2023 AMA District16 Event Guide

Welcome to A M A Distric t 16 and our awesome 2023 event s

This publication is filled with a wide selection o f e x c i t i n g e v e n t s , s c h e d u l e d a l l a c r o s s Wisconsin and Michigan’s UP, so dive in and s tar t mak in g s o me p lan s f o r th is s eas o n . I t d o es n ’t matter if you’re into dirt track, motocross, cruising on a big touring bike, catching a dual sport ride or whatever this sport offers great memories for riders and spectators waiting at every turn.

Many of us have had the great fortune to grow up with this sport, and even after many years of riding and racing, we continue to look forward to the next

trip as much as ever. The riding is always a highlight, just as enjoyable is time spent with all the wonderful people that participate and work to put the events on. There really isn’t a good way to explain the rewards of the friendship and camaraderie that you’ll find in t h i s s p o r t . We c a n o n l y t e l l y o u t h a t i t ’s a l l h e r e waiting for you so come on out and get involved and make the most of 2023!

Hopefully we’ll see you at the track, or in the woods this summer.

Mike Schwarzenbacher Legislative Officer 920-319-6889

Ken Schuck AMA Representative 608-873-9854

Dan Fortman Off-Road Director 262-339-6090

Huber

Par ticipating with District 16

Getting started is actually pretty easy, assuming you have th e r ig h t b ik e an d a w ay to g et to th e ev en ts , y o u ' r e already half way there.

Finding a dealer and buying a bike: Whether you already own a bike or are planning on buying a new/ used bike you will still have to find a dealer to get parts and service. A local motorcycle dealer that is involved in the sport is a great source to help you get started in racing, and you’ll find that dealer is just important in the years to come. Establish a good relationship with a quality local dealer.

When purchasing your bike, it’s important to get the correct machine Racing classes are designed to fit the age of a rider to a mach in e en g in e s ize Yo u th clas s es ar e d es ig n ated b y ag e an d machine engine/ frame size Adult classes are either formed by mach in e s ize an d ag e o r r id er clas s if icatio n / ex p er ien ce Yo u must have a machine that matches your age, ability and the rules of the racing you are interested in When in doubt, read carefully, double check the rules, make a few phone calls and avoid the heartache of making an incorrect choice

I mp o r tan t r eality ch eck M o to r s p o r ts r acin g is in h er en tly dangerous There is always a risk of serious injury Riders should not participate in events or ride unless they have adequate medical insurance Riders and/or their guardians are solely responsible for using adequate equipment Ride at your own risk As a rider, you must rely on your own judgment.

Although all AMA D16 sanctioned meets are conducted under the guidelines in the AMA rulebook and District 16 supplemental rules, each club or promoter may operate a bit differently. Several things you can expect regardless of where you race:

•You must be a AMA member to compete in any type of AMA amateu r co mp etitio n . I f y o u ar e n o t alr ead y a cu r r en t A M A member, you may be able to join at the facility on the day of an event, fart better is to join at americanmotorcyclist.com a couple weeks in advance. (A link to this is right on the District16 website as well) Another good tip is to go to the Racing - Getting Started portion of the AMA site, and check into the annual release, in particular for minor riders. Family members, look for special rates that may be available to you.

• Yo u w ill b e r eq u ir e d to ag r ee n o t to s u e th e A M A o r th e o rg a n iz e r A t ea ch e v e n t y o u ’ ll b e r e q u ir e d to s ig n r eleas e statements Minors often need additional releases completed by B O TH p ar e n ts o r g u ar d ia n s M o s t e v en ts r eq u ir e p ar en ts o r assigned guardian be present to enter the grounds as a spectator Contact the event promoter in advance if you have any questions

•District 16 registration will also be required You may be able to join the district organization at the event, but again, doing it in advance on-line is far better, and at times required Once you have your AMA info, go to amadistrict16 com

• A ll p a r tic ip a n ts an d s p ec tato r s atten d in g a r a ce ma y b e required to pay an admission fee upon entering the facility Race participants also pay a registration or entry fee in addition to the admission fee

•All participants must wear a protective helmet, eye protection, gloves, a long-sleeve shirt, protective pants and boots that are at

least eight inches high - when in doubt, see the rules.

•It is your responsibility to know the rules. Become familiar w ith th e A M A R u leb o o k . Th e A M A co mp etitio n r u les ar e av ailab le f o r d o w n lo ad in A d o b e A cr o b at P D F f o r mat. G o to www.americanmotorcyclist.com. District 16 has some additional rules, and they can be found at amadistrict16.com

A district organization is composed of enthusiasts like you, as well as clubs, promoters and elected district officials. District 16 covers Wisconsin and Michigan’s UP. AMA District 16 has an ab u n d an ce o f mo to r c y clin g activ ity. Th e tas k o f f in alizin g schedules, issuing racing numbers and points keeping is handled at the district level, by volunteers dedicated to this great sport

As a registered participant of District 16 you may be issued a racing number if applicable, be eligible to earn points at events in w h ich y o u p ar ticip ate, an d h av e th o s e p o in ts r eco r d ed f o r possible year-end awards

For a schedule of events in your area, refer to this event guide o r amad is tr ict1 6 co m A ll th es e s o u r ces als o co n tain co n tact information for the event promoting organizations

You can always contact us at District 16 for information on schedules, racing numbers, rules or other questions A good place to start may be the director of the side of the sport you want to g et in v o lv ed w ith ex amp le, th e mo to cr o s s d ir ecto r f o r a motocross related question Easier yet, show up at an event as a spectator and ask questions, you’ll find everyone welcoming, and you’ll have a great time while seeing how it works.

h o t o b y J u n e S h a w w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / s h a w s o m e m o t o p h o t o g r a p h y

If y o u ' v e e v e r h a d t h e d e s i r e t o pitch a motorcycle sideways in a corner, then accelerate through a controlled slide, dirt-track racing is t h e p l a c e f o r y o u F l a t t r a c k r a c e s a r e r u n o n v a r i o u s l e n g t h s o f p r e p a r e d o v a l t r a c k s : s h o r t t r a c k s , w h i c h a r e l e s s t h a n 2 , 2 5 0 f e e t i n c i r c u m f e r e n c e ; h a l f - m i l e s , m e a s u r i n g f r o m 2 , 2 5 0 f e e t u p t o roughly five-eighths of a mile; and m i l e s , w h i c h a s t h e n a m e i m p l i e s a r e a m i l e i n c i r c u m f e r e n c e . I n a d d i t i o n , To u r i s t Tr o p h y o r T T scrambles events are held on tracks including right and left-hand turns and a jump.

Classes are available for riders in different age groups and skill levels, a n d o n a w i d e v a r i e t y o f m a c h i n e t y p e s a n d s i z e s , b o t h w i t h t w o o r four wheels.

The season in District 16 kicks off i n A p r i l a n d t h e n r u n s t h r o u g h t h e s u m m e r T h e r e a r e m o t o r c y c l e c l a s s e s f o r t h e y o u n g e s t o f r i d e r s right through the over 50 year age c l a s s f o r t h e d i s t i n g u i s h e d r i d e r s

M a n y e v e n t s a l s o h a v e s e v e r a l c l a s s e s f o r a t v r i d e r s , t h r i l l i n g t h e spectators. These events are often k n o w n a s t h e m o s t s p e c t a t o r friendly with bleachers overlooking

the entire race track. You’re able to get close to the action and really feel the excitement involved in each part of the race.

If you like Quad class action, Flat Track events are where you need to look.

Like all the racing in District 16, youth classes are a huge part of Flat Track.

Flat Track

Flat Track

Daniel Peterson had a great 2022 season, showing just how quick riders in the Senior and Super Senior classes can get around the track

Trials is a form of motorcycle competition that emphasizes precise balance and control while riding over a d e s i g n a t e d a r e a o f d i ff i c u l t t e r r a i n . I t ’s n o t a r a c e . . . only one rider is ‘observed’ at a time It can be slow, so slow that the rider may even stand still, as long as he (or she) doesn’t put a foot down

The range of skills and techniques employed by the best riders is deceptively varied Just imagine trying to fling yourself and your cycle up over a five foot wall Or edging down a steep, rocky, moss-covered hillside, then turning across the slope to cross a large sloping log before charging and winding your way back up How about leaping and balancing your way up a stream loaded with both small and large rocks

So, Observed Trials is a battle between the rider and the terrain. The rider who makes the fewest mistakes wins. And since it is essentially a solo battle, the rider can practice at home, even on level ground, perfecting such skills as balance, turning and clutch control Trials ‘Obstacles’ can even be set up in a backyard

The sport is very spectator friendly but expect to do a little walking through the woods for the best views

Trials events in D16 offer free spectating, so make sure to check one out this summer! They are perfect for families.

Riders take on some pretty cool challenges

There’s a class for new riders, youngsters and everyone else up to the full on Experts!

Trials

topped the Novice class.

Hill Climbing Excit ement

Hillclimbing is a sport that is easy for any offr o a d r i d e r t o g e t i n t o A l l y o u n e e d i s a motorcycle, protective gear, and a tether kill switch for you bike These switches are available at a n y d e a l e r s h i p . W h i l e m o s t h i l l c l i m b p h o t o s s h o w b i k e s w i t h e x t e n d e d r e a r w h e e l s , t h e r e a r e c l a s s e s offered for regular motocross and woods bikes

This year's District 16 series kicks off on Father's Day weekend in Kewaskum Wisconsin This is a semip r o e v e n t s o t h e c l a s s e s f o r e x t e n d e d w h e e l - b a s e motorcycles do not receive championship points at this r o u n d T h e s t o c k c l a s s e s ( n o r m a l c o n f i g u r a t i o n motocross or woods bikes) do receive points.

The following weekend, the series heads to Hixton, Wisconsin for a double-header, Saturday and Sunday e v e n t s . T h i s w e e k e n d a l s o c o u n t s f o r p o i n t s f o r t h e Minnesota championship, so the best riders from both states will battle each other.

The series comes back to Hixton September 16th and t h e n w r a p s u p w i t h t h e R a p i d s A n g e l s e v e n t i n t h e

To w n o f R o m e o n O c t o b e r 7 t h . T h i s c l u b h a s b e e n hosting hillclimb events since 1959!

C o m e a s a c o m p e t i t o r. . . . o r a s p e c t a t o r, e i t h e r w a y you’ll be impressed and in for a great and exciting day

If you’ve never been to one of these events - just go do it!

Hill Climb

3.Tyson Haas ...........................59

4 Lane Brookshaw 49

5.Aaron Bechel .........................46

6 Riley Bechel 30

250cc Championship:

1 Riley Vanberg 84

2 Brady Kirchner 81

3 Riley Bechel 76

4 Lane Brookshaw 70

5 Brian Kinney 58

6 Sam Ellifson 40

7 Jeff Piontek 28

Mini Sr Championship:

1 Charlie Engnes 140

2 Cameron Mack 112

3 Kaly Mueller 75

4 Maya Peterson 71

Super Mini Championship:

1 Charlie Engnes 150

2 Kaly Mueller 94

3 Cameron Mack 94

4 Hannah Bechel 84

5 Maya Peterson 67

6 Natalee Vanberg 58

7 Jackson Engel 44

125cc Championship:

1 Charlie Engnes 140

2 Brady Kirchner 102

3 Cameron Mack 87

4 Riley Bechel 84

5 Maya Peterson 57

6 Mel Piontek 18 200cc Championship:

1 Riley Vanberg 119

2 Cameron Mack 117

3 Charlie Engnes 106

4 Sam Ellifson 65

made five of the six District

Dual Sport events in

Road America has your ticket t o RIDE!

Riding a motorcycle or a s cooter is an exhilarating experience, but it also requires training and knowledge and takes more physical skill and mental concentration than driving a typical motor vehicle Proper training is critical and if you’re interested in getting into motorcycling or need to s harpen a few s kills , now is the time to regis ter for Road America’s Motorcycle School

The Road America Motorcycle School is one of the premier training programs for novice, returning and advanced riders in the Midwest. Participants can learn how to ride a motorcycle by choosing from eight different levels of motorcycle training All motorcycle training courses take place at Road America’s 640acre venue, which includes five controlled off-street training ranges M otorcycle and s cooter clas s es , including ladies only options, are available from April through November in a variety of daytime, weekend, and weeknight formats.

Road A merica’s s taff of highly trained and aw ard-w inning ins tructors comes from divers e backgrounds w hich include education, law enforcement, and racing disciplines. They have years of knowledge to help you learn how to ride a motorcycle or scooter

F or new riders interes ted in becoming licens ed to operate a motorcycle, Road America has the Basic Rider Course (BRC) which requires approximately 19 total hours of commitment The course criteria includes a three-hour online e-Course, six hours of classroom instruction, and ten hours of on-range riding lessons. The second

option available for new riders seeking a class M endorsement is the Scooter Basic Rider Course (SBRC) The class includes 19 hours of instruction, broken down into six hours of classroom instruction, ten hours of on-range riding les s ons , and a 3-hour online e-Cours e. Tuition for both cours es include the us e of a current model year Yamaha motorcycle or scooter

For returning motorcycle riders there’s the Street Skills Course 1 or the Street Skills Course 2 which both are designed to simulate real-life riding conditions Another great option is the Road America Dirt Bike Course Registration can be done online, or by calling Road America at 800-365-7223. A full event schedule is available online at roadamerica com

Photos by Jeri Britton www facebook com/JBPhotography906

Motocross is the most popular form of amateur m o t o r c y c l e r a c i n g a n d w i t h c l a s s e s f o r machines from 50 to 500cc, and riders from four years old to fifty plus, it's a sport for the whole family

Motocross races are run over closed courses utilizing natural terrain and man-made obstacles to test riders' skill and speed. Tracks include hills, jumps and tight turns. One of the most strenuous sports in the world, motocross is a rugged test for both rider and machine

Most motocross events consist of two heats, called motos, that are run for a prescribed period of time, or a set number of laps. Points are earned in each moto based on finishing position and the rider with the best total score is the overall winner Motocross events in D16 kick off in April, and run through into October. Frequently there are multiple events per weekend

T h e s e e v e n t s a r e a l l d a y a c t i v i t i e s . T h e p r a c t i c e s e s s i o n s g e t s t a r t e d r i g h t a w a y i n t h e m o r n i n g u s u a l l y f o l l o w e d b y a r i d e r s ’ m e e t i n g w h e r e s c h e d u l e s a n d o t h e r a n n o u n c e m e n t s a r e m a d e . A l l t h e c l a s s e s w i l l u s u a l l y r u n through their first motos before starting the final set

T h e r e ’s a l a rg e s e l e c t i o n o f c l a s s e s a v a i l a b l e , a n d a majority of the riders will qualify for multiple classes, often o n t h e s a m e m o t o r c y c l e A g e d i v i s i o n s a n d e n g i n e s i z e usually determines many of the classes, as well as experience levels The C classes being for new riders while the A classes a r e d o m i n a t e d b y e x p e r i e n c e d r i d e r s a n d e v e n l o c a l professionals.

The Youth oriented classes require some sort of rider age for certain engine or machines, referred to as minis. You can g e t a f e e l f o r t h e s e c l a s s l i m i t s b y l o o k i n g o v e r t h e membership application on the District web site, where you

will also find links to both D16 rules and a link to the AMA rule book You need to make sure a rider ’s age will allow them to ride a particular size bike. There are also limits for how large of a motorcycle riders can be on as they age, so again, become familiar with the rules.

I t i s v e r y c o m m o n f o r f a m i l i e s a n d r i d e r s t o m a k e motocross events a weekend affair, showing up the afternoon b e f o r e t h e e v e n t a n d c a m p i n g o u t . T h i s i s j u s t o n e o f t h e m a n y a s p e c t s t h a t m a k e t h i s s u c h a g r e a t f a m i l y s p o r t Spectators are always welcome and often find the day filled with excitement and good times.

Keegan McGeshick ...............51Jr 4-6

Karson Kasper 51Sr 7-8

Easton Falk ..........................65cc 7-11

Owen Tibbs ..........................85cc 9-11

Isaac Opalewski ................85cc 12-15

Jayce Wolf ............59-85cc Open 9-13

Skylar Melvin Schoolboy 1 12-17

Jayden Wolf ........................14-24 B/C

Sean Badker................................250B

Gavin Godeck .............................250C

Sean Badker ...........................Open B

Jack Shawley Open C

Jesse Koth ..................Master +25B/C

Joshua Matz ......................Vet +30B/C

Mark Jorgensen ................Senior +40

Tom Ferguson ...................Senior +45

Tom Ferguson Senior +50

Wayne Welzien ..................Senior +60

Dana Hanna Women

Keith Degrand ................Non Current

Ty Tyrrell......................................+30A

Justin Oehlhof 250A

Justin Oehlhof ........................Open A

Motocross

Motocross

2 0 2 2 D i s t r i c t 1 6 To p F i n i s h e r s

Chad Schmitt ran off with three class championships

Over 500 D16 friends attended the annual banquet. Over $18,000 in Drawings were given away, plus hundreds of awards

Dual Sports are catching on in District 16, and in 2023 there are seven of these fun events, kicking off in June. To participate in a Dual Sport event y o u f i r s t n e e d t o b e o f l e g a l d r i v i n g a g e a n d h a v e a m o t o r c y c l e t h a t i s “ t e c h n i c a l l y ” s t r e e t l e g a l We s a y t e c h n i c a l l y, b e c a u s e o f t h e w i d e a r r a y o f m o t o r c y c l e s that can be used at these events. There are the popular on/ off road bikes offered by most of the manufacturers, bikes that you would swear just don’t belong off-road... l i k e t h e 1 0 0 0 c c p l u s a d v e n t u r e s t y l e b i k e s , a n d t h e n converted “dirt” bikes. Bottom line, the bike has to have a license plate, meet maximum noise requirements, and have lights semi-knobby tires are a very good idea, but not always needed Each ride is a little different, and if y o u a r e q u e s t i o n i n g y o u r b i k e ’s s e t - u p , a c a l l t o t h e sponsoring club is a good idea.

Dual Sport events often cover a hundred plus miles per day, and combine some road riding, gravel/ fire roads, and then some challenging off road trails. Usually the most challenging sections have optional routes, allowing the less “off-road” style bikes and less experienced riders t o s t i l l h a v e a g r e a t t i m e b y c h o o s i n g t h

These events are non-competitive, fun rides where

rider camaraderie is at its highest. While riding in an e

taking photos, grabbing a bite to eat, or discussing an adventure they just experienced The participants will be from all aspects of our sport; racers, experienced trail riders and newbies to off-road riding Everyone comes for the same reason... to have a good time, and get in some great riding. Give one of the event promoters a call, then come out and do some riding.

Tip: Look into registering for these events really early - most of them sell out in a matter of hours once on-line registration opens. They are that well liked.

Dual Sport rides are a great option for the Adventure bike riders to get in on the fun

Th e D 1 6 O ff - R o a d s e r i e s i s a c o m b i n a t i o n o f H a r e Scrambles, Gran Prixs and Enduros, making one great season long series by combining points. There will be nine unique venues for 2023. The series is ten races with your best finishes counting for points.

Hare scramble races are timed races where riders do as m a n y l a p s a s p o s s i b l e . R a c e t i m e s v a r y p e r c l a s s , r o u g h l y thirty minutes for 50cc, one hour for the 65cc, 85cc, +50 and Vintage classes AA, A, B, +30A/B, +40B are two-hour long races. Hare scrambles are conducted on marked courses over r u g g e d n a t u r a l t e r r a i n . D i s t r i c t 1 6 h a r e s c r a m b l e s a t t i m e s combine a portion of a motocross track and plenty of wooded trails when available. Courses often range from two to six m i l e s i n l e n g t h . E v e n t s s t a r t i n t h e m o r n i n g a n d c o n t i n u e through the afternoon, making for a comfortable day.

The GranPrix (GP) racing continues to grow in popularity with riders from all disciplines taking part It is a two-moto f o r m a t e x c e p t f o r 5 0 c c , t h e y a r e o n e E a c h m o t o i s approximately thirty minutes. Motos are scored separately and then combined for overall position, similar to motocross scoring. Courses will likely be a little shorter. You can expect a really fun mix of off-road with a little more of the motocross pace/ urgency added in.

E n d u r o r a c e s h a v e t h r e e f o r m a t s : S p r i n t e n d u r o s h a v e multiple tests (loops) that you ride at least two times Small g r o u p s t a k e o ff a t o n c e ( o r b y y o u r s e l f ) , e a c h t e s t i s t i m e d

s e p a r a t e l y. A t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y, t i m e s a r e a d d e d together and the lowest time wins.

Closed course enduros have one loop at least three miles that is ridden multiple times. An average speed is set for each loop and you get points for being late At the end of the day, the rider with the lowest total wins

Long course enduros are greater than fifty miles. S c o r i n g c a n b e d o n e a f e w d i ff e r e n t w a y s . Yo u t h classes may run a different format based on difficulty, l e n g t h a n d t i m e s o a l w a y s c h e c k w i t h t h e c l u b / promoter on this as well.

Points will continue to be in line with the AMA off road points structure Live Laps scoring system will be used at many 2023 off-road events If you plan to r a c e a n y e v e n t s i n t h i s s e r i e s , p l e a s e g o o n t o livelaps.com and make your rider profile/ update if you don’t already have one. Fill out all info including your AMA number to speed up your sign up time.

All the events pay points towards year-end awards a n d r e c o g n i t i o n . T h e s e a r e o f t e n g r e a t e v e n t s f o r newer riders with some trail experience all the way to the fastest of off-road racers The challenges of the trail are often reasonable and meant to make it a fun day for everyone. Best thing, these events have youth c l a s s e s i n c l u d e d , s o b r i n g t h e f a m i l y ! A g a i n , g o through the s upplementary rules on the w ebs ite and reach out if you have questions. This championship series should be fantastic for all our riders.

Looking to race in the woods or other more natural terrain - the Off-Road Series is for you!

Of f -Road

Of f -Road

“A” class champion Brent Hanke at the Sugar Maple event.

District 16 Clubs & Promoters

Use the map for a “general” ideal where the events are held. Several clubs hold events at multiple or traveling locations. For specific directions contact the club/ promoter. Most of them have web sites, and links can be found at the

Trials

2023 Event Schedule

The information is the best available at the time of printing Dates are subject to change at any time. Please contact the promoter for confirmation before you leave home

Off-Road

GP - Indicates GP style, HS - Harescramble,

E - Enduro Long Course, Yth End - Youth Enduro

April

22 GP Rapid Angels MC Nekoosa, WI

May

6 HS Madison MC Mazomanie, WI 21 GP Sugar Maple MX Park Hillpoint, WI

June

Flat Track

Dual Sport

Most

sponsoring club early

Motocross

* Indicates D16 Points Paying Event

Hillclimb