FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900 ext. 109
cindy@jerichopr.com

IT’S LIKE A FAMILY REUNION AT 100 MPH WHEN MOTORCYCLE RUBBER
BURNS THE TRACK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 20 YEARS

The Oldest Type of Racing Comes to One of The Oldest Continuously Running Race Tracks When the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Motorcycle Racing Series Lands atSharon Speedway

HARTFORD, OH- June 23, 2003 – It has been more than 20 years since Sharon Speedway felt the rumble of motorcycles – but that absence will come to a fast and furious end with the return of flat track racing on Saturday, July 5, when the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship pulls up to the Hartford track. And no one knows what to expect with the Speedway’s transformation which includes a slightly shorter track, new lighting and an upgraded racing surface.

The race marks the ninth of 20 races in the national 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance Series. “The challenge will be for the racers to keep up their momentum by utilizing the whole wide track at Sharon Speedway because it allows the riders a greater variety of racing lines on the corners,” said AMA U.S. Flat Track operations manager Steve Morehead, who competed at Sharon Speedway the only time motorcycles raced at the facility. "The changes to the track's surface will make for a faster-paced race than the one in which I competed here back in 1980."

"We are happy to be hosting the AMA Progressive Insurance Series at Sharon Speedway," said NASCAR Winston Cup driver and Sharon Speedway co-owner Dave Blaney. "Most of our regular fans are used to racing on four wheels, so this two-wheeled show will be a treat for them. The flat track racers are exciting to watch and I know they will provide a great night of entertainment and probably create a few new motorcycle fans."

Admission gates open at 4:00 p.m., with practice rounds beginning at 5:00 p.m., and Opening Ceremonies at 7:00 p.m. All riders will be competing for the $40,000 purse and Chris Carr, Pennsylvania native 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.

One of the oldest, continuously running weekly racetracks in the United States, the New Sharon Speedway is located 10 miles north of I-80 in Hartford, Ohio. Owned by NASCAR Winston Cup driver Dave Blaney, Jim Weller Sr., Ron Kirila and Bill Kirila, and operated by their families, the speedway features a 3/8-mile dirt racing surface and seating for more than 8,000. The track holds weekly racing every Saturday night from mid-April through mid-August, and over Labor Day weekend hosts the annual Sharon Nationals. This season, the track also will feature several special events, including the World of Outlaws, BRP Modified Tour with Tony Stewart and Dave Blaney, AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Motorcycles and the XTREME DirtCar Series.

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 Lori Blaney at Sharon Speedway, 330-772-5481 for press credentials. Steve Morehead, select racers and representatives from Sharon Speedway will be available for photos and interviews. For additional information, please contact Jericho Communications at 212-645-6900.

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

Date:

Saturday, July 5, 2003
Time:

Admission Gates Open – 4:00 p.m.
Practice Rounds – 5:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Sharon Speedway
3301 Orangeville-Custer Rd.
Hartford, OH 44424

Ticket Prices & Seats: The track features seating for more than 8,000 fans. Ticket prices are $27 for reserved seating ($14 for children over the age of 5 years old) and $25 for general admission ($12 for children over the age of 5 years old). Children under 5 years old can enter for free.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Sharon Speedway Ticket Sales Office at 330-772-5481 Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tickets are also available at Warren Harley Davidson located at 2102 Elm Road, Cortland, Ohio 44410.

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 2 Oak Ridge Downs Arrington, VA 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.