Motocross News

Vnuk: the story so far

: Date: 20 March 2018

Many of you will have heard the sad tale of Mr Vnuk who was knocked off a ladder at work by a tractor and his fight for compensation. As the employer wasn't required to have employer liability insurance, Mr Vnuk claimed from the tractor's insurance and was refused on the grounds that the tractor was on private property

Mr Vnuk eventually took this to the European Court of Justice. He won and despite an appeal by the UK, German and Irish governments, changed the understanding of the Motor Insurance Directive which now requires ALL mechanically propelled vehicles in ALL places to be insured for ALL 3rd party losses for ALL uses. Including motor sport vehicles used in motor sport.

Inquiries to motor insurers and even sports insurers have revealed that this kind of insurance is not available and if it was, it would be prohibitively expensive. This may be acceptable in elite sport (although even then, events may just move outside the EU), but clearly compulsory insurance bills of thousands or even hundreds of pounds a year would kill off grassroots sport.

The ACU and AMCA have been working with the Motor Cycle Industry Association via the Motorcycle Sport Political Strategy Group (MSPG) in an effort to protect the sport from this judgment. The UK government, via the Motor Insurance Bureau and the Department for Transport, are fully on side and have been working with us to try and get the Motor Insurance Directive changed to exclude motor sport.These efforts have been successful and following meetings with representatives from the AMCA and ACU and businesses involved in the sport, the European Commission has committed to changing the Directive. They have published several consultations on the subject and the sport has responded to each urging exemption. The overwhelming majority of the responses received were in favour of exempting motor sport.

The most recent consultation (called "Refit") closed in October and had a section of questions for members of the public that did not cover Vnuk and a section for businesses which covered various subjects such as no claims bonuses, autonomous vehicles and the scope of the Motor Insurance Directive, i.e. Vnuk. We have encouraged motorcycle businesses to respond and this was picked up in the trade press. Responses urging exemption were also sent from the MIA, FIA and FIM following our lobbying efforts. As this consultation was aimed at businesses, not individuals, we did not ask our members to respond – this opportunity may come later.In the background, legal challenges are being received by the Government, who will need to implement Vnuk and make motor insurance compulsory on private property at some point in the future if the Motor Insurance Directive isn't changed.

This could happen at any time. If this time comes and we find ourselves needing to campaign in Parliament, the sports bodies and the industry will be urging members and members of the public to write, call, fax, email and visit their MPs to make it clear that passing such a law would be a disaster for the sport. In the meantime, we are looking at other activities which can help us continue to make the case against Vnuk and remain very active on this issue.

2018 AMCA SUPERCLASS SERIES – AMCA EXPERT & CHAMPIONSHIP RIDERS

: Date: 20 March 2018

Presented by Cannock MXC at Lower Drayton - 15 April and 6 May

TOTAL PRIZE POT £4260!

The Cannock MX Club and AMCA are running a 2 round Superclass Series for AMCA Expert and AMCA Championship Riders.

AGM News

: Date: 16 March 2018

The AMCA Annual General Meeting took place on 10^th March, 22 clubs were represented and a further 13 clubs submitted proxy votes.

Qualifiers will not be held in 2018

: Date: 07 March 2018

All those riders who have registered for the MX1/MX2/Vets/2 Stroke and Youth 85/150 Championships, there will not be any qualifiers held in 2018. We have very limited space in all classes, if you are interested in registering then you can do so online, be quick as you may miss out!

HAGON PRODUCTS CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS AT THE CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW

: Date: 13 February 2018

THE Classic Dirt Bike Show sponsored by Hagon Shocks, held at the Telford International Centre across the weekend of February 17-18, will house one of the biggest displays of Hagon bikes ever seen in one place.

From humble beginnings in the family garden shed during his early racing career, Alf Hagon grew his company into a well-respected suspension specialist in its own right that is known across the globe and now run by his son Martin Hagon.

As part of the company’s 60th anniversary celebrations, Hagon Products has asked anyone with a Hagon-framed bike to bring it to the show and there will be trophies for the best three Hagon bikes in show alongside the usual accolades given out each year.

Hagon Shocks will also be taking an impeccable collection of bikes to the event, including a Hagon-JAP drag bike which was the first bike outside the US to run a sub 10-second quarter mile. The drag bike set two world records, the fastest standing start kilometre and the fastest standing start quarter mile at Elvington in 1967.

Other machines from the Hagon family’s collection which will be at the show include: the Hagon-JAP grass track bike, the Hagon 500cc speedway bike and a Hagon long track bike which Martin Hagon rode to second place in the 1990 British Masters Championship.

Grass track legend Alf Hagon will be a guest of honour at the show alongside Jeff Smith, Gerrit Wolsink, Colin Dommett and Peter Duke; he will be interviewed about his career exploits each day by Jack Burnicle.

Tony Hutchison from Hagon Shocks said: “We have asked for anybody with a Hagon-framed bike to bring it along, and each bike (and owner) could tell a story or two about their exploits, we’re sure!

“We hope you all have your bloodhound instincts finely tuned to uncover that elusive part for the coming riding season or project bike among the vast array of parts and bikes on display.”

The show is sure to have something that will tickle your fancy as clubs and private entries pack into the venue to display the most fascinating collection of historic off-road machines you’ll find under one roof.

They will be joined by a mass of traders offering everything from parts, accessories, riding kit and project bikes to tempt you – and that’s not even including the autojumble, which opens an hour before the show on both days and will be overflowing with bargains.

Discounted advance tickets start at £12 for adults and children under 12 are FREE. But hurry, this special discount offer closes at 8.30am on Tuesday, February 13.

If you wish to contact Hagon Shocks about bringing one of your bikes for the stand, please call 0208 5026222

For more information and tickets, visit www.classicbikeshows.com or call 01507 529529

AMCA Continue to Fight Motorcycle Theft with Datatag

: Date: 09 February 2018

The UK’s leading motocross race organisation, the AMCA, has declared its continued war on motorcycle theft by again partnering with the UK's leading security marking brand Datatag, to protect their fleet of Yamaha Off-Road Experience School MX bikes.

The fleet of new Yamaha machines are used across the UK by the AMCA to deliver off road riding experiences for Yamaha UK. However, with off road motorcycles high on the wish list of thieves, the AMCA were keen to protect their new fleet with Datatag’s state of the art marking technology.

AMCA General Manager Sue Potts is delighted that the continued sponsorship of the AMCA Masters Championship has enabled them to protect their school fleet. “We are delighted that Datatag have renewed their support for our Championships in 2018 and I want to yet again send a very loud and very clear message to motorcycle thieves that the AMCA takes theft seriously, both with our own bikes and that of our members,"

"I am also pleased that AMCA members can now protect their own bikes with Datatag technology at a heavily discounted price. The AMCA will not let stolen bikes be used at our events and we will continue our work with Datatag to ensure that bikes are checked regularly.”

Dave Luscombe from Datatag, who assisted the AMCA protecting their fleet of Yamaha school bikes said, "We are delighted to continue our relationship with the AMCA. Given the high levels of theft in the off road world, it is critical that all riders take measures to reduce the risk that their motorcycle will be stolen, and a simple but powerful measure is Datatag. Combined with a strong lock and secure storage, Datatag provides the peace of mind that if your bike is stolen, there is a good chance that it will be returned. And now AMCA members can protect their bikes for less money thanks to our new exclusive AMCA member discount."

Buyers of bikes not protected by the Official MASTER Scheme, which is helping discourage theft across the industry, or owners of older pre Master scheme bikes can protect themselves with the same level of security as the MASTER Scheme by fitting a Datatag Off-Road Motorcycle system. Available through all reputable dealers or through Datatag themselves the system retails for a one off cost of just £59.99.

AMCA members can benefit from discounted rates for the Datatag system ranging from 15 to 25% off RRP depending on their membership level. Contact the AMCA for more information on this special offer.

For more information on MASTER visit www.masterscheme.org or Datatag visit www.datatag.co.uk

PROTECT YOUR BIKE!

: Date: 08 February 2018

Discounts for AMCA members – use code AMCA2018 at checkout!

AMCA CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON!!

: Date: 08 February 2018

REGISTRATION FOR THE MX1/MX2/VETS/2 STROKE/YOUTH 85/150 CHAMPIONSHIP CLOSES ON FRIDAY 23RD FEBRUARY AT 5PM.

You can register here:- https://secure.amca.uk.com/membership/

Cheltenham Presentation

: Date: 05 February 2018

The Cheltenham club had our presentation at Bowden hall Gloucester.

The Trophies were presented by lifelong member Steve Hitchman who was a founder member of the club in 1982 and who’s was a championship rider in his day and has given a lifelong commitment to Motocross.

CHELTENHAM SPA MXC OPEN FOR MEMBERSHIP

: Date: 31 January 2018

Cheltenham Spa MX Club are now open for 2018 Membership.

WOLVERHAMPTON DAC CLUB OPEN FOR MEMBERSHIP

: Date: 31 January 2018

Wolverhampton DAC Club are now open for 2018 Membership.

Classic Dirt Bike Show: Calling all dirt fans…

: Date: 26 January 2018

It’s less than a month until thousands of classic dirt bike fans get down and dirty at Telford International Centre over the weekend of February 17-18 for the awesome Classic Dirt Bike Show sponsored by Hagon Shocks.

They will also be joined by a mass of traders offering everything from parts, accessories, riding kit and project bikes to tempt you. The hugely popular autojumble opens an hour before the show on both days and will be overflowing with bargains.

To add to the excitement, Gerrit Wolsink, Colin Dommett, Peter Duke and the Hagon family will all be in attendance as guests of honour and will be interviewed on stage by top commentator Jack Burnicle.

The two-time Motocross (Scrambles) World Champion, Jeff Smith MBE, will also be in attendance at the show with his new book.

Road race fans aren't forgotten either at the Classic Off Road Show, with a lineup of mouthwatering road racers, including TT-winning machinery, some of which will be fired up over the weekend, weather permitting.

There’s also a chance to rub shoulders with some of our star guests at the Classic Dirt Bike dinner on the Saturday, which is located at the Holiday Inn on site. It includes a three-course meal and speeches from Gerrit, Colin and Peter as well as a Hagon Shocks 60^th anniversary speech from Jack Burnicle, all for just £33 per person!

Discounted advance show tickets cost just £12 (£15 including early-bird autojumble) – this offer closes at 8.30am on Tuesday, February 13.

Head over to www.classicbikeshows.co.uk for more information and to purchase tickets.

NORTHAMPTON MXC OPEN FOR MEMBERSHIP

: Date: 26 January 2018

Northampton MX Club are now open for 2018 Membership.

Terry King - AMCA President

: Date: 18 January 2018

The AMCA is delighted to announce the appointment of Terry King as Honorary President with immediate effect, a position which has been vacant since Gordon Mycock passed away in 2015.

Terry is currently suffering from ill health having been diagnosed with terminal cancer two years ago.

Born in 1947 and originally from Wombourne, near Wolverhampton Terry met his wife Linda at the Ever Ready factory and followed Speedway at Wolverhampton for years before taking up Motocross.

In 1976 whilst living in Leamington Spa he joined the Standard (Coventry) AMCA club. Within 12 months he and Linda moved to Cottesmore in Rutland and started the Leicester Club with the Whitehouse family. In 1979 he was one of the founding members of the local Oakham club with whom he rode regularly, mainly in the Senior class, but also tried his hand later at Sidecars.

He was soon elected at the East Group Co-ordinator and moved on to the AMCA Executive Committee, and in 1984 when the AMCA was formed as a limited company he was one of the original Directors – a position he held for over 30 years.

During 1982 he took the position of the AMCA’s PRO (Public Relations Officer) and organised 3 scrambles in the Isle of Man during the Manx Road Racing week in September.

This entailed securing the use of tracks while the office looked after boat and accommodation bookings for over 100 AMCA riders. This event became an annual event for several years. Whilst the riders rode on the Monday, Wednesday and Friday and watched the road racing on Tuesday and Thursday Terry did a spot of fishing.

Terry also arranged a meeting with Kate Hoey, the Labour Party Minister for Sport and he Don Green had afternoon tea with her in the office whilst trying to explain why the Government should “recognise” the AMCA. He also arranged for parties of riders from the East Group of clubs to compete in Holland under the IMBA banner.

2002 saw Terry elected as the AMCA as the Vice Chairman at the AGM with 73 MX clubs represented, and the following year he took over as the Chairman after Don Green stepped down after 26 years.

Terry was instrumental in putting the AMCA in touch with East Lindsey District Council, which ultimately led to the Skegness Beach Race. This two day event is now in its 8th year.

In addition to his interest in the AMCA he was a County Councillor for 18 years including being the Leader of the Council. Both him and Linda are both keen supporters of the Wolves Football team and they both still attend many games home and away.

His attendance of AMCA Committee Meetings was 100% over the 35 years, he never missed an AGM, Executive Committee Meeting, Motocross Committee Meeting or Directors Meeting.

Terry defines the AMCA as the "biggest sporting co-operative - everyone owns it and everyone has a say on how it's run"

Don Green

AMCA Chairman 2017

Championship (MX1/MX2/Vets/2t/Youth85/150) Dates & Venues Confirmed

: Date: 18 January 2018

Dates and Venues have now been confirmed:-

NORTH WALES & NORTH SHROPSHIRE VETS & YOUTH 21 & UNDER SERIES

: Date: 18 January 2018

The North Wales North Shropshire group will be running the Veterans Over 40 & Over 50 Series again for this season and also a Youth 21 & Under Series, this will be over 10 rounds throughout the season.

ANNOUNCEMENT – ALAN HALE

: Date: 17 January 2018

The AMCA are very sad to announce the death of long serving AMCA member, official and Director, Alan Hale of Teme Valley MCC.

2018 AMCA CHAMPIONSHIP powered by DATATAG ANNOUNCEMENT!

: Date: 12 January 2018

The AMCA are please to announce that Darren Bartholomew will be the official commentator for the 2018 AMCA Championship. Darren has worked with the AMCA for several years and has proved to be both knowledgeable and an entertaining commentator.

DEVIZES MX CLUB AGM AND MEMBERSHIP MEETING

: Date: 12 January 2018

Devizes MX Club AGM and membership meeting is being held @ 8pm on 22nd January 2018 at the Black Horse Pub Devizes as usual so come and join.

Provisional Championship (MX1/MX2/Vets/2t/Youth85/150) and IMBA (MX1/MX2) Dates

: Date: 28 November 2017

Provisional Championship and IMBA Dates are as follows (These dates should be confirmed on the 15th December, this is the date when the IMBA dates become finalised)

Championship - MX1/MX2/Vets/2t/Youth85/150

Round 1	April 29	Dursley @ Nympsfield
Round 2	May 13	Teme Valley @ Boraston
Round 3	May 27	TBA
Round 4	June 10	Cannock @ Lower Drayton
Round 5	July 8	North Area @ Hawkstone
Round 6	July 29	TBA
Round 7	August 12	Cheltenham @ Brookthorpe
Round 8	September 9	Wrekin @ Long Lane

IMBA MX2

Round 1	June 3	Belgium @ The Fort, Koningshooikt
Round 2	June 24	GBR @ Lower Drayton
Round 3	July 1	Austria @ Feldkirch
Round 4	August 26	Italy @ Recoaro
Round 5	September 2	France @ Sangatte
Round 6	September 30	Germany @ Kleinhau

IMBA MX1

Round 1	June 24	GBR @ Lower Drayton
Round 2	July 15	Czech Rep @ Krasny Dvur
Round 3	July 21 (Sat)	France @ Allaire
Round 4	August 19	Germany @ Ohlenberg
Round 5	August 27	Belgium @ Huldenberg
Round 6	September 2	Switzerland @ Beggingen
Round 7	September 16	Netherlands @ Meijel

Round 9 AMCA Championship @ Lower Drayton

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