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2017 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Schedule Released, Mid-America in Indy to Host Rounds 8-9 on August 4-5

2017-01-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

American Motorcyclist Association announces 2017 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series schedule

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- January 6, 2017 -- The 2017 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship series features 12 rounds of competition and four weekends of two-day, back-to-back racing, sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association.

Starting in March, the national championship series travels to six states throughout the Midwest and along the East Coast. The series will make its way to eight premier tracks, while also boasting eight days of short track racing with four days on half mile courses.

"I am incredibly excited to get this season underway," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "The 2017 season of the AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship looks to be one of the best we've ever had and will include many of the great tracks that vintage dirt track racers know and love."

This year's lineup features many notable stops, such as Volusia County Speedway in Baberville, Fla., and the Illinois State Fair Grounds in Springfield, Ill. The series also will return to many other favorite spots, such as the Oglethorp Speedway in Savannah, Ga., and the Marion County Fairgrounds in the racing capital of the world, Indianapolis.

For more information visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

2017 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series Schedule

Round 1 - Saturday, March 11
Oglethorpe Speedway - Savannah, Ga.
Half Mile

Round 2 - Monday, March 13
Volusia County Speedway - Baberville Fla.
Half Mile

Round 3 - Tuesday, March 14
Volusia County Speedway - Barberville, Fla.
Short Track

Round 4 - Sunday, April 30
Marshall-Putman County Fairgrounds - Henry, Ill.
Half Mile

Round 5 - Friday, June 16
Harpursville, N.Y.
Short Track

Round 6 - Saturday, June 17
Harpursville, N.Y.
Short Track

Round 7 - Saturday, July 8
Ashland County Fairgrounds - Ashland, Ohio
Half Mile

Round 8 - Friday, August 4
Marion County Fairgrounds - Indianapolis, Ind.
Short Track

Round 9 - Saturday, August 5
Marion County Fairgrounds - Indianapolis, Ind.
Short Track

Round 10 - Saturday, September 2
Illinois State Fairgrounds - Springfield, Ill.
Short Track

Round 11 - Saturday, September 23
Oakland Valley Race Park - Cuddebackville, N.Y.
Short Track

Round 12 - Sunday, September 24
Oakland Valley Race Park - Cuddebackville, N.Y.
Short Track

About the American Motorcyclist Association

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

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join

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

Weirbach Racing & 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year Jake Shoemaker to Team Up for 2017 American Flat Track Series (formerly AMA Pro Flat Track)

2016-12-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Pro Singles Championship-winning team Weirbach Racing announced last week that they would be partnering with former 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track Saddlemen Rookie of the Year Jake Shoemaker for the upcoming 2017 American Flat Track Series (formerly AMA Pro Flat Track.)

The Ottumwa, Iowa-based team will see another rider change in their operation after having Briar Bauman on their Kawasaki mounts during the 2016 season, and Shoemaker having ridden for the Bonneville Performance Triumph team the last couple of years. With Shoemaker's experience on Kawasakis and the Weirbach's coming into their third full season with a Kawasaki-based team both should see improved results once the season hits full stride in late spring of 2017.

In the shot above, team co-owners Ted and Richard Weirbach ready their Weirbach Racing/Racing Unlimited/Kawasaki/Barnett-sponsored Kawasaki EX650 for rider Briar Bauman #14 prior to the start of the 25-lap National main round of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines Series at the Springfield Mile I on May 29.

Hopefully for both the Weirbach Racing team and newly-acquired rider Shoemaker this new pairing announced last week will prove to be the fit that works for all in the upcoming season. We're looking forward to seeing them jive as the season approaches in 2017.

Check out the press release below thanks to Weirbach Racing, and we wish the best of luck to Richard, Ted and Jake in the season ahead. Go get 'em guys!

Jake Shoemaker to pilot Weirbach Racing Kawasaki’s in 2017

For Immediate Release:
December 2, 2016 -- Ottumwa, Iowa– Weirbach Racing is pleased to announce the sponsorship support of Jake Shoemaker, National #55, for the upcoming 2017 American Flat Track Twins series.

23-year-old Shoemaker has accomplished much in his young career, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2013. A pair of podium finishes in 2014 helped him finish the year in the top ten of the class as a privateer. He also had the opportunity to ride the factory-backed Bonneville Triumph for the last two seasons.

Jake’s thoughts on the upcoming season, “I’m excited to join a program that is built around the same motorcycle that I had early success on in my Expert Twins career. Weirbach Racing has always had top notch equipment and with my understanding of dialing in my preferences in bike set up for changing track conditions, I am confident we will do very well. I have a very positive outlook for 2017 and I cannot wait for the season to get started.”

Jake Shoemaker's National #55 adorns the Weirbach Racing
transporter. The Iowa-based team announced earlier last
week that they would be partnering with the former Rookie of
the Year in AMA Pro Flat Track for the upcoming 2017
American Flat Track season. Photo courtesy of
Weirbach Racing.

Ted Weirbach added, “Jake is a great fit for our team. He works extremely hard on and off the track. We have had a good relationship for years and I am pleased that we finally have the opportunity to work together.”

The team is busy building, preparing and testing motorcycles over the short off-season, aimed at a successful 2017 campaign. Dick Weirbach stated, “We know Jake has had success on Kawasakis in the past and we really look forward to working with him. Jake is always focused and will bring a high level of talent to our program. “

About Weirbach Racing-

Weirbach Racing is run, owned and operated by Ted Weirbach and his father Dick Weirbach. Dick is a veteran of the flat track scene for better than 35 years. He ran as a novice in the late '60’s and owned a Bultaco motorcycle shop for eight years. Weirbach Racing was founded in 2000. In 2009, the inaugural year of the AMA Pro Singles Championship, Weirbach Racing’s James “the Rocket” Rispoli took second-place overall and in 2011 Mikey Martin won the Pro Singles Championship. Other notables to ride for Dick & Ted are Briar Bauman, Henry Wiles, Sammy Halbert, Aaron King, Jesse Janisch, Davey Durelle and Rob Pearson.

Check their web site for more information http://www.weirbachracing.com

WERA & American Motorcyclist Association Team Up as Co-Sanctioning Bodies in Road Racing for 2017

2016-12-10T13:21:00.000-05:00

The American Motorcyclist Association out of Pickerington, OH. and WERA (Western Eastern Road Racing Association) out of Canton, GA. yesterday announced a partnership for the upcoming 2017 road racing season that will see the two long-standing sanctioning bodies teaming up to offer more possibilities for racers for the future ahead.

The two series (long before AMA/Ohio sold off Pro Racing sanctioning rights to AMA Pro/Daytona/DMG) have long seen riders and teams crossover from one series to the other, so this should see some nice dovetailing for current teams and riders for the road racing series. AMA/Ohio holds the FIM sanctions that the now reworked AMA Superbike Series operates under with the MotoAmerica racing series.

In the shot above, the late Donald Jacks on the #59 Roadracing World/Team Hammer/Valvoline Suzuki and Chris D'Aluisio on the #2 Southwest Motorsports/Dunlop/Red Line Oil Yamaha TZ250 battle during a WERA Pro Series Formula USA race at Indianapolis Raceway Park in Clermont, IN. in July 1992. The former Formula USA Series saw many crossovers from both AMA and WERA competition that would pit the Formula 2 250's against the big-bore 4-strokes of the day providing fans, teams and all in attendance with a wonderfully exciting racing platform.

Check out the press release below thanks to the American Motorcyclist Association and we wish the best to AMA and Evelyne Clarke's WERA associations for the great news and great racing assuredly ahead!

American Motorcyclist Association partners with WERA Motorcycle Roadracing

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- December 9, 2016 -- The American Motorcyclist Association and WERA Motorcycle Roadracing have partnered to advance the sport of motorcycle road racing in America. Beginning with the start of WERA's 2017 season, all WERA events will be co-sanctioned with the AMA.

"WERA has produced a long line of impressive winners, and many of them have gone on to great success in the AMA Superbike Championship and beyond," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "The professionalism and fairness demonstrated by WERA's leadership has always been exceptional, and the organization is an important partner for the AMA as we work to grow both amateur and professional road racing in this country."

With this partnership, WERA has access to AMA-approved insurance, AMA ratification and recognition of results, and the opportunity to develop a clear path to professional licensing for those riders who aspire to race with MotoAmerica, the home of the AMA Superbike Championship.

"AMA and MotoAmerica have worked hard and are succeeding in bringing growth to professional motorcycle road racing in the United States," said Evelyne Clarke, WERA owner and president. "Many WERA racers have a dream to compete on a professional level, so it is important to provide them the path to accomplish this, which is one of the things this partnership will do. The many benefits of an AMA membership are valuable to all WERA racers."

Clarke, whose history with WERA dates to 1976, added that the AMA's role as the country's premier motorcycling advocate also was important to the decision to sanction with the AMA.

"The AMA has long defended our freedoms to ride and race," Clarke said. "This includes uniting AMA members to help defeat the lead law ban on youth dirt bikes as well as stopping the more recent effort by the Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the conversion of emissions-certified motorcycles into race bikes."

WERA, based in Canton, Ga., is one of the oldest and largest national sanctioning bodies conducting motorcycle races at road courses across the United States. Since 1974 WERA has enabled thousands of racers at all levels the opportunity to compete across the country. WERA offers a Rider's School with entry-level racing, pro-am racing and vintage racing for anyone with a motorcycle.

For more information on WERA, as well as the 2017 schedule of events, see www.wera.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join

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

AMA Pro Racing Releases 2017 Schedule for American Flat Track Series (formerly know as AMA Pro Flat Track)

2016-11-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

AMA Pro Racing, the sanctioning body for the newly rebranded American Flat Track series (formerly known as AMA Pro Flat Track) today released the new schedule for the 2017 season. The release of the schedule this early is the first time in years (and maybe more then a decade) that it has been released in it's entirety before the middle or end of November.

With many returning favorites (Springfield, Lima, Peoria, Rapid City, Sacramento, and Charlotte), some new venues added to the series' ranks (Elbridge, NY, Mechanicsburg, PA, Fort Worth, TX, Perris, CA, Woodstock, GA, and Phoenix, AZ) and some returning sites that have been visited in previous years (Lexington, KY, Calistoga, CA, and Oklahoma City, OK), two newly revamped races have also been added to the circuit (Daytona TT and Sturgis TT) making for an 18-race romp through the season that will kick off in Daytona on March 16 and wrap-up at the Perris Auto Speedway on October 7.

Overall the schedule will visit seven half-mile venues, five mile venues (with Springfield running their usual spring and late summer dates), three TT venues and two short track venues that will showcase the series' new 'Twins-only' platform across the board in all forms of racing.

In the shot above, riders roar off the line during the restart of round 6 of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series at the Springfield Mile I on May 29.

(L-R) Eventual 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Bryan Smith on the #42 Crosley Brands/T&T Construction/Howerton Motorsports Kawasaki leads the charge that will eventually see him bag the win after the 25-lap National main held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds mile oval.

Following along off the front row are 2015 AMA Grand National Champion Jared Mees on the #1 Las Vegas H-D/Rogers Racing/Harley-Davidson Motor Company XR750, Brandon Robinson on the #44 Kennedy Racing/Armbruster Racing/J&H Repair Kawasaki, 2016 Saddlemen AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year JR Addison on the #24F Smith Racing/J&F Construction/Moto Option Kawasaki, Brad Baker on the #6 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Vance & Hines/Screaming Eagle factory XR750 and Jake Johnson on the #5 Zanotti Racing/Classic H-D/Harley-Davidson Motor Company XR750.

Also seen in this shot are 2016 Canadian Flat Track Champion Doug Lawrence on the #73 Glidden Racing/Dreyer Motorsports/Doug Lawrence Racing Kawasaki (just over JR Addison #24F's right shoulder coming off of the second row) and Kenny Coolbeth on the #2 Zanotti Racing/Harley-Davidson/Gator H-D XR750 (also coming off the second row and seen over Jake Johnson #5's right shoulder.)

It's great to see the schedule released so early for the first time in what seems like ages, which will undoubtedly help not only the teams, sponsors and riders but especially the fans to be able to schedule their travel and vacation plans this far in advance for a change. Bravo to AMA Pro Racing for getting this pulled off so early!

With the long winter months getting ready to set in in and around the Midwest, we can at least look forward to 2017 some 40 days off, and with Daytona set for the middle of March again that means that racing in the greatest two wheeled racing show in the world is now only five months and five days away!

You can check out the full press release and schedule below thanks to AMA Pro Racing and the newly renamed American Flat Track series dates and venues and start making your plans now.

AMA Pro Racing announces 2017 American Flat Track schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 11, 2016) – AMA Pro Racing is proud to announce an expanded 18-round schedule for the debut season of the newly rebranded American Flat Track series (formerly AMA Pro Flat Track). The 2017 calendar includes improvements to geographic diversity, the mix of track configurations (six Miles, seven Half-Miles, two Short Tracks and three TTs) and boasts the most rounds on a schedule since 2011.

American Flat Track has been re-envisioned for 2017. In addition to a rebranding of the series, the class structure and event format have also been modernized. Every event on the 2017 schedule will feature the world’s best flat track motorcycle racers competing on powerful, twin-cylinder motorcycles in the AFT Twins class, while the rising stars of the sport battle it out on spirited single-cylinder machines in AFT Singles.

AMA Pro Racing’s subsidiary promotions company AFT Events, which was formed in 2016 to develop the event experience and bring the sport to new markets, has expanded from a single round in 2016 to eight next season. That expansion has allowed for careful consideration in the planning of the calendar, which features an efficient, streamlined flow of events aimed at minimizing costs for participants.

The 2017 season will kick off on March 16 during Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Fla. on a new TT circuit under the bright lights inside Daytona International Speedway. The debut event is moving inside the “World Center of Racing” on a one-of-a-kind .6-mile TT track designed by seven-time Grand National Champion Chris Carr. The DAYTONA TT will mark the dawning of a new era for America’s most historic form of motorcycle racing, and will serve as the first battleground for the great American war between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles in 2017.

2017 American Flat Track Schedule

March 16: DAYTONA TT – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
March 25: Georgia Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, Ga.
April 1: Charlotte Half-Mile – Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord, N.C.
May 13: Arizona Mile – Turf Paradise, Phoenix, Ariz.
May 20: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo Fairgrounds, Sacramento, Calif.
May 27-28: Springfield Mile I* – Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
June 3: Red Mile – The Red Mile, Lexington, Ky.
June 17: OKC Mile – Remington Park, Oklahoma City
June 24: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio
July 8: Rolling Wheels Half-Mile – Rolling Wheels Raceway Park, Elbridge, N.Y.
July 29: Calistoga Half-Mile – Calistoga Speedway, Calistoga, Calif.
Aug. 6: Buffalo Chip TT presented by Indian Motorcycle – Buffalo Chip Campgrounds, Sturgis, S.D.
Aug. 8: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, S.D.
Aug. 13: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, Ill.
Sept. 2-3: Springfield Mile II** – Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Sept. 9: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Gove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Sept. 23: Lone Star Half-Mile – Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, Texas
Oct. 7: Perris Short Track – Perris Auto Speedway, Perris, Calif.

* AFT Singles will race a TT on May 27
** AFT Singles will race a Short Track on Sept. 2

Next Up:

American Flat Track will kick off the 2017 season during Daytona’s Bike Week on Thursday, March 16 with the all-new DAYTONA TT, built inside the trioval at the “World Center of Racing.” The DAYTONA TT will mark the dawning of a new era for America’s most historic form of motorcycle racing, and will serve as the first battleground for the great American war between Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles in 2017. T

Tickets for the DAYTONA TT are now on sale and can be purchased at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.

How to Watch:

FansChoice.tv is the official home for live streaming coverage of American Flat Track events. The site also provides coverage of IMSA's development and single-make series, and NASCAR's touring and weekly series. Catch all the action at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

About American Flat Track:

American Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on American Flat Track, please visit www.amaproracing.com/flat-track follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or live stream the on-track action on FansChoice.tv.

About AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

For additional information contact:

AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com

Mid-America Speedway in Indy Adds Track Sponsorship from Holland Regional Trucking Firm

2016-09-05T11:47:00.000-04:00

Mid-America Speedway in Indianapolis Announces Sponsorship for Remainder of 2016 Racing Season from Holland Regional Trucking

Sponsorship of Regional Flat Track Facility to Help Holland in Driver Recruitment

Press release for immediate release

Indianapolis, IN. – September 1, 2016 – Mid-America Speedway in Indianapolis is proud to announce Holland Regional as track sponsor and two-event sponsor for the remainder of the 2016 season. One of the leaders in the trucking industry in the LTL (less than truckload) business in the Midwest and Southeastern Unites States and Canada, Holland is looking to use their sponsorship as a driver recruitment tool in the highly-competitive trucking business.

“This is great news for us as we are getting close to wrapping up our 9^th year here at the Marion County Fairgrounds on the southeast side of Indy,” stated track president and promoter, Jim Terchila. “We're looking forward to having Holland (formerly USF Holland, one of the trucking companies owned by the YRC Worldwide trucking conglomerate) on board with us for the remainder of the year, and it is a good possibility that they may continue with us for the 2017 season ahead.

“Not only will they be sponsoring us for the remaining six events for the year, but they will be our event sponsor for our races on September 10 and again on September 24, both of which are Mid-America points races for this season,” continued Terchila. “We started working with their marketing company in the last few weeks and this great opportunity all came together here for us in the last couple of days.”

Based out of Holland, MI., Holland employs over 8000 people with 57 service centers throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States and Canada, and was acquired by YRC Worldwide (formerly Yellow Freight and Roadway Express) in 2005 and according to data compiled in October 2014 was the 10th-largest LTL carrier in the U.S. In operation since 1929, Holland specializes in LTL and TL (trailer load) freight and a variety of commodities hauled throughout their operating areas and has one of the most stellar service and accident-free records among the trucking industry's larger companies.

Track contact:

Jim Terchila, President and promoter/Mid-America Speedway

info@midamspeedway.com

Call or text: 317-871-4392

Press release prepared by:

Mike 'Stu' Stuhler

Stu's Shots

10826 Riverwood Blvd.

Indianapolis, IN. 46234-7686

317-373-0522

stuman714@yahoo.com

http://stusshots.blogspot.com/

Mid-America Speedway in Indianapolis Set to Host Rounds 11&12 of the 2016 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series on August 12&13

2016-08-05T19:00:00.000-04:00

Mike Cashaat's beautiful #76K Honda Elsinore was one of many of the great bikes of yesteryear running at the 2015 Mid-America Speedway round of the 2015 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship in Indianapolis in August '15. Photo by Mike 'Stu' Stuhler/Stu's Shots.

Mid-America Speedway in Indianapolis Set to Host Rounds 11 & 12 of the 2016 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series on August 12 &13

Indianapolis, IN. – August 4, 2016 – Mid-America Speedway in Indianapolis is set to host rounds 11 & 12 of the on Friday, August 12 & Saturday, August 13. This will be our 4^th annual hosting of this great event, and the first time that we will host a doubleheader round for this popular series.

“We are very pleased that AMA/Ohio is giving us another go around to host what has been a popular event for us here at Mid-America Speedway,” stated track president and promoter Jim Terchila. “We are going to have 15 Vintage classes for this year's events, paying points, contingencies and trophies for each individual evening of racing. As has been the case in the past, Harley-Davidson of Bloomington, Indiana will again be the sponsor for this great doubleheader round held at our home at the Marion County Fairgrounds on the southeast side of Indianapolis.

“Mid-America will also be hosting round 2 of the USA vs Canada Speedway Championship on Saturday, August 12 which will see over 15 riders coming in from Canada, Scotland, and the US to contest this series. New York State riders Mike Buman and Casey Dunholt will be among those contesting this round, as well as a couple of riders out of the Ohio area,” continued Terchila. “Kyle 'Lego' Legault who spent five years riding in the Premier League in British Speedway, including two years doubling up in both Poland and the UK. Lego is best known for his time spent in Birmingham, England riding for the Birmingham Brummies. David 'Molly' Meldrum from Berwick, Scotland will also be among those ready to get a piece of the $800 to win action for the Speedway race. Mid-America’s BJ Fesselmeyer, who has more Speedway main event wins at Mid-America than any other rider also plans on being in the hunt for his piece of the pie."

Tickets for the event are $10 for spectators as well as team crew members and for pit access, and the track will also be hosting a barbeque for the riders and teams on Friday, August 12 after the racing is complete, and EVS Sports will be supplying contingency prizes for the Vintage races in the form of 25%-off coupons to the top-3 riders in each class on both evenings. Gates open at 2:00 PM EDT and rider's meeting at 4:00 PM EDT. First practice is expected to start at 4:30 PM EDT with heats starting promptly at 7:00 PM EDT.

“We're looking forward to this event again this year,” said Terchila, “in what should be one of our largest-attended races at Mid-America Speedway. We sincerely hope that you can join us for what will surely be another night of stellar racing in what is our 9^th year of operation here at the Marion County Fairgrounds and we look forward to seeing everyone next weekend!”

Paul Bailey's #53G Pre-unit Triumph was one representation of machines contesting the Brakeless Class at the 2015 AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series at Mid-America Speedway in August '15. Photo by Mike 'Stu' Stuhler/Stu's Shots.

Track contact:

Jim Terchila, President and promoter/Mid-America Speedway

info@midamspeedway.com, Call or text: 317-871-4392

Twitter @MidAmSpeedway, Facebook page

Website: www.midamspeedway.com

Press release prepared by:

Mike 'Stu' Stuhler

Stu's Shots

10826 Riverwood Blvd

Indianapolis, IN. 46234-7686

317-373-0522

stuman714@yahoo.com

http://stusshots.blogspot.com/

AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Champion Jared Mees Takes Home the Gold Medal at 2016 ESPN XGames Flat Track Competition at COTA

2016-06-05T16:27:00.000-04:00

The second annual trip to the ESPN XGames Harley-Davidson Flat Track event in Austin, TX. last week saw the cream of the crop from The Rolling Thunder Show displaying their talents to the masses at the Circuit of the Americas-hosted event alongside other extreme sports (the Step Up competition was held right next to the flat track layout) and did another stellar job of showing off the skills of the greatest racing series on two wheels in the world.

After bitter disappointment in the inaugural event in 2015 when Jared Mees suffered a mechanical failure with less then half a lap to go, the defending and 3-Time AMA Grand National Champ took home the gold medal this year, winning the 20-lap final over Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. and Brad Baker. Coolbeth did an admirable job of pressuring Mees in the closing laps only to come up short at the checkered flag.

Defending XGames H-D Flat Track winner Bryan Smith suffered a crash on the first go around in the final that saw his fallen motorcycle also take out Sammy Halbert.

The coverage of the event was shown live on ESPN on Thursday, June 2 from 8:30-11:00 PM EDT and was viewed by over 309K people and was the 23rd most-watched sports program for the 24 hour period, behind several showings of Sportscenter and WWE offerings. Although those numbers were off from last year's events, game one of the NBA finals was being shown in prime time on ABC and drew over 19M people, most likely pulling away from what could have been a larger viewing total audience.

Nonetheless, ESPN's coverage did an excellent job of showcasing the talents of all of those involved, and the racing was excellent and the track was in much better shape then last year's was, even considering it was underwater just several days before the riders and teams arrived on Wednesday, June 1 for the first practice sessions of the event. Helmets off to former AMA Pro Flat Track manager Dan Johnsen and his crew for getting the track in as good of shape as it was. On Wednesday, they were using a helicopter to help dry out the surface, and both days were under constant threat of more rain which hung in the area like a bad penny.

In the shot above, Mees and his Rogers Racing head wrench Kenny Tolbert work to ready the #1 Las Vegas H-D/Rogers Racing/Harley-Davidson Motor Company-sponsored XR750s during round 6 of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series at the Springfield Mile I on May 29.

ESPN XGames recap is viewable here and complete results from the ESPN XGames Harley-Davidson Flat Track event can be seen here.

Word has it that the contract with the Circuit of the Americas is up after this year's competition, and at this time next year's event location for the XGames is still up in the air. But surely after two stellar years of competition in the long time event will see the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track return again next year, wherever that may be.

And a big tip of the helmet and congrats to Jared Mees for his gold medal-winning performance from Thursday night. Bravo! And as well to everyone involved for putting on a great show for all of the fans.

You can check out more below thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track.

Jared Mees claims redemption in Harley-Davidson Flat-Track Racing at ESPN's Summer X Games

AUSTIN, Texas (June 2, 2016) - Jared Mees claimed redemption in Thursday night's Harley-Davidson Flat-Track Racing main event during the opening night for ESPN's Summer X Games at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. Mees (No. 9 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XR750) won by a margin of 0.369 of a second over Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. (No. 2 Zanotti Harley-Davidson XR750) with Brad "The Bullet" Baker finishing third aboard the No. 6 Factory Harley-Davidson XR750.

Mees also secured the inaugural AMA Pro Flat Track win at the Harley-Davidson Lone Star Half-Mile at COTA in April and has bragging rights to call himself the king of the half-mile circuit. Mees came to Austin with a purpose, having suffered a mechanical failure on the last lap while leading the race in last year's X Games, and he used that memory as motivation during Thursday night's performance.

"It's awesome," Mees said. "It's probably one of the biggest highlights in my career. It feels like I just won the Grand National Championship, honestly. Last year when we got invited to come to the X Games, I wanted to be the first guy to win it. I was so close and it didn't happen and I heard about it until tonight. I was bitter and upset. But to come here and to win it and to also win in April, I feel like I am definitely the dominant guy. My initial thought as I went through the finish line was, 'Hallelujah' and I'm so glad we got it in and I got what I wanted."

When the starting gate dropped, Michael Kirkness bolted from the inside lane aboard his No. 87 Harley-Davidson XR750 to take the hole shot. The Australian led the 12-rider field into the first turn before calamity struck for the odds-on favorite in the race, last year's X Games gold medal winner, Bryan Smith.

Despite having a lackluster start, Smith dove his No. 1 Crosley/Howerton Kawasaki Ninja 650 into the first corner with conviction from the middle of the pack. In a bout of bad luck, the Michigan native snagged the toe of his boot on the edge of the track, sending him to the ground and collecting the No. 69 BriggsAuto.com Harley-Davidson XR750 of Sammy Halbert in the process.

Meanwhile up front, Jake Johnson's No. 5 Zanotti Racing Harley-Davidson XR750 grabbed the lead and officially led the first four laps before Baker overtook the former champion heading into Turn 4, with Mees in tow. Mees patiently stalked Baker until the eventual third-place finisher ran wide in the same area of the track on lap 8, opening the door for Mees to take the point.

Coolbeth, Jr. then joined the fray, challenging Mees for the final 10 laps of the 20-lap main.

"I showed him a wheel a little too early," Coolbeth said. "He was struggling in laps three and four trying to get it turned. I showed him a wheel with five or six laps to go and he played defense. All-in-all he deserves it after last year, so it's good. I'm happy and hopefully next year we'll be in his spot."

Factory Harley-Davidson rider Baker made his team proud by putting the legendary XR750 on the box for a second year in a row.

"It feels great any time you get on the box but here at the X Games it's just a little bit extra special," Baker said. "Hats off to Kenny and Jared, they had something for me. I got out there quick, I thought I had a good line and started over riding the motorcycle a little bit. I was hopping around some and Kenny and Jared were being a little smoother. It was a good race to get on the box. To get a bronze medal for a second year in a row is cool. Hats off to Jared for getting a gold after what happened last year. Harley-Davidson 1-2-3 it's pretty cool for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. I can't give a big enough thanks to them for everything that they do for the sport, for my team and for myself."

2016 Harley-Davidson Flat-Track Racing Main Event Results:

No. 9 Jared Mees
No. 2 Kenny Coolbeth, Jr.
No. 6 Brad Baker
No. 5 Jake Johnson
No. 87 Michael Kirkness
No. 44 Brandon Robinson
No. 10 Johnny Lewis
No. 67 Davis Fisher
No. 55 Jake Shoemaker
No. 23 Jeffrey Carver
No. 1 Bryan Smith
No. 69 Sammy Halbert

Next up for AMA Pro Flat Track, the series heads to Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for the OKC Mile. "Mile Specialist" Bryan Smith is sure to seek redemption of his own on June 18, 2016. For tickets and information, please visit http://okcmile.com/tickets-to-the-okc-mile-flat-track-motorcycle-race/.

About AMA Pro Flat Track:

AMA Pro Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track, please visit www.amaproracing/ft, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or live stream the on-track action on FansChoice.tv.

About AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

For additional information contact:

AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com

Bryan Smith Goes 3-for-3 at AMA Pro Flat Track Springfield Mile I and Makes it Three In-A-Row On the Season

2016-06-04T16:26:00.000-04:00

Round 6 of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series again proved the dominance of Howerton Motorsports Kawasaki's Bryan Smith on the mile ovals as Flyin' Bryan took his third win in-a-row on the season (all on mile ovals) and his third-straight win at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Unfortunately, Sunday's race got off to a bad start when Brad Baker on the factory H-D XR750 got into CR Motorsports' Stevie Bonsey at the start of the second go-around heading into turn one. Even worse, Bonsey's bike split the airfence and the haybales, causing Bonsey to go into the fence hard. After being hauled out by the ambulance, Bonsey was and is reported as having suffered a neck fracture that will now cause him to have to wear a halo for the next couple of months, but per postings on Facebook he appears very upbeat and ready to get the healing process completed and return to action. You can keep up with his updates here on FB.

After the restart, it was a big duel all the way around for the 25-lap National main, which saw no fewer then six combatants going at it all over, especially heading to the stripe. Smith ended up leading 16 laps, with Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. credited with a lap, Jared Mees with five laps and Baker with three. And those were just at the stripe. Also in the mix for the entire battle were Brandon Robinson on the Kennedy Kawasaki, with Glidden/Dreyer Motorsports' Doug Lawrence doing a great job of hanging just shy of the top-5 at the end.

In the shot above, riders hit the gas on the restart of round 6 of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series at the Springfield Mile I on Memorial Day Weekend Sunday, May 29.

(L-R) Eventual winner Bryan Smith on the #42 Crosley Brands/T&T Construction/Howerton Motorsports-sponsored Kawasaki, Jared Mees on the #1 Las Vegas H-D/Rogers Racing/Harley-Davidson Motor Co-backed XR750 (2nd-place finish), Brandon Robinson on the #44 Kennedy Racing/Armbruster Racing/J&H Repair-sponsored Kawasaki (4th-place finish), JR Addison on the #24F Smith Racing/J&F Construction/Moto Option-sponsored Kawasaki (17th-place finish), Brad Baker on the #6 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Vance & Hines/Screaming Eagle-backed factory XR750 (3rd-place finish) and Jake Johnson on the #5 Zanotti Racing/Classic H-D/Harley-Davidson Motor Co-backed XR750 (11th-place finish) lead the charge off the front row.

Also part of the mix are Doug Lawrence (2nd row, behind Addison) on the #73 Glidden Racing/Dreyer Motorsports/Doug Lawrence Racing-sponsored Kawasaki (6th-place finish) and Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. (just behind team mate Jake Johnson) on the #2 Zanotti Racing/Harley-Davidson/Gator H-D-sponsored XR750 (5th-place finish).

The top five finishers were separated by only .220 seconds after the 25-lap main, with 6th-place finisher Lawrence on the Indy-based Glidden/Dreyer Kawasaki just .503 seconds behind Coolbeth. Also of note, a big tip of the helmet to Jeremy Higgins on the #82 Higgins Racing Kawasaki for what may have been his career-best mile finish of 7th-place.

A big thumbs up to Ryan Wells for winning his first-ever Twins Series event in the GNC2 class, while local Indy resident and first year Pro rider Kevin Stollings taking home his first-ever podium in a Twins event and leading several laps during the GNC2 main to nearly nip Wells at the stripe only to come up short by .033 seconds. Keep an eye on this Stollings youngster as he has a very bright future ahead of him.

For more on last Sunday's races, check out all of AMA Pro Flat Track's videos and reports below, as the racing at Springfield as usual didn't disappoint.

You can also get the full results here, and Cycle News' Dave Hoenig's report here as well.

Kawasaki's Bryan Smith wins third consecutive Mile in 2016 at Springfield Mile I

Video Highlights and Photos from the 2016 Springfield Mile:

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 29, 2016) - Bryan Smith proved his dominance at the Springfield Mile I on Sunday, taking home his third consecutive Mile victory of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track season. This Mile win didn't come as easily, as the Michigan native had to fight to the finish with a pack of riders every lap, topping second place finisher No. 1 Jared Mees by a margin of 0.119 of a second at the conclusion of the race.

Smith, who pilots the third-generation No. 42 Crosley/Howerton Kawasaki Ninja 650, wrestled tirelessly with Harley-Davidson-mounted riders, Mees, eventual third place finisher No. 6 Brad Baker and No. 2 Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. and was officially scored with leading 16 of the 25-lap Main Event. The win was also Smith's third consecutive Springfield Mile victory, having won both of last year's contests at the historic venue.

"It feels pretty awesome," Smith said. "To have three Miles back-to-back and win them all. I don't care what kind of track it is, it's awesome. But to win the Miles that I love, obviously to have three in a row at a historic venue like Springfield, is great. There's not just one thing that was going through my mind through the last lap. There was a million thoughts of what to do, what not to do, go fast, not too fast, spin the tires, just a million thoughts. I was able to get just enough of a draft off of turn four in that last lap and just barely squeak by Jared."

Three-time and reigning Grand National Champion Mees expressed his desire to win the coming races over the "Mile Specialist" but shared his appreciation for the bar-to-bar racing that went down during Sunday's race. "It's definitely getting old finishing second on the Miles to the same guy," Mees said. "But hats off to those guys. They're working hard and that thing is fast. It's hard to get it before the finish line but the team is working really hard and we're trying to find more and more power and reliability. I felt like we had a little bit more than last year but you know, it is Mile racing at its best and a close finish is normal at the Springfield Mile."

Baker officially led three laps during the Main by using the all-important draft to push past his competitors. The Washington native took home the final spot on the podium. "It feels really good," Baker said. "I've had the speed the last three races or so but it feels good to be here on the podium. It was a really fun race and the end of the race was an all-out battle."

Baker's Factory Harley-Davidson teammate No. 67 Davis Fisher had a lot to prove with the competition debut of the next generation Harley-Davidson XG750R, and the rising star did not disappoint. Fisher experienced a mechanical issue in his Heat race but earned his Main Event starting spot thanks to a photo finish in his Semi race for the final transfer position. After picking off riders throughout the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines Main Event, Fisher earned the new machine its first Top 10 result with his eighth place finish.

"Davis is doing a great job of developing the new bike and moving forward with it but we know the XR is proven and capable of winning," Baker continued. "Now we know the XG is capable of getting into the top 10 and now we have to see if it is capable of getting on the podium and winning. Until it gets to that point, I'm going to keep on the old, faithful XR750 that's been around for 44 years and then eventually going to be jumping onto that thing when it's ready. I want that bike to get better because if it gets better than the XR that means I'll have a weapon to try to get on the top spot or the box on these Miles instead of always nipping at the heels of the Kawasaki."

Smith now leads the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines point standings by 16 points over No. 69 Sammy Halbert, 110-94.

In the GNC2 class, No. 94B Ryan Wells was unrelenting as he duked it out for his first Mile win of the 2016 season with second place finisher No. 99J Kevin Stollings and third place No. 23F Jeffery Lowery.

"It's my first Mile (win) and it's awesome," Wells said. "Especially at the Springfield Mile, the biggest Mile you could win, and for it to be a typical Springfield Mile ending, winning by half of a tire, it's cool. I would have liked to win by more but it's awesome. I wish I wouldn't have seen a red flag with two laps to go but it all worked out and I'm happy. I knew I had a fast bike but I was drafting Stollings earlier in the race, and the kid's real small and lightweight, so I knew if anybody could get by me before the line it would be him. I came out of turn four and I heard somebody; I peeked down underneath my handlebars and I saw the red bike and I knew it was him. I got as small as I could and was watching our front wheels go across the line and I was pretty pumped about it."

Wells now leads the GNC2 point standings by 18 points over No. 14A Dalton Gauthier, 103-85.

Award Updates

Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines:

Harley-Davidson Pole Award: No. 42 Bryan Smith
McElroy Packaging Lucky 13 Award Winner: No. 1 Jared Mees
MotoBatt Hard Charger Award Winner: No. 67 Davis Fisher
Öhlins Fastest Lap Award Winner: No. 73 Doug Lawrence
Sunoco "Go The Distance" Award Leader: No. 65 Cory Texter (197.5 miles completed)

GNC2:

Larry and Judy McElroy Rookie of the Race Award Winner: No. 99J Kevin Stollings
Westside Truck Parts "Just off the Box" Award Winners: No. 27U Jamison Minor (4th), No. 16S Tristan Avery (5th)
Sunoco "Go The Distance" Award Leader: No. Dylan Morin (136.75 miles completed)

How to Watch:

FansChoice.tv is the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Flat Track events. The site also provides coverage of IMSA's development and single-make series, and NASCAR's touring and weekly series. Catch all the action at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

About AMA Pro Flat Track:

AMA Pro Flat Track is the world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series and one of the longest-running championships in the history of motorsports. Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing in Daytona Beach, Fla., the series is highly regarded as the most competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing on the globe. For more information on AMA Pro Flat Track, please visit www.amaproracing.com/ft/, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or live stream the on-track action on FansChoice.tv.

About AMA Pro Racing:

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

For additional information contact:

AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com

FansChoice.tv coverage from Round Six at the Springfield Mile I is now available for VOD viewing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (May 30, 2016) - AMA Pro Flat Track has completed Round 6 at the Springfield Mile I on May 29 where Kawasaki-mounted No. 42 Bryan Smith secured his third Mile win of the season over three-time Grand National Champion No. 1 Jared Mees, while Factory Harley-Davidson rider No.6 Brad Baker came in third.

Also, be sure to watch No. 67 Davis Fisher pilot the new generation Harley-Davidson XG750R into a top 10 finish in the GNC1 Main Event.

VOD coverage of Round 6 for both the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines and GNC2 classes is now available in high-definition on FansChoice.tv and can be accessed by following the links below.

2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Springfield Mile I:

2016 AMA Pro Flat Track GNC1 Main

2016 AMA Pro Flat Track GNC2 Main

2016 AMA Pro Flat Track GNC1 and GNC2 Semis

2016 AMA Pro Flat Track GNC1 and GNC2 Heats

2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Pre-Race Show

Other videos from AMA Pro Flat Track can be viewed using the following links:

FansChoice.tv: http://www.fanschoice.tv/ama-pro
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMAProFlatTrackSeries/videos
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AMAProVids/videos

Photos by: Brian J. Nelson

How to Watch:

For additional information contact:

AMA Pro Racing Communications, (386) 492-1014, communications@amaproracing.com

Zanotti Racing Announces Partnership Agreement with Performance Exhaust Specialists Rinehart Racing for Jake Johnson's 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Season

2016-06-04T13:01:00.000-04:00

Zanotti Racing announced a new partnership/sponsor for their AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship team with National #5 Jake Johnson last week just before the Springfield Mile I on May 29.

Rinehart Racing, a specialty manufacturer of high performance exhaust systems, is coming on board with the 3-Time Grand National Championship team to pair up with 2-Time AMA Grand National Champion Johnson and his tuner, Steve Polk.

In the shot above, Johnson's #5 Zanotti Racing/Classic H-D/Harley-Davidson Motor Co-sponsored XR750 back up machine sits in the pits while a family of fans check it out up close during round 6 of the 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines series at the Springfield Mile I on May 29.

Check out the full details below thanks to Zanotti Racing on their new agreement for the AMA Pro Flat Track season ahead for Jake Johnson with Rinehart Racing.

Zanotti Racing is honored to announce Rinehart Racing as the exclusive supplier of exhaust systems for Jake Johnson’s Harley-Davidsons.

Rinehart Racing has been a high quality supplier of aftermarket high performance exhaust for years. Steve Polk, head mechanic and horsepower guru at Zanotti racing says, “It is exciting to be working so closely with a quality company like Rinehart. I am sure we will coax more power out of Jake’s bike to keep him at the front all year.”

Rinehart Racing has been producing quality exhaust that make real horsepower for Harley-Davidson’s for decades.

David Zanotti, owner of Zanotti Racing, is proud to welcome them into the Zanotti Racing family as a highly valued sponsor.

Rinehart Racing® To Partner With AMA Pro Flat Track Zanotti Racing And Jake Johnson

Asheville, N.C. – May 27, 2016 -- Rinehart Racing® is proud to announce the recent sponsorship of AMA Pro

Flat Track team Zanotti Racing and their rider Jake Johnson.

Johnson, under the banner of Zanotti Racing, is a two-time Grand National Champion, winning

in 2010 and 2011, and currently sits in the #3 points position in the current 2016 season.

“We are excited to have Rinehart Racing as part of our team for the rest of this season” says

Zanotti Racing Team Owner, Dave Zanotti. “Rinehart’s know-how in creating performance

exhaust systems will complement our team’s desire to build reliable and fast motorcycles and

help us to get that winning combination.”

“Its pretty cool to have Rinehart Racing as our newest partner,” says Johnson of the

sponsorship. “To have a company that is as committed to performance and truly understands

what it takes to win is a huge benefit to our team.”

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to partner with Zanotti Racing” said Judd Hollifield,

Rinehart Racing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our R&D team is looking forward to

designing and developing a competitive, race specific exhaust system and joining forces with the Zanotti Team on the road to a winning season.”

About Rinehart Racing®: Rinehart Racing®, a global motorsports company, designs and

manufacturers race application exhaust, as well as consumer products for Harley-Davidson® and Indian motorcycles®. Our corporate office, warehouse and manufacturing facility are all

located in Asheville, NC.

To learn more about Rinehart Racing please visit our website at:

RinehartRacing.com.

For Information Contact:

John Nowicki

Vice President - Sales, Rinehart Racing

(877) 264-8282