FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900 ext. 109
cindy@jerichopr.com
HOLD ON TO YOUR PICNIC BASKET AND YOUR BLANKET,
THE MOTORCYCLES FLYING BY WILL SWEEP IT AWAY

The AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Motorcycle Racing Series Returns
For The Oldest Continuous Dirt-Track Race in the World

PEORIA, IL- August 4, 2003 – Bring on the egg salad, fried chicken and corn, but don’t forget your binoculars and helmets because with the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship series returning to Peoria, this will be more than your average picnic. The weekend of motorcycle celebrations begins with the annual parade downtown on Saturday, August 16, where many of the racers will be out to celebrate with the fans and local residents. The weekend’s events end with the grand national race on Sunday, August 17 at the Peoria Motorcycle Club Race Park- don’t worry about lugging that portable barbecue, the heat from the competition will be enough to warm up your food.

The excitement continues with the return of the Prince of Peoria Chris Carr to avenge his title and win back his crown after having been dethroned last year by Nicky Hayden- it was the first time Carr has been defeated at Peoria since 1986. However, there are a number of racers that are looking to take over the title at the 55th annual race in Peoria. The main concern for Carr, who is part of the Quality Check Certified Pre-Owned Ford Racing team, is giving the fans a good race. “For those of you who want a great experience on a Sunday afternoon, pack yourself a basket and come out to Cameron Lane to feel the excitement of the race and see the incredible display of riding finesse while hurdling the jump,” said Carr.

The race marks the 11th of 17 races in the national 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance Series. “The Peoria Motorcycle Club is always happy to sponsor this race- we look forward to it every year,” said Peoria Motorcycle Club race director Lee Patridge. “It is more than just a race, it is a weekend of events that everyone in the family can enjoy from eating and drinking to the bike show and dancing to the music of local bands.”

Admission gates open at 8:00 a.m., with practice races beginning at 10:30 a.m., and Opening Ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. All riders will be competing for the $40,000 purse and Chris Carr, the defending series champ, will be aiming for his fifth AMA Grand National title during the 2003 season, and local rider Johnny Murphree will have another shot at winning the race in his neighborhood.

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 Lee Patridge of the Peoria Motorcycle Club, 309-697-0011, for press credentials. Steve Morehead, select racers and representatives from Peoria Motorcycle Club will be available for photos and interviews. For additional information, please contact Jericho Communications at 212-645-6900.

Round Eleven of the 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship
***MARK THE DATE***
Date:

Sunday, August 17, 2003
Time:

Admission Gates Open – 8:00 a.m.
Practice Rounds – 10:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Peoria Motorcycle Club Race Park
605 South Cameron
Bartonville, IL 61607

Ticket Prices & Seats: The Park can accommodate more than 20,000 fans. Ticket prices are $15 for tickets in advance and $20 for day of the race (children under 12 years old can enter for free).

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Peoria Motorcycle Club at 309-697-4981. They can also be purchased by calling Lee Patridge at 309-697-0011.

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.