newbie has another dumb question

[shadowsprint]

This isnt real important, but since I got directed to the ccs from the ama site, whats the difference between ama racing and ccs racing.  Is AMA strictly for the pro's or is it a geographical thing.  Thank you.

[Eric Kelcher]

Not a dumb question

In regard to roadracing the AMA has not run amateur level races, other than the one off GNRRC, all of their races are considered Pro races. In order to qualify for an AMA pro license you have to prove your ability and that is done by competition in CCS or other regional level racing. CCS holds more than 1/3 of all regional roadraces in the US and nearly 1/2 of all riders compete at those events in 8 regions across the country. The next step up would be national races either amateur or semi pro with ASRA but is not necessarily required as ability at the regional level can earn you a AMA Pro license. The national series races will prepare you for the AMA better as the competition level is generally a mid ground and the layout of the weekend is similar with qualifying sessions and longer distance races at the ASRA events.  CCS has two rider ability statuses Amateur (or beginner) and Expert (or advanced)  that a rider progresses thru as their riding abilities are honed.

[Super Dave]

Shadow, basically, as a new motorcycle road racer, you're going to start out as a club racing with an amateur status (CCS being a "club").  You'll accumulate points, and you can advance to expert status.  The AMA Pro Racing people will issue you one of their licenses based on your finishes as an expert in club racing, all your club racing expert finishes.

There is overlap in AMA Pro's and club racing experts.  No, you're not going to see the currently contracted factory AMA Pro's at a club race because of risk and contracts, but you might see local AMA Pro's regularly in local expert club races.

[shadowsprint]

cool, thank you everyone.  By the way, I guess I shouuld intro myself.  I never like hiding behind a keyboard.  My name is Shane Spurlock, originally from Montana, stuck in South dakota right now, looking to transplant to colorado next year.  Hope I get a chance to meet everyone next year.