Introduced in 1976 to showcase the new era of big, powerful street bikes, AMA Pro Racing American Superbike featured bikes slightly modified from versions available to consumers on the showroom floor. But as the race grew more competitive, manufacturers engineered more powerful and technologically advanced bikes. The demands of racing Superbike have produced some of the greatest names in motorcycle racing: Reg Pridmore, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Tory Corser, Miguel Duhamel, Ben Spies and the recently retired legend, Mat Mladen.

In 2009, AMA Pro Racing American Superbike returned to its roots, promoting more stock-based bikes in the class. There is now a minimum number of stock and/or approved parts required on competitors and the scope for allowable modification includes items that do not add substantially to the cost of the machine, leaving the class open to more racers. The playing field has also been leveled by a series-specific tire and a per-weekend tire limit.

Virtually every major motorcycle manufacturer has participated in the AMA Pro Racing American Superbike class. The competition continues to serve as a great showcase for the world's most powerful, big street bikes.