REBIRTH OF AM OPEN
Author: Andrew Campo	Features | Friday, 25 September 2009 09:58

It’s safe to say the Amateur Open has struggled to identify itself amongst the roster of amateur nationals that identify our sport. Over the four years the event has seemed to dwindle in attendance and much of that can attributed to the fact the dates have moved around with each year as the crew at Braun have tried to place the event so that families attending the Mini O’s could make there way to the Am Open before of after the journey to Florida.

Although the Am National has yet to set record breaking attendance figures, the youngest national on our calendar has been successful in building a young history that is remembered through some truly amazing battles.

Do you remember Daniel Sani, Bryan Ligon, and Devin Sullivan? I do, and I will never forget watching them battle it out in the Pro class in front of huge crowd that was spilling over the fence lines. I also remember watching Matt Lemoine wad his brains out on the downhill. He had just stepped up to big bikes and was able to give us a glimpse of the speed that the next generation was bringing to the table. Trey Canard was there as well and I will forever remember his flow through the long rhythm section prior to the finish.

The Wharton’s battling it out on Superminis was a treat and if I recall correctly Blake and Tyler Sjoberg fought tooth and nail to a nearly photo finish ending that shed light on the brilliance line choices that Wharton seems to be known for today.

Zach Osbourne railing it on 80’s, Kyle Summers walking the Pros, Adair and Craig battles, Weston Peick making a name, and of course the Anderson and Tomac big bike showdown. All these great memories have built a foundation and as we head into December it looks as if the Amateur Open will once again set the stage for an unforgettable amateur national experience.

We caught up with Bobby White in effort to get the inside scoop on what we are calling the rebirth of the Amateur Open.

V: Bring us back to the conception of the Amateur Open and give us a little history lesson on the event to date.
The Amateur Open was created to be the last big amateur event of the year.  A lot of riders have used this as the event to introduce their team changes, bike changes as well as their class changes such as the Wharton’s, Lemoine, Canard, Lamay, Wilson, Anderson, Tomac and more.

V: So it’s back to the drawling board and I understand that the date change is only a fragment in the scheme of changes for 2009. Let’s touch on the event and some of the plans you have in store for the riders in 2009.
We are excited to be back on our original dates for the Amateur Open for 2009.  Another exciting change….the Pros and Vets are scheduled to compete on Sunday only, the final day of racing. The 2009 event plans include the ASMF Medical Unit and the Brett Downey Safety Foundation as part of the safety crew.  We will continue with the  Texas Hold’em Tournament benefiting Road 2 Recovery Foundation and a night of music at the ACP Pavilion.  And, of course, the ACP Playground with BMX jumps, Basketball Court and a new RC Car play course.  Oh yeah, Vurb will also add a ton of value to the event this year, as well.

V: You have had contingency in place since the beginning and that is what truly defines the stature of an amateur. Give us an overview of the contingency in place for ’09?
The factories and sponsors have been a major part of the success of the Amateur Open.  Kawasaki and Honda are confirmed for 2009 and we thank them for their continuing support.

V: The track at ACP is among my personal favorites. I love the flow and safe high speed offerings that define the character of the track. For riders who have yet to race the AM Open, give them your vision of the track and what to expect in changes for ’09?
We have cultivated our dirt into the best mx dirt in the Southwest.  Every year we have changed the National Championship MX Track so it is fresh, challenging, safe and does not allow for a home track advantage.  2009 will bring more of a sand track.

V: The economy is without doubt making a large impact on the amateur national community. With visions of rebirthing the AM Open, where do you see the event stack up in the near future?
The economy will be a factor in attendance for all Amateur Nationals in the next couple of years….from riders to manufacturers.  We have received a positive response from the industry, riders and families by moving the Amateur Open back to the original dates.  Combined with the time change and our commitment to keep costs in check, we feel the Amateur Open offers an experience the whole family can enjoy.

V: In closing what would like to tell our readers to convince them to mark their calendar for December 1-6?
The track will be a racer’s dream, competition will be fast, exciting and Arizona has awesome weather!