AMA Awards AMSOIL Amateur Sportsman of the Year

The AMA Racing Championship Banquet rocked Las Vegas Friday night, December 4. A sell-out crowd helped celebrate the evening as AMA national champions were honored for their excellence on the track throughout the 2009 season.

AMSOIL/Factory Connection amateur Eli Tomac, who won two championships at the Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championships as well as the FIM World Junior Championship in Taupo, New Zealand, won the 2009 AMA Racing Sportsman of the Year award. The AMA Racing Sportsman of the Year is an individual who has elevated the sport of motorcycle racing through his or her unselfish demonstration of outstanding sportsmanship. Although this award is not always presented to a racer, the Tomac excelled on the track, on both U.S. soil and abroad.

Tomac said that his focus has turned to the next level of his career.

"Right now, I'm just getting ready for my professional career, which will kick off next spring," Tomac said. "I really appreciate winning this award and, first off, I would like to thank the AMA for helping me get to New Zealand, where I was able to win the Junior World Championship. That was a phenomenal event."

Tomac recently won one title at the Winter National Mini Olympic's in Florida. The AMSOIL Supercross team featuring Trey Canard, Justin Barcia and Kevin Windham will open the 2010 Supercross season in Anaheim on January 9.

Until then, we'll see you at the races.