I have never been big into motorcycle racing although I have watched quite a few races, at the Daytona Speedway. Last Wednesday, I was a guest of Black Hills Harley-Davidson® GM/Co-Owner and event promoter Terry Rymer at the Black Hills Half-Mile in Rapid City and jumped on the opportunity to learn more about dirt-track racing. This type of racing is uniquely American and the AMA Pro Flat Track series is one of the oldest motorsports championships in the nation.
Greeted by retired racer and now commentator Chris Carr, a seven-time winner of the A.M.A. Grand National Championship and a motorcycle land speed world record holder, and invited to listen to its live international broadcast in the TV production booth, I learned a lot and got quite excited during the different heats and final (18 riders, 25 laps) Chris Carr and myself talked about the technical feasibility of getting the TV feed of his broadcast, giving you the option to watch live the races in my website a couple of times every year. Are you interested? Tell me in “comments”
Anyway, Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Wrecking Crew rider Jared Mees dominated the 25-lap main at Black Hills Speedway to claim his first win of the season and extend his points lead in the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson GNC1 presented by Vance & Hines flat track series. “How cool to win on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle here at the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,” said Mees, the defending AMA Grand National champion. “We’ve been so consistent this season, but it really feels good to get this first win.” After eight races Mees leads the GNC1 series by 18 points.
Of great interest for me was also some board track racing with 26-year-old Brittney Olsen riding and winning the race on her 1923 Harley-Davidson. I remind you that board trackers have no brake, no clutch or transmission. They have a drag drive, meaning that they are push-started to get them on the track. When the green flag drops, you just accelerate, and you let up off the throttle. During each turn, only the motor’s compression slows you down…Olsen belongs to a group called 20th Century Racing, which carries the mission of preserving the history of early American motorcycle racing. Congratulations to her and to her fellow board track racers. (photos @ H. Roesler)
Love to watch Cyril, always thought it was some great racing.
Really enjoyed the flat track at Daytona when I’ve been. Like most sporting events, however, I’ll only pay attention to those that I attend in person.
Sure! i’d love to watch it.
But understand this:
The pros make it look so easy that its really only exciting for those who understand exactly how difficult it is to actually do……
Not sure the unwashed masses would “get it”….???
-nicker-
Cyril. want to go to a race with you to get full access to the racers & pits.
Absolutely interested in a video feed from the track. Cyril, the racing that takes place on these tracks are some of the most exciting motorsports events one will ever see. Looking forward to being in Peoria, IL for the TT next weekend.
Chris is a great guy
as a former pro…everyone has full access to the sport with less than 200 active pro’s in the country anytime someone shows interest they get the red carpet..ronnie jones (former racer) is in charge now and making positive changes…still love and support the sport! thank you for the coverage
I love Flat Track and have been watching various Midwest venues since the 60’s. A group of guys I ride with rode up to DuQuion July 4th for the mile. Some of the younger dudes had never seen Flat Track racing. It was GREAT!! Flat Track needs more coverage so yes, bring it!!!!
Where do my comments keep disappearing to?
http://www.fanschoice.tv is the corrected web address for the above mentioned.