Amateur dirt trackers set sights

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Amateur dirt trackers set sights on AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships in Du Quoin, Ill., July 17-23

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The fastest amateur dirt-track racers in the country are geared up to return to Du Quoin, Ill., home of one of the world's premier courses, the Du Quoin Magic Mile, where they'll battle for American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Grand Championships and bragging rights at the AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships, July 17-23, 2010.

The 2010 AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships feature seven days of competition in short-track, TT, half-mile and Mile racing. Classes feature both youth and amateur racers, including those poised to break into the pro ranks.

"We're excited to return to Du Quoin's State Fairgrounds for this event," said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. "The facility is top-notch, with park-like grounds and some of the best dirt-track courses in the country. Our racers also will be pleased to learn that this year we're using the fairground's indoor short-track facility for that portion of the program, meaning there will be racing on those days rain or shine."

Racers from all over the country will converge in Du Quoin to compete for individual discipline championships from each main event, as well as Grand Championships that will go to those racers who rise to the top of the point tallies by week's end. Also up for grabs is the AMA Racing Dirt Track Horizon Award, which recognizes the amateur racer who demonstrates he's best prepared for the pro ranks. Other special awards include the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Award, the AMA Racing Youth Award and the AMA Racing Fast Brain Award.

Bromley said that a final class structure and full program details would be announced shortly.

"Although we expect minor changes, there will be some improvements to the class structure for 2010," Bromley said. "As usual with this event, we also anticipate making more exciting announcements as the date approaches, including the name of our Grand Marshal and other enhancements to the program."

The AMA Racing Dirt Track Grand Championships have become one of the more diverse national championship events on the AMA calendar. Not only do the tracks see competition by racers on traditional dirt-trackers and all-terrain vehicles, competitors also line up on the latest DTX-machinery. DTX bikes begin as showroom-fresh motocross bikes that are then fitted with dirt-track tires, suspension changes and other modifications.

"These events, particularly the TT, which features both left- and right-hand turns and at least one jump, have been popular with motocross racers over the years -- and events like the half-mile offer high-speed thrills that you just can't get on a typical motocross track," Bromley said. "We encourage any motocrossers or off-road racers who are interested in trying their hand at dirt-track to check out the event and line up and try to make the main event. I can promise two things: You'll have a blast, and qualifying for the main event will take everything you've got. If you're interested, AMA officials are available to discuss the minimum bike modifications necessary to be safe and competitive."

This is the 35th running of the amateur championship event. A tentative event schedule is provided below.
Saturday, July 17: Indoor Short Track - Youth
Sunday, July 18: Indoor Short Track - Youth, Amateur
Monday, July 19: TT - Amateur
Tuesday, July 20: TT - Youth
Wednesday, July 21: Half-Mile - Amateur
Thursday, July 22: Half-Mile - Youth
Friday, July 23: Mile - Amateur

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.