AMA Fast Brain Award offers educational scholarship to winner

American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) PICKERINGTON, Ohio Award presented at AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships AMA Racing, the amateur-racing department of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), is pleased to announce that this year's AMA Fast Brain Award will include an extra incentive for the young dirt-track stars competing at the 2010 AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships: an educational scholarship for the award winner.

Funded by AMA members, including AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner, AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson, 2009 AMA GNC Twins Champion Jared Mees, 2010 AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championship Honoree Bryan Smith and dirt-track fan Shawn Ralls, the AMA Fast Brain Award and educational scholarship recognizes a young racer whose skill on the track is rivaled by his or her skill in the classroom. The scholarship currently stands at $1,500, and donations are still being accepted. “Although we all have dreams of winning on the track and enjoying the financial rewards of a racing career, for the vast majority of today’s young racers, professional success will be found or lost in the classroom, not in the field of competition,” said Werner, who will also be a special guest at this year’s AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, as well as a member of the award selection committee. “As such, I’m proud to honor one of today’s outstanding young role models who recognizes the importance of laying a solid foundation of academic excellence. I’d also welcome others who feel the same to contribute and help this fund grow.” Those who wish to contribute to the AMA Fast Brain Award should contact Tamra Jones at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1235. The award winner’s selection will be based on performance at the weeklong AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, held on July 17-23 in Du Quoin, Ill., as well as official school transcripts supplied at the time of application. Riders must apply by July 9 to be considered for the award, which will be announced in Du Quoin. “It’s tough to make a living in motorcycle racing, so hopefully kids will realize that you have to do well in school, no matter where you intend to go professionally,” said Mees, who is backed this year by Rogers Lake Racing, Montgomeryville Cycle Center, Lucas Oil, RockysOnline.com, Digger Helm, Rod Lake, Twisted Beverage Company and Blue Spring Harley-Davidson. Smith, who races for the Monster Energy Werner Springsteen Racing Kawasaki Team, added that strong grades are also critical for the few who do find professional success on the track. “There are a lot of guys who make decent livings at motorcycle racing and also have college degrees, and that wouldn’t happen without a good education,” Smith said. “Even if you make it as a pro, you can’t overestimate the value of a good education. After all, there’s always life after racing, and you need to be prepared for that, as well.” More information about the AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships and instructions for applying for the Fast Brain Award can be found at http://www.AMARacing.com. 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 its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations