PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The country’s fastest amateur dirt-track racers, who one day will dominate the professional ranks, will go head to head this June 23-26 at the 2014 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship in Springfield, Ill.

“Since 1975, the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship has recognized the best amateur dirt-track racers in the country with national titles,” said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. “This event is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur motorsports championships in America, and we’re thrilled to once again return to Springfield, Ill., home to some of the sport’s most historic moments.”

Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing will promote the event.

“We are excited to return to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield for the 2014 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship,” Nace said. “With the rich history of AMA Grand National Championship motorcycle racing and the talent we have seen in the past year in the up-and-coming younger racers, it will be an exciting week of racing as each rider will have as his or her goal the right to be called an AMA Grand Champion.”

The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship crowns amateur and youth champions in individual dirt-track disciplines, including mile, half-mile, TT and short-track events.

Monday, June 23, will feature competition on the mile. On Tuesday, June 24, racers will head to the short track during the day, while youth riders will compete on the TT that evening. On Wednesday, June 25, all racers will have a turn on the TT course. Then, on Thursday, June 26, the half mile will take center stage. June 27 will be used as a rain date if needed.

Online entry is available at www.stevenaceracing.com.

In addition to championships in individual disciplines, AMA Grand Championships are awarded to the riders in each class who have the highest point totals across all four types of dirt-track racing. The fastest riders in premier classes also compete for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.

For more information about dirt-track competition, see the Racing section of www.americanmotorcyclist.com.