The following is a press release from Road Atlanta…Road Atlanta’s premiere motorcycle race, the AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown, returns this weekend, April 16th -18th, with AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, and AMA SuperSport championship points races on both Saturday and Sunday. There are also plenty of exciting fan activities throughout the weekend. Discounted advance ticket sales end Thursday, April 15th at 5 PM and kids 12 and under get in free.With seven-time champion Mat Mladin’s retirement, the AMA Pro American SuperBike class is wide open this year. Geoff May (Gainesville), Jake Zemke, Tommy Hayden, Larry Pegram, Josh Hayes, Blake Young, Ben Bostrom, and John Hopkins headline the field. The American SuperBike finals (20 laps/50 miles) are scheduled for Saturday, April 17th and Sunday, April 18th at 3:00 p.m. each day.This year’s AMA Pro Daytona SportBike field sees the return of 2009 champion Danny Eslick. Josh Herrin, Tommy Aquino, Martin Cardenas and 2009 SunTrust Moto-GT champion Mark Crozier will provide tough competition. Saturday’s SportBike final (20 laps/50 miles) is set for 1:45 p.m. while Sunday’s final gets underway at 4:15 p.m.In addition, The AMA Pro Racing SuperSport class will showcase riders aged 16 to 21 against the more experienced Top Gun class of riders, comprised of expert licensed riders and local talent. Saturday’s SuperSport race (16 laps/40 miles) is at 4:15 p.m. and Sunday’s race begins at 1:45 p.m.FAN ACTIVITIES
Fan Party at Cycle Nation Friday Night: Stop by Cycle Nation on Highway 53 for the Fan Party Friday night April 16th, from 5pm-9pm. Riders including Larry Pegram, Jake Zemke, Aaron Yates, Project 1 Atlanta riders, Melissa Paris and others will be there to give autographs and take pictures. Listen to live music, grab some food from Buffalo’s and test your motorcycle on the Bonz Dyno.1st Annual Wild N’ Crazy Helmet Contest: Bring your Wild n’ Crazy motorcycle helmet to Vendor Village from 1:30 to 2:30 on Sunday, April 18th for a chance to win great prizes! A panel of judges will determine 1) Most Artistic; 2) Best Paint Scheme, and; 3) Best Themed helmet. There will be one winner for each class, so stop by to enter or to see some of the most imaginative helmet designs around!Vintage Bike Show: Historic racing motorcycles and carefully crafted replicas will be on display and also ridden on the track Saturday, April 16th at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. and also Sunday at 12 noon. These cycles represent the history of motorcycle racing, with examples from flat track to MotoGP to trials and motocross. A collection of this caliber in one location is rare.Stunt Show: Thrilling and daring stunt bike performances by the Project 1 Atlanta Riders on the front stretch (start/finish line) and also in the Turn 5 “Esses” on Saturday at 12:45 pm and Sunday at 12:30 pm.Vendor Village: Large expo area with displays, merchandise, food and fun, open all weekend long at the track!
Fan Walk on Hot Pit Lane: Get up close and personal to your favorite riders and walk the grid during opening ceremonies from 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. You must have Paddock access ($5) with your ticket.Free Autograph Session: Bring your memorabilia and have it signed by your favorite riders at the All Pro Rider Autograph Session in Vendor Village on Sunday, April 18th at 11:00am. The autograph session is FREE and will include the stars of AMA Pro Road Racing including Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin, Ben Bostrom, Josh Hayes, Jake Zemke, Tommy Hayden, Blake Young and many more.Fan Laps: Ride like the pros… for just $10! The Motorcycle Fan Lap is a huge hit for amateur riders who can get right on the track and ride the same road course the AMA Pro Riders will race on. Fans riding in the Motorcycle Fan Lap must wear a helmet and must be 18 years or older. Purchase your Motorcycle Fan Lap in advance (www.roadatlanta.com) or at the gate/registration.DISCOUNTED TICKETS
Road Atlanta is again lowering ticket prices for the AMA Suzuki Superbike Showdown as last year’s already discounted prices have decreased by another 10%-20%! Saturday and Sunday single day advance tickets are now only $33 (down from $40 last year) and a two-day weekend ticket, which now includes all day Friday practice for FREE, is only $55 (down from $60 last year). Remember, kids 12 and under are free, so bring the entire family. Advance tickets sales end Thursday, April 15th at 5 p.m.For ticket and fan activity information go to www.roadatlanta.com or call 800.849.RACE (7223)Click here for a detailed weekend schedule.
