Saturday Cinema Matinee from AMA Pro Flat Track Brings You the Final National Main from the 2012 Springfield TT

Round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship season saw the cast and crew of The Rolling Thunder Show head to the Illinois State Fairgrounds for what would be the final National event held at the Multipurpose Arena for the foreseeable future. 

With the still-varying economy and so many other events being held over the course of the Memorial Day Weekend, crowd turnout at the 'little track that could' just wouldn't hold-up or make a National event feasible for the IMDA to continue to operate without massive losses to their already slim budget.  Of note, the Saturday night races before both of the Springfield Mile I (May 26) and the Springfield Mile II (September 1) will still be running races this year, but now will be promoted by the fine group of folks out of Paducah, KY. also known as Steve Nace Racing Promotions.

The SNR folks will be visiting Springfield on both weekends with TT and Short Track rounds of the 2013 Steve Nace Racing All-Star AMA National Flat Track Series presented by Golden Tyre, and those events are all but guaranteed to be what I like to call 'mini Nationals,' or races that are attended by a majority of the Grand National regulars looking to supplement their weekends at top-tiered races hosted at or near where there is a scheduled National event close by. 

For your enjoyment on this fine spring weekend, and thanks to AMA Pro Flat Track's YouTube page, today we bring you last year's final National main event from the Springfield TT, as produced from the great folks at the Lucas Oil Motorsports Hour crew.  In it's entirety as seen on MavTV and NBC Sports Network, all 49+ minutes of viewing pleasure have been uploaded to the AMA Pro Vids page, and it's worth taking the time to kick back on a lazy spring afternoon with a cool beverage of your choice to check this one out and relive the excitement of one of the best venues in the business.

In the shot above from heat 3 of the 2012 Springfield TT from May 26, the stars of the greatest racing series on two wheels in the world take off for their 10-lap qualifying heat to determine the 18-rider grid in the 25-lap main event.

(L-R); Cory Texter on the #65 RLT Racing Honda CRF450R, Brad Baker on the #12 Kenny Tolbert Racing Kawasaki KX450F, Matt Weidman on the #20 DFW Honda Racing CRF450, Mick Kirkness on the #87 Yeagers Cycle Suzuki RMZ450, Briar Bauman on the #10Z USC Kawasaki, and eventual heat, Dash and National main winner Henry Wiles on the #17 Don's Kawasaki blast off the line in unison.

Also seen in this shot are Dustin Crow on the #61 Greg Crow Racing Honda (2nd row, between Kirkness and Bauman), Sammy Halbert on the #7 Fredericktown Yamaha YZ450F (just over Wiles' left shoulder on row 2), and Lucas Scherb on the #22 DFW Honda (just behind Wiles on row 2.)

So kick back and enjoy the action, and get ready for the rest of the season ahead in the 2013 AMA Pro Flat Track presented by J&P Cycles Grand National Championship!


AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship round 3 of the 2012 season, the Springfield TT

You can use this as a study guide to help you relive the action at the Springfield TT with the results from AMA Pro Flat Track.

RIDE Academy's Ocala, FL. Stop on January 26-27 to Have AMA Pro Flat Track Director Dan Johnsen in Attendance

RIDE Academy founder and former AMA Grand National competitor and National #67 Mike Hacker (back to camera) can be seen talking with current AMA Grand National #10, Johnny Lewis at round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Springfield TT on May 26.

Hacker and Lewis (seated on the #10 Scott Powersports/Saddlemen Seats/Silkolene/Wallace Trucking-sponsored Honda CRF450R) will be opening the 2013 season of RIDE Academy's riding schools next weekend as they take their many years of on and off track experience to the Sunshine State to spend another weekend teaching their skills to a sold-out class at the Marion County Speedway in Ocala, FL.  Also expected to lend a hand in the teaching department is former 3-Time AMA Grand National Twins Champion, Kenny Coolbeth, Jr., who is also a frequent instructor for the riding school.

Also seen in this picture are Willy Halbert (getting Sammy's #7 Frederickstown Yamaha set to go for the first round of practice at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Multipurpose Arena) and 2012 Daytona Short Track II winner, Matt Weidman on his #20 DFW Honda.

Check out the full press release below the next shot, and even though the school is sold out in Ocala, if you're in the area be sure to drop by to take in some of the great action sure to be present with these greats of AMA Pro Flat Track as they teach their tricks to the lucky few who will be in class next weekend!

AMA Pro Flat Track Director Dan Johnsen (center) can be seen talking with Australia native Mick Kirkness/AMA Grand National #87 and Sammy Halbert/AMA Grand National #7 at round 14 of the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.coms season at the Peoria TT on August 21.  Johnsen, who will be entering his third year as the manager of flat track operations for AMA Pro Racing after taking over the reigns from former '81 AMA Grand National Champion Mike Kidd in early 2011, will make the trip from the DMG offices in Daytona Beach next weekend to sit-in as a student at RIDE Academy's stop at the Ocala, FL. season-opening class.


Press release courtesy of Mike Hacker/RIDE Academy founder & Johnny Lewis AMA Grand National #10/RIDE Academy instructor

RIDE Academy Draws in AMA Pro Racing

 Director of AMA Pro Flat Track to Attend RIDE Academy

Ocala, FL. (January 18, 2013) – Since first appointed the Director of Flat Track for the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Series, Dan Johnsen has been looking to learn more about the sport even if it means throwing a leg over a bike and strapping on a steel shoe.  At the first RIDE Academy of the season in Ocala Florida, Dan will be doing just that!  He will be joining a sold out class where RIDE Academy will provide two days of training and instructing, both on and off the track.  Dan Johnsen will make the trip from the Daytona Beach, FL headquarters for the January 26/27 "RIDE Academy Ocala", presented by Metro Racing.

Dan will get the chance to ride and learn from AMA Pro Flat Track professionals: Johnny Lewis (National #10), Kenny Coolbeth (National #2) and former National #67 Mike Hacker.  The RIDE crew with also be bringing in two guest instructors, 2012 AMA Pro Singles race winners: Ryan Wells (94B) & Cody Johncox (96B).  Johnny Lewis stated in a conversation earlier this week, that he feels RIDE Academy is going to be able to show him (Dan Johnsen) the little things you can’t see by sitting in the stands or track side.  “The game is changing. From the bikes to the techniques of the riders, it’s not in a text book. 2013 is going to be a new chapter for AMA Pro Flat Track racing on many levels, and I feel Dan is taking the appropriate next steps to further his knowledge in the sport,” says Johnny Lewis.

It's not all business for Dan though.  He will be strapping on his helmet along with a steel shoe and is prepared to have some fun with the RIDE crew over the two days while seating up on one of the RIDE Academy CRF Honda training bikes.  RIDE starts the students off on their professionally prepared CRF Honda bikes, ranging from 50cc’s to 230cc’s.  They begin on a smaller course designed to allow the rider to progress faster than they would be able to riding at 100% performance on a full-size race bike.  Just like every other RIDE Academy Ocala student, Dan will then advance to the race bike on day 2 on a larger short track.  This will then lead into a full-size TT track for the last portion.

RIDE Academy Ocala, Florida is sold out but for more information on this school and other RIDE dates coming to a track near you, follow us on Facebook @ fb.me/rideacademytraining or at www.rideacademy.com.


About RIDE Academy

Riding. Instruction. Determination. Excellence.
RIDE Academy is determined to change the world of flat track racing.  We believe we have a formula that will lead many riders to success.  We are here to extend our combined knowledge to fellow riders so that they can become the best they can be in a far less amount of time that it has taken each of us.

About Metro Racing

Taking a page from motorcycle history and providing it to the enthusiasts of the world.  Check out our website at www.metroracing.com where you can get all kinds of cool vintage motorcycle gear.  Buy our stuff and support our racing habit!

AMA Flat Track: Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. Takes His Off-Season Training to the Ice at Home in Connecticut

With qualifying getting ready to get underway at round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson  Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season, former 3-Time AMA Grand National Twins Champion and '07 Singles Champ Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. gets ready to head out for action on May 26 on his #2 Chaplin Kawasaki/Fox/Arai Helmets/Vortex-sponsored KX450F.  Also lending a hand is RIDE Academy founder and former AMA Grand National #67, Mike Hacker, who took his services to the Coolbeth camp for the 2012 season after working his suspension, handling and riding magic alongside 2-Time AMA Grand National Champion Jake Johnson for the previous couple of seasons.

The King of Cool had a Rough Night in Jericho in what would be the final Springfield TT for the foreseeable future held at the Multipurpose Arena on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  Failing to race his way into the National main with a direct transfer out of his heat, Coolbeth was forced to work overtime while racing one of the semis to make the show.  But in the end, even this long-time veteran was backed up against the wall against the competition at hand, and took a provisional entry to gain entry into the 25-lap final, where he rode a tough race to bring it home in the 11th-place spot to nail down 8 hard-earned points after coming off the fourth row.

With what seems like the majority of riders campaigning The Rolling Thunder Show in the past several years being based east of the Mississippi River, one of the best and most often seen off-season training regimens for the riders is ice racing or riding.  Jared Mees, Henry Wiles, Bryan Smith, Coolbeth and a big handful of other top riders spend the season break tearing it up on the ice just like they do the dirt during the regular race season.

Coolbeth, who calls Morris, Connecticut home, may not contend the regular ice racing series during the break, but he definitely gets his share of ice riding done to keep him on his toes during the five month break in the series schedule.  Bud Wilkinson of Ride-CT.com caught up with Kenny recently to talk with him about his training schedule and his many years in the greatest sport on wheels in the world.  Nice reading and thanks to Bud for keeping us filled in on one of the biggest and most popular stars of the sport.  And thanks to Kenny for slowing down just a little to talk with him and keep us up to date on his off-season activities!


Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. gets in some ice riding at home in CT. during the off-season.

Keep up with The King of Cool here at his official website.

2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year PJ Jacobsen Heading to British Superbike Championship Series for 2013

Round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season saw the series return to action after the long Daytona season-opener break at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Multipurpose Arena for the final running of the Springfield TT on May 26.

One of the riders on-hand that evening who would try to race his way into the National main from among the 55 riders entered was 2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year, PJ Jacobsen.  Contesting his #99 Moroney's 800 FastHog.com/Weiss Racing/Revit/Shoei-sponsored Honda CRF450R, the part time flat tracker managed to qualify in the 2nd-place position behind fast qualifier and 2010 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Champion Jeffrey Carver, Jr., and just in front of 3rd-fastest and eventual event winner, Henry Wiles.  Jacobsen and a few other riders get ready to head out for the final round of qualifying in the shot above. 

Unfortunately for Jacobsen his evening didn't go as planned, as he was involved in a nasty crash during his heat race 2 that saw him knocked out of commission for the rest of the weekend after hitting the ground hard and suffering what was reported as a concussion due to being hit by several other contenders.

Thankfully, his year went much better after the Memorial Day running of the TT, as PJ headed across the pond to contest the Metzeler National Superstock 1000 Championship Series, run in conjunction with the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship, for the Tyco Suzuki squad.  He finished the season ranked 11th in the series and also pulled off a win at the Donington Park round towards the end of the season.  Also keep in mind, Jacobsen didn't start running the series until July and only contested five total rounds on the year, while also pulling off two more podiums in those events that he did compete in.  Not bad numbers by anyone's calculator!

Tyco was so happy with his results that they have since signed the former flat track rookie of the year to their superbike squad for the 2013 season, which you can read more about below. 

Congrats to PJ and we'll be watching him from afar as he competes in the BSB Championshio next year, and don't be suprised to see this fine young man duking it out for wins and the title in his first full year in the series!


Thanks to Roadracing World.com for this link to the official press release about PJ Jacobsen signing to ride for the Tyco Suzuki squad in the 2013 British Superbike Championship Series, which also includes a couple of great photos of PJ competing in the British Superstock Championship during the 2012 season:

http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=50358

AMA Flat Track: Weirbach Racing's Dominic Collindres Ends 2012 Pro Singles Season with 2nd-Place at Pomona & 4th-Place in the Championship Standings

Round 9 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season saw the series head to the natural amphitheatre surroundings of the Peoria Motorcycle Club on August 12, and a new rider in the saddle for the '11 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship-winning Weirbach Racing team and it's potent Honda CRF450Rs. 

Californian Dominic Collindres had just signed-on to ride for the team just days before the event that would begin the second-half stretch of the season in the Pro Singles series, and he brought a renewed shot-in-the-a.. to the defending championship-winning Iowa-based effort.

Right out of the box on the #66Y Weirbach Racing/General Engineering/Barnett/Spectro-sponsored Honda their new rider showed that he was in control and that the team's decision to sign him for the remaining events for the year was a wise one.

Collindres, in charge at the front right from the start, took his first-ever win over a stacked field of riders vying for the Pro Singles Championship, including eventual series champ Stephen Vanderkuur (3rd-place finish) and part-time Pro Singles contender Justin Reed (2nd-place finish) and wowwed the paying crowd at the longest tenured event on the AMA Pro Flat Track calendar. 

In the shot above, Collindres walks away from the rest of the field after a red flag delay at the Pro Singles round in Peoria on August 12 as he comes out of turn one.

Team co-owner Ted Weirbach stands with Weirbach Racing's former signee, Ryan Wells, just before the start of heat race action at round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship season at the Springfield TT on May 26.  Wells, on the #94B Weirbach Racing/General Engineering/Barnett/Spectro-backed Honda CRF450R (the weapon of choice and dominance in the Pro Singles series and for the Weirbach team), parted ways with the team just prior to round 9 at Peoria. 

After winning round 2 at Daytona (having missed the cut the previous evening in the season kick-off doubleheader round), Wells only scored one more podium finish for the Iowa-based Weirbach team (3rd-place Hagerstown) and three more top-10s. 

Unfortunately, the former Horizon Award winner was injured in a heat race crash at round 12 of the season at the Springfield Short Track and wasn't able to continue the remaining events of the season.  He still finished 7th in the 2012 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship based on his early-season results while still on the immaculately-prepped Weirbach Hondas, and is expected to return healthy again for the 2013 season.

Team co-owner Richard Weirbach hops off of the back of team rider Dominic Collindres' #66Y Honda CRF450R after taking the spoils of victory lap with the California rider at round 9 of the 2012 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship season at the Peoria TT.  3rd-place finisher Justin Reed #53L and 2nd-place finisher Stephen Vanderkuur #10J talk and head to the podium after the 12-lap main.  Vanderkuur went on to claim the 2012 Pro Singles Championship while Collindres wound up in the 4th-place spot in his first-full season in the series.

Poised to return together again for the full 2013 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship season, Collindres and the Weirbach Racing team are assuredly a safe-bet to contest for the big brass ring next year in the hotly-contested class that showcases some of the best racing on wheels in the world that is AMA Pro Flat Track racing.  It's gonna be a long winter......

Check out the official press release below courtesy of Dominic Collindres and the Weirbach Racing team, and a big congrats to them for a stellar finish to the season.  Bravo!

Press release courtesy of the Weirbach Racing team and rider #66Y Dominic Collindres


Ottumwa, Iowa, November 3, 2012

The AMA Grand National season-finale was held in Pomona, California.  I was stoked for this race being that it was close to home and I got to hang out with friends and family at my house all week.

 

Last year I didn't do so good, not even making the main, but this year I felt that I had some good experience gathered up from this year.  My goal for the weekend was to finish ahead of Shayna Texter and finish the year off fourth in overall points.

Qualifying was going great.  Dick had the bike set up spot on from the start, and the only thing we changed was tire pressures.  The free practice qualifying I set the ninth-fastest time.  We didn't change the bike at all and in the first qualifying session I qualified ninth again.  We then dropped the tire pressure a little and set the fifth fastest time in the second qualifying session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dominic Collidres gives team owner Richard Weirbach a victory ride on the #66Y Weirbach Racing Honda CRF450R after winning his first-ever event and first with his new team at round 9 of the 2012 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles season at the Peoria TT on August 12. Photo courtesy of the Weirbach Racing team.

 

For the heat race I was lined up on the front row.  I got a great start and was in second into the first turn.  I made a pass for the lead going down the back straight and led the rest of the heat race.  I felt great in the heat, winning by about a second.  Vanderkuur looked fast in his heat and I knew he was going to be tough to beat. 

 

Going out for the main I felt comfortable with the way things were going.  I got the holeshot and going into turn three a red flag came out.  On the second start I was in about fourth riding by myself and another red flag came out about halfway through the race.

 

This time the start was single file and I made my way into third going into turn three.  The top two riders pulled a large lead on me and we were all evenly spaced.  At about four laps to go I found a fast line and reeled in Maquire who was in second.  I passed him and was left with two laps to go.  I caught up to Vanderkuur on the last lap and couldn't quite get into the draft going down the last straight away and I finished a solid second.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With a stellar 2nd-place finish in round 16 of the 2012 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship, Weirbach Racing's Dominic Collindres #66Y capped off the season in the 4th-place spot in the championship standings.  Photo courtesy of the Weirbach Racing team.

 

This year Pomona treated me great.  Being on a totally different bike and having so much more experience really seemed to help me out.  I am very happy with the way this year went.  I couldn't be happier to get team Weirbach a win my first race after their previous rider decided to go on his own mid-season.

 

Getting all of my podiums on Weirbach's bikes gets me ready for next year.  Being that I missed five races and joined Dick and Ted halfway through the season and finished fourth in points, Dick, Ted and I feel like we have a good shot at winning the championship next year since I will be at every race. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dominic Collindres accepts his 4th-place check in the AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Championship for the 2012 season at the AMA Pro Flat Track banquet in Pomona on October 14, 2012.  Photo courtesy of the Weirbach Racing team.

 

 

I couldn't have done it without them and all our sponsors that helped this year. I would like to give a huge thanks to:

Weirbach Racing, General Engineering, Barnett, Spectro, DynoJet, K&N, Saddlemen, Motorcycle Superstore/Bell Helments, White lightning Retrievers, PMP Sprockets, Motion Pro, Spider Grips, Evans Coolant, Cheney Engineering, G2 Ergonomics, All Balls Racing, Firecoat Custom Powderworks, CP Pistons and Carillo Rods, Web Cams, Foudree's Graphics, Sunoco, Pro Wheel, Durelle Racing, Supertrapp, TNT Honda, Pingel Products, Regina Chain, Factory Backing, Hinson, Motobatt, Pit Posse, Jet-Hot, Cosmetic Graphics, , KDM Forrest Products, Michael King, Frankie Morris, my Mom and Dad, Mach 1, A&A Racing, Works Connection, ProFactoryHoses.com, Rekluse, and Chicken Hawk Racing.

Dominic Colindres – 66Y

 

AMA Pro Flat Track Heads to Springfield Doubleheader Rounds for Final Midwest Races of the 2012 Season

What was originally scheduled as round 11 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Springfield Short Track over Labor Day Weekend is getting ready to kick-off in fine fashion this afternoon at 4:30 PM EDT/3:30 PM CDT at the Multipurpose Arena on the Illinois State Fairgrounds as round 12.

Two of the top contenders for tonight's race sit in wait above at round 3 ready for practice at the Springfield TT on May 26.  Jake Johnson on the #1 Zanotti Racing/Schaeffer's H-D-sponsored Honda CRF450R and Sammy Halbert on his #7 South Ass/Fredericktown Yamaha-backed YZ450F will be two of the protagonists in the battle to win the last short track National to be held at Springfield in the foreseeable future.

Jersey Jake will be looking to add to his legend as a master of the tracks at the fabled events held over the course of the last dozen 10-11 seasons in trying to win his first-ever short track there after carding two Springfield Mile wins on the big oval and the Springfield TT from May 2011.  Halbert will be looking to grab another Singles Series Championship to go along with his 2011 #1 plate in the 450 class as the two battle with Singles points leader Jared Mees to close out the Singles portion of the 2012 calendar.

The series will shift to the mile oval for Sunday's running of the Springfield Mile II that was originally scheduled as round 12 and will now make up the 13th event on the 2012 season's calendar.  In both previous events at the fastest mile in the country, Texan Willie McCoy hauled his #59 Harley-Davidson of Wausau/Independence H-D-sponsored XR750 to the front and to the top of the podium in the waning moments of each race to capture his first and second-ever Grand National main event wins in his over 25-year career as one of the finest and the fastest in The Rolling Thunder Show.

With tutelage over the years from two of the baddest, fastest and best in the business in the form of 7-Time AMA Grand National Champion Chris Carr and his long-time compadre in multi-championship winning tuner, wrench, builder and master of the Milwaukee iron, Kenny Tolbert, McCoy has shown that he not only knows how to haul the mail in the best racing series on wheels in the world, but can build a pretty darn good horse to do so with as well.

Brandon Robinson on the #44 Werner-Springsteen Racing/Big Dawg-backed Kawasaki showed at the Springfield Mile I round he is finally returning to winning form after his '09 Indy Mile crash that curtailed his racing efforts.  Although his final result at Springfield back in May was cut short due to a first lap crash and resulting retirement, since that time BRob44 has put it on the podium for his first-ever Twins main event (Lucas Oil Indy Mile) and carded a 4th-place finish at the Sacto Mile and a 7th-place result last weekend at Knoxville to let everyone know he is returning to top form and show legendary team owners and multi-time championship winners Bill Werner and Jay Springsteen that they did no wrong in hiring the former Expert Twins champion.

Jared Mees' runs the last several seasons have carded the transplanted Pennsylvania/Michigan resident to the top of everyone's go-to-it list as he leads the championship overall standings heading into this weekend's doubleheader rounds.  Although unlike last season where he took multiple wins Mees' single triumph at Hagerstown earlier this season along with is rock-solid efforts have taken him and the #9 Rogers Racing/Blue Springs H-D XR750 to the top of the list and the one that Johnson and Halbert must run down in the remaining five events of the year if they have any hope for grabbing the big piece of the pie that is the AMA Grand National Championship.

Nichole Cheza will be ready to run with the boys on the #15 Global Products/Harley-Davidson Co-backed XR after the solid efforts she put in last weekend at Knoxville in winning her semi and bringing home an eventual 8th-place finish.  One of the finest in the business as well as one of the most popular people in the pits, the Michiganite will sure to be ready to run with and run down the boys come Sunday's green flag to start the day's events.

And Stevie Bonsey is another who has shown again that he has the talent and ability to run up front after his semi win at Indy on the #80 Werner-Springsteen Kawi and his strong efforst early in the season on the Dodge Brothers/Alpinestars-backed XR.  The '09 AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year will be filling in the seat again tomorrow on the Big Green Machine of the iconic duo of Werner and Springsteen and should be a force to reckon with all day long.

The picture above highlights the five mentioned here in their battle during heat race #2 at the Springfield Mile I round in late May.  When the checkers flew for this one, McCoy led Mees, Robinson and Cheza home for their direct transfers to the main, while Bonsey raced into the final during his semi race later in the day.

The bike that everyone is hoping to beat or ready to openly complain about will return to the track tomorrow for the third mile effort of the Crosley Radio/Howerton Motorsports powered by Eaken Racing Kawasaki team with Bryan Smith #42 ready to make amends for his SF Mile I 'slip' and the battery failure at Indy that surely would have been another win for the team at Indy.

Although the cries and wails have been heard from those that think they have been out-gunned with the rocket-fast parallel twin, one thing that is sure that with the playing field leveled per AMA Pro Flat Track regulations and a possibility that an extra millimeter of restrictor may be given back to the XR teams for the 2013 season, master builder and craftsman Ricky Howerton and team member Jeff Gordon aren't too worried about being still able to run and run fast.  Which means the long-time IndyCar engineer still has something in his back pocket to keep the stunning machine at the front--with the help of Flyin' Bryan's great throttle-twisting ability.

Without a doubt, just as it has been since it rolled out above at the first Twins round at Springfield in late May, everyone will have an eye on the #42 bullet as the fans will flock to get an eye on one of the newest and most innovative machines to grace The Rolling Thunder Show track and paddock and play the game as has been written ala the rules and formulations of the AMA Pro Flat Track guidelines.  And the competition could still very well be looking for a close-up view, as well, but it could be from behind if results are determined on the track.

All eyes will also be on the great battle on the track in the 2012 AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Series events.  With Shayna Texter again wowwing the boys and the fans in winning the Knoxville Half-Mile round on her #25A DFW Honda/Herr's-backed mount, the boys will be looking to run her down this weekend as they eventually did as shown at Springfield above in the final dash to the checkers in the Pro Singles main event.

What will or could happen in the junior series will keep the fans on their feet as the ultra-competitive class has proved time and time again that the 450-based class can put on one fine show.

Above Zakk Palmer on the #81C Double Dick Bandits Honda, Texter on her #25A DFW Honda, Stephen Vanderkuur on the #10J Performance Cycle & Dyno Honda, Jake Shoemaker on the #55A Montgomeryville Cycle Center Honda and Jake Cunningham #94L Arai Helmets Honda run for the gold in the closing feet of round 4 of their 2012 season, with Cunningham getting to the line just inches in front of Palmer, Texter, Vanderkuur and Shoemaker in what was one of the fastest, finest and most memorable Pro Singles events in the series' now four years of competition.

Today and tomorrow will be no different, so tune in and keep an eye out for the fastest and the most strategic of efforts from the men and women that comprise The Rolling Thunder Show in what will surely be a remarkable weekend for the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season and you don't want to miss a move!

AMA Pro Flat Track Returns to Run Long Awaited Springfield Race Weekend

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 13, 2012) - After a two week delay prompted by Hurricane Isaac, the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com and Lucas Oil returns to the Illinois State Fairgrounds for the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) promoted Springfield ST and Mile doubleheader weekend.

 

The weekend consists of a short track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds' multi-purpose arena for the 450cc single-cylinder bikes on Saturday, before moving to the Holy Grail of flat track racing on Sunday, the Springfield Mile. The mile features the big twin-cylinder (750cc / 1000cc) monsters and 100mph lap speeds.

Last week's Knoxville National shook the points race up as points leader Jared Mees (Rogers Racing / Blue Springs Harley-Davidson) suffered a rare mechanical problem forcing his Harley-Davidson XR750 to the sidelines. "It is what it is. Is shook up the points quite a bit more than I would of liked for sure," said Mees. "We're still in the lead, just not by as much."

Defending Grand National Champion Jake Johnson (Zanotti Racing) and Sammy Halbert (South East Harley-Davidson / Fredericktown Yamaha) have closed to within 11 points and are tied for second. Halbert has the tie breaker in hand now with three wins on the season.

"Springfield is huge. We will go there with guns loaded," said Halbert. "We will be ready to have some fun and go fast. The point race definitely tightened up. Now we have all had a DNF. That's the way it goes. I look forward to finishing the year off strongly."

Yet to win a race in 2012, Johnson feels he is ready to make Springfield history. "Springfield Short Track is one that I've been looking forward to all year. I've won the TT, I've won the Mile and I've gotten second a bunch of times at the Short Track. I'd love to be able to win that event," said Johnson. "With it being the last year, I'd love to be able to win all three of those. I don't think anybody has won all three. Not just in one year, but since they have been having them. That's been a big one on my list."

 

 

Jake Johnson #1, Jared Mees #9 and Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. #2 are shown in battle during the Springfield Mile I round on May 27, 2012.  AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Dave Hoenig.

"It's still going to be a fight until the end. It's just going to come down to finishes now. I'm looking forward to it," added Johnson. "We've hit the reset button and we're close in points. Hopefully we can pull that off and have a good weekend at Springfield. If not, come out with some more good finishes. Hopefully no crashes, no breaks, just finish."

Crosley Radio / Howerton Motorsports' Bryan Smith nearly won the Springfield Mile in May and has posted a win at the Sacramento Mile, now sitting fourth in points. "I'm pumped for Springfield," said Smith. "The mile I'll be back on the Kawasaki. I'm ready to get back to the mile and I'm excited to go to the Springfield short track. I've got a really good 450 for the short track. It will be a big weekend and I'm looking forward to it."

The Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles class will also be competing both days. While Saturday's Short Track race is always competitive, the Mile on Sunday normally requires the holding of your breath for 12 laps as the 18 riders fight over one of the biggest wins of their young careers.

Coming off a solid second place finish last week in Knoxville, current points leader Stephen Vanderkuur (Parkinson Brothers Racing) holds a seven point lead over Ryan Wells (5 Star Steel & Fabrication). Jake Shoemaker (Montgomeryville Cycle) and Jason Isennock (Highs Dairy) remain in the thick of the points race.

Shoemaker is looking to repeat his win of last year's Labor Day Mile, but there are truly so many riders in this class that have a chance of winning either or both days. After posting her second win of 2012 last week by repeating her historic win at the Knoxville Half Mile, Shayna Texter (DFW Honda / RLT Racing) is the crowd favorite wherever she goes, and many are predicting another win on Sunday.

Tickets for this weekend are on sale now and can be ordered by calling 217-753-8866 or 888-468-1622. Tickets for the 2013 races can be ordered starting January 2, 2013.

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

AMA Pro Flat Track's Blue Crew Loses Two of It's Finest: RIP Tyler & Dave Brintlinger

AMA Pro Flat Track announcer Mylas Copeland helps one of the Motorcycle-Superstore.com reps with a special Bell Helmet award for Tyler Brintlinger at round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Springfield TT on May 26.  Due to his enthusiasm and great love of the sport, Tyler was awarded the signature helmet for all of his hard work and outstanding efforts that he had put in, on and around the track in helping introduce the riders, helping the AMA Pro Flat Track trophy ladies with the t-shirt cannon and various other duties which he obviously loved and was so good at.

It is with great sadness that we report that young Tyler and his father Dave, were tragically killed in an auto accident late yesterday on their way home from the Knoxville Half-Mile on Saturday, September 8.  Dave's twin brother, Darrell was in serious, but stable condition as of press time this morning according the the Danville Commercial News online account of the accident.  The accident occurred approximately 6 miles east of the Illinois/Indiana State line as they were returning to their home in Ohio.

Tyler, who was best known for his great smile and uber-level of enthusiasm around the track, was one of the hardest working young men around.  Excelling at his duties of helping to introduce the riders to the grid during rider intros as well as helping the trophy queens fire the t-shirt cannon into the stands, was awarded a special-design Bell Helmet, courtesy of AMA Pro Flat Track sponsor, Motorcycle-Superstore.com at the Springfield TT in late May.  The young man's smile and surprise are highly evident in the shot above, taken as Tyler was given his special award for all of his help around the track.

Although I never knew either one personally, I can attest to the tireless efforts of both at each and every event over the course of the last three seasons, and young Tyler was without a doubt one of the future people of the sport in terms of running the show.  I hope everyone will be able to remember him as I do, with that great and happy smile on his face as the one displayed above when he was awarded his special helmet over the Memorial Day Weekend.

Here's wishing a full and fast recovery to the surviving member of the Brintlinger Family, Darrell.  And God Speed to Tyler and Dave, two of the finest members of the AMA Pro Flat Track Blue Crew, both of which will be sorely missed. 

RIP Tyler and Dave, the man above just got two very special people!

Statement from AMA Pro Racing on the Passing of Dave and Tyler Brintlinger

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 10, 2012) - AMA Pro Racing is deeply saddened by the passing of Dave Brintlinger and his son Tyler Brintlinger. Dave and his twin brother Darrell have been AMA Pro Flat Track officials for the better part of two decades and 15-year-old Tyler had been a junior member of the official crew for nearly his entire life.

 

 

Dave, Tyler and Darrell Brintlinger are pictured from an AMA Pro Flat Track event.  Tragedy struck the family on their return home from the Knoxville Half-Mile when they were involved in an auto accident, claiming the lives of Dave and his son, Tyler.  Darrell is recuperating in the hospital as of press time.  God Speed and RIP Tyler and Dave, and get well soon Darrell!  Photo courtesy of AMA Pro Flat Track.

The three were involved in a vehicle accident near Danville, IL following the Knoxville Half-Mile. Darrell is currently recovering in a local hospital.

 

"There are no words to express the sadness in our hearts," said Dan Johnsen, Director of AMA Pro Flat Track. "Dave and Tyler were always ready to help and came to the track with a smile on their faces every event. Their contribution made a major impact on this sport. They will be dearly missed."

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:

The Brintlinger Family

1301 Cinnamon Place
Galloway, OH 43119

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

AMA Pro Flat Track 2012 Springfield Labor Day Weekend Preview

After one of the greatest events of the season at round 10 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the Lucas Oil Indy Mile two weeks ago, what could possibly top it in the remaining six events of the season?!  Maybe this weekend's running of the Springfield Mile II at the Illinois State Fairgrounds where the best in the business in The Rolling Thunder Show will assemble to duke it out at 130 MPH on the straights of the mile oval to put on a show that will (or should if you have a pulse) leave you breathless and gasping for more when the final checkered flag falls on round 12 of the season tomorrow.

After the great win by Sammy Halbert at Indy on August 18, the rest of the field will be looking to get to the front early and try to make it a Sammy sandwich, and after the impressive and depressing final results at Indy and the trickle down effects of those turnarounds this weekend's Springfield Mile II should prove just what the doctor ordered for those that walked away from Indy with less-then-stellar results.

And we could pretty much guarantee you that five of the six men in the shot above from the Springfield Mile I National main on May 27 will try to have some say-so in those matters.

With Bryan Smith suffering an electrical malady on the #42 Crosley Radio/Howerton Motorsports powered by Eaken Racing Kawasaki/Midwest Performance Hardware-sponsored 650R-based parallel twin, Flyin' Bryan will most likely be looking to turn that night's dissapointment around and even better his 3rd-place run at Springfield in the spring race. 

Jake Johnson crashed out at Indy on the #1 Zanotti Racing/Schaeffer's H-D/Boughner Racing/Arai-backed XR750 but emerged unscathed save for some serious leather rash and a tweaked Milwaukee V-twin that absorbed a pounding after flipping end-over-end several times.  And Jersey Jake not only has a few points to make up for after Indy, but is also uncharacteristically looking for his first win of the season after not having been off of the podium since the Springfield TT on May 26.  And this is the time of the season that Johnson has historically started making major moves towards the front in gathering his '10-'11 Championship runs together.

Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. returned to action at Indy and ran extremely strong to card a 5th-place result on the #2 Harley-Davidson Motor Co/Screamin' Eagle/Fox/Arai Helmets-backed factory XR750, and after having gotten swept away from the main pack as shown above at the half-way point of the spring race to bring it home in the 6th-place position.  The King of Cool is hunting his first win of the 2012 season and this weekend could be it for the former 3-Time AMA Grand National Twins Champion.

Johnny Lewis #10 parted ways with the Scott Powersports team before the Indy round, but Matt Weidman will be in the saddle on the #20 Scott/Saddlemen/Fiorio Investments/SNIP-sponsored 650R-based ride this weekend after a super 8th-place finish on the Kawi at Indy.  In his first ride on the Kawi, and first on anything but an XR750 save for one west coast outing on the Ron Woods Rotax/BMW two seasons ago, Mighty Matt adapted VERY quickly to the power output difference of the parallel twin and he could very well be a top-5 spoiler for this weekend's outing.  Don't take your eyes off of the 2008 AMA Pro Flat Track Rookie of the Year as if you do, he could be gone....fast!

Jared Mees has been another case for his run to the 2012 AMA Grand National Championship in bringing home one win on the year (Hagerstown) and throwing down one great result after another all season long.  Mees run to 3rd-place at Indy on the #9 Rogers Racing/Blue Springs H-D/Saddlemen/National Cycle-backed and Brent Armbruster-tuned XR was the stuff that champions, and future champions are made of.  Jammin' Jared has two Twins Series Championships to his credit ('09 and '11) and is making another strong case in his search for the overall championship in his 2012 season, and could add to his Springfield Mile I win in 2011 to get that done.

And don't forget Springfield Mile double-winner Willie McCoy who will be on-hand again displaying his mile-specialist efforts on his #59 Harley-Davidson of Wausau/Independence H-D/Tucker Rocky/Arai-sponsored XR750.  After suffering a mechanical at Indy, look for the Texas veteran to better his results this weekend by something at least as much as Texas is big.  And being the two-time defending winner at Springfield, look for this hard charger to be in the mix.

There is also a handful of other riders ready to spoil the party for the aforementioned group this weekend (weather permitting--see below under Henry Wiles) that includes Brad Baker on the #12 Dodge Brothers XR (6th at Indy for a superb run for the '11 Rookie of the Year), Henry Wiles on the #17 Lloyd Brothers Motorsports 'L' twin (looking to grab his 3rd top-5 of the year after his great 4th-place effort at Indy), and Brandon Robinson on the #44 Werner-Springsteen Racing Kawasaki who carded his best-ever result of 2nd-place and his first-ever Twins Series podium at Indy.  And there could be other spoilers thrown into the mix this weekend as well.

One downturn to the weekend is that we won't see Clermont, Indiana's Dan Ingram on the #31J TCR/Indy Southside H-D XR750.  Dapper Dan suffered a wrist injury during his heat race crash at Indy (where he went on to win his semi and get the full house rocking at Indy), that will keep him away from the track this weekend and will be getting surgery on his wrist (after my conversation with Dan on Wednesday evening of this week.)  But he does have a few good things in the mix for some possibilities for the remaining Knoxville and west coast rounds, should his wrist be up to the action.  If/when that happens, we'll bring you the news on that here.

So don't let the remnants of Hurricane (Himacane) Isaac keep you away from what will eventually be some of the best racing of the year, as it always is, at Springfield.  You won't be dissapointed as the boys and girls of The Rolling Thunder Show will leave you leaping for more as they hit the track for the Labor Day Weekend Classic!

Henry Wiles rolls out his #17 Don's Kawasaki/DPC Racing/Nick Nazzisi/Schiller's Tree Svc-sponsored KX450F in preparation for the first practice session at round 3 of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com season at the final Springfield TT National on May 26.  Wiles' long-time tuner Johnny O follows closely behind with his stopwatch in his pocket and his mind on seeing The Hammer take another big win at the beautiful Springfield Multipurpose Arena event.

He wasn't dissapointed as Henry went on to take his fourth win in five events at the Memorial Day Weekend race, held before a packed house in spite of the looming loss of the event on the 2013 calendar (it was announced earlier in the season that both Singles Series events at Springfield that bookend the summer run in The Rolling Thunder Show would be dropped from the schedule next season due to the current economy.)  Don't fret, though, as Steve Nace Racing and his great Kentucky-based crew will be putting on the support events that will be scheduled on the All-Star calendar.  What that amounts to is a great support event during the spring race and again during the late summer race that will in all likelihood pan out as 'mini' Nationals, with a good turnout of AMA Pro Flat Track's finest stars already in town for the big show wanting to earn some extra cash to help pay their traveling expenses.  And a double-mile round over Labor Day Weekend for 2012 to boot!

What is scheduled as tonight's final Springfield Short Track National for the foreseeable future is the one that is in question this weekend due to the remnants of Hurrican Isaac circulating Central Illinois that have already caused one wash-out in the form of last night's amateur program that was shortened considerably due to the deluge of rain that hit the area.  And with rain in the area again today, things could still tip either way in terms of whether the show is postponed until Monday or scrubbed altogether.  Or if things turn for the better, runs yet this evening.

If Mother Nature should cooperate, look for Jake Johnson, Jared Mees, Sammy Halbert, Jeffrey Carver, Jr., Matt Weidman, Brad Baker, JD Beach and a handful of others to try and knock the reigning king of Springfield's Singles Series event off of his perch.  Remember, Wiles returned to the Springfield Short Track late last summer after having missed some events in the season due to his DuQuoin injuries to totally dominate the evening and win his 5th-straight short track at Springfield. 

Here's hoping that not only the weather cooperates but that either way we still get this great event in either today or Monday.

AMA Pro Flat Track Heads Back to Springfield for Action Packed Labor Day Race Weekend

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 30, 2012) - Labor Day Weekend and the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) promoted Springfield Doubleheader has become the promised land for dedicated fans of the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com and Lucas Oil.

 

The weekend consists of a short track at the Illinois State Fairgrounds' multi-purpose arena for the 450cc single-cylinder bikes on Saturday, before moving to the Holy Grail of flat track racing on Sunday, the Springfield Mile. The mile features the big twin-cylinder (750cc / 1000cc) monsters of AMA Pro Flat Track's Expert Twins division turning laps at over 100mph.

 

The Saturday night short track race always features great handlebar rattling action with plenty of bumping, banging and hurt feelings to go around. Surprisingly, the only currently active rider with a Springfield Short Track win is Henry Wiles (Don's Kawasaki). Wiles is famous for his Peoria TT dominance, but the beautiful State Fair Arena has been just as much his personal playground. Of the last 10 races held in the Arena (TT & Short Track), Wiles has won nine. He was forced to miss the 2010 TT while recovering from knee surgery.

 

Defending Grand National Champion Jake Johnson (Zanotti Racing) has finished second the last two Springfield Short Track events and desperately needs a 2012 win. Johnson saw his string of podium finishes snapped at Indianapolis due to a rare crash in the Lucas Oil Indy Mile. The DNF dropped Johnson to third in the points race behind Sammy Halbert (South East Harley-Davidson / Fredericktown Yamaha) and points leader Jared Mees (Rogers Racing) neither of which have fared too well on the tight short track.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jake Johnson #1 leads Bryan Smith #42 and Johnny Lewis #10 during the running of the Springfield Mile I on May 27, 2012.  AMA Pro Flat Track photo by Dave Hoenig.

 

 

Of course there are always the "Young Lions" who are making their marks on the trail. Jeffrey Carver (Kiesow Racing) is quietly having a solid season and has recorded a podium finish on the short track. Fellow Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles Champion Brad Baker (Brothers Powersports / Dodge Brothers) hopes to settle his season down after jumping from team to team early in the year. Saddlemen Rookie of the Year leader Briar Bauman (USC Racing) has to be considered another contender along with his teammate, part-time dirt tracker, JD Beach.

 

In reality, it could be any of a large contingent, but they all have to beat Wiles to have a chance.

 

After the 450cc singles are all packed away, the action moves to Sunday's Springfield Mile and the big bore twins. Bryan Smith (Howerton Racing), himself a two-time Springfield Mile winner has been dominate on his Kawasaki, but has come away with just one 2012 win, the Sacramento Mile. A strategy error in the Memorial Day Springfield race and electrical problems at Indy have plagued Smith in the other two Mile events contested so far as part of the 2012 schedule.

 

The race has always been a 140 mph chess match, favoring the veteran riders when it comes down to the final five miles of the 25 lap race. To reinforce this fact, semi-retired Willie McCoy (Harley-Davidson of Wausau / Independence Harley-Davidson) has a two-race winning streak on the legendary mile going for him. McCoy qualified for his first Springfield Mile National in 1996. Perhaps even more impressive is the rejuvenated Dan Ingram (Total Control Racing), who rode his first Springfield National in 1984. Unfortunately for the Indiana native, a crash at the Indy Mile two weeks ago has put his participation at this weekend's round in jeopardy.

 

The top three in the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship chase have all had solid Springfield races in the past. Points leader Jared Mees has one win, while Jake Johnson has posted two wins. Sammy Halbert has been very fast, but bad luck, including a massive turn one crash in the spring that ended his day, has short circuited his efforts. 

The AMA Pro Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles class will also be competing both days. While Saturday's Short Track race is always competitive, the Mile on Sunday normally requires holding one's breath for 12 laps as the 18 riders fight over one of the biggest wins of their young careers.

 

Current points leader Stephen Vanderkuur (Parkinson Brothers Racing) appears to be back at full strength after a broken leg in 2010 sidetracked his career. Ryan Wells (5 Star Steel & Fabrication) is just two points back. Jake Shoemaker (Montgomeryville Cycle) and Jason Isennock (Highs Dairy) remain in the thick of the points race.

 

Shoemaker is looking to repeat his win of last year's Labor Day Mile, but there are truly so many riders in this class that have a chance of winning either or both days.

 

For more information on the Springfield Short Track, please click here.

 

For more information on the Springfield Mile II, please click here.

 

Tickets for this weekend are on sale now and can be ordered by calling 217-753-8866 or 888-468-1622. Tickets for the 2013 races can be ordered starting January 2, 2013.

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