Progressive AFT - News - Springfield GNC Short Track Rained Out

Springfield GNC Short Track Rained Out - Rain Day Set for Monday

September 6, 2009

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (September 6, 2009) - Despite the valiant efforts of the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association, AMA Pro Racing and the Illinois State Fairgrounds staff, the final round of the AMA Pro Grand National Singles Championship has been rained out.

Light rain moved into the Springfield area about the time the riders started to unload for the day's activities and despite a few lulls and a forecast of clearing, Mother Nature won the hard fought battle. Championship points leader Henry Wiles (Jones Brothers Racing / Kawasaki) and Memphis Shades / Yamaha's JR Schnabel will now have to wait until Monday to settle the Championship.

The track was made race ready several times and qualifying was eventually able to be run. Second year Expert Chad Cose posted his first career fast qualifying time as he rode his Rogers Lake Racing / Columbia Avionics backed Honda to a 13.274 second lap.

After several rain interruptions, the first heat was in the books with Henry Wiles declared the winner.

An on-track incident in Turn 1 stopped the second heat and as everyone tried to regroup, the skies once again opened up, leaving the officials with no choice but to postpone the event until Monday.