CAN’T-MISS EVENTS 2022

Can’t

Miss

events 2022

Ready to attend as many cool motorcycle events as possible in 2022? You’re not

alone! Not only is winter — hopefully — coming to an end, but after the last couple of years of event cancellations and uncertainty it’s pretty much a given that we’re all ready to get out there and have some two-wheel fun.

The great news is that 2022 is already packed with tons of great moto events to add to your calendar. And while we could never fit all the exciting options in our pages, we’ve put together some of the big ones you won’t want to miss.

Coming July 22-24 is AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, America’s largest — and most exciting — vintage motorcycle event. It’s got the biggest motorcycle swap meet you’ll ever lay eyes on in the U.S., national championship vintage racing in multiple disciplines and, maybe most importantly, plenty of family-friendly fun.

Held on over 300 acres at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course near Lexington, Ohio, there’s riding, and racing, bike buying, parts swapping, camping, AMA Hall of Fame displays, bike shows and more. Beyond the bikes you’re pretty much guaranteed to leave with more friends than you came with, and there’s nothing quite like enjoying all the two-wheel fun with thousands — usually over 40,000 — of people who love motorcycles just as much as you do.

Add to all that some evening shenanigans — think impromptu barrel racing, burnout contests, popup bands, and some adult libations (or so we hear) — and you’ve got yourself one heckuva party! Don’t miss out on AMA VMD 2022…we hear it’s gonna be bigger and better than ever!

Learn more and purchase your tickets at www. vintagemotorcycledays.com. —Joy Burgess

AMA VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE DAYS

July 22-24, 2022 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

The 81st Annual Daytona Bike Week — dubbed the World’s Largest Motorcycle Event — roars to life March 4 and the party continues ’til March 13 in Daytona Beach, Fla. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s cruising Main Street (and stopping at one of the local bars for a cold one, which is pretty darn welcome on some of the hot days Florida serves up), attending one of the many bike

shows that pop up across the area, or heading to Daytona International Speedway for some racing.

During those 10 days you can see nearly every type of racing you can think of at the Speedway or other racing venues in the area. AMA Supercross riders take on the special AMA Hall of Famer Ricky Carmichael-designed track at the Speedway on March 5, while American Flat Track kicks off its bar-banging season at the nearby Volusia Speedway Park with the Volusia Half-Mile doubleheader March 10-11.

AMA/FIM North America partner MotoAmerica joined forces with the Daytona International Speedway this year to host the 80th running of the Daytona 200 — arguably America’s most legendary motorcycle race — March 10-12. Along with the Daytona 200, the MotoAmerica weekend will also include the opening round of the 2022 MotoAmerica Mission King Of The Baggers Championship — the very first time Baggers have raced on those legendary high banks — and the opening round of the Twins Cup Championship.

The AMA will be at Daytona Bike Week, so be sure to stop by and say hello at the AMA booth. —Joy Burgess

Daytona Bike Week

AMA Supercross Finale

As the AMA Supercross season continues to kick up dirt in cities across the country, the finale is starting to come into focus.

Don’t miss the sport’s brightest stars concluding their season-long pursuit of greatness May 7 at RiceEccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of motorsports’ greatest spectacles, the AMA Supercross finale is the last chance for this year’s class of riders to reach the podium and make a case for the crown.

Along with the conclusion of the AMA Supercross season, the stage will be set for both the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown races and the KTM Junior AMA Supercross finale. The AMA Supercross Futures National Championship riders will also battle it out in Utah to become the 250SX Futures Class Champion.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://www. amasupercross.com/schedule-andtickets/. —Keaton Maisano

American Flat Track The Springfield Mile

The dasher of dreams and the makers of champions, the history of the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds could fill volumes of flat track racing history.

Held this year on Sept. 4-5 and hosting a doubleheader, the American Flat Track Springfield Mile I and II is a can’t miss race on sacred motorcycle ground. Dubbed the “World’s Fastest Mile,” the track has produced legendary winners like AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Chris Carr, Ricky Graham, Gary Nixon, Scott Parker, Bubba Shobert and Jay Springsteen.

But the current crop of speed demons in the AFT SuperTwins and AFT Production Twins classes is what brings out legions of fans to hear and feel the roar of 140 mph straightaway speeds and 90 mph in the corners. The Springfield Mile is now being put on by Mees Promotions, owned by husband-and-wife racing duo Jared and Nichole Mees.

For more information visit www. americanflattrack.com. —Kali Kotoski

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

It’s hard to believe, but Pro Motocross is officially 50 years old! First introduced back in 1972 as an AMA championship, Pro Motocross has evolved into a global competition that brings the best riders from around the world to compete on some of the most hallowed motocross grounds.

For the first time ever, two international riders will be coming into the Pro Motocross Championship with red plates — Australian Jett Lawrence in the 250 Class and Frenchman Dylan Ferrandis in the 450 Class. But while they’ll be starting with the red plates, there’s a whole pack of riders in each class who’ll be fighting to grab them, along with the 2022 championships.

Talent isn’t the only thing outstanding about Pro Motocross. The 2022 schedule packs in races at some of the most legendary and historic motocross tracks in America. From the Hangtown Classic in California, which was founded back in 1968, to the iconic High Point Raceway in Pennsylvania, to Unadilla MX in New York, many of the tracks are held on dirt that’s seen decades of motocross history. The season kicks off on May 28 at Fox Raceway in Pala, Calif, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to see your favorite motocrossers take on whoops and tabletops across the country. Check the schedule at https:// promotocross.com/schedule to find an event near you. —Joy Burgess

Thor Mini O’s

Motocross lovers rejoice! Thor Mini O’s — an AMA Pro-Am Motocross event — takes place Nov. 19-26, and it’s the biggest amateur motocross event in the world.

“We are very excited to see how the Mini O’s continues in 2022,” said promoter Wyn Kern. Amazingly, 2020 was a record year, with Mini O’s being the largest motocross race in the history of motocross. Then 2021 came around and it topped 2020. The sport of motocross is very healthy right now! We are seeing the 51cc, 65cc, and younger 85cc classes as our biggest ones, and that’s very healthy for the growth of the sport.”

Wondering about that November date? Never fear! Mini O’s takes place at Gatorback Cycle Park in Alachua, Fla., where temperatures are mild and you’ll probably need your sunscreen. While it’s possible to stay right at the track with one of the Park’s RV Hookups, you’ll want to reserve your spot early.

Get the latest information at www.unlimitedsportsmx.com. —Joy Burgess

AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship

While more than four months away from the conclusion of the amateur motocross season, the song “Coal Miner’s Daughter” is becoming louder with every passing day.

The song, which echoes throughout AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., every morning during the weeklong AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, has become a staple of one of the largest amateur motocross events in the world.

With four decades of history, the annual event is a bucket list item for all those that love motorsports.

The 6,000 acres of hallowed ground has welcomed approximately 60,000 AMA riders over the years and has become a rite of passage for almost all of motocross’ greatest riders in the last quarter-century.

This year’s event runs Aug. 1-6, so make your plans today to witness one of the greatest events in motorsports. —Keaton Maisano

AMA Flat Track Grand Championship

The AMA Flat Track Grand Championship is the most prestigious amateur flat track event in the U.S., putting top amateur flat trackers bar-to-bar to see who comes out on top by the end of the multi-day, multi-track event. And this year it’s bound to be bigger and better than ever, with the AMA organizing the event in Du Quoin, Ill.

Taking place July 7-13 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, the event offers multiple classes, so amateurs of every age have the chance to get involved. For racers, it’s the adrenaline, the thrill of going fast, and the chance to get in multiple days of flat track racing that keeps them coming back each year.

Even if you’re not competing, you’ll have plenty of barbanging action to enjoy as you watch all types of flat track races with the four-race format — Short Track, TT, Mile and Half Mile.

Stay tuned to www.americanmotorcyclist.com for the latest updates.

AMA Pro Hillclimb Devil’s Staircase

Few places can boast a history like that of Devil’s Staircase.

The site of AMA Pro Hillclimb’s season finale, the 2022 event will mark the 73rd time Oregonia, Ohio, has played host to hillclimbers. The AMA Pro Hillclimb is scheduled for Oct. 9, but the weekend of festivities and fun begins the day prior.

The family-friendly event includes camping, live music and more. All the festivities lead up to the culmination of the AMA Pro Hillclimb season, which typically determines the sport’s champions that year.

In 2021, the hill — and everyone in its presence — saw John Koester claim his 11th AMA Pro Hillclimb title, which broke AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Earl Bowlby’s record.

Don’t miss out on this year’s chance to witness history and secure your tickets at www.amaprohillclimb.com! —Keaton Maisano

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Imagine this: a stage full of motorcycling royalty. Seems too good to be true, right? However, this very toogood-to-be-true moment happens every year at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Always a night to remember, the AMA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is a chance to honor the legendary figures that have greatly impacted the world of motorcycling.

And the best part? You can be there to witness it for yourself! From tickets to attend the ceremony to meet-and-greet opportunities at the AMA Hall of Fame museum with the newly inducted AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers, there are many ways to take in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The event is set to be held Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, at the Violet Township Event Center in Pickerington, Ohio, so stay tuned to www. americanmotorcyclist.com and the AMA’s various social platforms for updates on the 2022 event. —Keaton Maisano

AMA Land Speed Grand Championship

One of the most unique settings in motorsports will once again host the fastest show on…salt.

The world’s fastest motorcycles return Aug. 27 – Sept. 1 for the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship — also known as the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials. A variety of machines will speed across the breathtaking Bonneville Salt Flats toward national and FIM world records, making it a must-see spectacle for any motorcyclist enthusiast.

“We are excited to continue to provide the platform for motorcyclists to achieve their land speed racing goals, whether it be world and national records, or having a shot at seeing how fast your bike can go in the Run Watcha Brung category,” said BMST promoter Delvene Reber of Delicate Promotions LLC.

From 50cc minibikes to 3,000cc streamliners, spectators can witness a collection of riders with different investments and experience all striving for the same thing: to ride fast.

“We anticipate a strong showing from all of our top contenders vying to be the fastest in history,” Reber said. “Coming back stronger than ever in 2021 after missing 2020 due to COVID-19, we are excited as we see the preparations our participants are making for the 2022 event for the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship.”

Whether you are riding, spectating or volunteering, don’t miss out on one of 2022’s most electrifying events, and once you’re there, don’t blink or you might miss a world record!

Learn more at https:// bonnevillemst.com. —Keaton Maisano

The Quail

Motorcycle Gathering

Hosted on the lush golf course grasses at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club located in Carmel, Calif., the Quail Motorcycle Gathering is a celebration of motorcycles like no other. Each year it brings together over 350 vintage and modern motorcycles, as well as bicycles and scooters, making it a virtual smorgasbord of two-wheel eye candy.

Along with the main attraction — the motorcycles — the gathering features local brews and wines, gourmet lunch options, and even a family-friendly kid’s area to keep children entertained.

The 2022 event takes place May 14, and along with traditional classes like Choppers, British, Competition and Custom/Modified bikes, special featured classes this year include Two-Stroke “Braaaps,” Harley-Davidson’s XR750, minibikes/BIG FUN and BMW/5 Series.

Learn more at www.peninsula.com/en/signature-events/ events/motorcycle. —Joy Burgess

Often dubbed the “Formula 1” of motorcycle racing — though we’d argue that it’s a heckuva lot better — the FIM World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGP) is the premier class for road racing competition in the world. And while you can get your MotoGP fix on TV, there’s nothing like watching it all happen in person.

This year the MotoGP schedule includes Italy, Germany, Argentina, Qatar, Austria, Japan, Malaysia and more. But if traveling overseas to take in the sport doesn’t fit into your budget, there’s the Grand Prix of the Americas that takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, April 8-10.

The entire weekend is packed with plenty of on-track and off-track excitement, and there are ticket options to fit nearly any budget. Don’t miss your chance to watch the best racers in the world — such as Marc Marquez, Fabio Quartararo and Francesco Bagnaia — on American soil.

Tickets and pricing are available at http://circuitoftheamericas.com/ motogp/tickets. —Joy Burgess

ANDREW WHEELER MotoGP at COTA

Grand National Cross Country Series

LA-Barstow-to-Vegas

Ride like it’s the 1960s this November and be part of the LABarstow-to-Vegas AMA National Dual Sport and Adventure Bike Ride.

Inspired by the famous Barstow-to-Vegas race held in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s, the Barstow ride provides 450 miles of scenic riding that can satisfy both easy-going and challenge-hungry riders.

With the 2022 event set for Nov. 25-26, this year’s ride marks the 39th rendition of the event put on by District 37 Dual Sport. The two-day ride is broken up by a night’s stay in Barstow, Calif., before finishing at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

While the riding may be done on Nov. 26, the festivities are not. Reap the rewards of your hard work with an awards party!

Event entries open in July, and additional information can be found by visiting LABarstowVegas.com. Don’t miss out!

—Keaton Maisano

Ironman

While some may still be wringing water out of their clothes from the last — and very wet – Ironman GNCC, the 2022 event aims to bring yet another memorable conclusion to the Grand National Cross Country Series.

The can’t-miss weekend of racing finds its home in Crawfordsville, Ind. With a course that features technical hillclimbs, creeks and many other obstacles, spectators are sure to witness a cross-country racer’s full range of skills.

Those that execute the best at the October event will not only position themselves to win the event, but claim the GNCC National Championship.

Racing for the 2022 Ironman GNCC begins Oct. 22 and concludes the following day. Make sure to attend this year as another — and hopefully much drier — chapter in GNCC history is written. Learn more at https://gnccracing.com. —Keaton Maisano

Americade

Sturgis Rally

Legendary, massive, and combining some of best riding in the country with some of the world’s most popular bands, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a pilgrimage for the devoted and birthright for the uninitiated.

The 82nd iteration of Sturgis will be held from September 5-14, and it pulls in dizzying numbers of motorcyclists to run some of the best loops in the country. There’s the Mount Rushmore Loop, the Devil’s Tower Loop, a ride through Bear Butte and the surface of Mars in the Badlands. Not to mention the Needles and Crazy Horse Loop and a ride through Spearfish Canyon.

Bands are still being locked down at the infamous Buffalo Chip, a private campground and festival grounds, but headliners already include Snoop Dog, Rob Zombie, Buckcherry, Travis Tritt, Painkillers and Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners.

There’s a good reason why motorcyclists from around the country are drawn to Sturgis Rally every year, and if you don’t know why… well, it may be time to learn.

For more information visit www.rallysturgis. com and www.buffalochip.com. —Kali Kotoski H eld on the green shores of Lake George in upstate New York and surrounded by the lush old growth forests of the Adirondack Mountains, Americade is billed as the world’s largest touring rally, and this year will be held from June 7-11.

Bringing in an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 visitors over the course of the event, this year’s Americade is back to its regular schedule of being held in the first full week of June.

Besides the amazing riding in the Adirondack Mountains and the nearby Green Mountains of Vermont, there are sunset boat cruises on Lake George, one of the largest demo fleets in the country, an expo that’s over 300,000 square feet, bands, comedy shows and a huge fireworks show. There are also free seminars by MSF instructors.

Alonzo Bodden, winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and a motorcyclist, will once again be putting on two solo shows.

Learn more at www.americade.com. —Kali Kotoski