Courtesy of Colonial Downs:

NEW KENT, VA (8/20/13) - Instead of horses and jockeys, Colonial Downs will usher in the country’s top motorcycle racers and their cycles this Saturday August 24th for the inaugural running of the Virginia Mega Mile, an AMA Pro flat track motorcycle race.

Pre-race entries were taken last week and teams in both the J&P Cycles Pro Singles and Grand National Expert Twin classes will compete in a combined nine heat races and two championship races. The track’s one and one quarter miles oval is the largest on the circuit this year and speeds of between 130 and 140 miles per hour are expected. Colonial Downs is also just the third east coast venue to host a race this year.

By purchasing tickets in advance, fans can save $10 over day-of pricing. General admission tickets are $25 in advance while reserved grandstand seats are $35. Dining room seats and tables in the air conditioned Jockey Club and Turf Club are on sale as well.

Two special pricing offers are available. Kids (12 and under) general admission tickets are $5, and active/retired military can get a $5 discount on general admission tickets when they enter the promotional code “MILITARY” when purchased via colonialdowns.com. Virginia Mega Mile parking is free.

Gates and dining areas open at 9 AM Saturday. A vendor tent will be open, concessions available and classic rock band Moe’s Garage will perform on the trackside concert stage. Timed motorcycle practice begins at 10:15 AM followed by an open pit area at 12 Noon where fans can meet the riders and get autographs. Opening ceremonies start at 12:30 PM and the first of nine heat races commences at 1 PM. The respective championship races will be run at 3 PM and 3:30 PM.

A one hour post-race “After Party” will be held from 4-5 PM featuring live music, prize drawings, a Quaker Steak chicken wing eating contest, $1 hot dogs, free ice cream, horse race simulcast wagering and more.

Grand marshal of the event is long time flat track promoter Eddie Boomhower, who got his start in the motorcycle world at the Portsmouth Harley Davidson dealership in 1946. Boomhower moved to Richmond in 1954 and purchased Pinnell’s, the existing Harley dealership, which he operated until 1979. He also promoted races at tracks like Elmont and the Richmond Fairgrounds where young racers developed the skills to go on to become some of the most successful riders from Virginia.

Other former Virginia racers that earned national numbers or were tuners for national teams will be recognized between races Saturday. The honorees include Mike Hacker, Johnny Goad, Rusty Rogers, Clayton Oliver, Joe Perdue, Wayne Cool and others.

For more information, call 804-966-7223 or visit colonialdowns.com.