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The American Motorcyclist Association
URL for this article: www.amadirectlink.com/news/2008/IndyMile.asp

AMA Flat Track returns to Indy Mile as part of Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend

Posted January 23, 2008   Email this articleEmail   Print this articlePrint

Indy Mile logoAdvance sale discount tickets are now on sale for the long-awaited return of the Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Flat Track Grand National on the legendary one-mile dirt oval at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana. The event will run Saturday, September 13, in conjunction with the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend.

The Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Flat Track Grand National brings flat-track racing back home to Indiana, where it was a traditional part of the Indiana State Fair until 1999. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is bringing the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP weekend to the city September 12-14 for one of the biggest weekends in motorcycle racing.

Since 2006 MotoGP Champion Nicky Hayden and a number of past world champions began their racing careers in flat-track racing, interest in the revived event cross-town on the Indy Mile Flat Track is expected to be high. Fans will have the rare opportunity to experience two of the most exciting forms of motorsports in one weekend.

Indy Mile tickets

Advance tickets are on sale now at any Ticketmaster location, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling (317) 239-5151. Advance ticket prices range from $20 to $35 for adults and just $10 for children 12 and under.

  • Date: September 13
  • Gates open:  4 p.m.
  • Autograph session: 5:30 p.m.
  • Opening ceremonies: 7 p.m.
  • Racing starts: 7:30 p.m.
  • Expert Twins main: 9:10 p.m.
  • AMA National main: 9:30 p.m.

The legendary Indy Mile Flat Track is renowned for fast racing, intense drafting wars, and multiple lead changes on every lap. Often a photo finish camera is needed to reveal the winner at the end of the furious 25-lap finale.

The list of those who have won at the Indy Mile Flat Track includes many of motorcycle racing’s all-time best riders. Flat Track Grand National Champions Chris Carr, Scott Parker, Jay Springsteen, Ricky Graham, Bubba Shobert, and Kenny Roberts have all won on the Indy Mile Flat Track.

AMA Flat Track racing“The Indy Mile running with the Indiana State Fair was always a favorite stop for us on the AMA Flat Track tour," says seven-time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr. "Coming back to the legendary track during the MotoGP weekend in Indianapolis is going to create a new fair-like atmosphere for motorcyclists and a great race for us."

AMA Flat Track racing has proven to be a fertile training ground for World Road Racing champions as well. MotoGP champions Nicky Hayden, Kenny Roberts Jr., Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey, Eddie Lawson, Freddie Spencer and Kenny Roberts all got early career racing experience in flat-track racing.

Nicky Hayde"I'm real excited to see the legendary Indy Mile return, and it'll be great to see the bikes run there the weekend of the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix," said 2006 MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden. "My highlight of the Indy Mile was my very last race as an amateur. I won the first ever Horizon award. This is a good track, but not an easy one. It takes a fast horse and a lot of guts, and I've got no doubt these boys will put on a show. Believe me; you will get your money's worth. We should see some great racing there."