Jared Mees Goes 4-For-4 in Winning 2012 ICE Speedway Series Round at Bloomington, IL on January 21

Jared Mees talks with the ICE Speedway Series announcer after winning his fourth main event of the 2012 season at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, IL. on Saturday, January 21.  The 3-Time and defending ICE Series Champ took his #1 Honda to the win in front of an enthusiastic crowd at round 4 of the ICE Speedway Series season in the Manufacturers Cup Bike class ahead of runner-up Kevin Anderson #11 on his Honda and 3rd place finisher Jake Mataya #29 on his Kawasaki. 

The Jammer won both of his heat races to go along with his main event win in a field filled with several AMA Pro Flat Track regulars, including Rob Pearson, Justin Hittle and Brandon Robinson, to further his grip on the 2012 Manufacturers Cup Championship.  Anderson, the '09 ICE Series Champion, had a good night as well in winning his first heat and coming in second to fellow-Minnesota resident Mataya in his other heat.  Mataya also won both of his heats on the evening.

Eighteen riders showed up at the downtown Bloomington arena to take in the action on the ice in front of a crowd estimated at 3500 in attendance.  In a tightly run program and an exciting show, ICE President Brent Densford and his wife Tiffany helped to put together a great night for everyone to enjoy, and few delays were seen throughout the evening.  This is one show that doesn't give you much time to lounge around or take a break, as other then an occassional Zamboni break to work on the ice, would see racing run back-to-back throughout the evening's event.
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One of the heat races on the evening shows eventual main event runner-up Kevin Anderson #11 leading Kirk Cheney #15, with AMA Flat Track regular Justin Hittle #81 and former AMA Grand National competitor and Clermont, IN.'s Dan Ingram #22 trying to keep them honest.  Ingram made the trip over with his father, Sam, also a former flat track competitor from back in the '70s.

Ingram is in the process of trying to gain enough points in the AMA Pro Flat Track Pro Singles Series and also in Steve Nace's DuQuoin indoor series to get his Expert license again.  He's hoping to be able to hit the track at the first Expert Twins Series event of the season at the Memorial Day Weekend Springfield Mile. 

Dan had a rough go of it in Bloomington, though.  Finishing 4th in his first heat, he was forced to borrow a competitor's bike to run his second heat when his mount wouldn't fire.  He ended up 4th in that second heat and failed to make the main event.

Believe it or not tidbit for the night--Ingram is still wearing the same leathers he wore when competing in the AMA Grand National Championship Series in the early '90s when he was injured at the Springfield Mile.
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Another one of the evening's exciting heat races has Brandon Robinson #44 battling with Tom McGrane #99, Jay Maloney #21 and Austin Greenland #31.  BRobb44 had a night he would just as soon forget, falling behind to 4th in this and his other heat, failing to make the main.  Hopefully luck will turn around for the personable Pennsylvania resident and '08 AMA Pro Expert Twins Champ when the series hits his home state on February 4 for the final round of the season at Johnstown, PA.
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Bryan McKenna #19 leads Jake Mataya #29, Mark Cheza #16 and another AMA Pro Flat Track regular, Brandan Bergen #26 during this heat race.
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Morton, IL. resident Rob 'Bugs' Pearson #27 made the short jaunt from his home to take in some of the night's racing at Bloomington.  Here he tried to get the jump on eventual winner Mees #1 in their heat race, with Derek Hersh #18 keeping them in sight.  The new Memphis Shades-signee for the 2012 GN season carded a 3rd and a 2nd place in his heat races, and went on to make the main with a 3rd place finish in the LCQ race.  He eventually finished 5th in the main event for the Manufacturers Cup Bikes.
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The atmosphere is much more casual in the pit area of the ICE Series races then what you would see at an AMA Grand National race.  Here Mark Cheza, Jared Mees and Tom McGrane wait for their next race to get some more sliding in on the ice.  The #15 machine of Kirk Cheney sits on the far left side of the shot.
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The eight-man LCQ race looked pretty wild as the riders entered turn one for their last chance to make the final.  Rob Pearson #27 takes the outside line around a field that included Austin Greenland #31 (LCQ winner), Jay Maloney #21 (LCQ runner-up), Tom McGrane #99, Bryan McKenna #19, Sammy Wiggins #56, Derek Hersh #18 and Jason Mott #75.
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Saturday 1/21/12

Results compiled by: Dustin Speed

US Cellular Coliseum – Bloomington, IL

Round 4 - 36^th Annual World Championship ICE Racing Series Results

Manufacturers Cup Bikes:

Heat 1:

1-Tom McGrane #99

2-Austin Greenland #31

3-Jay Maloney #21

4-Brandon Robinson #44

Heat 2:

1-Kevin Anderson #11

2-Kirk Cheney #15

3-Justin Hittle #81

4-Dan Ingram #22

Heat 3:

1-Jake Mataya #29

2-Bryan McKenna #19

3-Mark Cheza #16

4-Brandon Bergen #44

Heat 4:

1-Sammy Wiggins #56

2-Jason Mott #75

3-Ben Knight #85

Heat 5:

1-Jared Mees #1

2-Derek Hersh #18

3-Rob Pearson #27

Heat 6:

1-Jay Maloney #21

2-Jason Mott #75

3-Justin Hittle #81

4-Mark Cheza #16

Heat 7:

1-Austin Greenland #31

2-Sammy Wiggins #56

3-Tom McGrane #99

4-Ben Knight #85

Heat 8:

1-Jake Mataya #29

2-Kevin Anderson #11

3-Bryan McKenna #19

4-Brandon Robinson #44

Heat 9:

1-Kirk Cheney #15

2-Rob Pearson #27

3-Derek Hersh #18

Heat 10:

1-Jared Mees #1

2-Brandon Bergen #44

3-Dan Ingram #22 (ran #16 due to bike non-start)

LCQ:

1-Austin Greenland #31

2-Jay Maloney #21

3-Rob Pearson #27

4-Tom McGrane #99

5-Bryan McKenna #19

6-Sammy Wiggins #56

7-Derek Hersh #18

8-Jason Mott #75

Main Event:

1-Jared Mees #1

2-Kevin Anderson #11

3-Jake Mataya #29

4-Tom McGrane #99

5-Rob Pearson #27

6-Jay Maloney #21

7-Kirk Cheney #15

8-Austin Greenland #31

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In the final event of the evening, eight riders jet off  the line at the drop of the flag in the Manufacturers Cup Bike main event.  Austin Greenland #31, Jake Mataya #29 and Kirk Cheney #15 get the jump on eventual winner Jared Mees #1 as Rob Pearson #27, Tom McGrane #99, Jay Maloney #21 and Kevin Anderson #11 launch off of the second row.
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Jared Mees #1 gets the inside line going into turn one with Kirk Cheney #15 and Austin Greenland #31 spreading out and leading the rest of the pack in the Manufacturers Cup Bike final.
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By the time the pack is coming out of turn two, Mees has the edge on the rest of the field and went on to sail to the victory.  Racing is much tighter on the indoor track then what it appears from the shot and the adrenaline level is high with not only the racers, but the crowd on hand as well.
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Later this week we will be doing another story on our trip over to Bloomington that will include some of the action in the Outlaw Quads class featured in the ICE Series.  Stay tuned, but in the meantime you can check out some other info on the ICE Speedway Series.  I highly recommend putting one of these events on your calendar, you will NOT be disappointed!

And a tip of the helmet and a big thanks go out to Brent and Tiffany Densford for putting on a super show in Bloomington and for letting Stu's Shots be a part of a great night!


You can keep up with ICE Speedway events here via their official site below.  Round 5 of the season wraps up the shortened 2012 schedule on February 4 at the Cambria War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, PA. at 7:30 P.M. EST. 

http://icespeedway.com/cgi-bin/newsv/eventsv.cgi

Follow ICE Speedway via Twitter:

http://twitter.com/icespeedway

And check out some past video action from ICE Speedway at the U.S. Cellular Arena in Bloomington, IL. here thanks to MXPTV.com:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQY4yW7Zl20
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AMA Flat Track: Chad Cose Set to Start Own Team for '12 Grand National Championship Series Season

Chad Cose on the #49 M.E.H.Corp/Arlen Ness/Bell/Waters Auto Body-sponsored Honda CRF450R rolls it on out of turn 5 heading onto the main straight during practice for round 14 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series stop at the Peoria TT on August 21.  The California rider qualified in the 14th spot out of the 39 riders that took a qualifying time, just over .5 second behind fast man Henry Wiles.  Chad went on to finish 6th in his heat, and had to race his way into the main event via the semi race, which he won over P.J. Jacobsen and Jeffrey Carver, punching his ticket to the National main event, where he finished a disappointing 18th.

Cose has shown he has the stones to run up front in The Rolling Thunder Show, setting fast time at the 2010 Gas City Short Track round, and qualifying 2nd at both the '10 & '11 Springfield Short Track rounds.  Finishing the 2011 season ranked in the 18th overall spot, his best finish of the year came at the Daytona Short Track II round (8th place) with finishes of 10th at the Springfield TT and 11th at the DuQuoin Indoor Short Track rounds, while qualifying for 9 of the series' 20 events for the year.

For the 2012 season, Cose will be going it alone after running for the Waters Auto Body team the last couple of seasons, riding their KTM machines in the Twins Series.  One big step in place for the West Coast rider is he has purchased Jimmy Wood's 2011 Kawasaki 650R-based twin for the Twins Series (and you can read more of that at Tyler Porter's Fight For Dirt Track with link below in press release.)  C.R.C. Racing will kick off in Daytona on March 15 & 16 for the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Series with hopes of moving up in the standings from the previous season. 

We wish Chad all the best of luck for the upcoming season and you can check out his full press release below.
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Press release courtesy of Chad Cose Racing

January 23, 2012

AMA Grand National Championship racer Chad Cose has taken on the task to field his own team for the 2012 AMA Grand National Flat Track race season. The official team name will be C.R.C Racing and will compete in both the Twins and Singles classes.

 

This will be Cose's 4th season as a Grand National rider and is currently ranked 18th in the country among the top riders in the sport. When asked about opting to field a new team Cose had this to say, " I am very excited about doing my own deal this year. With the way the economy has been the last few years there isn't much money out there and that means teams have little to no budget to go racing.

 

"Teams are cutting back and most guys out there are paying to get on a bike. I felt it would be beneficial to myself as well my sponsors to start C.R.C Racing and build it for years to come. I have had many great supporters through the years and plan to bring all my resources together to make it happen".

 

Bringing in 6 AMA amateur national titles, a pro sport AMA national title and a second place AMA basic expert twins national title, he has come off his best season to date finishing 18th overall in the AMA championship standings but coming up short of the results he set out to accomplish.

 

"I didn't have the best season in 2011 but I'm taking the highs and lows to gain knowledge to put forth to the 2012 season. Starting my own team will allow me to have a lot more input in the way I want my bikes and actually what bikes I'll be on in general.  I will be running Honda 450s in the Singles class and Kawasaki 650s in the Twins class. 

 

"Having a team also allows me to understand the business and marketing standpoint of racing better which will only help my career".

The AMA Grand National Flat Track schedule consists of 19 races covering each coast of the country and many places in between.  The season kicks off in Daytona Beach, Florida for it's traditional double header March 15th & March 16th. The conclusion of the series will be in Pomona, California October 13th.

 

To become a partner or follow the progress of C.R.C Racing and Chad Cose you can find news, updates and race results on the sources below.

 

"I would also like to thank all the great people on board C.R.C Racing for the 2012 season".

 

ChadCose.com

Follow Chad Cose on Twitter

Or follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chad-Cose/238684089543217

 

 

2012 Sponsors:

C.R.C Racing, VC Graphix, American Supercamp, Oakland H-D, Saddlemen, Amped Apparel, Bell Helmets, G2 Ergonomics, Eddie & Jodi Mulder, Arlen Ness, Digger Helm, Fightfordirttrack.com, O'Neal, Spider Grips, Team Slideways, Top One Oil, Lightshoe, Utopia Optics, Race Image, Motion Pro, Web Cams, A&A Racing, CP Pistons

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Bill Werner Supplying Kawasaki KX450Fs for Brad Baker to Race 2012 Steel Shoe Fund Ice Race on January 22, Baker's First-Ever Ice Race

Team owners Bill Werner and Jay Springsteen talk with rider Shaun Russell during a break in the on-track action at the Peoria TT on August 21 during round 14 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series.  Russell had a trio of Werner Springsteen/Monster Energy Kawasaki/Wossner Pistons/Motion Pro-sponsored KX450Fs to choose from for the day, and made the best of what the 13-time AMA Grand National Championship winning tuner had to offer by qualifying 23rd out of the 39 riders that showed up to race at the iconic facility. 

Russell would go on to finish 5th in his heat, making him have to race his way into the National main out of the semi, where he finished a very close 3rd behind winner Aaron King and runner-up Brad Baker, and would end the day with a hard fought 11th place finish in the final event of the day at the Peoria Motorcycle Club-sponsored race.

2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Baker reported early today that he was flying out of Portland heading to Wisconsin to contend Sunday's 3 Hour Steel Shoe Fund Ice Race aboard Werner-prepared Kawasakis for the Wisconsin event. 

And in what is being reported as the worst-kept secret in AMA Pro Flat Track, Baker's tuner for the 2012 season, Kenny Tolbert, will be on-hand to take in the event as well.  So, does this mean the rumors have been true, that Baker will race Kawasakis for Tolbert in the 2012 season?  This is big news if that is the case, so stay tuned as the 2012 flat track season begins to unwind and The Bullet hits the track this weekend for his first time racing on ice.

You can check out the event particulars below.
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2012 3 Hour Steel Shoe Fund Ice Race flyer courtesy of Steel Shoe Fund.org
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You can find out more about this Sunday's 3 Hour Steel Shoe Fund Ice Race in Campbellsport, WI. here via their official site:

http://www.steelshoefund.org/home.html
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AMA Flat Track: Cory Texter & RLT Racing Set for Full Schedule in 2012 Season

Cory Texter gets ready to roll out for his first practice session of the day at round 11 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series at the I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, MI. on July 23 as the first practice session ends for another group of riders.

After both practice and qualifying sessions were over, C-Tex had qualified his #65 Lancaster H-D/Screamin Eagle/Herrs/Invisible Glass-sponsored XR750 with a time of 23.087, good enough for 36th overall out of the 48 riders who made the cut of the 51 who took a qualifying shot for the day.  Like finishes of 12th in both his heat and semi races kept him out of the 18 rider National main event at the 4th half-mile event of the season.

Running a limited schedule in the '11 season, Cory scored a 16th place finish at round 8 in Hartford, MI. for his only National main appearance of the year, but not for want of trying.  This young man has the talent and the ability to mix it up, and with his plans for 2012 released the other day to include running the full schedule for the season should help him along to be better poised to make some more main events for the upcoming year. 

You can read his and RLT Racing's official press release below.
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Press release courtesy of Cory Texter and RLT Racing


Cory Texter/RLT Racing Ready for 2012 Season

January 18, 2012


Cory Texter and the RLT Racing team are excited for the 2012 season to start. After doing a limited schedule last year, Texter will be competing in the entire AMA Grand National Series this year. Texter had a very up and down 2011. He seems to think the inexperience in running his own program for this first time had a lot to do with it. “It was the first year we did everything by ourselves and the first year racing since our Dad passed away. We had some good days, but I got worn out really quick and I wasn’t having as much fun as I had hoped to. The budget got tight but we kept digging, and as a team, we finished out the season strong.”

This season, Texter is backed in both the singles and twins series. Englehart R&T will be backing Cory in the singles series for the 2012 season. Tom Englehart has a lot of knowledge and experience in dirttrack racing. He is supplying Cory with a stable of motorcycles and has been giving a lot of mental support to him as well. “I rode for Tom at a pro-am deal in Ohio this year and we worked very well together and had a lot of fun. He is one of the smartest guys I have ever met and for him to be helping me out means so much. We just started testing the bikes, but they have a lot of potential and having Tom there to work on them is just awesome.” Texter will also have the option of riding his own RLT Racing Honda as well.

Tom Englehart had this to say, “Englehart R&T is very proud to be supporting Cory and RLT Racing this season. Cory has a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and passion for life, and this comes through in his racing. Cory and I had some instant success this past fall, so it was an easy decision to provide support for his 2012 program. This season we are not going to be boxed in with any constraints, we are going to do what works and that means what works best for Cory. I am looking forward to building a very strong program with RLT Racing for the 2012 season.”

For the twins series, Texter is getting support from Dave Miller at Mad Hog Cycle in Pine Bluff, AR. Cory will ride the Mad Hog Cycle XR750 at select races and Dave will be housing the RLT Racing XR 750′s and fine tuning them throughout the season. Cory stated, “I rode for Dave at the Savannah race last month and I didn’t know what to expect. The bike was really fast and we just clicked. Dave has a lot of confidence in me and my abilities and we have set some goals for this season that I would have never thought were reachable until we started working together. He has already made the RLT Racing XR 750′s a lot better than they have been for a few years now and he has taken a lot of pressure off me by allowing me to just focus on racing.”

Dave Miller commented on being part of Cory’s program. “I am very pleased to be part of the team; Cory has shown himself to be a very dedicated professional with a deep passion for our sport. I will be doing everything I can to ensure he has a fast, reliable bike for the season. Cory will ride the Mad Hog Cycle XR 750 at all of the cushion tack events and I will prepare the RLT XR 750’s for the hard surface tracks. Cory has impressed me with his dedication to winning and we have been having fun preparing for the 2012 season.”

The team is again being sponsored by Herr Foods, Invisible Glass, Alpinestars, Bob Hilbert Sportswear, Metro Racing, Lancaster Honda, Arai, Spectro, Muscle Milk, Wiseco, Motion Pro, All Balls Racing, Scott USA, Fluidyne, Hinson, Saddlemen, Wurth USA, G2 Ergo, EBC Brakes, PMP Sprockets, K&N, Matrix Racing Concepts, ISC Racer’s Tape, Works Connection, with new sponsors to the team Kunzler Foods, Two Brothers Racing, Amped Apparel, West Coast Hot Shoes & Falicon.

Shayna Texter will be contending the 2012 pro singles series. Her plans are still being sorted out, but RLT Racing will be there all season to help her achieve her goal of winning the 2012 Pro Singles Championship in any way they can. She finished off the 2011 year strong becoming the first female to win at the grand national stage in AMA history, and also backed it up with a 2nd place at the Calistoga round. Stay tuned for more information on Shayna and her new sponsors in coming weeks.


About RLT Racing:

RLT Racing was started in 2010 by Cory & Shayna Texter. It is named after their father and biggest fan, Randy Lee Texter. He passed away in August, 2010. Randy was a past AMA Professional Dirttrack and Road Racer and was named the AMA Sportsman of the Year in 2010. The team is owned and operated by the brother/sister duo.

Cory is a multi-time amateur national champion and races with the #65 in the AMA Grand National Expert class. Shayna is a past AMA Female Athlete of the Year and in 2011, she was the first female to win an AMA Grand National event. She contends in the AMA Pro Singles class with the #25a.

About Englehart R&T:


Englehart Research and Technology is located in Zanesville, Ohio. All motorcycles are Honda powered and exclusively use Durelle and J&M Racing Products along with RHC components.

About Mad Hog Cycle Racing:


Mad Hog Cycle Racing is run by Dave Miller from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In addition to Dave, the team receives insight from AMA Flattrack Hall of Fame member, Sammy Tanner. It is also supported by Jerry & John Kocinski and Steve & Robbie England.
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You can keep up with Cory Texter and RLT Racing here via these sites.

Cory Texter official:

http://corytexter.com/wordpress/

RLT Racing/Lancaster H-D:

http://lancasterhd.com/

RLT Racing on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/RLT-Racing/211216595632058

And here is Cory's profile thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track:

http://amaproracing.com/ft/riders/rider.cfm?did=3399
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Kolkman & Bonsey Take Wins in Round 1&2 of Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track Series in Vegas

Kayl Kolkman muscles his #42E Kawasaki Simi Valley/MEH Corp/Troy Lee Designs/Barnett-sponsored KX450F during practice for round 14 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series at the Peoria TT on August 21.  The California resident missed the cut for the National main after qualifying 34th out of the 39 riders on hand, and 10th place finishes in his heat and semi race that kept him out of the 19 rider main event.  He did however qualify for both the Salinas TT and the Springfield Short Track to earn himself a full National number for the upcoming 2012 season, so he will be able to drop the 'E' from his number plate.

Kolkman started the 2012 season off strong by winning his heat and the Open Class 'A' Main over the weekend at the South Point Casino rounds of Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track Series, taking home the win in round 1 on Friday the 13th over a field that consisted of both Halbert Brothers and Brad Baker out of Washington State, Mikey Rush, Brandan Bergen and '10 AMA Pro Flat Track Pro Singles Champion Jeff Carver.

You can check out some video action below of Kayl taking home a heat race win over the weekend at the South Point rounds thanks to Miriam Deitcher and her Flat Track Live from Facebook and YouTube.
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Steve Bonsey on the George Mack-prepped #80 MDR Racing/Alpinestars/Arai/Rod Lake-sponsored Honda CRF450R starts to clear out in front of a pack of riders during the National main event of round 7 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series at the Springfield TT in late May.  Bonsey sailed home to a 4th place finish on the day in only one of six National main appearances on the season while running a limited schedule.  Trying to keep the former AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year in sight are #49 Chad Cose, #28 Shaun Russell, #39 Matt Burton and #20 Matt Weidman.

Bonsey was another National number holder who made the trip to Las Vegas over the weekend to take part in the WCFTS rounds at the South Point Casino.  Riding a Dave Zanotti-prepped Zanotti Racing Honda CRF450R, Bonsey missed the main on Friday night after coming home 3rd in the Trophy Dash behind Sammy Halbert and Friday's 'A' main winner, Kayl Kolkman. 

But he turned it around with a win in the 'A' main on Saturday, besting Kolkman, Mikey Rush, Jethro Halbert and Brad Baker.  Congrats to the Salinas, CA. resident for turning it around on Saturday night!
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Brad Baker is shown just before rider intros at round 7 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series at the Springfield TT on May 30, as former National #23 Kevin Atherton rolls the soon-to-be Rookie of the Year's #12 EBC Brakes/Arai/CP Carillo-sponsored Honda CRF450R out to the starting line.  Baker would go on to bring home a 9th place finish on the day after a third row start. 

The Bullet made the trip to Las Vegas for the first two rounds of Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track Series at the South Point Casino, and came away with a 2nd place finish on Friday the 13th and a 5th place finish on Saturday night.  His bike broke in the heat race on Saturday, so Baker was forced to qualify for the 'A' main by racing the semi, LCQ and 'B' main in order to make the field.
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Round 1/Friday January, 13-Open Class 'A' Main results

1. Kayl Kolkman, Ventura, CA
2. Brad Baker, Chehalis, WA
3. Mike Rush, Gilroy, CA
4. Sam Halbert, Graham, WA
5. Jake Mataya, Blaine, MN
6. Jethro Halbert, Graham, WA
7. Jimmy Monaco, Modesto, CA
8. Brandan Bergen, Caruthers, CA
9. Smokin Joe Winston, Laguna Hills, CA
10. Ryan Foster, Sunnyvale, CA
11. Brady Mueller, Port Orchard, WA
12. Bailey Fox, Graham, WA
13. Kris Bunch, Fresno, CA
14. Jeff Carver, Alton, IL
15. Eric Rickman, Orting, WA

Round 2/Saturday, January 14-Open Class 'A' Main results

1. Stevie Bonsey Salinas, CA
2. Kayl Kolkman Ventura, CA
3. Mike Rush Gilroy, CA
4. Jethro Halbert Graham,
5. Brad Baker Chehalis, WA
6. Brady Mueller Port Orchard, WA
7. Bailey Fox Graham, WA
8. Sam Halbert Graham, WA
9. Jimmy Wood Redlands, CA
10.  Brandan Bergen Caruthers, CA
11.  Shawn Raggio Stockton, CA
12.  Jeff Carver Alton, IL
13.  Scott Baker Eatonville, WA
14.  Jake Mataya Blaine, MN
15.  Ryan Foster Sunnyvale, CA


Vintage Flat Tracker (VFT.org) posted some pictures from Friday and Saturday's rounds 1&2 at the South Point Casino in Las Vegas.  As of this posting on 1/16/12 they were right at the top of the page.  You may have to scroll down as time goes on to get to them, but they are marked clearly for this first round of events for the WCFTS 2012 season:

http://www.vft.org/

Miriam Deitcher who runs the Facebook Flat Track Live page, posted a few videos from the weekend's festivities at South Point in Vegas.  Check them out below on YouTube!

Steve Bonsey's 'A' main win for round 1 of Gene Romero's West Coast Flat Track Series from Saturday, January 14:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EixKhzhO_4

Kayl Kolkman's heat race win at South Point in Vegas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXqayhmWmtM&context=C36e5742ADOEgsToPDskKc8swkXGJ5TqOFF-8OH7VI

(Note-there are a few other videos that Miriam has posted from Vegas on YouTube that you can check out along the right side column.)

And you can keep up with what is going on in the world of flat track racing here via Miriam's Flat Track Live on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/FlatTrackLive

And here is Gene's official site for the WCFTS:

http://wcfts.com/
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'93 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz to be Featured Guest at Daytona AMA Hall of Fame Fundraising Breakfast

'93 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz' Lucky Strike Suzuki RGV500 sits on display inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum in December 2009 on loan from the Texas resident.  The machine had been in storage in the champion's home state until before the 2nd Annual Indianapolis RedBull MotoGP round in August 2009, when Schwantz reportedly pulled it out of mothballs to have it restored to riding condition.

The former champ and current Schwantz Schools head man then had it on hand for the weekend's festivities at Indy in order to please the crowd with some 'demo' laps at the historic World Capital of Racing. After turning several laps on one of the greatest 2-stroke machines in World Championship history, the machine was cleaned up and put on display at the IMS Museum for several months in their motorcycle racing area display.

Schwantz will be hosting another weekend of his Schwantz Schools at Indy in August 2012, but several months before that he will be the guest of honor at Daytona in March '12 for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame's fundraising breakfast. 

You can read the full press release below.
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Press release courtesy of the American Motorcyclist Association & the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame


24th Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Fundraising Breakfast at Daytona International Speedway


With Special Guest, '93 World Champion Kevin Schwantz


PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that 1993 World Roadracing Champion Kevin Schwantz will be the featured guest at its annual Breakfast at Daytona fundraiser, set for the Friday of Bike Week, March 16, at the Daytona 500 Club in the infield of Daytona International Speedway.

Tickets are available for $75, with all proceeds supporting the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. For more information or to register, please call (614) 856-2222, ext. 1234, or click here:

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5hlf82pad25d678.

Native Texan Schwantz, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, rocketed to prominence as one of America’s best roadracers during the mid-1980s. By the end of the decade, Schwantz had moved to international competition in the 500cc Grand Prix World Championships.

He was a perennial top rider in that series and won the world championship in 1993. During his Grand Prix racing career, Schwantz racked up 25 500cc GP victories, putting him second all-time among American riders.

“Kevin Schwantz stands among America’s greatest motorcycle racers, and holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a generation of racing fans,” said Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises funds for the Hall of Fame.

“We’re honored that one of the Hall of Fame’s most decorated members is joining us at our annual Breakfast at Daytona fundraiser and will provide a first-hand perspective on his world-championship career, and the people and companies that he worked with along the way.”

Schwantz, who today runs the Schwantz School for performance motorcycle rider training at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Road Atlanta, said he’s excited to share stories of his successful career — and take audience questions — at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona.

“While today my focus is on creating better, safer riders through the Schwantz School, my passion has always been competition at the highest level,” Schwantz said. “The Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a great institution, and it will be great to revisit stories from the past with true enthusiasts at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona on the infield of one of the world’s most famous racetracks.”

The Breakfast at Daytona also includes a silent auction of unique items related to the Hall of Fame, and an autograph session with Schwantz and other Motorcycle Hall of Famers.


About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation:


Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport.  The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
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AMA Road Racing: Tickets Now On Sale for M1 Promoted Events at Road Atlanta, Homestead & New Orleans

Tickets for all Three 2012 Big Kahuna AMA Pro Road Racing Events are Now Available at M1 PowerSports' Online Store

A press release issued by M1 Powersports, promoters of the AMA Pro Road Racing Big Kahuna Events: DENVER, Colo. (January 10, 2012) - M1 PowerSports is excited to announce that ticket packages, hospitality offerings and camping rates have been posted to all-new event pages on the M1 PowerSports website for the 2012 Big Kahuna Triple Crown. Each event page also includes information on military, college and group discount offers that are available for each of next season's Big Kahuna-themed AMA Pro Road Racing events, which will be held at Road Atlanta (April 20 - 22, 2012), Homestead-Miami Speedway (September 21 - 23, 2012) and NOLA Motorsports Park (October 5 - 7, 2012). Tickets start as low as $20, and every ticket includes free paddock access and car or motorcycle parking. In addition to the previously announced single, 2-day and 3-day ticket packages that were available as part of the M1 PowerSports' Sweet Elf'n Deal, fans can now purchase the Big Kahuna Triple Crown Pass, which includes admission to all three 2012 Big Kahuna events, plus VIP parking, official event programs and a special Big Kahuna souvenir from each event. Fans that want to get in on the action can pick up parade lap passes or lock in tent and RV camping spots, and for those that want to get the absolute most out of their at-track experience, several exclusive hospitality experiences are available. The high-end Big Kahuna Pit Box Suites and Big Kahuna Event Center Suites will be offered exclusively at Homestead-Miami Speedway and NOLA Motorsports Park, respectively, while the Big Kahuna Cabana Pass - an all-new cost-effective ticket and hospitality package - will be available at each event. The Big Kahuna Cabana Pass includes admission for all three days of on-track activity, free paddock access, VIP parking (where available) and a copy of the official event program. In a special hospitality area reserved exclusively for Big Kahuna Cabana Pass holders, fans can catch every second of racing action on closed-circuit televisions while enjoying snacks and appetizers. Complimentary beverages, including bottled water, lemonade, iced tea and energy drinks, will be offered alongside a cash bar serving beer, wine and soda. The family-friendly environment is something the entire family will enjoy, and reduced Cabana Pass prices are available for Little Kahunas (children aged 5 - 12). There are only a limited number of Cabana Pass tickets available for each round, so act fast to reserve your spot by heading to www.m1powersports.com today. For tickets and information about the Big Kahuna Atlanta, scheduled for April 20 - 22, 2012 at Braselton, Ga.'s Road Atlanta, visit http://www.m1powersports.com/big-kahuna-atlanta. For tickets and information about the Big Kahuna Miami, scheduled for September 21 - 23, 2012 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla., visit http://www.m1powersports.com/big-kahuna-miami. For tickets and information about the Big Kahuna New Orleans, scheduled for October 5 - 7, 2012 as the first professional motorsports event at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, La., visit http://www.m1powersports.com/big-kahuna-new-orleans. About M1 PowerSports, formerly M1 Entertainment: A Denver-based company, M1 PowerSports has been working in motorsports for over 16 years. Originally spawned from Daniels Corporation under the name FAST, the fledgling company was heavily involved in television production for car and motorcycle racing. With the birth of Speedvision, FAST morphed into Race Promotion Management (RPM) and is now operating as M1 PowerSports with many of the same staff still in place. We still sell advertising for Speed, sell merchandise under the brand Moto 1 and promote our own events, keeping us busy year-round! For more information, please call 303-377-3278 or email info@m1powersports.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

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AMA Flat Track: 2012 AMA Grand National Championship Schedule Adds USA Raceway in Tucson for October 6

Riders get ready to roll out for the 2nd practice session at round 11 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series at the I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, MI. in preparation for the day's upcoming 25 lap National main event.  The unofficial start to the second half of the season would see 51 riders take a qualifying time, with 48 of those qualifying within less than 1.5 seconds of fast man-on the day, Brad Baker on the #12 Lloyd Brothers Motorsports Ducati.  At the end of the day, Jared Mees, Bryan Smith and Jake Johnson would celebrate on the podium before the series would make it's 2nd of 3 west coast swings for the year.

Pictured (L-R) are:  Jared Mees on the #9 Rogers Lake Racing/Blue Springs H-D/Lucas Oil/Saddlemen-sponsored H-D XR750, Kenny Coolbeth on the #2 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Screamin' Eagle/Spectro Oils/Fox-backed factory XR750, Sammy Halbert on his #7 Kings Kustoms/White's H-D/LZ Racing/KK Supply-sponsored XR, Bryan Smith on his #42 Moroney's FastHOG.com/American H-D/Boughner Racing/RHC-sponsored XR, Jake Johnson on the #1 Zanotti Racing/Schaeffer's H-D/Boughner Racing/Motion Pro-backed XR, Johnny Lewis on the #10 Scott Powersports/Dubach Racing Developments/Saddlemen/Triple J Racing-sponsored and Kawasaki 650R-based mount, and Matt Weidman on the #20 White's Harley-Davidson/SNIP/Shoei/Silkolene-backed XR750.  On the back row can also be spotted Jeffrey Carver, Jr. on the #23 Eddie Adkins/Van's Yamaha/Woody Kyle Racing/Yamaha Motor Corp-sponsored XR750. 


The half-mile event scheduled for June 30, 2012 will see the stars of The Rolling Thunder Show return to the track that has hosted the AMA Pro Flat Track Series for several years now.  The mid-summer event signaled the start of the second half of the season in 2011 that would see Jared Mees continue his winning streak in the Twins Series, propelling him into the championship series lead before falling behind to eventual repeat champion Jake Johnson's charge at the end of the year.

With AMA Pro Flat Track's 2012 schedule announcement just less than three weeks ago, one of the three open 'TBA' dates has now been made official today with the signing of USA Raceway in Tucson, AZ. to host a round of the series on October 6, 2012 making it the penultimate round for the upcoming season.  As of today that leaves the two open date of June 9 and September 15 to complete the full line-up for the coming year.

You can read the full press release from AMA Pro Flat Track and view the updated schedule below.
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AMA Pro Racing Adds USA Raceway to 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 9, 2012) - AMA Pro Racing is excited to add USA Raceway in Tucson, Ariz. to the 2012 AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Schedule. The event will fill the October 6, 2012 TBA date on the previously-announced 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com schedule.

Arizona's premier 3/8-mile dirt track, USA Raceway is a relatively new track. The modern facility, which opened in 2005, normally hosts Late Model Stock Cars and Sprints Cars, but the AMA Pro Grand National Championship has visited Tucson before. In 2007, there were actually two Nationals in one weekend there.

The Raceway hosted both GNC Singles and GNC Twins rounds in what would be the last races of the year. Jake Johnson, aboard a factory-backed Suzuki, won the first night over teammate JR Schnabel and Bryan Smith on a Honda. The next night, Kenny Coolbeth locked up the number one plate with a second-place finish behind Joe Kopp, with Rich King taking third to make it an all Harley-Davidson podium.

The AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com and the AMA Pro Flat Track Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles will conclude the 2012 season on the west coast, the October 6 date placing the Tucson, Ariz. event on the weekend between California races in Santa Rosa and the finale at Pomona.

Complete 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Schedule:

March 15, 2012

Daytona Flat Track I
Daytona Flat Track, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Short Track

March 16, 2012

Daytona Flat Track II
Daytona Flat Track, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Short Track

May 26, 2012

Springfield TT
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
TT

May 27, 2012

Springfield Mile
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Mile

June 9, 2012
TBA

June 30, 2012

Lima Half-Mile
Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio
Half Mile

July 7, 2012

Hagerstown, Half-Mile
Hagerstown Speedway, Md.
Half Mile

July 14, 2012

I-96 Half-Mile
I-96 Speedway, Lake Odessa, Mich.
Half Mile

July 28, 2012

Sacramento Mile
Cal Expo, Sacramento, Cailf.
Mile

August 4, 2012

Castle Rock TT
Castle Rock Race Park, Castle Rock, Wash.
TT

August 12, 2012

Peoria TT
PMC Race Park, Peoria, Ill.
TT

August 18, 2012

Indy Mile
Indiana State Fairground, Indianapolis, Ind.
Mile

September 1, 2012

Springfield Short Track
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Short Track

September 2, 2012

Springfield Mile II
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Mile

September 8, 2012

Knoxville Half-Mile
Knoxville Raceway,Knoxville, Iowa
Half Mile

September 15, 2012
TBA

September 30, 2012

Santa Rosa Mile
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Mile

October 6, 2012

USA Raceway
USA Raceway, Tucson, Ariz.
Half Mile

October 13, 2012

Flat Track Finale
LA County Fairplex, Pomona, Calif.
Half Mile

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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AMA Releases 2012 Daytona Bike Week Amateur Dirt Track Schedule

Press Release courtesy of the American Motorcyclist Association

AMA amateur dirt-track events scheduled for Daytona Bike Week

January 9, 2012


AMA amateur dirt-trackers will compete at half-mile and short-track venues, including the Daytona Flat Track Stadium's limestone oval, this March 10-13 in Georgia and Florida.

Youth, vet/senior, the next generation's stars and vintage racers will all line up to battle at the featured series. In addition, three of the Daytona Bike Week events will pay AMA Dirt Track Grand Championship Holeshot Series bonus points.

"There is no question, every March in Daytona Beach is dirt-track central, and this year will be no different with premier AMA amateur competition in classes for all levels of rider," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "We're looking forward to getting the 2012 season started right at one of the country's most historic locations for motorcycle racing."

Promoters Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing and Dave Joiner of Fast Fridays are working with the AMA to ensure the AMA amateur dirt-track events are run smoothly and provide all the excitement of a national-level event, from pre-entry to the podium celebration.

In addition to the modern classes, all four days of racing will feature racing on historic vintage motorcycles. The vintage classes will serve as the first four rounds of the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series.

The full schedule for the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series will be announced soon. 


The details of AMA amateur dirt track competition during 2012 Daytona Bike Week, along with round-by-round contact information, is below. To contact the AMA about these events, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Racing or call (614) 856-1900.


Daytona Bike Week 2012 Amateur Dirt Track Schedule

March 10: Half mile

Oglethorpe Speedway, Savannah, Ga.
Holeshot series points
Steve Nace Racing
Steve Nace
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
www.stevenaceracing.com

March 11: Short Track

Daytona Flat Track, Daytona, Fla.
Fast Fridays
Dave Joiner
(530) 878-7223
fastfridays@aol.com
www.fastfridays.com

March 12: Half mile

Volusia County Speedway, Barberville, Fla.
Holeshot series points
Steve Nace Racing
Steve Nace
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
www.stevenaceracing.com

March 13: Short Track

Volusia County Speedway, Barberville, Fla.
Holeshot series points
Steve Nace Racing
Steve Nace
(270) 442-7532
snace@apex.net
www.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 its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
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AMA Flat Track: IMDA Now Has Tickets On Sale for Both 2012 Springfield Rounds

After a thrilling 15 1/2 minutes and 25 laps of bar-to-bar racing, round 6 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship Series at the Springfield Mile I would come down to the three men who would control the championship throughout the year ahead and provide fans with a battle for the ages.  And it would provide a glimpse of what the chase for the championship would bring through the next 14 rounds of the long season ahead.

As winner Jared Mees' crew steadies his #9 Rogers Lake Racing/Blue Springs H-D/Lucas Oil/Saddlemen-sponsored XR-750, Jammin' Jared adjusts his series sponsor hat and possibly reflects on winning his first-ever Springfield Mile National main event.  AMA Pro Flat Track announcer Barry Boone discusses the day's events with 3rd place finisher Jake Johnson, and runner-up Sammy Halbert looks to be thinking what the season ahead could bring.

Mees won by a margin of .016 seconds over Halbert, with Johnson just a scant .052 seconds adrift of Slammin' Sammy.  The margin of victory and the three men that shared the podium that day all-but set the stage for a championship chase that would go down to the final round of the season at Pomona in October, some 18 weeks away, in a battle to the end with three of the finest, fastest and smoothest that the sport has to offer.

In the end, Jersey Jake would triumph again, garnering a repeat AMA Grand National Championship for the '11 season to go along with the '10 AMA Grand National Championship that he won with the Zanotti Racing team in his first year with them.  Mees would finish in the runner-up spot (386-370 points) after mounting a charge in the mid-section of the season that would see him eventually win 5 National mains on the year.  And Halbert would slide home in the 3rd spot in the championship battle on his Kings Kustoms machines after holding claim to the title for the better part of the year, and equaling Johnson's four wins on the season (369 points.) 



As mentioned in an earlier story from this morning, after the 2012 season the Springfield TT and Short Track rounds that have made for a super double-weekend of racing since the '00 season will be going by the wayside, thanks mainly to a still-lousy economy and essentially not being able to put and keep paying butts in the seats.

Of course, there are many who come to Springfield only for the 135 MPH+ battles on the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile oval.  But for many truly-diehard fans who have lived for the doubleheader rounds that the Multipurpose/Rodeo Arena offered in conjunction with the most famous race in the flat tracking nation, the TT and Short Track offerings have been like a gift from above.  And they will be sorely missed.

You can get your tickets now for both doubleheader rounds over the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends for the '12 and final season of double-fun.  And maybe with any luck, the increased crowds this year will help to re-justify to the IMDA that the Singles Series rounds need to be put back on the schedule after all. 

So come one and come all for some of the best racing that The Rolling Thunder Show has to offer in the greatest sport on wheels in the world!

You can read the official press release below courtesy of AMA Pro Flat Track and the IMDA.
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Tickets On Sale Now For All Four 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Springfield Races

A press release issued by the IMDA, promoters of the Springfield Nationals

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (January 5, 2012) -The Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois, has hosted more AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship races than any other venue in the history of the sport. 112 Nationals have been held at the prestigious Fairgrounds. Not only does it offer a rich tradition in dirt track racing but Springfield has also hosted a variety of racing disciplines.

With 88 mile races, 13 short tracks and 11 TT races, it's no wonder Springfield is known as the flat track fraternities racing capitol. The second race on the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule with more history then all the other tracks is Peoria, Illinois with 82 Grand National races. It becomes very clear, if you want to see the best racing there is, you need to get to Illinois.

This year it is more important than ever to attend the Springfield races. Because of the difficult economic times and the high cost of holding these races, this will be the last year for the Short Track and TT races. Perhaps in the future when times get better and there is more demand to see the singles races, they can return but for 2013 they will not be on the schedule. This has been a very difficult decision for the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) who started the extra events in 2000 when the new Multi-Purpose facility was built at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Jay Hall, president of the IMDA said, "We regret that we have been forced to make this decision but in order to keep our association going we have to do this, at least for now. We take great pride in what we have been able to do for this sport but for 2013 we will focus on mile races which is the most historic and why Springfield is so well known."

Tickets for all four IMDA promoted Grand Nationals at Springfield are now on sale. If you have always wanted to attend the Saturday night TT and/or Short Track races, 2012 is your last chance.

You can order tickets by calling the IMDA office at 217-753-8866 or 888-468-1622. You can also stop at your local motorcycle dealer. If they don't already sell Springfield tickets, let them know you want them to. Any motorcycle dealer is eligible to become a ticket outlet.

About the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association:

Since 1971, the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association has represented dealers of all brands of motorcycles and has been providing assistance to motorcycle dealers, enthusiasts and Illinois Legislators. The I.M.D.A. has experienced phenomenal growth over the years, especially showing great success in the following areas:

• Legislation regarding franchise bills, and helmet laws
• Assistance to State and Federal agencies
• Garage liability and worker's compensation
• Assisted in establishing Illinois' Motorcycle Safety Training Program
• Assisted in providing funding protection for the Motorcycle Safety Training Program
• Returned AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship motorcycle races to the historic "Springfield Mile"

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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