FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900 ext. 109
cindy@jerichopr.com
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, MOTORCYCLES WILL RACE UNDER THE
SCIOTO DOWNS LIGHTS

The AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Motorcycle Racing Series Returns
ToThe Buckeye State For The Second Year

COLUMBUS, OH- September 4, 2003 – Last year was the first time in more than 20 years that spectators in Columbus took in the excitement of professional motorcycle racing. Now the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship is back giving the fans another first…the racers will be riding under the track’s lights for a first ever nighttime motorcycle race at Scioto Downs on Saturday, September 20.

“We anticipate a huge turnout of fans this year and want to give them what they want…the thrill of the race,” said promoter and owner of F & S Harley Davidson Gary Stolzenburg. “What better way to enjoy a Saturday night then spending time with the entire family at the motorcycle races. Additionally, we are inviting everyone to come down to the A.D. Farrow Co. “Rev Up for Racin’” Party at 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot at Scioto Downs Race Track. “This party will let race fans have a full day of excitement at the track.”

Competition is sure to be strong, with the winner of the series still undecided. With only four races left in the season, defending series champion and veteran racer Chris Carr has a mere eleven point lead over young hot shot Johnny Murphree. It was at this track last year that another young lion, Kenny Coolbeth, won his first national race edging out Carr for the victory. Coming off his second career win at Sedalia, Missouri a few weeks ago, you can bet Coolbeth, who's currently 4th in series points, is aiming for the top of the podium again.

The race marks the 15th of 17 races in the national 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance Series. "This limestone half-mile track was a favorite of last year’s series, but we expect to see a different type of racing at night this year,” said a former motorcycle racing great and AMA U.S. Flat Track operations manager Steve Morehead, a native of Findlay, Ohio. “Without the sun beating down on the track, we will be able to keep it moist all night long, allowing the racers to utilize guardrail to guardrail. It should make for great racing”

“There was so much excitement surrounding last year’s race,” said Ed Ryan, President of Scioto Downs. “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 2:30 p.m. with qualifying rounds beginning at 5:30pm, and Opening Ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. All riders will be competing for the $40,000 purse and Chris Carr, sponsored by Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned and the defending series champ, will be aiming for his fifth AMA Grand National title during the 2003 season.

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.

Scioto Downs is a central Ohio landmark and one of the premier harness racetracks in the Midwest. The track hosted its first season in 1959, and this year’s harness meet runs from May 8 through September 13. Scioto is also open year-round for thoroughbred and harness simulcasting, whereby race fans can watch and wager on horse races from all over the country.

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 Jason Zielinski at Scioto Downs, 614-492-5110, for press credentials. Steve Morehead, select racers and representatives from Scioto Downs and F & S Harley Davidson will be available for photos and interviews. For additional information, please contact Jericho Communications at 212-645-6900.

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

***MARK THE DATE***
Date:

Saturday, September 20, 2003
Time:

Admission Gates Open – 2:30 p.m.
Qualifying Rounds – 5:30 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies – 7:00 p.m.
Racing Begins – 7:30 p.m.

Location: Scioto Downs - located on Columbus' south side, two miles south of
Route 270 on Route 23 South (High Street). Route 270 is easily
accessible from Interstate 70 and 71.

Ticket Prices & Seats: Ticket prices are $20 for general admission; $25 for Grandstand seating; and $30 for Clubhouse/Patio or reserved Box Seats. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in person at Scioto Downs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in the administration building. Tickets are also available for sale via credit card by calling Scioto Downs toll free at 877-274-1184

Further information is also available on-line at www.1800flattrack.com
***MEDIA PREVIEW DAY***

Date: Monday, September 15, 2003

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Scioto Downs Administration Building

Photo and interview opportunities: Several riders and officials, including Steve Morehead, will be available for interviews. Photo opportunities will include a demonstration of the motorcycles on the track and more.

A light lunch will be served. If you would like to attend, please call Jason Zielinski at Scioto Downs, 614-492-5110.
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.