Tennessee Selected to Host National AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – When riders across the country think “motorcycle destination,” nowadays, the two-wheel, touring talk is all about Cookeville, Tenn. However, the hub city of the Upper Cumberland is rapidly ascending as more than a touring town, but a motorbike competition hotspot on the hill, as well. This was evident as the American Motorcyclist Association announced, this week, the AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship’s move to Tennessee in 2019.

Set for July 26-28, the race for the top will take place in Buffalo Valley at Middle Tennessee Dragway, just outside of downtown Cookeville and only an hour east of Nashville. Adjacent to the popular IHRA-sanctioned drag strip is an incline to challenge even the most talented climbers.

The new venue is no stranger to AMA-sanctioned success. The Buffalo Valley Hillclimb has become home to amateur, national and pro events, luring riders from across the U.S. in recent years.

“We are looking forward to another year of intense competition,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “The facility’s location in central Tennessee will allow racers from across the country to more easily make it to the event. It is a newer track and should provide a challenge to all of the event’s competitors.”

Aside from the hill, prime location, and successful hosting history, Cookeville-Putnam County offers riders, their families and fans an overall experience that can’t be beat. Endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, countless dining options, live music venues and more pair well with the rider hospitality of the area.

“We are very excited to host this prestigious amateur event in Tennessee,” said Buffalo Valley Hillclimb Coordinator Gary Bagwell. “Buffalo Valley welcomes the entire hillclimb family to come, and enjoy our southern hospitality, unique venue and challenging hill.”

As the premier amateur hillclimb event in the United States, hundreds of the country’s best amateur racers are eager to converge on one of America’s most challenging hills to compete with the hope of clinching an AMA National Championship.

Most recently hosted in Monson, Mass., the championship competition attracted riders from 15 states, with 136 competitors and 340 entries.

While registration doesn’t open until January 2019, riders will have a chance to practice and test their talents this weekend as Tennessee’s finest incline will host the Cookeville Motorcycle Classic, Sept. 14-16, 2018.

For updates on this and other area hillclimb information, go to http://fb.me/BuffaloValleyHillclimb or call/text 615-948-0992.

The mission of the American Motorcyclist Association is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. For more information on AMA, go to: http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/

The Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau, a program of the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, serves as the designated destination marketing organization (DMO) for Putnam County and is funded by a portion of the Putnam County lodging tax, a tax paid by visitors’ and collected by local lodging partners such as hotels, bed & breakfasts, etc. Ranking at 17th of Tennessee’s 95 counties, the visitors’ bureau is tasked with inspiring travel and overnight stays in Putnam County. Primary marketing pillars in drive and fly markets include outdoors; fitness/sports; motorcycling; arts/culture; and culinary/crafts. Most recent U.S. Travel Association statistics note visitor spending in Putnam County generated $2.7 million in local tax revenue, providing a tax relief for local residents. To learn more about the work of the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau, go to www.VisitCookevilleTN.com or request additional information at info@VisitCookevilleTN.com.

IMAGE: AMA Hillclimb Grand Championship to move to Cookeville/Buffalo Valley, Tenn. in 2019. Credit: Cooper Chilton / Thunder Roads Magazine TN