PICKERINGTON, Ohio (May 17, 2006) -- AMA and AMA Pro Racing announced today that Joel Grover has been hired to the new position of Supermoto Director, and will be relocating to AMA’s Pickerington, Ohio headquarters from his home in upstate New York. Grover will oversee both the AMA Supermoto Championship presented by Parts Unlimited as well as the AMA Sports Supermoto Grand Championships in association with NASMOTO.

Grover will report to Doug Neubauer, Vice President of AMA Sports, and will be directly focused on moving AMA Supermoto forward as a premier form of motorcycle competition.

“Joel brings a solid level of experience to his position and we’re delighted to have him aboard to help guide AMA Supermoto to the next level,” said Patricia DiPietro, AMA CEO. DiPietro added that aligning professional and amateur Supermoto under one organizational structure will help solidify the relatively new racing discipline and set the stage for continued growth and a better progression of riders from amateur to professional racing.

“I am proud to be part of such a committed organization to the sport and tradition of motorcycling,” says enthusiast Grover, referring to the AMA’s 85 year heritage. “Furthermore, I am extremely excited about the opportunity to help Supermoto realize its amazing potential.”

Grover has been employed in the motorsports business since 1998 holding a variety of positions in operations and event management. Additionally, Grover was the Assistant Director of Supercross for Clear Channel Motor Sports from 2000-2002.

AMA Pro Racing Series Manager, Todd Eagan, remains based in the AMA’s West Coast office and will continue to manage race operations for the AMA Supermoto Championship presented by Parts Unlimited.

The American Motorcyclist Association: rights. riding. racing. Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 270,000 members. The Association's purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. The AMA is the world's largest motorsports-sanctioning body. For more information, visit the AMA website at amacycle.org.