AMA DIRT TRACK GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS KICK OFF ON SPRINGFIELD MILE
The Springfield Mile is one of the most Historic Motorcycle Racing Venues in the World
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The 2012 American Motorcyclist Association Dirt Track Grand Championships fired off the line in a big way today, May 29, with the fastest amateur dirt-track racers in the world running the legendary Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill.
“The Springfield Mile is one of the most historic motorcycle racing venues in the world, and we’re thrilled for our amateur racers to have the opportunity to decide national titles on this track,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships always offer some of motorcycle racing’s best amateur competition, and I’m looking forward to some great racing this week.”
The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships crown amateur and youth champions in individual dirt-track disciplines, including half-mile, TT and short-track events. Amateur racers also compete in mile events. In addition, AMA Grand Championships are awarded to the riders in each class who have the highest point totals across all disciplines.
“The championships won and the history written at this track are legendary,” said event promoter Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing. “We’re excited to be part of bringing the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships back to Springfield, Ill., and we’re looking forward to a great week of racing.”
Another highlight of 2012 is the AMA Pro Grand National Championship, which competed at the same venue just two days earlier. Numerous professional racers, most of whom rose through the ranks by excelling at the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships, remained in Springfield to see the country’s top youth talent.
One prize that everyone will be watching closely is the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award. The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships are the amateur proving grounds for the professional ranks, and the fastest riders in premier classes compete for the Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.
Other awards up for grabs include top youth and vet awards, in addition to the AMA Fast Brain Award, a scholarship of $1,000 awarded to a young racer who demonstrates not just talent on the racetrack but exceptional grades in the classroom. As they have in past years, AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner, one of the most successful tuners in dirt-track history, are sponsoring the award.
Dirt-track racing features a wide range of competitive equipment. Racers field both traditional dirt-trackers and the latest DTX motorcycles, which begin as stock motocross bikes that are then fitted with dirt-track tires, suspension and other modifications.
For more information about dirt-track competition, see the Racing section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com. For more information about the 2012 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships, see SteveNaceRacing.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.