1998 AMA National Championship Hillclimb Series Champions

WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- The hunt for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) National Championship Hillclimb series' 800cc class championship has ended. With one event left in the 12-round series, James Large of Orient, Oh., has sewn up his second championship title in as many years of professional competition.

Last year -- in his rookie season -- Large placed in the top-10 at every event in the series, and logged a win at the Marquette, Mich., Hillclimb, on the way to his first national championship. Some wondered if it was the fabled "beginner's luck" that brought Large his first title, but Large returned in 1998, placing in the top-10 at every race to date, and racking up six wins over the course of the season. What does Large plan for 1999? " Obviously my goal in 1999 is to defend the 800cc title. Also, I would like to be more aggressive and win as many races as possible."

Large attributes his success to two people. First, his father, who introduced him to motorcycling, and secondly, his employer, team owner and former 800cc hillclimb champion, Tom Reiser, owner of Reiser's Cycle Shop in Grove City, Oh. Large recounted the influences on his career: "I would say my biggest influence would be my father, James Large. Growing up in a motorcycle enthusiast family, racing was a big part of my life. Also, working for Tom Reiser has given me the opportunity to become involved in the sport of hillclimbing. Tom's past experience and knowledge helped carry us to two national championships."