2004 Motocross schedule announced

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Oct. 3, 2003) -- AMA Pro Racing has released its schedule for the 2004 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship. Once again, the championship includes 12 events and, new for 2004, concludes in Southern California.

AMA Pro Racing CEO, Scott Hollingsworth said AMA Pro Racing worked collaboratively with key promoters to accomplish several important changes to the series. "We had a couple of fundamental objectives for 2004 and we're delighted we were able to achieve them," said Hollingsworth. "One of our goals was to build-in a break at the conclusion of the AMA Supercross season before the teams had to jump right into motocross. This was something that both riders and team managers had said was important to them so we worked hard to make it happen. An additional benefit to that change is that everyone now has Mother's Day off."

Hollingsworth added that the 2004 schedule is also more favorable to the teams' travel patterns. "The logistics involved with transporting motorcycles, equipment, and personnel from event to event is a major undertaking," said Hollingsworth. "Now after the opening round at Hangtown in Sacramento, Calif., the teams have a weekend off to get to and prepare for round two at High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, Pa. This break, particularly at the beginning of the season when teams are adjusting to the new series, is advantageous. There's also benefit to beginning and ending the championship on the West Coast because that's where most of the teams are based."

Lori Yarnell, General Manager of Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif., echoes that sentiment. "We're excited about the motocross season wrapping up at Glen Helen next year," said Yarnell. "We're already talking about our event internally and plan to give it a festival-like atmosphere. Southern California is the heart of the motocross industry so it makes sense to have the championship finale right here."

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