AMA PRO FLAT TRACK RIDERS HEAD FOR SPRINGFIELD AND THE RUNNING OF THE FAMED SPRINGFIELD MILE
Daytona Beach, Fla…Ready for action, teams now head to Springfield, Ill and the running of Round 4 of AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles, May 26th at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Steeped in history, the famed Springfield Mile is considered one of the fastest miles on the AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles circuit and every rider wants to lay claim to the glory of taking the checkered flag. Going full bore from start to finish, this spectacular race showcases the best dirt track racers in the world in unparallel non-stop action.
The long history of two-wheeled racing at Springfield actually began back in 1937 when the first AMA Class C National Championship was held on the Springfield Mile. In fact, until 1954 if a rider won The Mile he was rewarded the most coveted prize in Dirt Track competition, the National Champion’s Number 1 plate. While this is no longer the case, winning the Springfield mile is one of the most coveted victories in the Grand National Championship.
Not only does this race pit rider against rider, but it l also pits machine against machine. Harley- Davidson, Honda, Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha all offer AMA approved models and seven of these machines are on the entry list.
With three races down, there have been three different winners: Mike Rush of Hollister, Calif., took top honors at the season opener in Daytona, the second race at Daytona found Brandon Robinson of Oxford, Pa., first on the podium and at the inaugural Stockton Half-Mile, Sammy Halbert of Graham, Wa., took the checkered.
Adding even more for fun and excitement for fans will be a “Race of Legends” hosted by the Ride Academy. The race will include a number of past Grand National Championship riders who will be on hand to show their support for the Basic Twins class scheduled to return to the series. Jay Springsteen, Joe Kopp, Tommy Duma, Charlie Roberts, Jackie Mitchell, Tim Mertens, Ronnie Jones, Steve Beattie, Steve Morehead, Mike Hacker, Chris Carr and more will all be on hand to show their talent on two wheels.
Mounted on Honda dirt bikes courtesy of Ride Academy, the former stars of the flat track will race on a short track specifically designed for this event, giving the fans a “bird’s eye view” of all the action. The race will be located on the front-stretch of the Springfield Mile and will measure at about a quarter-mile in length. Each participant will be provided special number plates, courtesy of Mr. Sign (Dave Lenkowsky), so that the fans will be able to easily identify who’s who on the track The race format will include two six–lap heat races and one 12-lap Main Event.
Hitting speeds up to 130 mph and racing handlebar-to-handlebar, flat track racing is indeed the most exciting form of two-wheel racing in America today. There is no time to coast, no time to try and figure out strategy. It is sheer go-for-it from beginning to end and this is definitely a race you won’t want to miss. Tickets are on sale now. For more information go to: http://www.illinoismda.com/
About AMA Pro Racing presented by J&P Cycles:
AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles is a national motorcycle racing series in North America and is considered one of the oldest forms of motorcycle racing. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the Series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track racing in the world. The 2013 schedule consists of rounds on the country’s finest flat track courses. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles, please visit http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/.
About AMA Pro Racing:
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.