As the excitement for the upcoming racing season grows, questions about insurance, rules, and safety regulations surrounding AMA-sanctioned events are paramount. In this post we look at how insurance works, the financial implications of AMA policies, safety concerns regarding electric motorcycles, and the processes for setting supplemental rules. Here’s a comprehensive overview.

The Insurance Coverage Explained

Insurance and Practice Days

AMA's current insurance program comprehensively covers practice days, race days, the day prior for setup, and the day after for teardown. This allows event organizers to focus on the excitement of racing without the burden of unexpected liabilities.

Costs of AMA Insurance

There’s a common misconception about the cost of insurance through the AMA. Contrary to popular belief, AMA insurance is generally less expensive compared to the open market. Underwriters consider AMA-sanctioned events to be less risky due to the adherence to established rules and safety standards. Approximately 95% of AMA-sanctioned events utilize this insurance program. For those interested in alternate insurance options, the AMA provides guidelines for compliance, reviewed by their staff and insurance broker at no charge. While certain situations, such as combining annual policies with event coverage, may make it more cost-effective to seek coverage outside of the AMA program, many organizers still prefer the structured insurance the AMA offers.

Safety Considerations for Electric Motorcycles

A significant topic of discussion is the inclusion of electric motorcycles in Open Displacement Classes. The AMA's policy currently prohibits electric motorcycles from racing concurrently with gasoline-powered motorcycles, aside from a few exceptions for specific classes. The rationale behind this decision is multi-faceted:
  • Competitive Balance: Past experiences with the introduction of four-stroke motorcycles have shown the potential for competitive imbalance. The AMA aims to prevent a repeat scenario by carefully managing how electric and gas motorcycles interact on the track.
  • Safety Concerns: One significant issue with having electric motorcycles on the track is that they operate almost silently, posing a risk for riders on gas bikes who may be unaware of an electric bike approaching from behind. Instances in recent races have demonstrated that this has led to collisions among riders.
  • Audio Cues: Pro riders have raised concerns about the lack of audio feedback from electric bikes during races. This absence complicates the tactical decisions riders must make when navigating jumps and obstacles, as they rely on sound to gauge the intentions of peers in front of them.
To address these concerns moving forward, the AMA has updated specifications and introduced an Open Class B for electric bikes, allowing for structured competition while prioritizing safety.

Supplemental Rules for Emerging Technologies

As new technologies such as electric motorcycles emerge, the AMA has established a process for requesting and obtaining approval for supplemental rules. Event organizers are required to submit requests to designated discipline managers via email. These requests are evaluated quickly—typically within 24 hours—ensuring that all participants can compete under clear and approved guidelines. This process is crucial because it allows the AMA to maintain oversight on safety standards while providing flexibility for organizers to innovate with new classes and technologies. As we gear up for the racing season, understanding AMA insurance, safety protocols for electric motorcycles, the processes for supplemental rules, and the importance of communication can help foster a smooth experience for all participants. The AMA remains committed to providing a safe, competitive, and thrilling environment for all events and encourages continued inquiries to improve clarity and operation. For any further questions or clarifications, the AMA staff is always ready to assist. Here’s to a successful and exciting racing season ahead!