AMRA Round 1 Page Arizona Race Experience: Reflections from the 2026 Season Opener

Round 1 of the 2026 Arizona Motorcycle Racing Association series is complete, and the weekend in Page was a powerful reminder of what makes this community so special. This season also marks a new chapter for AMRA, with an expanded focus on on-site marketing, race support, and community engagement at every round.

In my role as AMRA’s Sponsorship & Media Officer, I’ll be attending each race to help enhance the overall race experience and support continued growth across the series. This new marketing effort is proudly sponsored by Karri Owens Designs (AMRA Select Sponsor) and TBT Racing (AMRA Elite Sponsor).

Experiencing AMRA Round 1 in Page, Arizona

For some context, I didn’t grow up racing dirt bikes. I come from a competitive background of showing Quarter Horses for more than 20 years, so I understand the discipline, pressure, and commitment that competition requires. I began attending AMRA races in 2022 as a spectator, and somewhere along the way, dirt biking got under my skin.

I’m a baby novice rider and will probably never line up on a start gate, but I deeply understand the drive to compete and the sense of belonging that comes with this sport. Today, I’m passionate about using my marketing and design background to help elevate the race experience and grow the AMRA community in meaningful ways.

I’ve been to Page a handful of times, and there’s something undeniably special about it. The red rock, red sand, slick rock, and sweeping desert views are captivating. With Round 1 taking place in early January, the cold temperatures were very real, morning lows in the 20s and highs in the 40s, but the setting made it worth every frozen finger.

AMRA Round 1 was co-sanctioned with West Hare Scrambles in conjunction with AMRA’s RockStars Motorcycle Club, and the event was exceptionally well executed. Megan Aurgright, Owner and Director of West Hare Scrambles and the RockStars Motorcycle Club, did a standout job putting on the race. From registration and pit layout to parking, camping, warming areas, and podium setup, everything felt dialed and thoughtfully planned. The overall atmosphere was professional, welcoming, and top-tier.

Just across from the race venue, within walking distance, was the ROAM Horseshoe Bend RV Park. I stayed in one of the cabins and took advantage of the race discount, and I can’t recommend it enough. The 360-degree views were incredible, and the cabin was clean, spacious, and comfortable. Exceptional accommodations make a big difference during long, cold race weekends.

Megan with West Hare Scrambles and Garrett with the RockStars club were also incredibly accommodating in helping ensure AMRA sponsors were well represented on site. It was great meeting the people behind AMRA’s sponsors in the pit area on Sunday, including Joe with AEO Powersports, 2026 AMRA Title Sponsor, and Terry with WFR Performance, an AMRA Elite Sponsor who also awarded the $200 cash prize to the 35AA class winner. Both were on site supporting racers and contributing to the overall race atmosphere.

Several AMRA officers were also in attendance throughout the weekend, supporting racers and podiumed across divisions, including Phil Carlin (AMRA President), Ben Trapp (AMRA Scoring Officer), and Heather Cole (AMRA Secretary).

And then there was the weather, the elephant in the room. Racing in sub-freezing temperatures isn’t easy, but in my opinion, it adds to the experience. Shared discomfort becomes shared memory, and those “war stories” are often some of the best parts of competition. The resilience shown by riders, families, and volunteers throughout the weekend was impressive and inspiring.

I captured a lot of video throughout the weekend and shared it across AMRA’s social stories. While the adult racers never fail to impress with their strength and athleticism, I found myself especially drawn to the Mini racers. As a baby novice rider myself, their pace and skill set felt relatable, and honestly inspiring. One highlight was capturing hole-shot footage of Clay Hengeveld earning the hole shot win in his division, a moment that perfectly reflects the future of this sport and the next generation coming up through AMRA. Clay is the son of Steve Hengeveld who is an AMRA Elite Sponsor with Hengeventures.

You can view the race media I took from my iphone here!

Race AMRA, Win a GasGas

One of the most exciting elements of the 2026 season launching at Round 1 is AMRA’s Race AMRA, Win a GasGas raffle. Every AMRA racer who competed at this round earned raffle entries toward a chance to win a 2025 GasGas EC300, sourced through AEO Powersports, AMRA’s 2026 Title Sponsor.

Each race entered adds a $50 raffle entry, with additional bonus entries awarded for completing five races and even more for riders who complete the full season (Iron Butt). It’s a meaningful way AMRA is rewarding riders for showing up, staying committed, and supporting the series throughout the year. Riders must be current AMRA members, and general raffle tickets are also available.

Full race results for AMRA Round 1 in Page can be found through West Hare Scrambles at:https://westharescrambles.com/results/

Looking Ahead

Round 1 in Page set a strong tone for the 2026 season, not just in racing, but in community. From riders and families to volunteers, sponsors, clubs, and officers, the weekend was a reminder that AMRA is about more than race results. It’s about shared experiences, commitment, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone who loves off-road racing

If you missed Page this year, it’s absolutely worth putting on your calendar for next season. Between the location, the community, and the way AMRA continues to invest in the race experience, it’s the kind of weekend that stays with you long after the last checkered flag.