Motocross News

Vnuk – the threat to motorsport looms large!

: Date: 25 July 2018

In recent years, we have reported on the threat posed by the so-called ‘Vnuk’ judgement by the European Court of Justice (CJEU). We had hoped that moves in Brussels to amend the Motor Insurance Directive (MID) would see exemptions granted to motor and motorcycle sport. But recent proposals to amend the MID have seen the European Commission do a 180 degree U-turn and Vnuk is now in danger of become a serious reality.

The background to all this is that in 2007, a Mr Vnuk in Slovenia was knocked off a ladder at work by a reversing tractor and trailer. He was injured and claimed compensation from the tractor’s motor insurance. As the incident happened away from the public road, the claim was outside the policy and the insurer refused to pay. The CJEU became involved and ruled that the Slovenian government had failed to transpose the Directive into national law correctly and the Motor Insurance Directive required that all vehicles must have insurance cover for all uses everywhere covering all risks and liabilities. This ruling was challenged by the British, Irish and German governments, but in 2014 the CJEU rejected the appeal.

The UK government, along with sports bodies and industry, lobbied the European Commission to change the legislation so that motorsport would be exempt. We were helped by insurance bodies such as BIBA and the ABI, who stated that insuring motorsport in the same way as normal road use would be extremely expensive (particularly for vehicle to vehicle collisions on the track), that such a policy would not be commercially viable, and no underwriter would want to enter this market. The UK Government also supports our position on the matter.

In April 2016, the argument that motorsport was a case apart was accepted by the then Commissioner in charge of this portfolio, Lord Hill, who directed that an amendment be tabled shortly to be completed by the end of the year. However, rather than publish immediately, he held a consultation and then, after the Brexit vote, Lord Hill resigned. The new Commissioner in charge decided to roll the amendment into a longer process known as “Refit” which included the issue with several other changes to the Motor Insurance Directive.

The European Commission held two more consultations on the issue during 2017. The responses to both were overwhelmingly in favour of the EU exempting motorsport from mandatory insurance requirements.

But in May 2018, two years after the Commission promised to exempt motorsport, they published a formal proposal for an amendment and an impact assessment that explicitly included motorsport in the scope for compulsory motor insurance.

The detail of this proposal was to include a definition of the ‘use of a vehicle’ which included all use of a vehicle on all terrains, whether moving or stationary.

If adopted, this proposal will mean that all vehicles, whether family cars, museum pieces, off road bikes, or MotoGP bikes, will need a minimum 3rd party motor insurance covering all damages and liabilities at all times and for all uses - including use on a closed circuit.

We now have a short window of opportunity to stop the threat of Vnuk becoming reality. The AMCA along with the ACU and the MCIA are already working hard to ensure that our European counterparts lobby their governments and members of the European Parliament (EP). The objective is to get the European Parliament to amend the European Commission proposals, so that motor and motorcycle sports are removed from the scope of the Directive. But it’s vital that other EU governments are also brought on side, given that the EP vote will only be advisory and not binding on the Commission.

Votes in Europe will take place later this year. If we are unsuccessful in getting the proposed Directive amended, the theatre of action then moves to the UK, where we will be calling on the UK Government to not implement under any circumstances. At that point we may request the direct help of clubs in contacting MPs – though there is nothing wrong with writing to your MP about the matter now.

Given the current state of the Brexit negotiations, we cannot look to Brexit to solve this problem for us, as European directives may still apply to motor insurance after the UK leaves the EU. In any case, this is a European problem, not just a UK matter. Irrespective of the UK’s place in the future, we will do what we can to support our European colleagues and friends in their endeavours to save motor and motorcycle sport.

Jon Bond Memorial Trophy Winner - Charlie Palmer

: Date: 24 July 2018

Cheltenham Spa Scramble Club held their meeting on Sunday 1 July which included the Jon Bond memorial Trophy, this trophy is awarded to the highest club scoring on the day in memory of Jon Bond who sadly passed away at our club presentation evening in January 2017.

This year’s winner with 3 race wins in the inter class, was Charlie Palmer who is also currently in second place in the AMCA championship.

The club did well to run a three block meeting with the adverse weather conditions.

Yamaha PRO Tour

: Date: 17 July 2018

Yamaha and the AMCA have great pleasure in announcing the dates for the 2018 MX Pro Tour and the first chance for you to experience the new 2019 range of YZ machines!

AMCA first out of the gate with 2019 Championship Announcement

: Date: 29 June 2018

The AMCA’s Championship classes will be redefined for the 2019 series with a move away from the established MX1, MX2, Vets, 2 Stroke and Youth 85 classes. Keen to capitalise on the growth and improvements already made to the Championships in recent years, the AMCA have announced that the MX2 class will now include 250cc 2 strokes and a dedicated 125 2 stroke only (inc 150 2 strokes) class will replace the existing 2 stroke class.

This will result in a Championship event day consisting of five classes - MX1, MX2 (including 250cc 2 strokes), Vets, 125 and Youth 85 which AMCA believes better caters for the ever-changing demands of their membership.

Additionally the Championship will become a ten round series as the hunger for Championship quality events increases. In previous years the number of rounds has fluctuated from 7 to 9 but increasing the number to ten is sure to keep attention focussed until the end of the season. Dates and venues will follow in due course but in demonstrating an early focus on the 2019 season this looks set to be the next step in the ever improving AMCA Championship powered by Datatag and supported by Dunlop.

Yamaha Pro Tour

: Date: 22 June 2018

Yamaha and the AMCA have great pleasure in announcing the dates for the 2018 MX Pro Tour and the first chance for you to experience the new 2019 range of YZ machines!

The MX Pro Tour will give customers the opportunity to test ride the latest Yamaha motocross models including the all-new YZ250F, YZ450F and YZ125, YZ85 and the newly launched and much anticipated YZ65.

Friday 3rd August & Saturday 4th August – Apex Motocross, Worcester

This year Friday 3rd August will be run as an Exclusive Yamaha Test Day for dealer customers plus AMCA licence holders, whereas Saturday 4th August is an APEX open practice day where any rider will be able to take a MX Pro Tour test ride.

Friday 3rd August (AMCA & Yamaha Dealer Exclusive day)

Yamaha has an exclusive track hire on Friday 3rd for the MX Pro Tour so riders will have plenty of time and space on the circuit to evaluate the new bikes. We would encourage you to attend on the 3rd and make the most of this exciting opportunity.

As in previous years the exclusive demo event will be divided into a morning and an afternoon session, AMCA licence holders should riders should book into either the AM or PM group online, if you are booking through the dealer as them to call the Office and we can book the riders in via telephone.

We will guarantee at least 2x15 minute rides. Places will be limited and subject to availability, therefore please reserve a place as early as possible. BOOK IN ONLINE - https://amca.sport80.com

Places will be charged at £15 per rider for the AM or PM group (per two (2) rides).

Saturday 4th August

Saturday’s event will run alongside a normal Apex public practice day and MX Pro Tour test rides will be available to any signed-on riders.

To test ride on the day, riders will need to be attending the normal public practice day at Apex Motocross (www.apexmotocross.com) and book their test ride with the Pro Tour team on arrival. There is no pre-booking and test rides will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

MX2 IMBA - BELGIUM - CANCELLED

: Date: 01 June 2018

We have just received a call off the organisers of the Belgian MX2 IMBA round, they have had to cancel the event due to the heavy rain in the region.

MCIA condemns European Commission move to end motorcycle sport

: Date: 01 June 2018

The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) is today calling on EU member governments and MEPs to reject European Commission proposals which threaten to end all forms of competitive and grassroots motorsport across the EU, including the UK.

The proposals arise from a newly tabled EU Directive which amends aspects of the Motor Insurance Directive (MID). It also responds to the 2014 so-called ‘Vnuk’ judgment of the European Court of Justice, which ruled that all mechanically propelled vehicles must have full third-party motor insurance to cover injury, damage and loss, whether used on public roads or private land.

The insurance industry has already made it clear that it would be difficult to provide such insurance, given the risks, particularly damage to machines, caused by vehicle collisions, common in competition events. In countries where full third-party liability insurance has already been applied to motorised sporting events, premiums have risen to exorbitant levels. As a result, such insurance would make almost all such events unviable.

This will not only affect high level motorsport, but the thousands of people who take part in local events up and down the country. Motorcycle sport generates much needed income in rural areas, with over 1.7 million spectators watching around 55,000 riders attend an average of over 4000 off-road and track events each year.

The European Commission’s proposals represent a complete U-turn from its position of two years ago, when in the wake of the Vnuk judgment, it proposed to exclude vehicles not being used ‘in traffic’ from the MID. This would have made all forms of motorsport exempt from the impact of the Vnuk ruling. The EC has ignored 3,500 consultation responses supporting an exemption for motorsports.

MCIA, along with its motorcycle sport partners the ACU and AMCA, were among the first to raise awareness of the issue and were quickly able to build a coalition of all major UK Motorsport stakeholders.

The UK Government has actively supported efforts to remove the threat of Vnuk and its unintended consequences.

Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA said: “It is now vital that our motorcycle sport and industry partners across Europe move swiftly to lobby both the European institutions and other EU member governments. In the UK alone, motorcycle sport is estimated to be worth £1 billion which rises to around £11billion across all forms of UK motor sports.

“We strongly support UK Government efforts, but our message is clear – whatever the outcome of these new proposals Government must take action in order to avoid the catastrophic damage that will be inflicted on Motorsport across the board if this ruling turns into law – even if this means defying Brussels.”

Championship R3 Cancellation

: Date: 17 May 2018

It is with regret that AMCA Events announces the cancellation of Round 3 of the AMCA Championship at Bromsberrow on 27th May. Circumstances beyond our control have resulted in AMCA not being able to guarantee an event of the required standard. Re-design work is currently underway at the venue and when complete will benefit AMCA clubs and riders for the 2018 season and it is envisaged that this will then be a Championship venue in 2019. There are no plans to replace the round. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause and we look forward to welcoming you to the next round at Lower Drayton on 10th June.

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.

Round 4 AMCA Championship @ Hawkstone Park

Online Services

Follow this link to log into your secure online account to update your details, renew your licence, and enter events.

How can I start?

This all depends on what discipline you want to start with – some require you to take a licence whilst others are more flexible and allow you to turn up and ride. Once you have opted for a discipline, see the FAQ for more tailored questions.

What is the difference between motocross, enduro, and trials?

These are all different disciplines the AMCA caters for, along with much more. Motocross is fast paced, short races over both natural and man-made terrain with 36 riders going into a first corner. Enduro is more long distance, long duration events, usually through woodland. Trials is slow paced, technical, balance based over challenging short course with the object to go through without putting your foot on the floor.