While it is true that we’re not exactly motorcycle mavens around here, we love stuff that is fast and loud, so we can at least appreciate race bikes. In fact, we have more than a couple friends who drag race motorcycles so it was saddening to see that the AMA Dragbike Championship Series announced on June 24 that it was closing its doors, possibly forever. This is a big blow to the national motorcycle racing scene and leaves a bunch of racers out in the cold. 

The release cites the old “rising costs, decreasing revenues” illness for the death of the series and for us that can only mean that they were not drawing enough racers to the races to cover fees, purse, and expenses. We don’t think that the series was a major spectator draw, and probably, like other touring circuits, it relied on entry fees paid by racers and outside sponsorship to cover their financial behinds. 

It sucks royally to lose a racing series even though we’re not participants or even dedicated fans. We’re gearheads and we know that there are a bunch of like-minded folks out there today who’ve lost something fun or perhaps a series that they were running with factory backing, major sponsorship, etc. The release states that the operators are willing to talk with anyone who is interested in scooping the whole mess up. A one in a million shot, but one we can join in motorcycle drag racers in hoping for.

Thanks to BangShift.com reader jword2001 for the tip on this story. 

This is the entire release from the AMA Dragbike Series:

Effectively immediately, Hammer Motorsports DBA AMA Dragbike Series, will cease operations indefinitely. Regretfully, today’s economic climate, rising costs and decreasing revenue makes it fiscally irresponsible to continue doing business. The final details are being worked out at this time.

“Motorcycle Drag Racing has been a passion for both of us for many years and we have given all of ourselves to this sport,” said Brandi Neithamer, Vice President of AMA Dragbike. “We knew this year would be very difficult given the economic conditions, but we never anticipated it would go downhill so quickly. Scott Valetti and I have a tough road ahead of us to close the business, and we hope to receive the support of the community during this difficult time.”

“The AMA will be issuing their own statement regarding the future of the AMA Dragbike Series,” Neithamer continued. “If there are any parties interested in discussing our operation of the series, please feel free to contact us. We will do everything in our power to help you succeed.”

Hammer Motorsports would like to thank all of the AMA Dragbike racers, sponsors and fans that have helped support the organization [formerly AMA Prostar] over the last 21 years.

“We have always strived to hold safe, fair and exciting racing events, and we appreciate all that have helped us achieve that goal,” Neithamer said. “Scott and I extend our best wishes to all in our racing community.”

Scott Valetti
Brandi Neithamer
AMA Dragbike