Weidman is top Flat Track rookie

From AMA Pro Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- AMA Pro Racing is proud to announce that Team SuperTrapp's Matt Weidman is the 2008 AMA Flat Track Rookie of the Year.

In his first full professional season, Weidman finished 12th overall in the GNC Twins series and 20th overall in the GNC Singles series, placing him 14th in the combined points total for the two series. AMA Flat Track Rookie of the Year honors are awarded to the eligible rookie rider with the most points accumulated in both the GNC Twins and GNC Singles series.

"Matt was impressive in his first full year competing in the AMA Flat Track Championship, and we're proud to honour his performance with the AMA Flat Track Rookie of the Year Award," said AMA Pro Racing Director of Flat Track Mike Kidd. "Matt also demonstrated continual development throughout the year, and we anticipate he'll continue to improve in 2009. We would like to congratulate Matt, the Weidman family and Team SuperTrapp on a successful season."

Weidman put in a consistent performance for a rookie, making the main event 10 times in GNC Twins and three times in GNC Singles. His best finish was a fifth at the Monticello, NY GNC Twins round. He had a total of four top-10 finishes on the year.

Weidman said his rookie year easily surpassed the goals he laid out for himself in the preseason.

"My goal coming into this year was to make a couple mains. Rookie of the Year wasn't even on my radar, so I definitely achieved my goals," Weidman said. "I learned quite a bit about drafting and how to run the miles. I got a lot of experience that I needed to improve going forward.

"In the off-season, I'll keep training, find some places to ride, and next year I hope to get top-10 in points, maybe win one."

The 17-year-old Weidman lives in Westerlo, NY. He was the 2007 AMA Pro Expert Twins Champion and won the 2006 AMA Sports Dirt Track Horizon Award, which is presented annually to the amateur rider with the brightest prospects for a successful professional career.