Registration Now Open for BMW US GS Trophy Team Qualifying

BMW Motorrad announces that registration for the US GS Trophy Team qualifiers is now open. Qualifying takes place October 12–15 at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, South Carolina. After two full days of qualifying, three men and two women will be selected to represent Team USA in the 2024 BMW International GS Trophy in Namibia.

The final event in Namibia will bring together 22 national teams—16 men’s teams and six women’s teams—to compete for the crown of GS Trophy champions. The GS Trophy is one of the most prestigious events for amateur adventure and enduro riders, pitting country against country in a series of special tests. From traditional rally stages to more unconventional special tests—like riding blindfolded through a cone course with only the voices of one’s teammates to guide, or “Motoball,” where competitors have to use the motorcycle’s rear wheel to “kick” a soccer ball—the GS Trophy is a test of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude.

According to past team USA competitors, the final event is a celebration as much as it is a competition. For some, qualifying for the final event by beating out the top amateurs at the national level is the real accomplishment. An entry fee of $449 includes a competition jersey, personalized parking stall, and all meals and snacks. So, regardless of how one performs, at least there are snacks.

Competition is open to US citizens and permanent residents aboard BMW GS models, including the single-cylinder G 310 GS, select past and current parallel-twin F models, and boxer models beginning with the R 1100 GS. However, riders who make it to the final stage of the competition will be required to jump off their own bikes and ride a new R 1250 GS from the Performance Center. The motorcycle will be set in Enduro Pro Mode with Enduro ABS on and traction control off. Tire pressure will be set at 30 psi. The rider seat can be adjusted or replaced with a BMW OEM alternative. Adjusting controls without the use of tools is permitted.

To level the playing field to some degree, the following riders are eligible to participate in the Team qualifiers but aren’t eligible to make the final US team: members of previous International GS Trophy teams, BMW employees, owners of a BMW dealership, professional instructors, professional riders who hold AMA or FIM competition licenses, or certified BMW IIA/ITA Academy graduates and brand experts.

For riders eliminated earlier in the competition who would still like to ride the final course, BMW is offering limited spots for what it calls “Redemption Sunday.” More than just giving access to the course, Redemption Sunday will have instructors on hand to help participants up their game, whetting their appetites for their next shot at the qualifiers. While qualifiers are not to be taken lightly, Redemption Sunday introduces an element of humility to competition that gets to the heart of amateur endeavor—we’re all in it to improve our skills to get the most fun out of motorcycling as possible.

For those interested in some last-minute training before the qualifier, the BMW Performance Center is hosting a GS Trophy Prep Course on September 20–21.

To register for the US Trophy Qualifier, visit: bmwperformancecenter.com/motorrad/gstrophy