FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900 ext. 109
cindy@jerichopr.com
DUST OFF YOUR HELMET AND LEATHER PANTS
THE BIG BIKES RETURN TO NEW YORK

The AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Motorcycle Racing Series Returns
ToVernon Downs For The Fourth Year

VERNON, NY- August 25, 2003 – For one day Vernon becomes the capital of New York state for motorcycle racing. A sport that is predominantly in the mid-west is now making its way to the northeast when the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship series returns to Vernon Downs on Saturday, September 6. The excitement for the race has been building over the series and as we draw near the end fans are sure to find themselves in the middle of a heated competition that is more intense than getting that long awaited ace for black jack.

The race marks the 14th of 17 races in the national 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance Series. "We are excited to bring motorcycle racing to the northeast especially to a state-of-the-art facility like Vernon Downs,” said AMA U.S. Flat Track operations manager Steve Morehead. “Not only is the mile-limestone track great to ride on, but the facility also makes it convenient for people to come from all over to watch the races with their hotel on site.”

“We’re thrilled to be hosting AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship series for the fourth year,” said Mark Scalzo, the racetrack’s marketing director. “This event will attract not only existing flat track fans, but should generate plenty of interest from our harness racing fans.”

Admission gates open at 3:00 p.m. with practice beginning at 5:00pm, and Opening Ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. All riders will be competing for the $50,000 purse and Chris Carr, the defending series champ, will be aiming for his fifth AMA Grand National title during the 2003 season. Perhaps local rider Garth Bastian, who’s name we have been hearing many time this year along with the top riders, will have a home court advantage while riding in his neighboring town.

Progressive, the nation’s largest motorcycle insurer, continues its unique program that adds money to the $100,000 series point fund. Each time a flat-track fan gets an insurance quote on his or her motorcycle, auto, RV, or watercraft by calling 1-800-FLAT-TRACK or visiting 1800FlatTrack.com, Progressive will donate an additional $1 to the point fund. The fund is awarded to riders at the end of the season.

“We’re thrilled to continue to be a part of this exciting series, and to give the series’ fans a chance to help build the point fund,” said Miriam Deitcher, motorcycle marketing manager for Progressive.

Established in the early 1900’s, flat track racing is one of the oldest forms of motorcycle racing and the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship is the premier flat track motorcycle racing series in the U.S. The nation’s best flat track motorcycle racers participate in the series, racing on outdoor oval dirt tracks that range from one-quarter mile to one mile in length. The highlight of the races is the 25-lap main event, with riders racing within inches of one another at speeds in excess of 100 mph., often ending in a photo finish.

For immediate post-race results, points, in-depth series and rider information, regular columnists and much more, log onto www.1800FlatTrack.com, the official Web site of the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championships.

Progressive Insurance (NYSE:PGR), headquartered in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is the nation’s largest motorcycle insurer and one of the nation’s largest personal auto insurers. In business since 1937, the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person services. Progressive has a long history of involvement with the AMA including being the AMA’s exclusive insurance provider and providing discounted rates for AMA members. More information can be found at progressive.com or by calling 1-800-FLAT-TRACK.

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Editor’s Note: Please contact Mark Scalzo at Vernon Downs, 315-829-2201, for press credentials. Steve Morehead, select racers and representatives from Vernon Downs will be available for photos and interviews. For additional information, please contact Jericho Communications at 212-645-6900.

Round Fourteen of the 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship

***MARK THE DATE***
Date:

Saturday, September 6, 2003
Time:

Admission Gates Open – 3:00 p.m.
Practice Rounds – 5:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies – 7:30 p.m.
Racing Begins – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Vernon Downs
14 Ruth Street (conveniently located off Exit 33 of the New York State Thruway/Interstate 90; approximately 30 miles east of Syracuse; 12 miles west of Utica.)
Vernon, NT 13476

Ticket Prices & Seats: The track’s seating accommodates approximately 10,000 fans. Ticket prices are $20 for advanced general admission and $25 day of the race (children under 12 years old can enter for free)

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling Vernon Country Suites at 315-829-3400. They can also be purchased at Dick’s Harley Davidson located on Erie Blvd. in Rome, NY.

Further information is also available on-line at www.1800flattrack.com

AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship Schedule*

Date

Venue

Location

Type
March 8 Municipal Stadium Daytona Beach, FL Short Track
March 29 Tunica Arena Tunica, MS Indoor Short Track
May 24 Illinois State Fairgrounds Springfield, IL T.T.
May 25 Illinois State Fairgrounds Springfield, IL Mile
May 31 K.C. Raceway Chillicothe, OH Short Track
June 14 Tri-City Speedway Granite City, IL Half-mile
June 21 Tri-State Speedway Haubstadt, IN Short Track
June 28 Allen County Fairgrounds Lima, OH Half-mile
July 5 Sharon Speedway Hartford, OH Half-mile
August 9 Hagerstown Speedway Hagerstown, Md Half-mile
August 17 Peoria Race Park Peoria, IL T.T.
August 23 State Fair Speedway Sedalia, MO Half-mile
August 29 Hales Corners Speedway Milwaukee, WI Short Track
September 6 Vernon Downs Vernon, NY Mile
September 20 Scioto Downs Columbus, OH Half-mile
September 27 Illinois State Fairgrounds Springfield, IL Short Track
September 28 Illinois State Fairgrounds Springfield, IL Mile

*Dates and locations subject to change.