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

AS THE SECOND HALF OF THE FLAT TRACK RACING SEASON BEGINS,
THE SPEED, STAKES AND URGENCY HITS MAXIMUM VELOCITY

The Tires Spin Again in Hagerstown, MD With the Return of the
AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Motorcycle Racing Series

HAGERSTOWN, MD- July 28, 2003 – When the second half of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship series begins on Saturday, August 9 in Hagerstown, the racers head down the home stretch for the overall points victory and to become the national champion. It is time to buckle the helmets a little tighter, hit the throttle a little harder and take the turns a little sharper. Hagerstown Speedway is once again hosting a race where the emotions will be revved as high as the engines.

The race marks the 10th of 18 races in the national 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance Series. "With a number of the riders vying for the win and the point spread narrowing, each rider will need to challenge themselves to stay off the brake,” said AMA U.S. Flat Track operations manager and multi-time Hagerstown Speedway winner Steve Morehead. “This will be necessary to keep up their momentum after coming off the tight corners on to the long straight-aways.” As it stands now, Chris Carr leads the pack with 158 points, followed by Joe Kopp at 140 points and not far behind is Johnny Murphree at 133 points. Morehead continues, “The competition is fierce and with the title chase starting to heat up we can anticipate some exciting racing.”

After winning his first national race last year in Hagerstown, Johnny Murphree will return to defend his win and look to improve his point standing. Since then, many of the unfamiliar faces on the tour have made a name for themselves and dominated the winners platform showing particular success at the new tracks. Hagerstown marks a return to the old; this year marks the event’s 23rd year anniversary. This might give Murphree and the other experienced racers a competitive advantage from first hand knowledge of racing here before.

“We are excited to keep up the tradition by hosting yet another flat track race,” said Hagerstown Speedway promoter Lisa Richards. “This event will attract not only existing flat track fans, but should generate plenty of interest from our race car fans and the community as a whole.”

Admission gates open at 4:00 p.m. with practice beginning at 6:00pm, and Opening Ceremonies at 8:00 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. Perhaps local rider Paul Lynch will finally have a home court advantage while riding in his hometown of Maryland.

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 Stephanie Richards at Hagerstown Speedway, 301-582-0640, for press credentials. Steve Morehead, select racers and representatives from Hagerstown Speedway will be available for photos and interviews. For additional information, please contact Jericho Communications at 212-645-6900.

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

***MARK THE DATE***
Date:

Saturday, August 9, 2003
Time:

Admission Gates Open – 4:00 p.m.
Practice Rounds – 6:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Hagerstown Speedway
15112 National Pike
Hagerstown MD 21740

Ticket Prices & Seats: The track’s seating accommodates more than 8,500 fans. Ticket prices are $28 for reserved seating and $25 for general admission (children under 12 years old can enter for free).

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Hagerstown Speedway from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at. They can also be purchased by calling 301-582-0640.

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.