AMA To Launch Motard Championship
From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing will debut an all-new motorcycle racing championship in 2003 based on the popular Supermoto format. The series is scheduled to begin in late spring and AMA Pro Racing plans a complete press conference and introduction during Daytona Bike Week in March. According to Scott Hollingsworth, CEO of AMA Pro Racing, the new series already has the support of the major OEMs as well as a number of national sponsors.

"It's apparent that the marketplace is ready for this championship and AMA Pro Racing is pleased to take the leadership role in its development," said Hollingsworth. "Supermoto, with its combination of road racing, motocross and flat track elements, is a fantastic platform for manufacturers to showcase new product and expand their marketing opportunities. Plus, there's no better way to demonstrate rider versatility. To succeed in this series competitors will have to master several racing disciplines."

A cross section of national caliber riders has expressed interest in competing in the series including reigning AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Champion Chris Carr, two-time X-Games gold medallist /freestyle motocross star Mike Metzger, five-time Daytona 200 winner Scott Russell and former World GP Champion, Kevin Schwantz. Bringing riders together from differing racing backgrounds will ensure not only a good show but broad fan appeal as well.

Races will run in conjunction with already-established AMA professional races or as stand-alone events in a number of major markets nationwide. One of the goals of the series is to offer as many riders as possible the opportunity to compete. Complete series details, including class structure and rules will be announced in March. In the meantime, anyone interested in obtaining more information should contact AMA Pro Racing's Andy Leisner at aleisner@amaproracing.com

Here is a link to a new Motard series that will race in eastern Canada (Ontario, and possibly Quebec) http://www.supermotocanada.com. They don't have a lot of info on the site yet, but I talked to the organizer at the Toronto motorcycle show and he gave me a tentative schedule with 5 dates on it. 2 in Toronto, 1 in Perry sound (during the sport bike rally), 1 at Mosport raceway and another round in Quebec (to be determined).