AMA Rules for Moving up to the Motocross A Class

AMA Racing is the branch of the American Motorcycle Association responsible for the rules, guidelines and procedures that govern AMA-sanctioned amatuer motocross racing. When a rider wishes to compete in a AMA-sponsored racing event, AMA Racing will place that licensed rider in one of three racing classifications based upon their participation and accomplishments in district-level competitions.

  1. Rider Classifications

    • Riders are placed into either A, B or C class. The C class is designated for novice riders who have little experience in the sport and have never had factory racing support. The B class consists of more experienced riders who have raced previously in the B class or are either C class champions or top 3 finishers the previous year. The A class is the highest amateur rider classification and consists of the most experienced riders. Riders who finished in the top 3 of the B class in the previous year and B-class champions are automatically advanced to the A class.

    Performance Value (RPV)

    • Riders receive points based upon their finishes in AMA-sanctioned motocross, arenacross or stadium racing events. The current point value finish chart can be found in the AMA Racing Rulebook located on their website. A rider's performance value (RPV) is calculated by adding the total number of points a rider earns during a season divided by the number of races in which the rider finished high enough to earn points. If a rider does not finish high enough to receive points for a race, that race is not counted toward their RPV.

      The AMA calculates advancement points from November 1 to October 31 and advances riders for the next year effective December 31. Any B-class rider who has an RPV of 15 or greater at the end of the year is automatically moved to the A class for the following year. In addition, any rider who competes in the Pro class at any non-AMA-sponsored event is considered to be in the A class, as is any B-class rider who is 16 and has placed in the top 5 overall at a previous AMA Motocross National race.

    Exceptions

    • A B-class rider 16 or under with an RPV of 15 or greater cannot be forced to move to the A class until January 1 following his 16th birthday, although he may voluntarily advance. Also, a rider who has been designated a C-class rider at any time during the year can not be moved into the A class that same year. Directions for any rider who wishes to contest their advancement to a higher class can be found in the AMA Racing Rule Book.