Posted October 5, 2006   Email   Print

Racers, this card is for you

AMA introduces Competition Membership for 2007

If you're one of the thousands of AMA members who compete in amateur racing events, you're already familiar with the last obstacle that always stands between you and getting on the track on raceday: the signup line.

Release forms are a fact of life in our society, and signing them at the track is an unloved raceday ritual.

The AMA is doing something about it. Plus, we're also working on other improvements that will better serve both racers and the promoters who make the races possible.

Beginning with 2007, the AMA will offer a new Competition Membership that costs the same as a regular AMA membership, but is designed to meet the needs of amateur racers. Competition members will receive a new Racing Credential instead of a regular AMA membership card.

The Racing Credential will include a magnetic strip on the back that works like the one on your credit card. Beginning in 2007, participating promoters will let you skip the long lines and release forms at signup. Just swipe your card, pay your entry fee and you're in.

There's one component of this change that you, as a competition member, must be aware of: Every Competition Member must sign an annual liability release form that must be notarized and returned to the AMA. AMA members who don't participate in competition events are not affected.

The new Competition Membership is the first step among several improvements the AMA is rolling out for racers. We've also created an online database of race results and we're working to get more promoters involved in submitting race results. So far, this service has been implemented in motocross. Take a look in the race Results Center.

Looking ahead, there are plans to implement additional services for racers, such as online registration. For now, be sure to read the summary information below to make sure you get your Racing Credential if you plan to race in 2007. If you have additional questions, read our FAQ.

What you need to do now

Wait until you receive your AMA membership renewal notice. If you plan to start racing in 2007 before your current membership expires, don’t worry—you can still race using your existing AMA card. You cannot obtain the release form and send it to us mid-year, separate from your membership renewal.

About two months before your expiration date (you can find it printed on your card), you’ll receive a renewal package in the mail. Inside, you’ll find a standard AMA renewal form, plus annual release forms for both adult or minor racers.

You'll also be able to become a Competition Member when you renew online, but you will still need to submit the appropriate notarized annual release form before receiving your Racing Credential. The forms will be mailed to you after you complete the online renewal process.

If you’re not a competitor—if you just ride on the street or in dual-sport events—just fill out the standard renewal form like you always have.

If you're not currently an AMA member, you can join now as a regular member or, beginning in 2007, you can join as a Competition Member at your local AMA-sanctioned event, online or by calling (800) AMA-JOIN.

If you’re an amateur competitor, you’ll need to take a look at the release forms in the package. Adult racers should read the appropriate form and sign it in the presence of a notary public. Then send that form back along with your renewal application and payment.

If you’re classified as a minor in your state (ask your parents if you’re not sure), you must sign the Acknowledgement of Risk, and your parents or legal guardian must read and sign the minor annual release form in the presence of a notary. Then send the forms back to the AMA with your renewal notice and payment.

Your Racing Credential will be sent after the AMA receives your signed and notarized release form with your renewal membership dues.

If you are a current multi-year AMA member whose membership does not run out in 2007, you will be mailed an annual release form. Read, sign, notarize and return this form to the AMA to receive your Racing Credential. This only applies to multi-year memberships that do not expire in 2007.

If you are an AMA Life Member, you will be mailed an annual release form to return. Once you read, sign, notarize and mail it back, the AMA will identify you as a Competition Member and send you a Racing Credential.

© 2006, American Motorcyclist Association