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/460339
IN THE WIND P30 JONES NAMED SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AMA PRO FLAT TRACK A MA Pro Racing announced a leadership change in its Competition department, includ- ing the selection of Ronnie Jones to the role of Senior Director of AMA Pro Flat Track. "AMA Pro Racing recently has redoubled its efforts on AMA Pro Flat Track with a focus on cel- ebrating the rich history of dirt track racing while successfully expanding its reach and engag- ing new fans and partners," said Michael Gentry, chief operating officer of AMA Pro Racing. "Ron- nie has been involved in nearly ev- ery aspect of the series over the years and has enjoyed success both on the track and through his business ventures. He is a celebrated star of our sport with a keen business sense and is an ideal leader to provide oversight of AMA Pro Flat Track and bring forth a new era of success." In the new role, Jones will provide strategic leadership in all areas of AMA Pro Flat Track and oversight of officiating for the Competition department. Jones, who held Nation- al Nos. 74 and 16 at different points during his career, is one of the sport's most recogniz- able names. He raced full time with the series through the mid- 1990s against fierce competition from the likes of Scott Parker, Ricky Graham, Bubba Shobert, Jay Springsteen and Chris Carr, among others. With 10 Grand Na- tional Championship main event wins to his credit and hundreds of races under his belt, Jones brings a strong background in key areas of competition to this new role. Off the motorcycle, Jones has enjoyed a successful career as a race promotor and sales and marketing professional. Through his company Arrow Promotions, the Oklahoma native promoted the Oklahoma City Half-Mile for nearly a decade and has worked extensively with 80 active retail Harley-Davidson dealerships. "We're pleased with the de- velopment of our competition team," Gentry said. "Ronnie will work very closely with Steve Morehead and the hard-working event staff to help AMA Pro Rac- ing capitalize upon its strong mo- mentum heading into the 2015 season." SMITH QUESTIONABLE FOR TEXAS SX J ordon Smith was planning to make his pro Supercross debut at the opening round of the Eastern Regional 250 Supercross Series at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, February 14, but he might have to put that plan on hold. The GEICO Honda Team rider announced via Instagram that he re- cently suffered a broken hand while practicing. Despite needing surgery, Smith says that he is hopeful he can still race in Arlington. GEICO Honda's Jordon Smith hopes to make the opening round of the East Coast SX Series in Texas despite having suffered a broken hand.