Check Out Our Sister-series: AMA Regional West Hare Scramble
Season Finale: November 16-17 Lucerne Valley, CA

Getting Started

Welcome To The AMA National Hare And Hound Championship!

We are so excited you have decided to race with us! There’s nothing in North America that is quite like racing a  AMA National Hare and Hound event. You’ve probably heard they’re gnarly, and that can certainly be true depending on your riding experience and skill level. But it’s all about your mindset, and if you come prepared and educate yourself on what it’s all about, you’re going to have the ride of your life! If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email us at contact@nationalhareandhound.com

FIRST – You will need an an off-road capable Motorcycle. Hopefully at this point you already have one.

The Motorcycle or ATV must pass several requirements before it is able to be used as a race bike:

  • It MUST have – USFS Approved Spark Arrestor and Green/Red or Out of State Registration (Or License Plate). This will be checked on the Start Line.
  • All motorcycles are also subject to 96db Sound Tests. Sound test will be conducted at Tech Inspection, located just near Registration.
  • Your motorcycle must be able to go 40-miles in distance at minimum. If it can’t go that far on a single tank of fuel, you will need a Large Capacity Gas Tank – 2.9-3.5 Gallons or more. IMS Products offer great tanks for a variety of makes and models!
  • Extra Protection – Skid Plate, Shark Fin (Brake Rotor Guard), Reinforced Chain Guide, Pipe Guard, Hand Guards and a Tire Mousse.
  • An 18″ rear Rim – For taller side wall tires to prevent flats
  • A bib/mouse is HIGHLY recommended to avoid flat tired
  • The Motor must stay the Same BORE (CC) unless the head is otherwise stamped to be considered legal under AMA Rules.

SECOND – You will need to know what you’re getting into!

Watch a few video’s in our Media section to see what kind of terrain, riding and distance you are signing up for. Every location is different and offers new and different challenges. No two races are the same. Rocks, Valleys, Waterfalls, Whoops, Dust, Mud, Mountains, Canyons… everything off-road has to offer – RAIN OR SHINE

THIRD – You need to choose a class.

If you’ve never raced before, we encourage you contest in the C class in a local event to get a feel for motorcycle competition (we can help you find a local event with one of our partner organizations near you), and work your way up to A. You must be able to start your bike without assistance, and be conditioned to ride for a minimum of 40-miles.

If you’ve never raced with the AMA or AMA National Hare and Hound before, but you’re an experienced rider, it might be a good idea to enter into the Sportsman class to get your feet wet and determine where you fit among the other classes.

If you’ve raced before, you will enter in the class that correlates with your appropriate skill level. Read our Rider Classification page to decide what skill level will be best for you.

There are Classes for all ages, all skills and all size motorcycles.

FOURTH – You will need to become familiar with all the Rules, and complete a Minor Release Form if racer is under 18 years-old:

AMA RACING RULE BOOK

Minor Release Form Information

FIFTH – Before you arrive at the event there are a few things that you need to get started:

  1. Our races range from 40-120 miles depending on skill level, but all riders must be able to achieve a 40-mile gas range minimum.
  2. Riders must have a Spark Arrestor and their State Registration.
  3. Riders must have an AMA Membership. You may sign up for this ONLINE or on-site
  4. Youth riders MUST have a yearly AMA waiver on file, OR bring a notarized waiver, printed in color.
  5. We use Moto-Tally transponders, and these are available at event for $10, and are compatible with many organizations, including; District 37, MRAN and AMRA.
  6. Request your Rider Number! We have no series membership or membership fees, but you must REQUEST your number unless you are running an approved local number.
  7. If you DO NOT have an assigned local racing number or do not request a number you will be assigned a one-time Temporary number for $10 at Registration. These are good for ONE event only.
  8. You must have a Pit Mat in your Pits to pour gas over. Cardboard, Carpet, Rubber… anything that absorbs liquid. 3ft x 5ft recommended.
  9. Pre-Enter. This is not mandatory, but will ensure your Registration experience is a breeze. CLICK HERE TO PRE-ENTER
  10. Pro class request. If you are racing Pro AA, Pro Women, Pro 250 or Pro Vet – email request to scoring@nationalhareandhound.com

For further questions, suggestions or comments please call 760-464-9444

FINALLY – Check out the schedule, download the latest event flier and say hello at the races! 

  • There are 8-10 Rounds every year that are located from California to Utah, New Mexico, Nevada and Idaho! You can find any NHHA staff member in a red NHHA shirt at the event, and we’re always happy to help.