AMA Names Thomas Pro Racing Scholarship Recipient
3 September 1997
R97104 August 25, 1997 For Immediate Release THOMAS NAMED 1997 AMA PRO RACING SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Motocross racer Jason Thomas, 18, of Melrose, Fla., is the 1997 American Motorcyclist Association Pro Racing Scholarship Award winner. Thomas will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship from AMA Pro Racing. A 1997 graduate of Keystone Heights (Fla.) High School, Thomas was ranked seventh out of class of 115 students. Thomas earned a 4.16 grade-point average in high school and is a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to his obvious talents in the classroom, Thomas is also an excellent motocross racer. In his pro rookie season, Thomas qualified for three 125cc East Region Supercross events, one 250cc Supercross, and two 250cc National Motocross events. His top finish of 14th was at the April 19 125cc Supercross in Charlotte, N.C. As an amateur, Thomas was a winner in the Florida Gold Cup Motocross Series and in the Florida Winter Series. He was also a runner up in the 250cc B class at Loretta Lynn's AMA Amateur Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tn. "Earning a college degree is essential for young people if they want to reach their full potential," said Merrill Vanderslice, AMA Pro Racing director. "Pro Racing is happy to be able to help such talented student-athletes in their pursuit of a college education." Thomas will attend Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville, Fla., studying advertising and marketing. Superbike Series sponsor, MBNA America Bank, N.A., contributed to the scholarship award. Other supporters wishing to do the same, should contact Dee White, Project Manager, AMA Pro Racing, (614) 891-2425, ext. 232. -30- Connie Fleming American Motorcyclist Association Public Relations Administrator http://www.ama-cycle.org 614-891-2425