American Motorcyclist Association expands championship banquet program PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that it is ramping up the program for the 2012 AMA Championship Banquet, bringing the event closer to Eastern riders and honoring more racers. The top three finishers in AMA-sanctioned motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle 2012 national championship competition will be honored Jan. 19, 2013, at the Aladdin Center in Columbus, Ohio. “When we surveyed our champions, it was clear that everyone would welcome a return to an eastern venue for the championship banquet,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “In addition, we’re adding more activities to the program, and expanding the format to recognize not just champions, but the top three riders in each national championship class.” The program — which will include dinner, door prizes, refreshments, a bike show and an after party — will honor hundreds of top competitors in disciplines ranging from land-speed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between. Class champions will receive medals and No. 1 plates at the banquet, while second- and third-place finishers also will receive awards. The winners of special annual awards, such as the AMA Grand Championship Athlete of the Year and the AMA National Championship Athlete of the Year awards, will be announced as well. “We also use this opportunity to shine the spotlight on those who went above and beyond to promote all aspects of motorcycling,” Bromley added. “AMA Organizer Services will recognize top clubs and promoters in competition and recreational road and off-road events, as well as those who excelled in media coverage and as ambassadors of the sport.” Columbus’ Aladdin Center, located adjacent to the expansive Easton Town Center shopping complex and only 20 minutes from AMA headquarters and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, offers free parking, easy access to Interstate 270 and is a short drive from Port Columbus International Airport. For more information about AMA National Championship events and series, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing. About the American Motorcyclist Association Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.