AMA Flat Track: Indiana State Fair Tragedy Forces Cancellation of Lucas Oil Indy Mile During Indy RedBull MotoGP Weekend

Australian Mick Kirkness on the #87 Yeager Cycles/Memphis Shades/Steve Lievan Racing/Arai-sponsored Suzuki leads Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on the #2 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Screamin' Eagle/Spectro Oils/Fox-based factory XR-750 during mid-heat race 3 action at the Springfield Mile I on May 29.  Chris Carr on his #4 American Motorcyclist Assoc/DFW Honda/Arai/Phoenix Racing-sponsored XR-750 makes a move on the duo as they cross the stripe. 

Round 6 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series at the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile oval saw Carr come out on top in this heat over Coolbeth and Kirkness, and all went on to qualify for the National main event later in the rain-delayed program.  Coolbeth would end the day in 4th, with Carr in 7th and Kirkness in the 9th position in the 18 rider, 25-lap National event.



Unfortunately, neither '08 Lucas Oil Indy Mile winner Carr, nor '09 Lucas Oil Indy Mile winner Coolbeth will get to defend their titles at the Indiana State Fairgrounds come August 27, as the results of the tragedy that occured at the Indiana State Fair last Saturday night have forced the fairgrounds and the AMA to cancel the event, with the ongoing investigation continuing on the grandstand rigging collapse.


The loss of lives and further injuries suffered by those in attendance at last Saturday's Sugarland concert are in our minds , prayers and in our hearts, and we pray for the recovery of those that are still being treated for their injuries, as we pray and wish Godspeed to those that suffered their loss of life due to the incidents that happened during last Saturday's tragedy.


Round 14 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series hits the hills and valleys of the Peoria TT this Sunday, August 21, and then will have a 13 day break before heading to the annual Labor Day Weekend of events at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on September 3 for the Springfield Short Track, and September 4 for the Springfield Mile II, in what will now be rounds 15 and 16 of the series schedule.
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Fairgrounds Tragedy Results in Cancellation of Indy Mile

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 19, 2011) - AMA Pro Racing has been informed by Indy Mile officials that the tragic events of August 13 -- in which an overhead stage-rigging structure collapsed in high winds, killing five and injuring dozens -- has resulted in the cancellation of Round 15 on the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track calendar. "A series of investigations into the causes of the accident have commenced," stated the promoters' release. "The examination of the wreckage is expected to continue for an indefinite period of time. This has forced the closing of the Grandstand and one-mile dirt track to events until the investigation is completed and the debris is removed." "Losing a round is nothing compared to the loss of life," said AMA Pro Racing's Director of Flat Track, Dan Johnsen, "and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. AMA Pro Racing's thoughts are with all of those now coping with the after-effects." C. Bruce Hubley, CEO of The Promotion Company-Family Events, producers of the Indy Mile, added, "We deeply regret that we will not be able to hold the Indy Mile this year due to circumstances completely beyond our control." Fans already holding tickets to the Indy Mile, noted the promoters' release, will be offered refunds at their points of purchase. The entire AMA Pro Racing family offers its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those lost in Saturday's accident.

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.    For additional information contact:   AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com

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From the official site of the Lucas Oil Indy Mile:

http://www.indymile.com/
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