PICKERINGTON, Ohio-While the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has expanded the reach and accessibility of the AMA Hare Scrambles Series for 2008 by introducing a regional format, riders still get a shot at an AMA National No. 1 plate at the season-capping AMA East/West Hare Scrambles Shootout.

The AMA East/West Hare Scrambles Shootout will be held Oct. 19 at the Cross Bar Ranch in Davis, Okla. The Shootout will run all recognized AMA Hare Scrambles classes, and crown AMA National Champions in the following: Overall, 86-200cc A, 201-250cc A, 251-Open A, Veteran A (over 30), Senior A (over 40), Super Senior A (over 50), 86-200cc B, 201-250cc B, 251-Open B, Veteran B (over 30), Senior B (over 40), Super Senior B (over 50), and Women (85cc-Open) A/B.

All riders are encouraged to participate in the event, regardless of their championship eligibility. However, to be eligible for an AMA National Championship, riders must have earned points in three regional events in the class they are contesting at the Shootout.

"The idea behind the regional format is to reduce the expense and travel time for our riders," said Chuck Weir, AMA off-road racing director. "However, the best riders of each region still have an opportunity to earn that coveted AMA National Championship at the East/West Hare Scrambles Shootout. And while only the top regional riders are eligible for National Championships, we're inviting competitors in all classes to come out and race at what's surely going to be one of the premier off-road racing events in the country this year."

More information about the AMA East/West Shootout can be found at www.amahsshootout.com. For more information on the new regional format for the AMA Hare Scrambles this year, as well as rules, class, promoter and entry information, see the AMA Sports pages at www.AMADirectlink.com.