American Motorcyclist Association appoints Kevin Crowther as Director of Racing

The American Motorcyclist Association has appointed Kevin Crowther as the association's director of racing. Crowther, who vacates the position of director of Supercross and pro racing relations, will oversee all AMA amateur and professional competition operations, including maintaining his management responsibilities with respect to AMA Supercross.

The American Motorcyclist Association has appointed Kevin Crowther as the association’s director of racing. Crowther, who vacates the position of director of Supercross and pro racing relations, will oversee all AMA amateur and professional competition operations, including maintaining his management responsibilities with respect to AMA Supercross.

“As the largest motorsports sanctioning body in the world, the AMA maintains a world-class racing program, and Kevin is well-qualified to help us meet and exceed that goal,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “From the beginning, motorcycle racing in all its forms has been core to the AMA’s mission. Kevin will provide the day-to-day guidance and hands-on leadership to ensure the association continues to deliver for AMA members in the racing community.”

In addition to serving as director of Supercross and pro racing relations, Crowther has been the AMA’s director of technical development and the chief technical inspector for the AMA Superbike Championship Series. By virtue of his positions with the AMA, the U.S. affiliate of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, Crowther also has served in various roles for World Superbike, MotoGP, MXGP and the Motocross of Nations.

“Since Christmas morning in 1971 when I found a 1971 Yamaha Mini Enduro under the tree, motorcycles have always been a big part of my life, and I’m excited to continue that journey in this new role,” Crowther said. “I will put forward all of my experience to guide the AMA’s racing department into the future. We have a strong, efficient and experienced racing staff, and we will work hard with our promoting and operational partners to continue to better serve our racing members across all disciplines, from trails to Supercross.”

Prior to working for the AMA, Crowther was an amateur competitor in motocross, off-road and road racing. He also has built or developed race bikes for road racing, drag racing, motocross, Supermoto, off-road and dirt track. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Crowther also was a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation Instructor on the Naval Air Station North Island in California.

Crowther replaces outgoing AMA Director of Racing Bill Cumbow, who has held the position since 2014. Cumbow, who will maintain an advisory role with respect to day-to-day operations, has been a key member of the AMA racing staff since 2006 and was instrumental in the 2014 effort to shepherd the promoting responsibilities for the AMA Superbike Championship to MotoAmerica. Cumbow will continue his AMA responsibilities with respect to MotoAmerica and the FIM.

“One of Bill’s many strengths is that he considers all AMA racers and their interests to be equally important, whether they are competing in a local enduro or the U.S. round of MotoGP,” Dingman said. “I’m pleased that Bill will remain involved in AMA racing activities as Kevin transitions into his new role.”

For more information: www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.