On behalf of IMDA:

(August 27, 2012) - The Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) is excited to welcome everyone back to Springfield over Labor Day Weekend. The Illinois State Fairgrounds, has hosted more AMA Pro Racing Grand National Championship races than any other venue in the history of the sport. 114 Nationals have been held at the prestigious fairgrounds. Not only does it offer a rich tradition in dirt track racing, but Springfield has also hosted a variety of racing disciplines. With 90 mile races, 13 short tracks and 12 TT races, it’s no wonder Springfield is known as the flat track racing capitol.

The weekend starts off with an AMA amateur short track race on Friday night. The 5 year old kids on their 50cc bikes on up to the super seniors (50 years old and up) will be the first ones to try out the newly designed track. The facility at the fairgrounds is used for many events throughout the year so the track is built new every year and this year looks to be especially exciting. Then on Saturday night, the AMA Pro Racing stars show us the handlebar banging short track racing excitement that only they can deliver. With this being the last expert singles race in 2012, every point earned is valuable. Sunday morning the lightning fast twin cylinder bikes come out at the mile, the fastest mile in the country. Winning this race is not just about speed though. The track is so good and the riders can go so fast that it becomes a very strategic race to run. Willie McCoy proved last year that along with a fast motor you need wisdom and experience to win this one.

Because Springfield has become such a fan favorite, there has been a lot of concern about our previous announcement to eliminate the TT and Short Track in 2013. The IMDA truly cares about the sport, the fans, the teams, and the racers and have kept them in mind while re-evaluating our decision. For 2013, the IMDA will host the following races:

May 24th – AMA Amateur TT race with a Pro Class
May 25th – AMA All Star TT race
May 26th – AMA Pro Racing national mile
Aug 30th – AMA Amateur Short Track race with a Pro Class
Aug 31st – AMA Pro Racing Dirt Track Hall of Fame national mile
Sept 1st – AMA Pro Racing national mile

This exciting new schedule will give the fans more days to see the experts and pro’s racing and the total payout for the two weekends to the racers will be more in 2013 than it is in 2012. We hope this will be a positive change for everyone.

We sincerely want to thank all of our sponsors that help make all of this racing possible. Green Toyota, Memphis Shades, K & N, and Miller the official beer of the Springfield Mile have all been outstanding loyal supporters of the IMDA and our races.

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.