2004 AMA Motocross calendar announced.

AMA Pro Racing has released its schedule for the 2004 AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship. Once again, the championship includes 12 events and, new for 2004, concludes in Southern California at the popular Glen Helen Raceway.

AMA Pro Racing CEO, Scott Hollingsworth said they'd worked collaboratively with key promoters to accomplish several important changes to the series.

"We had a couple of fundamental objectives for 2004 and we're delighted we were able to achieve them," said Hollingsworth. "One of our goals was to build-in a break at the conclusion of the AMA Supercross season before the teams had to jump right into motocross.

"This was something that both riders and team managers had said was important to them so we worked hard to make it happen. An additional benefit to that change is that everyone now has Mother's Day off."

Hollingsworth added that the 2004 schedule is also more favorable to the teams' travel patterns.

"The logistics involved with transporting motorcycles, equipment, and personnel from event to event is a major undertaking," said Hollingsworth. "Now after the opening round at Hangtown in Sacramento, California, the teams have a weekend off to get to and prepare for round two at High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris.

"This break, particularly at the beginning of the season when teams are adjusting to the new series, is advantageous. There's also benefit to beginning and ending the championship on the West Coast because that's where most of the teams are based."

Lori Yarnell, general manager of Glen Helen Raceway, was one man delighted with the switch of his venue from season opener, to season finale.

"We're excited about the motocross season wrapping up at Glen Helen next year," said Yarnell. "We're already talking about our event internally and plan to give it a festival-like atmosphere. Southern California is the heart of the motocross industry so it makes sense to have the championship finale right here."

The 2004 Championship schedule will be as follows:

May 16 - Hangtown Classic Sacramento
May 30 - High Point Raceway Mt. Morris
June 13 - Motocross 338 Southwick
June 20 - Budds Creek Motocross Park Budds Creek
July 4 - Red Bud Track -N-Trail Buchanan
July 18 - Unadilla Valley Sports Center New Berlin
July 25 - Kenworthy's Motocross Park Troy
Aug. 1 - Washougal Motocross Park Washougal
Aug. 15 - Spring Creek Motocross Park Millville
Aug. 22 - Broome-Tioga Sports Center Binghamton
Sept. 5 - Steel City Raceway Delmont
Sept. 12- Glen Helen Raceway Park San Bernardino