Mid-America Speedway Indy Talks Season-Opener and Busy 2013 Season Schedule Ahead

Mid-America Speedway News April 28, 2013 While one race is in the books at Mid-America, most people will agree that the season is still getting ready to start.  Last weekend's event had 125 total entries, with 18 riders in the 450 (bike) class, and 21 in the Open Bike class.  There were some great rides by several riders, and the end of the night, Rob Pearson won the Open Bike Class, and earning his first ever main event win at Mid-America, Barry Benkert jr, won the 450 Class. Other main event winners were: 50cc Shaft: Jayden Snider 50cc Chain: Landon Drowns 65cc: Drew Hart 85cc: Jeremiah Duffy     0-160cc: Jared Lowe 80-200: Jeremiah Duffy Youth Quad: Bethany Larkin-Hutcheson Mad Dog: John Farmer 249cc+ Amateur: Kevin Stollings Vintage Light: Tom Smead Jr. Vintage Heavy: Lonnie Vanderpool 30+ Andy Miller 50+ Lonnie Vanderpool 250 Money: Kevin Stollings Adult Quad 0-400: Jamie Grimm Quad 401-450: Chad Hardwood Quad Open $$: Jay Meinking Speedway: BJ Fesselmeyer There are still 13 races left during the 2013 season at Mid-America.  Please read below for more news, and thank you for past and future support of flat track racing and Mid-America Speedway.  Sincerely, The staff of Mid-America Speedway   Entry Fees   Racing is not an inexpensive sport.  Mid-America held it's first race in the summer of 2007, and we have kept our entry fees and pit passes unchanged since that first race.  Since that time, rent, insurance, electricity and maintenance costs have went up.  Effective with the June 1st race, both Mid-America and the Midwest Motorcycle Club races that are held in Columbus, IN the entry fee for a rider's first class will increase by $5.  If you are riding an adult class, the entry fee will be $30 for the first class, and then $25 for each additional classes.  Youth rider entry fees will be $25 for the first class, and $20 for each additional class.  This was not a decision that was taken lightly, and we thank you for understanding the expenses that are involved in running a quality program.    Ride Academy at Springfield   RIDE Academy Springfield Entry Reduced by sponsor's support:   Metro Racing Makes Donation to Riders Signing Up   Colonial Heights, VA.  Courtesy of Metro Racing's Don Miller, the price of RIDE Academy Springfield May 22nd and 23rd has been reduced to all pre entered riders in the 2013 AMA Dirt Track Championships running from May 28th through May 31st. " We at Metro Racing had a great opportunity not only to support RIDE Academy for the past 2 seasons but actually strap on a steal shoe and take instruction from the RIDE Academy crew of Mike Hacker, Johnny Lewis, and Kenny Coolbeth last summer. And when we saw the RIDE Academy Springfield event was around the same time as the amateur nationals we saw a great opportunity to give back to the future of the sport." stated Don Miller.   "Don Miller came to me with the idea of assisting the riders that have already signed up for the 2013 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships with a $100 donation per rider towards the sign up of the RIDE Academy class in Springfield" said Mike Hacker.   Now you can sign up for the next RIDE Academy May 22nd 23rd presented by IMDA for $400 if you have pre entered already for the 2013 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships thanks to Metro Racing. You will still have to send in your $200 deposit and pay the remaining balance on May 22nd. If you haven't pre entered or aren't competing in the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships then the cost for the 2 days still remains the original $500.   Multiple time Grand National Champion Kenny Coolbeth adds, "It's amazing to see companies like Metro Racing and IMDA stepping up to provide the opportunity for riders to further their racing careers and getting to do it at the legendary Springfield facility on the short track and TT that IMDA builds for the week of racing". The Springfield RIDE Academy will then lead into the week of racing at the Springfield Fairgrounds including the Steve Nace Racing TT, All Star Racing TT, and the Dirt Track Grand Championships including the short track, TT, half mile and mile.   For all students that have already signed up for the RIDE Academy Springfield and that are pre-entered for the Dirt Track Grand Championships, the $100 donation applies towards your remaining balance due at sign in on May 22nd.   Sign up now at RIDE Academy.com (Sign Up Now page) MUST SEND STUDENT ENTRY FORM ALONG WITH DEPOSIT. Click to download entry form!   Upon receipt of your registration form and deposit we will send you our RIDE Academy course information package so you can be well prepared for our school! A $200 deposit is required at the time of registration.   Please make checks payable to "RIDE Academy" Please send check to: RIDE Academy 19203 Temple Ave. Colonial Heights, VA 23834

In This Issue Entry Fees 2013 Schedule     2013 Mid-America Schedule April 20: Spring Race    June 1: Extra Money in the 80-200 Class     June 8: Extra Money in the 80-200 Class     June 22: Marion Co. Fair Race     July 13: 30+ Night     July 27: 50+ Night     August 10     August 16: The Night before the Indy Mile AMA Vintage Dirt Track National, Bultaco Astro Challenge, & Pro 450 Shootout     Sept 7: Heavy Vintage Night     September 14th   September 21st   October 5th   October 12th   October 26th: Halloween Race

AMA Pro Flat Track: Matt Weidman Forced to Sit Out Next Few Rounds of 2013 Season Due to Injuries

Matt Weidman and the #20 Greg Crow Racing/White's H-D/SNIP/Fiorio Investments-sponsored XR750 team are shown being introduced by AMA Pro Flat Track announcer Mylas Copeland during round 4 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season at the Springfield Mile I on May 27.

Weidman, the 2008 AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year and the first-time winner at the Daytona Short Track II in March 2012, is being forced to sit out the next few rounds of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship season due to injuries suffered from a crash at the Ocala, Florida track back on March 12, as well as some issues still hanging on from his Lima Half-Mile crash in June 2012.

Matt contacted me earlier today to let us all know what his situation is, and you can read his full release below as well as his message to Stu's Shots.

Matt is shown at the Springfield Mile II on September 16 as he heads out for his heat race on the #20 Scott Powersports/Saddlemen/Fiorio Investments/SNIP-sponsored Kawasaki, at round 13 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season.



Matt's release

As most of you have known me for several years, you know that I have raced flat track since the age of 4 and turned pro at 16.  This is my 6th season as an Expert Pro and I have been in the top-10 every year.  I strive to always do my best in everything.  Most of you also know that I attend college online, working on my Bachelor's and then on for my Master's Degree in Accounting.  I also work full time.

I am sorry that this has taken so long since Daytona, but I have been having some problems and wanted to update all my great sponsors who have supported me for many years.  I crashed hard at Ocala on March 12th and suffered a concussion.  It is really hard to not race when you are even half-capable, especially after months of prep and spending money on race bikes and travel, so I decided to race Daytona.

I am probably one of the few racers that will tell you they Love the Daytona track, I always do good here and look forward to this track.  I wanted two more podiums this year, but walked away content with a 6th- and 7th-place finish, and I had to come from last place, both nights!

I am having residual effects from the concussion and saw a Sports Neurologist two weeks ago, he works with the Yankees, Pro Bull riders, boxers and other professional athletes.  My brain is fine, but needs to rest.

I am taking a couple months off, possibly more, and hope to return for Lima, which is my favorite track.  I will probably race a limited schedule this year.  Mike Scott, who is my Twins Series ride/sponsor, has been very understanding and will be ready when I am.  I have been very fortunate in 17 years of racing, to have only broken two bones, but have had several concussions.  I also had a severe upper respiratory infection after Daytona and after a couple weeks of antibiotics, was finally better. It has been a rough month, so I am sorry for the delay, but thanks to all of my great sponsors!


Matt Weidman #20


I also received this personal note from Matt today concerning his injuries:

"I wanted to let you know, you always give me great press.  The neurologist said I also suffered a small bleed in my brain last year at Lima, and I am guessing this is serious enough to take my time and heal.  I have some visual symptoms left and am going to see an eye doctor probably next week to make sure everything is okay and hopefully in a couple months that will clear up, too.

"This was the letter I sent to my sponsors, you can change it if you like.  I also put something on my Facebook page to my fans.  I will miss everyone at Springfield, you know what a race junky I am, and this is hard for me."

Take care,

Matt


We really hate to hear this news about Matt, one of the nicest racers on the circuit as well as one of the most capable.

Having followed closely Matt's progression in The Rolling Thunder Show since his first AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship podium at the Lima Half-Mile in June 2010, the New York State resident is one of the hardest chargers on the circuit, as well as one of the most well-rounded people around the sport.

With the support and backing from his Mom and Dad (Rachel and Guy) for years, last season was the first full season that they haven't been around to help support him at the track, after 'retiring' from full-time competition at the end of the 2011 season.  But their great upbringing is still there with Matt himself, every time he unloads and every time he talks to his friends and fans around the track.

After starting the 2012 season riding for the DFW Honda team in the Singles Series events (where he promptly went out and won his first-ever Grand National race at Daytona II), Matt also spent time riding for the GCR Racing team in the early part of the 2012 season in the Twins Series events.  Matt was riding for the GCR team when he set fast time at Lima in June '12, where minutes later in the closing session of qualifying he crashed heavily coming out of turn 2, ironically while riding his family-supported White's H-D XR750, that was all but totaled in the melee when Matt caught the outside fence and was pitched into the track end-over-end.

After suffering a shoulder and ankle injury, Matt returned later in the season to race for the Mike Scott/Scott Powersports Kawasaki 650R-based Twins Series team, starting with the Indy Mile on August 18.  Matt finished the season riding the bike that former rider Johnny Lewis had vacated after the Hagerstown Half-Mile round in early July, and ended the season ranked 10th in the overall points standings in the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season.

Matt will be sorely missed at the track, but obviously right now the best thing to do is get healed up completely so he can get back to doing what he loves best.....racing. 

We wish Matt a speedy and complete recovery and to let him know we're behind him all the way in knowing he'll return as soon as he can to throw another leg over a flat track bike in anger with the best again.  Get well man, thanks, and heal-up quickly!

Geico Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Announces 2-Year Live TV Package with CBS Sports Network

AMA Pro Racing and CBS Sports Network Announce Television Agreement to Showcase GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 23, 2013) - CBS Sports Network and AMA Pro Racing, in conjunction with Chet Burks Productions, announced today a television agreement to showcase GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing as part of the Network's CBS Sports Spectacular series.  CBS Sports Network will air flag-to-flag race coverage of the premier National Guard SuperBike and GoPro Daytona SportBike classes through the 2014 season.  Programming begins Saturday, June 1 (2:30 p.m. ET) with a 30-minute preview show before live coverage of the Subway SuperBike Doubleheader at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. (3:00 p.m. ET).

 

GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing telecasts are produced by Chet Burks Productions, long-time partner of AMA Pro Racing programs.  The initial telecasts will be presented in afternoon weekend time slots, with several events airing live.  In addition, encore broadcasts and an all-new 30-minute weekend preview show will air on CBS Sports Network.

 

Leading up to race weekends, the 30-minute preview shows will get fans up to speed with on-site coverage of qualifying sessions, highlights from previous rounds, as well as vignettes on the history of the sport and the technical aspects of motorcycle road racing. Hosted by a panel of industry experts, the show will provide insider insight on the latest paddock news, as well as interviews with riders and celebrity guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josh Hayes #1, Martin Cardenas #36 and Josh Herrin #2 battle during one of the AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike Series events at Daytona in March during the season-opening round of the 2013 Geico Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing season.  AMA Pro Racing announced today a new television package with CBS Sports Network that will feature live coverage of the 2013-14 seasons.  The first event scheduled to be shown is round 2 of the season at Road America on June 1.  AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

 

"We're excited to add AMA Pro to our CBS Sports Spectacular lineup," said Dan Weinberg, Senior Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports Network. "GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing is a high octane, action-packed sport featuring some of the world's best motorcycle racers and is a great addition to our live programming this summer."

 

"We are incredibly proud of this television package and excited to begin our new relationship with CBS Sports Network," said David Atlas, Managing Board Member of AMA Pro Racing. "Through the live action and in-depth features, we will present fans with the most intense immersion into our unique and exciting racing that the sport has ever seen."

 

"This agreement is the result of a tremendous amount of time and commitment from AMA Pro and is a significant step for motorcycle racing in America," said Chet Burks, President of Chet Burks Productions. "We look forward to producing an exciting television experience for CBS Sports Network viewers."

  

CBS Sports Network is available across the country through local cable, video and telco providers and via satellite on DirecTV Channel 613 and Dish Network Channel 158. For more information, and to access the CBS Sports Network channel finder, go to www.cbssportsnetwork.com. 

 

About GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing:

 

GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing is the premier motorcycle road racing series in North America.  Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the Series is universally regarded as one of the most competitive road racing organizations in the world.  The 2013 schedule includes rounds on many of the country's finest road courses. For more information on GEICO Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing, please visit http://www.amaproracing.com/rr/.

 

About Chet Burks Productions:

 

Chet Burks Productions is a full service television production company with over 25 years of professional experience.  Our wide ranging expertise includes producing live sporting events, on-site remote productions, magazine shows, and in-house studio television productions.  Whether it's producing and directing championship motorcycle and car racing events or developing full scale commercials for a variety of industries, Chet Burks Productions skillfully manages all aspects of our clients' needs.


For more information on Chet Burks Productions, please visit http://www.cbptv.com.
 

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

VIR to Host AMA Amateur Roadrace Grand Championships September 21-22

AMA Roadrace Grand Championships head to Virginia International Raceway Sept. 21-22

 

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- April 23, 2013 -- Amateur roadracers in the American Motorcyclist Association will compete for national championships on Sept. 21-22 when the 2013 AMA Roadrace Grand Championships go to Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Va.

"The annual AMA Roadrace Grand Championships feature the most-talented up-and-coming young roadracers in the United States," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "We're looking forward to bringing this event to the top-notch facility at Virginia International Raceway. This is an excellent venue for our amateur racers to compete for AMA national No. 1 plates in several skill-, age- and displacement-based classes."

The AMA has partnered with the American Sportbike Racing Association and Championship Cup Series to help run the AMA Roadrace Grand Championships. The grand championship event will run in conjunction with CCS and U.S. Grand Prix Racer Union classes. As always, the 2013 AMA Roadrace Grand Championships will welcome racers from all clubs and organizations, and is open to all licensed roadracing AMA members. 

 

"As an organization involved in the sport of motorcycle roadracing, there is no greater honor than to be part of the AMA Roadrace Grand Championships," said CCS President Kevin Elliott. "Bringing the AMA Roadrace Grand Championships to VIR during the CCS End-of-Summer Cyclefest is a real boost for the event and the championships. Not only will the weekend be packed with top-caliber sportsmen racing, but the AMA-sanctioned USGPRU finals will complement the action. This will be an awesome weekend for racers and fans alike as we get to see competitors from all over the country battle for national titles."

Riders will get ample track time and an opportunity to race against the country's fastest amateur racers. The best compete for the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award, which is awarded to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks. Past winners of the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award have included Jason DiSalvo, Hayden Gillim, Jake Lewis, Ben Spies, Miles Thornton and Blake Young.

Other awards at the event include the AMA Roadracing Youth Award, the AMA Roadracing Top Novice Award and the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Award, presented to a standout rider who's 30 years old or older.

For more information about this event and to sign up to race, see www.ccsracing.us.

 

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.

 

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

 

Media contact: James Holter
Phone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280
E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

AMA Pro Flat Track Announces Test & Tune Session at Stockton Half-Mile on April 28

Round 5 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season saw contenders in heat race #2 lead the field off at the Allen County Fairgrounds-hosting of the Lima Half-Mile on June 30.  Henry Wiles on the #17 Lloyd Brothers Motorsports Ducati, Dan Ingram on the #31J TCR/Zanna Racing H-D XR750, Bryan Smith on the #42 Moroney's H-D XR, and Rob Pearson on the #27 Memphis Shades XR head towards turn one during the running of one of the longest-standing Nationals on the AMA Pro Flat Track calendar.

AMA Pro Flat Track announced today that the Stockton Half-Mile, round 3 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship season, will be hosting a test & tune session on Sunday, April 28 in preparation for the upcoming first Twins Series event on the series' calendar on May 11.

In what for some may be considered short notice to schedule travel to this special hosting, in fairness to all, last year's test & tune at the Lima Half-Mile was officially announced just two weeks before it was held at the Allen County Fairgrounds.  Last year's Lima test was attended by a majority of east coast-based teams, as travel was also a factor in some of the west coast teams being able to attend.  This will in all likelihood be the same case, but reversed, for the Stockton test, with more of a balance of west coast teams contesting the special session.  Overall, this is still a good chance for the series' regulars to be able to get in some extra seat time in preparation for the meat of the schedule ready to kick-off in just over 20 days time.

Thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track for the official press release below which has all of the details for the upcoming test in the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship season!

AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Riders Gear Up for Test & Tune at Stockton Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 19, 2013) - AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles is gearing up for its first trip out west as the Grand National riders make the switch from their 450cc single-cylinder mounts to the twin-cylinder monsters used on mile and half-mile ovals. 

 

Approximately two weeks before the Stockton Half-Mile, the promoter of the event, Tony Nocetti, is offering licensed AMA Pro Expert Class and J&P Cycles Pro Singles riders the opportunity to test and tune their motorcycles at the Stockton Half-Mile from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2013.

 

There are many new teams and a wide variety of equipment expected to compete during the 2013 season, with Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Ducati, Triumph, KTM and Suzuki all expected to be represented in the Expert Twins class this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mikey Avila #33E, Brandon Robinson #44, Henry Wiles #17, Bryan Smith #42 and Sammy Halbert #7 blast off from the line at the Santa Rosa Mile during round 14 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season on September 30.  AMA Pro Flat Track today announced the scheduling of a test & tune session to be held at the Stockton Half-Mile on Sunday, April 28 in order to help riders and teams become better acclimated with the new facility on the series' calendar.  Round 3 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship season is set to roll-off for the first Twins Series event of the year on Saturday, May 11 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds.  AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Dave Hoenig.

 

 

The test and tune will open to the press and public, where they can get an up-close preview of the Stockton Half-Mile oval and the riders that will compete on it when the Series returns for the main event on May 11, 2013.

 

For more tickets and more information please visit www.stockton99.com.

 

Direct link for tickets - http://www.showclix.com/events/17007 

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

Pikes Peak International Hill Climb to Feature Electric Motorcycle Showdown

Electric Motorcycle Class Showdown All Set With Chip Yates and Greg Tracy At The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

 

Visit us at: www.ppihc.com

 

Colorado Springs, April 16, 2013-----An epic head-to-head showdown is all set in the electric motorcycle class in the Exhibition Powersport division in the 91^st Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Jun 30.

 

The electric motorcycle duel on America’s Mountain will pit the event’s racer with the fastest time on an electric bike, Chip Yates, against six-time Pikes Peak motorcycle champion Greg Tracy. They are the only entries in this class and the matchup promises to be a highlight of the day.

 

The two professional motorcycle racers will face off on the Peak with Yates selecting an American-made Lightning Electric Superbike, and Tracy on his new concept model Amarok P1A Super Bike.

 

During the 2012 Race to the Clouds, Tracy and his Ducati teammate, Carlin Dunne, were the first motorcyclists in history of the race to reach the finish line under ten minutes with their fuel-powered Multistradas. Dunne clocked 9:52.819 and Tracy was right behind at 9:58.262 in the 1205 cc class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pikes Peak 2012 Electric Motorcycle photo courtesy of PPIHC.

 

 

Tracy (Long Beach, CA) has won six titles in several divisions since 1996 on Pikes Peak, including victories in the 1205CC division in 2009 and 2010.

  

Yates (Aliso Viejo, CA) is an electric vehicle pioneer known for risky record-setting adventures in extreme electric vehicles of his own design. This year’s Pikes Peak race marks the first time Yates has put his trust in an electric manufacturer to build and supply his race machine. Lightning also supplies the lithium-ion batteries that power his world record breaking electric airplane.

 

Yates first took on Pikes Peak as a rookie in 2011. On the paved section of the course, his rookie split times landed him 9^th overall among 112 motorcycles before the ensuing 2.6 miles of bumpy dirt roads in the middle of the course slowed his final result to a 12:50.094. With the course being completely paved this year, Yates’ aggressive knee-dragging style learned from his FIM World Supersport and AMA Pro Daytona SportBike racing background makes him a solid contender for a new speed mark in the class.

 

“The Lightning Electric Superbike is the only electric motorcycle to ever show a higher top speed than my electric bike, which is enjoying retirement at the Petersen Automotive Museum right now,” said Yates. When I heard Greg Tracy was coming to the mountain on an electric bike this year, I realized my Pikes Peak best time was at risk and so I turned to Lightning Motorcycles to help me raise the bar and hang on to the title.”

 

“The amazing thing about the Lightning bike, is that it‘s a full-on 180-horsepower electric superbike, faster than a Suzuki GSX-R1000, that anyone can buy – it’s actually in production up in Northern California” added Yates.

 

Amarok and Tracy will be racing the P1A, an advanced electric motorcycle concept demonstrator developed over the past three years.  The P1A boasts a hand crafted aluminum monocoque design that dramatically reduces weight and improves handling.  “The 147kg (325lb) Amarok P1 concept is about making the best handling motorcycle on the planet.  There are electric bikes with much more power, but we want to own the corners.  The 156 turns of Pikes Peak represent to us the best opportunity to prove our core belief that in vehicle design, you can do more with less.” says co-founder Michael Uhlarik.

 

The legendary race is the second oldest motor sports race in the United States behind the Indy 500. With 156 turns over 12.42 miles, sheer drop-offs and an elevation that increases by more than 5,000 feet from the start line to the 14,110-foot summit on a fully-paved public highway, Pikes Peak is the perfect proving ground for the Lightning Electric Superbike, which uses an innovative electric power train to defy the thin, power-sapping Colorado mountain air.

 

About Lightning Motorcycles

Lightning Motorcycles was founded by Richard Hatfield in San Carlos, Calif. in 1999. By 2009, the company had created the Fastest Super Bike in the world and set the land speed record in 2010 at 215.960 mph. The team broke its own record in 2011 with a top speed of 218.637. Since then, Lightning Motorcycles has established its dominance competing and winning in multiple internationally recognized superbike races. The company’s mission is to develop the most innovative competition race bike and use that technology to produce and distribute affordable two wheel electric vehicles to commuter markets worldwide. For additional information, please visit www.lightningmotorcycle.com

 

About Chip Yates

 

Chip Yates is an American inventor, superbike racer, and electric vehicle pioneer whose hair-raising adventures have netted 11 world records in electric vehicles of his own design. Most recently, he designed, built and flew the world’s fastest electric airplane under his company name “Flight of the Century”. He is a frequent motivational speaker and part-time Discovery Channel host who thrives on pushing limits and meeting interesting people. Chip will be on hand in the Lightning Motorcycle booth to chat with race fans during “Fan Fest” in downtown Colorado Springs, scheduled for Friday evening, June 28^th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chip Yates photo courtesy of PPIHC.

 

 

Additional details of Chip’s electric airplane and racing programs are available at: www.flightofthecentury.com  www.yateselectrospace.com  www.chipyates.com  www.youtube.com/chipyates

 

PPIHC Tickets Available Now

Fans of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb can purchase tickets now for the June 30, 2013 race and assure themselves a spot on the Peak for what promises to be the best in the event’s long and storied history.

General admission seats are priced at $40.00 each, and the popular Family Four-Pack is priced at $135.00 when purchased in advance.

Tickets may be purchased on the PPIHC official website: www.ppihc.com

Camping permits, sold on a first-come, first-served basis, are available at $100.00 each.

(Note, PPIHC policy for the Family Four-Pack mandates that all four people must be in one vehicle on race day and each occupant in a vehicle with a camping permit must also have a race ticket.)

Race tickets are required for anyone 10 years of age and older.

Fan Fest, Friday, June 28 (5:00-10:00 p.m.)

Fan Fest is the annual pre-race celebration held in downtown Colorado Springs (Tejon St. between Colorado Ave. & Bijou St.) promoting the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

More than 30,000 fans are expected to attend. This event is FREE and typically features a large Budweiser beer garden, live bands, chili cook-off for the fans.

Downtown business owners Sam and Kathy Guadagnoli will present the Red Bull Jumpers and Skydivers.

Top race qualifiers will display their vehicles (cars, quads, motorcycles, etc.), give driver demos and be present for autograph sessions.  In addition, the PPIHC mobile museum will be on-site and exclusive PPIHC merchandise will be available for purchase. Tickets to the 91st running will also be on sale.

 

Mike Moran

Senior Media Consultant

The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation

1631 Mesa Ave., Suite E

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

(719) 634-7333, ext.1011

mike@thesportscorp.org 

 

Visit Us At: www.coloradospringssports.org

 

 

 

 

AMA Pro Flat Track Expands 2013 Schedule with Addition of Colonial Downs Mile Event on August 24

Henry Wiles on the #17 Lloyd Brothers Motorsports Ducati 'L' twin leads Rob Pearson on the #27 Eaken/Roeder Racing H-D XR750 during one of the qualifying sessions at the Indy Mile during round 10 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season on August 18.

Wiles qualified 11th and Pearson in the 14th-place spot out of the 47 riders who took a qualifying time during the event held in conjunction with the Indiana State Fair.  Both had some of their best finishes of the year later that night, with Wiles coming home in the 4th-place spot, and Pearson in the 7th-place spot, after jumping off of the Eaken/Roeder/Ford XR and riding the Eaken Racing/Dick Ford Kawasaki in the 25-lap National main.

The 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship season was just extended to 15 events today, as AMA Pro Flat Track announced the addition of the Colonial Downs Mile to the schedule on August 24.  The track, primarily a horse racing facility, measures in at just over a mile and should make for some exciting racing for the east coast crowd.

With Wiles returning to the LBM team for the 2013 Twins Series schedule, and Pearson riding for the Weirbach Racing team this season (and debuting the team's new Kawasaki 650R Twins mount this year) the new event on the schedule should make a nice venue for the big bikes to get out and breath!

Thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track for the press release below, where you can check out the particulars on the event and see where to get your tickets for what will be round 12 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship season.

AMA Pro Racing Adds Colonial Downs to 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2013) - Officials from AMA Pro Racing announced today the addition of Colonial Downs to the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles schedule.  The circuit, which measures in at just over a mile, will feature the stars of the rolling thunder show on August 24, 2013 as Round 12 and brings the total number of mile races on the schedule to six.  The race will mark the first time in the storied history of the Grand National Championship that the series will visit Colonial Downs, located in New Kent, Virginia.

 

"We're thrilled to bring our series to the legendary Colonial Downs race track," said Dan Johnsen, Director of AMA Pro Flat Track.  "We are very proud to add a venue of this caliber to our schedule.  Our riders will now have one more opportunity to battle for position in the point standings and also allows us to showcase our magnificent sport to a new market hungry for flat track racing."

 

The AMA Pro Grand National Experts will roll out their twin-engine machines on the last Saturday of August as Colonial Downs is one of the largest dirt tracks in the United States, coming in at 1.25 miles.  The rising stars in the J&P Cycles Pro Singles will have their skills put to the ultimate test in late August aboard their 450cc machines, in a race which will surely come down to the wire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chad Cose #49, Brad Baker #12, JD Beach #95, Luke Gough #62, Jared Mees #9, Johnny Lewis #10 and Jake Johnson #1 lead the front row off to a start in heat race #3 at round 5 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season at the Lima Half-Mile on June 30.  AMA Pro Flat Track announced the addition of another mile event to the schedule today, to be held at the Colonial Downs track in New Kent, VA. on August 24, making the 2013 schedule now 15-total events for the season.  AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Dave Hoenig.

 

 

For tickets and more information regarding the AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles event scheduled for August 24, 2013 at Colonial Downs, please visit http://www.colonialdowns.com/.

 

About AMA Pro Flat Track 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/.

 

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