DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 30, 2016) – AMA Pro Flat Track athletes are taking the spotlight on Saturday, April 9 at the inaugural Harley-Davidson Lone Star Half-Mile at Circuit of The Americas during the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas weekend on the new, purpose-built dirt track designed by flat track legend Chris Carr.
Fans can get a taste of the origins of motorcycle racing during the high-intensity qualifying rounds and main events with the flat track athletes demonstrating racing in the raw as they conquer the new half-mile terrain.
What is 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. The sport is also regarded as the birthplace of the “Golden Generation” of USA Grand Prix stars, producing top riders such as Grand National and World Champion Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey and Nicky Hayden.
AMA Pro Flat Track comprises two classes. The first is the Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines class, which features the world’s elite flat track riders. The second is the GNC2 class where up-and-coming athletes compete to earn their spot in the GNC1 ranks.
Why Should I Care?
Spectators of AMA Pro Flat Track events experience nail-biting action lap-by-lap as riders showcase racing that resembles not only the sound of a freight train but the proximity of one, too. As they whip around the freshly packed clay surface without front brake accommodation, riders demonstrate fierce competition as they try to force their way to the lead in bar-to-bar racing action.
AMA Pro Flat Track has also grabbed the attention of elite international talent from MotoGP, in particular Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi. In 2009, Rossi experienced “a magical night” at the Indy Mile while watching the talent of Yamaha TZ750-mounted Kenny Robertsand established his own Flat Track at his ranch in Tavullia, Italy. While in 2014 and 2015, Rossi’s rival and fellow MotoGP competitor, Marquez hosted three Superprestigio dirt track events in Barcelona, Spain.
Who Should I Look For?
Fans have the opportunity to meet AMA Pro Flat Track superstars at 6:00 p.m. CST during the Dunlop Fan Walk in the rider paddock. Among these athletes are Las Vegas Harley-Davidson mounted three-time Grand National Champion No. 1 Jared Mees, 2015 Summer X Games gold medalist and Kawasaki-mounted Bryan Smith sporting the No. 42 plate, 23-year professional rider and three-time Grand National Champion No. 2 Kenny Coolbeth, Jr.on his Harley-Davidson and Factory Harley-Davidson rider No. 6 Brad Baker in the GNC1 class.
Among the GNC2 athletes competing on 450cc single-cylinder motorcycles are 2016 DAYTONA Flat Track season opening winners No. 14A Dalton Gauthier riding his Yamaha YZ 450F and KTM 450 SX-F rider No. 26E Dylan Morin.
What Do I Get?
A mile down from the road race at Circuit of The Americas, is the location of The Harley-Davidson Lone Star Half-Mile. Mees and Smith will duke it out once again at the Austin facility in a repeat of the 2015 Summer X Games, where Mees led the race for the majority of the event until technical difficulties cut short his race, allowing Smith to gap the pack and take home the gold medal.
As fans enjoy an insider’s view into the flat track paddock, they can watch as teams fine-tune bikes with engines from manufacturers of three continents, including Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Triumph, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha and more.
Fans will also have the opportunity to engage in on-site giveaways with the Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines promotional team. Swag items will include 2016 AMA Pro Flat Track series tickets, t-shirts, Sunoco gift cards and more.
Roland Sands Design and the Super Hooligans will also put on a show during the evening with custom-built street bikes hurtling around the track.
Where and When?
Gates open at 6:00 p.m. CST. Upon the conclusion of the road races at Circuit of The Americas, fans can come to a meet-and-greet session with AMA Pro Flat Track stars. Opening ceremonies commence at 6:30 p.m. as riders suit up to demonstrate the true meaning of bar-to-bar action. Spectators coming from the road racing can utilize COTA transportation, picking up at Lot F and dropping off at the front gate of the dirt track.
Fans arriving on motorcycles should head to McAngus Rd. where there is a grass parking lot past the entrance of the dirt track that is designated for motorcycle parking and will be free of charge. There is also a parking lot for VIP guests between the two public access entrances at the grass lot in front of the vendor area. General spectator car parking for the event is $20.00 and is located off of COTA Blvd. in Lot F with a transportation system to the track.
How to Purchase Tickets:
For spectators coming from the road racing circuit, tickets can be purchased at the Grand Plaza Ticket Booth in COTA until 5:00 p.m. General admission to The Harley-Davidson Lone Star Half-Mile at Circuit of The Americas is $55.00 at the Box Office. There are two ticket stations located at the entrance of the dirt track to the right of the shuttle drop off area and directly in front of the grandstands. Save 10% on admission by purchasing tickets online athttps://www.texasflattrack.com/tickets/. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 will receive half-priced admission at the gate and children 12 and under are free.
For additional information about The Harley-Davidson Lone Star Half-Mile at Circuit of The Americas, please visit their website at https://www.texasflattrack.com.
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 https://www.FansChoice.tv.
Learn more EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT AMA PRO FLAT TRACK AT THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON LONE STAR HALF-MILE AT CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS on VANCE & HINES NEWS
