DAYTONA BEACH, FL (July 21, 2011) - While a state-government shutdown and the bankruptcy of a non-profit organization have had far-reaching implications, forcing the cancellation of two rounds of the 2011 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track Championship, a new venue with a long, proud history of motorcycle racing has stepped up to fill one of the vacancies.

The State of Minnesota’s budget woes doomed the Minnesota Mile (scheduled for September 24 at Canterbury Downs in Shakopee), while the bankruptcy of the non-profit Yavapai County Farm & Agriculture Association signaled a no-go for the October 9 Arizona Mile at Prescott Valley’s Yavapai Downs. With that bad news confirmed, AMA Pro staff moved quickly to secure replacements, and Katie Torbert -- promoter at the North Central Speedway in Brainerd, Minnesota -- soon stepped forward to claim the September 24 date.

“Owner Cliff Sasker and myself are extremely excited to have this opportunity to work with and host an AMA Pro Racing event,” said Torbert. “Minnesota is lacking in this kind of adrenaline rush and the timing is perfect -- the lakes are too cold, the fairs are all over, and school is in full swing. The bikers are dreading putting away their freedom for yet another season, and this will be a great way to give them that last bit of thrill before the snow flies.

“Sasker is one of the hardest-working and most dedicated track owners you will ever find,” added Torbert, “and he’ll always do whatever is necessary to make sure fans, racers, and everyone involved is extremely happy. We don’t want to waste any valuable time in getting ready for this event, so let’s get to work!”

The upper Minnesota town of Brainerd was long a legendary staple on the AMA Pro Road Racing scene, beginning in 1983 and continuing through 2003, and the AMA Pro Racing community is excited to be returning to the area. Additionally, both Canterbury Downs and Yavapai Downs have expressed their desire to be part of the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track calendar.

The AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track Championship will be in action this weekend at the I-96 Half-Mile in Lake Odessa, Michigan, July 23. For tickets and information, call (616) 642-0555 or visit www.i96speedway.com. To learn more about Brainerd’s North Central Speedway, visit www.racencs.net or call (218) 828-1545.

To be a part of the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track Championship, visit www.amaproracing.com and join us on facebook.com/AMAProFlatTrackSeries and twitter.com/AMAProFlatTrack.