For the first time in the history of the amateur national championship event, racers competing for AMA National No. 1 plates at the 2016 Suzuki AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship in Du Quoin, Ill., will use transponder scoring.
“Transponder technology offers precise timing and scoring, allowing officials to score races and produce results more quickly,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “Lap times also will be available to riders following each event. We’re pleased to provide cutting-edge efficiency and split-second accuracy to our competitors at the Suzuki AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship.”
Sponsored by Suzuki Motor of America Inc., the event will have transponders available for racers to rent at registration. Rental fees are $40 for the week or $15 a day. A $100 refundable deposit is required at the time of rental. Cash or credit cards will be accepted.
Event staff will provide transponder brackets and zip ties to competitors at registration. One transponder can be used for multiple bikes for the same rider. Additional brackets will be available to riders using the same transponder for multiple bikes.
Online entry for the Suzuki AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship is open at www.americanmotorcyclist.com and closes June 26. Online entry is $70 per class/per event. Onsite registration is $80 per class/per event.
In addition to racing for AMA National No. 1 plates, the top competitors at the event vie for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award. The AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award recognizes the amateur dirt tracker who demonstrates the greatest potential for success at the professional level. An application for the award is available at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Awards are also given for the AMA Youth Dirt Track Racer of the Year and the AMA Vet/Senior Dirt Track Racer of the Year.
The Suzuki AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship includes competition in all four disciplines of dirt-track racing: short track, half-mile, Mile and TT. Points earned in each discipline determine the national champions in each class.
Competitors at the Suzuki AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship ride traditional dirt track motorcycles and DTX motorcycles, which begin as stock motocross bikes that are fitted with dirt track tires, suspension and other modifications.
Daily pit passes are $15 for racers of all ages. Spectator pit passes for those 13 and older are $15. Spectators ages 12 and younger are $10. Ages 3 and younger are free.
Full-week pit pass packages can be purchased June 30 through July 1. They are $50 for all racers and spectators ages 13 and older. Youth spectators ages 4 to 12 are $25 each.
