The AMA has issued the following press release regarding its newest addition to the AMA/Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championships schedule:
Not since the days of the famous Charity Newsies at the old Ohio State Fairgrounds half-mile, has Columbus, Ohio, hosted an AMA Grand National dirt-track race. Ohio’s capital will once again feel the rumble of the Grand National bikes when the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship comes to Scioto Downs on Sunday, April 21. It marks the first motorcycle race at the state-of-the-art facility.
“The track reminds me of Louisville Downs,” said AMA U.S. Flat Track Operations Manager and former racing great Steve Morehead. “It’s a five-eights-mile pea gravel and limestone mixture and with a 14-degree banking in the corners. The riders should be able to get a heck of a run down the straights coming off the banked turns. It should make for great racing.”
The track will be great from a spectator’s point of view as well. The grandstands are covered and provide a raised vantage point to watch the racing action.
Chris Carr is the defending series champ and will be aiming for his fourth AMA Grand National title during the 2002 season. It’s been over 20 years since Columbus hosted an AMA National and area fans are some of the most enthusiastic in the country.
The event is being co-promoted by Scioto Downs and Gary Stolzenburg, G&C Racing Inc., and will pay a $40,000 purse.
“I have over 40 years racing experience and I can honestly say that this is one of the nicest facilities I’ve seen. I’ts ideal for the racers as well as the fans,” said Stolzenburg
Scioto Downs is located on Columbus’ south side, two miles south of Route 270 on Route 23 South (High Street). Route 270 is easily accessible from Interstate 70 and 71. For additional information contact Scioto Downs at (614) 491-2515.
