2020 AMA Racing and Organizer Awards Announced

The AMA Racing and Organizer Awards recognize individuals and organizations that excelled in AMA-sanctioned competition and recreational activity during the calendar year.

AMA members helped select the winners of certain racing categories, including the AMA Athlete of the Year and the AMA Racer of the Year.

Multitime AMA Grand National Cross Country Series Champion Kailub Russell captured more than 31 percent of the vote to win AMA Athlete of the Year, National Championship Series. Russell is the all-time leader in two-wheel GNCC victories.

Stilez Robertson, the 2020 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner, picked up AMA Athlete of the Year, Grand Championships. Walker Fowler earned AMA ATV Athlete of the Year, and Ryder DiFrancesco is the AMA Youth Racer of the Year. All three competitors collected nearly half of the votes in their categories.

Katie Benson, also representing the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, edged out fellow motocrosser Jordan Jarvis and AMA Grand National Cross Country Series Champion Becca Sheets for AMA Female Racer of the Year.

GNCC racer Robby Norwood narrowly beat MXer Nicholas Hayes for AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of The Year.

“We are proud to recognize the winners of the 2020 AMA Racing and Organizer Awards,” AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier said. “The past year was a trying time for all, and these winners overcame unprecedented challenges and managed to excel.”

Recreational riding organizers were recognized in road-riding and off-road categories, as were volunteers in three categories—rights, riding and racing.

“AMA organizers work tirelessly to conduct safe, enjoyable events,” AMA Director of Member Activity Heather Wilson said. “It’s always difficult to choose just one recipient for an award, because all the nominees are passionate about motorcycling and helping others. We also recognize volunteers in three categories who have committed their time and expertise to motorcycling. We appreciate the opportunities these award winners provided to recreational riders.”

For a complete list of winners, go to americanmotorcyclist.com/2020-ama-racing-and-organizer-awards-announced.

The racing and volunteer awards usually are announced during the AMA Championship Banquet. The 2020 AMA Championship Banquet and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony—which together are the AMA Championship Weekend event—were canceled due to restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic.