Precision, speed, and service are on full display this week as the Fourth Annual Iron Horse Motorcycle Shoot Out gets underway at the Santa Fe Depot Pavilion in downtown Amarillo.
Hosted by the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle in partnership with the Amarillo Police Department Motor Unit, the three-day event — running July 17–19 — brings together top police and civilian motorcycle riders from across North America. Practice rounds began Wednesday, July 16.
Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
At the heart of the competition is a dual-course challenge that tests both technical control and fast maneuvering. Riders face a tight precision course under the covered pavilion and a faster-speed layout on the adjacent asphalt lot.
“This isn’t about showmanship — it’s about safety,” said Sgt. Trent Thomas, a 19-year Amarillo police veteran and motorcycle unit supervisor. “If you can control a bike here, you’re more prepared out there — in traffic, during a pursuit, or on a rescue call.”
According to Thomas, these skills aren't just for show — they save lives.
“We’ve had officers avoid crashes thanks to the skills they’ve refined here,” he said. “You hope you never need it, but when you do, it matters.”
For riders like John Jenkins, a motorcycle instructor from Calgary, Alberta, the Iron Horse Shoot Out offers more than just competition. He drove over 1,300 miles with his bike in tow to participate for the third year.
“There’s a level of professionalism and community here that you don’t find everywhere,” Jenkins said. “It feels like you’re training with a purpose.”
Jenkins said the event has made a tangible impact on road safety.
“These skills have saved my life — and my students’ lives — on the road,” he said. “You build muscle memory here, so when something happens in real life, your body knows what to do before your brain catches up.”
Beyond the competition, the Shoot Out is a vital fundraiser for the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle. The nonprofit provides emergency financial support and critical resources for first responders across 26 counties.
In past years, the event has raised between $50,000 and $60,000 to assist families and departments in times of crisis. Support includes:
$20,000 within 24 hours to families of fallen first responders
$5,000 for immediate injury support, with up to $12,000 in follow-up care
Equipment funding for under-resourced departments
Mental health and wellness initiatives
“When people come out and support this event, they’re doing more than watching a show,” said Suzanne Talley, Executive Director of the 100 Club. “They’re backing the men and women who risk their lives for our communities.”
In early 2024, the organization raised more than $900,000 in just eight weeks to aid 54 volunteer fire departments affected by wildfires.
A formal opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 20, at 8 a.m. It will feature remarks from Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley, interim Police Chief Jimmy Johnson, and regional fire and law enforcement officials.
“This ceremony honors the service behind the spectacle,” Talley said. “It’s a reminder of why we ride.”
Sponsors for the 2025 event include Full Smile Dental (presenting sponsor), IVRS Wellness, Atmos Energy, ADG, Happy State Bank, Creative Cannon, and Panhandle Eye Group.
