PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The American Motorcyclist Association welcomes new AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Erek Kudla, who most recently served as director for the AMA National Hare and Hound Championship and the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship Series.

In his new role at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, Kudla will be responsible for supporting and growing all AMA-sanctioned off-road racing in America. His duties include organizer assistance, rules enforcement, event management and competitor relations.

“Off-road racing has been my life for as long as I can remember,” said Kudla, who competes in the 250 A class in hare and hound, enduro and cross country. “My experience as a promoter and organizer, as well as a racer, gives me a well-rounded understanding of what’s needed to expand off-road racing in America not just for the current generation, but the next generation of racers, as well.”

In addition to helping elevate off-road racing, Kudla’s immediate plans include chasing the 2017 AMA Vet A title in the AMA National Enduro Championship Series.

Kudla was born in Michigan, where his family was involved in enduros with the Twin Bay Trail Riders. Part of a military family, Kudla moved around the country as he grew older, eventually landing in Oxnard, Calif., in 1994. Once in Southern California, the family joined the AMA District 37 Ventura County Motorcycle Club and, at 11 years old, Kudla began working checkpoints for the club.

After a stint as a band manager and performer, Kudla returned to active competition in 2006, competing in the AMA Hare and Hound National Championship Series. He finished second in 250 B in 2007 and fifth in 250A in 2008 and 2009.

In 2009, Kudla became a referee for the VCMC and two years later helped create the Western Checkpoint Enduro Championship, an AMA Featured Series. That same year, he became responsible for the AMA Hare and Hound National Championship Series and the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship for the National Hare and Hound Association, the AMA’s promoting partner for the series.

“For me, my role as the AMA off-road racing manager is the pinnacle of the sport,” Kudla said. “I will work hard every day here at the AMA to project my enthusiasm and love for off-road racing.”