Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1525848
Puma Named President of USMCA P aul Puma will take over the position as president of the United States Motorcycle Coach- ing Association (USMCA), suc- ceeding Christy LaCurelle, who recently was named President and Chief Executive Officer of MIC, MSF, SVIA and ROHVA. Puma, Relationship Manager for Wells Fargo Inventory Finance's Motorsports Division, has been an integral part of USMCA for the past two years. He has worked in various leadership roles for the outdoor products and motor - sports division for Wells Fargo and is an industry veteran with 25 years of experience in finance. Under Puma's leadership, the USMCA aims to enhance its pro - grams, expand coach outreach and strengthen its commitment to advancing the sport. "It's a tremendous honor that the USMCA board has selected me for this position," said Puma. "I have been a motorcycle enthu - siast since I was 3 years old, and my passion is to grow the motor- sports industry. The USMCA is an amazing organization to facilitate this effort. I am so excited to work with the fantastic USMCA team and others in this sport to train enthusiasts of all ages. Our goal is to make better riders through our network of over 400 committed and certified coaches." LaCurelle, who has led the USMCA for the past four years, will continue to be a valued member of the USMCA board of directors and provide support during the transition period. "The USMCA was born out of a need to have a trusted and consis- tent process that riders and par- ents of riders could rely on when selecting a coach," said LaCurelle. "In the past seven years, we have brought the coaching number to over 400 coaches and created a great platform with the Motorcycle Coaching app to make it easier than ever to connect riders to coaches. Paul and the Wells Fargo team have been along for this ride and he knows how to continue this great work. I know the organization is in good hands with Paul and our amazing network of coaches. I'm excited for this next chapter and to continue to be part of the process that is growing our sport." CN WIND IN THE P34 Paul Puma and Christy LaCurelle at Loretta Lynn's Ranch. PHOTO: COURTESY OF USMCA Tomac Rules Himself Out of MXoN E li Tomac has rescinded his spot on Team USA for the 2024 Motocross of Nations, ac- cording to Racer X. The former Pro Motocross Champion raced the final two rounds of the sum- mer series. Still, Tomac said he "felt that Red Bull KTM's Aaron Plessinger, who was second overall to his teammate Chase Sexton, had earned the position on Team USA over the summer." The Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha rider recently returned from a thumb injury suf- fered during Supercross but still landed on the podium in third overall at the Ironman season finale. He was beaten by Pless- inger in both of the final rounds. Sexton, the 450MX champion, is the obvious choice for Team Captain, with Plessinger likely being the second 450 rider after earning second in the Pro Mo- tocross points. Haiden Deegan is an easy pick for the MX2 ride, but there is no confirmation on his side as to whether he's in or out, pending a wrist injury. If he or his team chooses not to go, Chance Hymas or Levi Kitchen could take the spot as the team's 250 rider. The AMA is expected to announce a team before the first of September. CN Eli Tomac has withdrawn his name from consideration as a possible member of the U.S. Motocross of Nations Team. Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger are all but in.