AMA Pro Flat Track Announces Additions of Delaware & Charlotte Half-Miles to 2015 Grand National Championship Schedule

The 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season just grew by another two rounds as AMA Pro Racing announced late Thursday that two new venues and races had been added to the series' schedule, bringing the total of races for the season to 16 events.

The Delmar, Delaware and Charlotte, NC Half-Miles were announced as new additions to The Rolling Thunder Show's season, of which the Charlotte event is actually a return for the series after having last visited their during the 2000-2002 campaigns. Delmar is a completely new location for the series.

Not only will the GNC1/Expert riders be competing at speed at these new events, but the GNC2/formerly known as Pro Twins riders and teams will also roll out during these events, giving the junior series league riders another opportunity to taste the speed and endurance it takes to compete in the big leagues of the greatest racing series on two wheels in the world. The Delmar round is slotted into the schedule for September 19 while Charlotte will see the series roll into town on August 29.

In the shot above, riders in heat race #1 sit at the ready for the light to turn green to determine the first three direct qualifying spots in round 14 of the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season at the Springfield Mile II on August 31.

Ready to blast off are (L-R) Brad Baker on the #1 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Screamin' Eagle Racing Parts/Dunlop Tire-sponsored factory XR750, Jared Mees on the #9 Rogers Racing/Las Vegas H-D/Blue Springs H-D-backed XR750, eventual heat and event winner Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on the #2 Zanotti Racing/Moroney's H-D/Burt Ives Honda-sponsored XR750, Sammy Halbert on his #7 South East H-D/White's H-D/Specialty Fabrications-backed Kawasaki EX650, Mikey Martin on the #91 Bonneville Performance/Factory Triumph Racing/Castrol Racing-backed Triumph Bonneville 955, and former AMA Grand National #16 and new for 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track director Ronnie Jones on the #74G Harley-Davidson of Salina/Alpinestars/Arai-sponsored Harley-Davidson XR750.

Last week brought some great news to the series not only with the addition of these two great venues, but with the announcement that Harley-Davidson had jumped on board as the title sponsor for the series for the 2015 season.

You can check out the full press releases below thanks to the folks out of Daytona Beach.









AMA Pro Racing announces addition of Delmar, Del., race to the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 19, 2015) - AMA Pro Racing announced today the addition of a Half-Mile race to the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule, which will be held at Delaware International Speedway in Delmar, Del., Sept. 19.   The addition of the "Roar on the Shore," which will coincide with a popular motorcycle rally in nearby Ocean City, Md., brings the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule to 16 total events.   "We're happy to add a new venue to our 2015 schedule, and to return to the state of Delaware," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "Grand National Championship events in Delaware date back to 1975, and with the track's proximity to major population centers and a motorcycle rally in Ocean City, we know this will be a very popular event."   Delaware International Speedway, located just north of the Maryland border and a short trip from Salisbury, Md., will be a new venue for AMA Pro Flat Track.   "We're excited to bring the top flat track riders in the country to Delaware International Speedway," said John Zimmerman, one of the promoters of the event, along with Charlie Cathel, Bob Jones, Cher Zimmerman and Johnny Zimmerman.   AMA Pro Flat Track last raced in Delaware in 2002 when it ran a Half-Mile in Harrington, Del. That event was first run in 1975. The First State has seen wins from legends such as Scott Parker, Jay Springsteen and Steve Morehead. Christopher Hart won the last race held in Delaware, aboard a Harley-Davidson.   Both the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines class and the GNC2 class will be featured at Delmar, and both classes will run twin-cylinder motorcycles.    For more information on Delaware International Speedway, please visit: http://delawareracing.com/DirtTrack/   Every round of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track season will be available live, in high definition and free of charge for fans to watch online at www.FansChoice.tv.

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.

AMA Pro Racing adds the Don Tilley Memorial Charlotte Half-Mile at Charlotte Motor Speedway to 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 19, 2015) - AMA Pro Racing is pleased to announce the addition of a Half-Mile race to be held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., on Aug. 29 to its 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule.   The world-class Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway will play host to the best dirt track riders in the world in an event that will be known as the Don Tilley Memorial Charlotte Half-Mile to honor the Harley-Davidson racing icon. Tilley's storied career started in the 1960s. He led several championship teams including the famous Lucifer's Hammer Battle of the Twins Harley-Davidson with rider Gene Church. Tilley maintains the record as one of the most successful racing builders in AMA history.    "Adding Charlotte to our 2015 schedule is very exciting," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "Not only is the facility top-notch, but its location in the heart of America's racing country means we can expect to see plenty of fans, both new and old. We're also happy to be able to honor someone who had such an imprint on motorcycle racing as Don Tilley."   AMA Pro Flat Track last raced in Charlotte in 2002 in a Half-Mile race won by Kevin Varnes. The two other AMA Pro Flat Track races held in Charlotte were won by Will Davis in 2001 and Mike Hacker in 2000.   "We're excited to bring AMA Pro Grand National flat track racing back to Charlotte," said Steve McLaughlin, of SMI, the company promoting the event. "As we all know, this region of the Carolinas is a world center of racing and there was a real hunger on the part of motorcycle fans to have an AMA Pro Grand National in North Carolina. We're also humbled by the opportunity to get to honor one of the true legends of motorcycling in Don Tilley, my friend for over 40 years. His passing last year left all of us in the motorcycling community mourning and it will be wonderful for fans, family and friends of the Tilleys to be able to come together and not only memorialize a legend, but to also celebrate his life in the way that I'm sure he would have loved."   Both the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines class and the GNC2 class will be featured at Charlotte, and both classes will run twin-cylinder motorcycles.   For more information on the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, visit: http://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/dirt/   A Facebook page for the event can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/DonTilleyMemCharlotteHM   Every round of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track season will be available live, in high definition and free of charge for fans to watch online at www.FansChoice.tv.

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.

AMA Pro Flat Track Announces Hiring of Former National #16 Ronnie Jones to Position of Senior Director of Flat Track

AMA Pro Flat Track announced on late Thursday that they have hired former National #16 and one of the original members of the '79 rookie of the year class, Oklahoman Ronnie Jones to the position of Senior Director of Flat Track. RJ will be taking over the position from Dan Johnsen, who announced his intentions to step aside effective on Friday, February 13. Johnsen had held the position since the beginning of the 2011 season, having taken over from original director Mike Kidd from the late part of the 2008 season after the racing rights to Pro racing had been taken over and purchased by the DMG folks out of Daytona.

RJ was one of the original people who had been interested in the purchasing and running of AMA Pro Flat Track when the rights were sold by AMA/Pickerington, OH. back in 2008, and has done some lengthy promotional work of his own in promoting the OK City Half-Mile as far back as the early '90s. The winner of 10 Nationals over the course of his career, Jones had also recently come out of 'semi-retirement' in late 2013 to compete at the Springfield Mile, where he became the oldest man to earn a spot in the 18-rider National main over the course of the Labor Day weekend doubleheader that season.

In the shot above, RJ and his #74G Harley-Davidson of Salina/Arai/Major League-sponsored H-D XR750 team head out on the track for the rider intros part of the program during round 12 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season at the Springfield Mile II on September 1. Jones made his return to racing at the mecca of speed at the Illinois State Fairgrounds via a 2nd-place finish in his semi, where he went on to card a 17th-place finish, and become the oldest man to earn a spot in a National main at the ripe young age of 52. Jones was sporting the #74G number in honor of his late brother David, who was tragically killed in a racing incident at Louisville Downs in the early '80s, and even after making the field and returning to Springfield in 2014 continued to do so in lieu of earning a regular National number without the state letter behind it.

Of note--Jones was sporting his Garvis Honda Racing leathers from the days in the late'80s and early '90s when he rode for the Des Moines, Iowa-based Honda dealer. Tells you what kind of shape this guy is in to be able to comfortably sport a pair of leathers over two decades old. WOW!

We want to take the time to wish Dan Johnsen the very best in the future, as he did a wonderful job of heading up the Blue Crew of AMA Pro Flat Track over the course of the last four seasons, and was a pleasure to know and to work with over his short time in the 'hot spot' of AMA Pro Flat Track. He will be sorely missed and we appreciate everything he did for the sport and for helping Stu's Shots along the way as well.

And of course we also want to take the time to congratulate Ronnie Jones in his new tenure as Senior Director of AMA Pro Flat Track, and look forward to being able to work with one of my long-time heroes of the sport down the road.

You can check out the full press release below from the folks out of Daytona Beach as we get closer to the new season ahead with Daytona just a little over a month off!

Ronnie Jones named Senior Director of AMA Pro Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  (Feb. 5, 2015) - AMA Pro Racing today announced a leadership change in its Competition department, including the selection of Ronnie Jones to the role of Senior Director of AMA Pro Flat Track. "AMA Pro Racing recently has redoubled its efforts on AMA Pro Flat Track with a focus on celebrating the rich history of dirt track racing while successfully expanding its reach and engaging new fans and partners," said Michael Gentry, chief operating officer of AMA Pro Racing. "Ronnie has been involved in nearly every aspect of the series over the years and has enjoyed success both on the track and through his business ventures. He is a celebrated star of our sport with a keen business sense and is an ideal leader to provide oversight of AMA Pro Flat Track and bring forth a new era of success." In the new role, Jones will provide strategic leadership in all areas of AMA Pro Flat Track and oversight of officiating for the Competition department. Jones, who held National Nos. 74 and 16 at different points during his career, is one of the sport's most recognizable names. He raced full time with the series through the mid-1990s against fierce competition from the likes of Scott Parker, Ricky Graham, Bubba Shobert, Jay Springsteen and Chris Carr, among others. With 10 Grand National Championship main event wins to his credit and hundreds of races under his belt, Jones brings a strong background in key areas of competition to this new role. Off the motorcycle, Jones has enjoyed a successful career as a race promotor and sales and marketing professional. Through his company Arrow Promotions, the Oklahoma native promoted the Oklahoma City Half-Mile for nearly a decade and has worked extensively with 80 active retail Harley-Davidson dealerships.  "We're pleased with the development of our competition team," Gentry said. "Ronnie will work very closely with Steve Morehead and the hard-working event staff to help AMA Pro Racing capitalize upon its strong momentum heading into the 2015 season." The 2015 season begins with a doubleheader at DAYTONA Flat Track March 12 and 13. For tickets and information, please click http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Every round of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track season will be available live, in high definition and free of charge for fans to watch online at www.FansChoice.tv.

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.

AMA Pro Flat Track Announces Thom Duma Fine Jewelers to Return as Official Jeweler of 2015 Grand National Championship

As was announced earlier this week, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers will return as the Official Jeweler of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season. Former AMA Grand National number holder Duma, who raced the GNC circuit starting in the mid-'70s, also will award the 2015 AMA Grand National Champion with a specially made Rolex watch as was gifted to 2014 AMA Grand National Champion Jared Mees in TDFJ's inaugural season as a sponsor last year.

In the shot above, racing gets underway in heat race #1 at the Springfield Mile II during round 14 of the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship at the Illinois State Fairgrounds over the Labor Day weekend as the season winds down.

(L-R) Brad Baker on the #1 Harley-Davidson Motor Company/Screamin' Eagle Racing Parts/Dunlop Tire-sponsored factory Harley-Davidson XR750, Jared Mees on the #9 Rogers Racing/Las Vegas H-D/Blue Springs H-D-backed XR750, Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on the #2 Zanotti Racing/Moroney's H-D/Burt Ives Honda-sponsored XR750, Sammy Halbert on his #7 South East H-D/White's H-D/Racing Unlimited-sponsored Kawasaki EX650, Mikey Martin on the #91 Bonneville Performance/Factory Triumph Racing/Castrol Oil Racing-backed Triumph Bonneville and former National #16 Ronnie Jones on the #74G Harley-Davidson of Salina/Arai/Amsoil-sponsored XR750 blast off the starting line to get The Rolling Thunder Show off to their big start at the mecca of speed in the Illinois State capitol-hosted event.

Former National #26 & 62, Duma has been a big help to the Grand National Championship series with his sponsorship, and has also helped and sponsored the Lloyd Brothers Motorsports team over the course of the last few seasons, both officially and unofficially. Without a major title sponsorship, Duma's help with the awarding of the Grand National Championship prize is a big shot to whomever will capture this year's crown, and is much appreciated by all for his dedication to the sport he has known and loved for decades.

Check out AMA Pro Flat Track's official release below as we also give a big 'thanks' and tip of the helmet to Thom Duma for coming back on board again for the upcoming season. You rock dude!

Thom Duma returns as Official Jeweler of AMA Pro Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  (Jan. 22, 2015) - AMA Pro Racing and Thom Duma Fine Jewelers announced today a renewed exclusive agreement naming the jewelry store as the Official Jeweler of AMA Pro Flat Track for the 2015 season.   The Warren, Ohio-based jeweler, which has been in business for over a century, will award the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion a Rolex Cosmograph wristwatch valued at $12,000. In 2014, Jared Mees won the No. 1 plate and was the recipient of the stunning timepiece.   "We are very excited to continue our partnership with Thom Duma Fine Jewelers," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "Not only do they make beautiful, imaginative jewelry, but they are also fantastic supporters of flat track. Tommy Duma supports many riders and is a fixture in the paddock. His love of the sport is clear, and we're happy to work with him and to be able to award our Grand National Champion with a beautiful Rolex watch."       2014 AMA Grand National Champion is flanked by Thom Duma and AMA Pro Flat Track announcer Scottie Duebler during the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season. AMA Pro Flat Track announced earlier this week that Thom Duma Fine Jewelers will return as the Official Jeweler of the 2015 season after their inaugural season last year. As part of his winning season, Mees was awarded a special Rolex watch from TDFJ for clinching the 2014 championship. AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Dave Hoenig.       Duma has been a part of flat track dating back to 1976 when he raced in the Grand National Championship himself. During a five-year career at the sport's highest level, he sported two national numbers - No. 62 and No. 26. His connection to flat track is personal, and it's even visible in his jewelry. Duma created the "Racer Series" of customizable, flat-track themed jewelry to pay homage to the sport.   "I'm excited to be back as the Official Jeweler of AMA Pro Flat Track for 2015," said Duma, President of Thom Duma Fine Jewelers. "I'm excited to continue building relationships with the racers and their teams and their fans and hopefully become their jeweler as well."   The 2015 season begins with a double header at DAYTONA Flat Track March 12 and 13. For tickets and information, please click here.   Every round of the 2015 AMA Pro Flat Track season will be available live, in high definition and free of charge for fans to watch online at www.FansChoice.tv.

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.

AMA Pro Flat Track Announces Calistoga Half-Mile to Replace Santa Rosa Mile for Round 15 of the AMA Grand National Championship on September 27

In an announcement made late last Friday, AMA Pro Flat Track announced the cancellation of the Santa Rosa Mile at the end of the season, and the Calistoga Half-Mile being moved into it's place on the series calendar for Saturday, September 27. No reason was given for the cancellation of the Santa Rosa event at the time and no word has been received as of yet for the announcement, although Calistoga Speedway should again prove to be a worthy replacement as it did when the series last visited during the 2011 season and year previous.

Just under two months ago, the Sacramento Mile was originally announced as being canceled due to lack of cooperation with the horse racing crowd which ultimately has the final say-so in track operations due to their extensive schedule at the facility. But according to very well-informed resources, the new promoters of the Sacto event did some chemical testing on the track's surface to determine that the calcium chloride used in track prep for the AMA Pro Flat Track events lost the majority of it's concentration within 48 hours after being put down, thusly negating any kind of track alterations that would have an affect on the horses that would run after the event. As a result, Sacto was saved along with the help of a new promoting group headed up by former AMA Superbike pilot and contender, Steve McLaughlin and his SMI promotions.

In the shot above, riders get ready to roll out for heat race #1 during round 3 of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship at the Springfield Mile I on May 25.

(L-R) Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. on the #2 Zanotti Racing/Moroney's H-D/Burt Ives Honda-sponsored H-D XR750, Sammy Halbert on his #7 South East H-D/White's H-D/Specialty Fabrications-backed XR750, Brad Baker on the #1 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Screamin' Eagle Racing Parts/Dunlop-sponsored factory XR750, Doug Lawrence on his #73 Lawrence Racing/Jon Castin Racing/Wieblers Harley-Davidson-sponsored XR, and the oldest man to qualify for a National main event in the history of the series, Ronnie Jones, former National #16 on the #74G USC Racing/Hot Shot Motorworks/James Stevens Racing-backed Kawasaki EX650. Jones still wears #74G in spite of qualifying for the Springfield Mile II last season, to honor his late brother, David, who was tragically killed in a racing event at the Louisville Half-Mile 34 years ago.

You can see the full release below thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track on the cancellation of Santa Rosa and the replacement round at the Calistoga Speedway on September 27.

With the series having the weekend off after last Sunday's Knoxville Half-Mile, next Saturday, June 28 will see the teams and riders head to the Lima Half-Mile for their first return to the track after last year's first-ever rain out at the Allen County Fairgrounds-hosted facility in the 30 years of appearing on the AMA Grand National Championship schedule.

Calistoga Speedway to host AMA Pro Flat Track event in place of canceled Santa Rosa Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (June 20, 2014) - AMA Pro Flat Track is headed to Northern California's wine country and the historic Calistoga Speedway on Saturday Sept. 27, 2014. The weekend was originally slated to have the series visit nearby Santa Rosa, Calif., on Sunday afternoon but AMA Pro will be moving its event over the mountains into Napa Valley, less than 20 miles northeast due to unforeseen circumstances forcing the cancellation of the Santa Rosa Mile.       Jared Mees #9, Sammy Halbert #7, Jake Johnson #1, Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. #2, Matt Weidman #20 and Rob Pearson #27 blast off the line in the Dash for Cash event at the Calistoga Speedway half-mile round of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship on October 1, 2011, the last time the series visited the venue. The round will take the place of the just-announced cancellation of the Santa Rosa Mile this coming September 27. AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Dave Hoenig.         Along with the close proximity to the previous host site for the weekend's races, Calistoga Speedway offers plenty of history and an exciting under-the-lights Saturday-night format for fans to enjoy. Experienced promoters Steve De Lorenzi of SDI Insulation, Terry Otton of Ramspur Winery d.b.a Dirt Trackers LLC. and Chris Morgan of Motorsports Ventures have joined forces to host the event, which will mark the return of AMA Pro Flat Track to the half-mile circuit after a two-year hiatus. Members of the promotion team are also involved with the AMA Pro Flat Track season finale at the L.A. County Fairplex in Pamona, Calif., Oct. 11, 2014.   Fans will be able to watch all the action live on FansChoice.tv, which has provided unprecedented access to flat track racing to people all over the world this season.   The stop at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga, Calif., will take the place of the Santa Rosa Mile at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds as Round 15 on the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule, and the next-to-last event.   "We're thrilled to be returning to historic Calistoga Speedway in the heart of California's wine country," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "We have seen some great racing at the speedway in the past and we're happy to have it host one of the final events of the season when we know there will be plenty on the line for our riders in the championship hunt." California flat track legend Eddie Mulder will serve as the Grand Marshall for the event, which will also feature an extensive vintage race bike display. "After a number of years of success at the Flat Track Finals event at Pomona and with our great working relationship with AMA Pro Racing, my team is excited to sign on to this project with Dirt Trackers LLC to bring back the thrilling spectacle of AMA Pro Flat Track to the beautiful Calistoga Half Mile," said Motorsports Ventures' Morgan. "Calistoga is one of the greatest racing venues in the country and racing there is always in on the edge. We look forward to a great event in September."   AMA Pro Flat Track's last trip to Calistoga in 2011, Jake Johnson won the Grand National Championship main event on his Harley-Davidson by just under two seconds over runner-up Sammy Halbert. In the Pro-Singles class that year, Briar Bauman emerged victorious on his Honda CRF450R, just ahead of Shayna Texter. All four of those riders will look to challenge for a spot in the GNC main event at Calistoga, along with the series' defending champion Brad Baker, Jared Mees, Kenny Coolbeth, Brandon Robinson and other top riders.    How to Watch  FansChoice.tv will be the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Flat Track and AMA Pro Road Racing events in 2014. The site will also provide coverage of IMSA's development and single-make series, and NASCAR's touring and weekly series.   About AMA Pro Flat Track AMA Pro Flat Track 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 2014 schedule consists of 16 rounds on the country's finest flat track courses. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track, please visit 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

Sacramento Mile Resurrected and Will Return to 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Schedule on July 26

In what amounts to an eleventh hour reckoning, AMA Pro Flat Track and the new promoters of the Sacramento Mile have come together to resurrect what is one of the west coast's most popular events and venues.

The announcement was made early this afternoon that a group of people, one of which is former and original AMA Superbike contenders Steve McLaughlin (SMI), have banded together to bring back the Sacramento Mile at the Cal-Expo Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 26. McLaughlin may be best known for competing against the likes of 3-Time AMA Superbike Champion Reg Pridmore back in the late '70s when the class was first started alongside the then premier Formula One class in AMA Pro Road Racing. Since his retirement from the sport, McLaughlin has been involved in sports management and promotions, and this is just another fine example of the types of great shows that the former racer and racing icon can and is able to put together, which makes it doubly-excellent for those west coast fans who were left out in the field when the cancelation of the event was announced several weeks back due to what was thought to be conflicts with the horse racing crowd at Cal-Expo.

Now, without a doubt, fans will get a chance to see if Flyin' Bryan Smith can make it four-in-a-row at the Sacto Mile, and they for one, can thank McLaughlin and AMA Pro Flat Track for being able to put this together. Smith won the 2011 Sacto Mile while riding his own machines as tuned and wrenched by his Father, Barry, on a Moroney's FastHog.com XR-750, and won the last two years running while riding the rocket Kawasaki of the Crosley Radio/Howerton Motorsports team.

In the shot above, riders, mechanics and machines get ready to head out for rider intros at the Springfield Mile II National main event over the Labor Day weekend on September 1 at round 11 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship at the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile oval cathedral of speed.

(L-R) Jake Johnson's #5 Lloyd Brothers Motorsports/Ramspur Winery-sponsored Ducati sits at the ready, alongside Steve Bonsey and former crew chief Ted McDermitt of the #80 Zanotti Racing/RGR-backed XR-750 team. Ronnie Jones' #74G Salina Harley-Davidson-backed XR sits at the ready, while the former holder of the #16 number plate can be seen just behind Greg Crow of Greg Crow Racing (alongside the #61 GCR/Gardner Racing-backed XR of Dustin Crow) wiping his face from the intense heat over the Labor Day weekend in Springfield. And on the far outside can be seen one of the team members of Nichole Cheza-Mees, steadying her #15 Global Products/Harley-Davidson Motor Company-sponsored XR.

You can check out the full press release below thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track, and for all of you west coast fans, be sure to fire off an e-mail to these great folks and thank them and McLaughlin and his SMI company to let them know how stoked you are that they went to this kind of trouble to bring back this great event. Great job and bravo!

Sacramento Mile to Return to California State Fair on July 26, 2014 as part of AMA Pro Flat Track Schedule

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 12, 2014) - Officials from Cal Expo and AMA Pro Racing announced today that the Sacramento Mile will return to the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule. The historic event, which was previously removed from this year's calendar, is back on track to take place at Cal Expo in Sacramento, Calif. on July 26, 2014 with event promotion from SMI.   (Left to right: Rick Pickering - CEO of Cal Expo, Steve McLaughlin - CEO of SMI, Nick Nicora - VP of Ovations Food Services / Partner of Cal Expo) "We're thrilled to be able to get the Sacramento Mile back on the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "The race is always one of the most prominent events on the schedule and I'm really looking forward to watching our riders take to the track at the Cal Expo in late July."   The Sacramento Mile returned to the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule in 2011 after a nine year absence and has once again stamped itself as one of the most exciting events on the Grand National Championship tour. Over the last month, negotiations have been ongoing with the intent of creating a long-term agreement for the event that will honor the history of the Sacramento Mile.   "We are excited to be able to continue the rich tradition of the Sacramento Mile for our region and for AMA Pro fans," said Rick Pickering, CEO of Cal Expo. "We appreciate the leadership and commitment of SMI in stepping forward to take the Sac Mile to the next level of success,"   "The Sacramento Mile has been one of the highlights of the Cal Expo season and we are looking forward to seeing it here for its 100th event," said Nick Nicora, VP of Ovations Food Service. SMI, a company owned and operated by AMA Hall of Famer Steve McLaughlin, will be the event promoter and AMA Pro Racing sanction holder, with event sponsorship, marketing, promotion and advertising handled by Don Henry of Henry Advertising. Lynne H. Saunders will be director of Operations and Dennis Pearson, Dirt Productions will build and maintain the track.   "The Sacramento Mile was a must attend when I was a young AMA Pro racer," said Steve McLaughlin, event promoter. "Cal Rayborn tried to get me on the Mile but as a Road Racer I couldn't understand racing with no brake lever on the right side of the handlebar. We are very close to the event and will be doing our best to get the word out and improve the fan experience as well as value. As a new promoter, my first act will be offering free standing room only tickets to children 12 years old and under, and all other ticket prices for children 12 years old and under will be 50% off. Also, Sacramento Mile attendees that arrive by motorcycle will park for free."

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

AMA Pro Racing Announces SOZO as Official Beverage Sponsor of AMA Pro Road Racing & AMA Pro Flat Track

AMA Pro Racing announced the addition of a new sponsor partner the other day, as SOZO will be joining the ranks of the Daytona Motorsports Group's pro racing associations as the official beverage partner of both AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track. A fairly new player in the North American market, SOZO touts itself as an antioxidant/herbal coffee specialty drink that markets itself in the premium and gourmet brands.

In the shot above, riders battle for the 3rd- and 4th-place spots in heat race 1 at the Springfield Mile I in round 10 of the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship on August 31.

(L-R) Henry Wiles on the #17 Lloyd Brothers Motorsports/Ramspur Winery Harley-
Davidson XR-750, Jeffrey Carver, Jr. on the #23 Kiesow Racing/Eddie Adkins XR-750, Ronnie Jones (former National #16 returning the to sport) on the #74G Salina H-D XR-750, Steve Murray on the #51 KTM North America/Waters Autobody KTM 990 and Briar Bauman on the #14 Monster Energy/Werner-Springsteen Racing Kawasaki go at it for the final two direct transfers to the front two rows in the National main at the Illinois State Fairgrounds mecca of speed.

Of note, Jones returned to the Twins Series class for the first time in years, and although he missed the big show here, the next day he qualified for the Springfield Mile II via his 2nd-place finish in semi #2, which made him the oldest young man to make a National main event in AMA Grand National Championship history at the age of 52 years young. Jones returned to Daytona last month, still sporting the #74G plate, in spite of earning points to regain a National number plate, to honor his late brother David, who was tragically killed in a racing accident at the Louisville Downs Half-Mile in 1980.

With the series scheduled to resume at the Springfield Mile I on May 25 for round 3 of the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season, there is now less then five weeks left before we get to hear the bikes roar down the track for the first Twins Series event of the season.

You can check out the official press release below from AMA Pro Racing to read more about SOZO, the new beverage sponsor for this season, and if you are a coffee drinker, as I am, you might want to check them out at Springfield at the end of next month.

SOZO Named Official Beverage Partner of AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 15, 2014) - AMA Pro Racing and SOZO MotorSports announced today an exclusive agreement naming SOZO as the Official Beverage Partner of AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track for the 2014 season. SOZO's healthy, 100% all-natural products are powered by CoffeeBerry® extract from whole coffee fruit. SOZO is a Greek term meaning health, rejuvenation, and wholeness, and it is these qualities that the company brings to life.   SOZO MotorSports will be on site at select AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track events to give out samples from the SOZO line of beverages, which are full of antioxidants and powerful wide-ranging nutrients. The company will also award one lucky sweepstakes winner with a custom 2014 Suzuki GSX-R600 at the conclusion of the 2014 season. Full details about the sweepstakes will be provided in the coming weeks.      "We would like to welcome SOZO to the AMA Pro Racing family of partners," said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. "SOZO's core values of providing a quality product, creating new, exciting opportunities and building a successful team mirror our goals as a company, and we're excited to begin working with them."           Corey Alexander on the #5 Celtic/HVMC Racing Suzuki GSX-R600 leads the field during one of the AMA Pro SuperSport Series events at Daytona last month. AMA Pro Racing announced last week that SOZO will be the official beverage partner of AMA Pro Road Racing and AMA Pro Flat Track for the 2014 season. AMA Pro Road Racing photo by Brian J. Nelson.         A group of SOZO distributors -- and passionate motorsports enthusiasts -- recently came together to form SOZO MotorSports. After experiencing the rush of the DAYTONA 200 Week in March, the group decided to partner with AMA Pro Racing to further their mission of building relationships with others to help spread the word and share in the SOZO opportunity.     "SOZO Global is extremely excited to be working with the SOZO MotorSports organization and the incredible team they have brought together with AMA Pro Racing," said Mark Adams, CEO of SOZO.  "AMA Pro Racing is the premier motorcycle racing series in North America and we can't think of a better way to introduce SOZO Ignite® and SOZO Select® coffee to the racing world than through the extreme speeds and riding of AMA Pro racers.  We look forward to being track side and in the pit with our line of high energy, all natural Coffee Berry products."     The 2014 AMA Pro Road Racing season will resume its season on May 30 - June 1, 2014 when the series heads to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.roadamerica.com/buy-tickets/superbike-doubleheader-ama-pro-racing.html.   The 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track season will resume its season on May 25, 2014 when the series heads to Springfield, Ill. for the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.illinoismda.com/.  How to Watch: FansChoice.tv will be the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Flat Track and AMA Pro Road Racing events in 2014. The site will also provide coverage of IMSA's development and single-make series, and NASCAR's touring and weekly series.      About SOZO MotorSports:   SOZO MotorSports is a team of independent distributors who promote and sell SOZO Life products.  SOZO's healthy, 100% all-natural products are powered by CoffeeBerry® extract from whole coffee fruit.  With a higher antioxidant value than any other fruit or vegetable, CoffeeBerry® has incredible benefits to the mind and body.  In addition to offering SOZO's powerful line of products, SOZO MotorSports is actively building relationships with others to help spread the word and share in the SOZO opportunity.  For more information visit www.sozomotorsports.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