last season and immediately made a positive impact. I’m excited to have her leading Tech as we move forward,” said Richard “Cowboy” Stampp, CVMA Operations Director. 

• David Martin Named Assistant Race Director

CVMA is also proud to announce the promotion of David Martin to Assistant Race Director.

Few individuals know CVMA operations as thoroughly as Martin. Since the club’s inception, he has raced with CVMA while also volunteering in nearly every operational department. Over the years, he has served in technical inspection, assisted with registration, provided backup support for race timing, filled in as Assistant Race Director when needed, and most recently has led one of the busiest positions on race weekends as Chief Grid Marshal.

Martin will continue serving as Chief Grid Marshal while permanently assuming the responsibilities of Assistant Race Director, helping oversee race operations and ensuring events continue to run safely and efficiently.

Outside of CVMA, Martin also serves as Race Director for California Roadrace Association (CRA), reflecting the strong working relationship between the two organizations and the shared commitment to developing motorcycle road racing throughout the region. 

“David has done just about every job this club has to offer, and he’s always been someone we can count on. His experience, calm demeanor, and understanding of race operations make him a natural fit for Assistant Race Director,” said Jay Tanner, CVMA Race Director. 

• Aleks Palacios Named CVMA’s Coordinador Español

To better serve its growing Spanish-speaking community, CVMA has appointed Aleks Palacios as Coordinador Español.

As the number of Spanish-speaking racers continues to grow—including many competitors traveling from Mexico to race with CVMA—the club recognized the need for a dedicated bilingual staff member to help ensure every racer has access to the information and support they need.

Palacios will assist Spanish-speaking racers during registration, provide bilingual support between race rounds, and serve as a point of contact for racers who prefer to communicate in Spanish. He will also help translate and communicate important race weekend information, including riders’ meetings and other official announcements.

Spanish-speaking racers may contact Aleks directly at [email protected] for assistance before or during race weekends

This new position reflects CVMA’s ongoing commitment to making motorcycle road racing welcoming and accessible to competitors from throughout the Southwest and Mexico.

• Building for the Future

These appointments reflect CVMA’s commitment to promoting experienced individuals from within the organization while continuing to deliver the safe, professional, racer-focused environment that has become the hallmark of the Winter Series.

The 2026-2027 CVMA Winter Series begins this fall at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, with licensing now open for returning and new racers.

About CVMA:

The Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association (CVMA) hosts the premier winter motorcycle road racing series in North America. With a racer-first focus and a mission of constant improvement, CVMA provides safe, competitive, and fun racing for riders of all levels.