FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cindy Gittelsohn
Jericho Communications
212-645-6900 ext. 109
cindy@jerichopr.com
THE SOUND OF THE ENGINES, THE TALENT OF THE RIDERS,
THE SPEED AROUND THE CORNERS, AND MAN THOSE BUFFALO BIKES

The Excitement Level Is Up Again When The AMA Progressive Insurance
Flat Track Motorcycle Racing Series Lands Back At The Tri-City Speedway

GRANITE CITY, Illinois- June 3, 2003 – The spectators of last year’s AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track race at the Tri-City Speedway were witnesses to great racing when Bryan Bigelow swept passed Johnny Murphree, of Forsyth, IL., on one of the last laps. We can expect to see the same sort of excitement this year when the series returns to Granite City, across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, MO, for a second time to host the first half-mile national race of the year on Saturday, June 14. With the introduction of a new track to the series, anything can, and will, happen.

The race marks the sixth of 20 races in the national 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance Series. “This race is not about horsepower or the rider with the fastest bike,” said AMA U.S. Flat Track operations manager Steve Morehead. “With its hard-clay surface, the track gets so slick that it will take a rider with finesse to come out on top of this race.”

To add to the hoopla of the race, promoter Ron Stratman will once again ride his Harley-Davidson Buffalo bike from Missouri. Also making an appearance will be two additional Buffalo bikes from West Virginia and the original one from South Dakota. “You’ve heard the rumors from last year’s Thundering Herd Race about the bikes that are covered in buffalo skin with a giant horned head and tail, so now is the time to prove those rumors true and see it for yourself,” says Stratman. “We are so excited to have the race return to the Tri-City Speedway where the excitement level is guaranteed to blow the roof off the stands.”

Admission gates open at 5:00 p.m., with qualifying races beginning at 6:00 p.m., 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, 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.

Ron Stratman will also be promoting the Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Series at the Tri-City Speedway. “This race is intended to let the up-and-coming riders showoff their skills,” said Morehead.

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.

RK Stratman, Inc. is a Licensed Harley-Davidson® apparel screen printer located in Wentzville, Missouri and a proud sponsor of the annual AMA St. Louis Grand National, as well as supporter of all types of professional and amateur motorcycle racing.

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 Ron Stratman at RK Stratman, 314-565-1272or Bob Whente at Tri-City Speedway, 636-947-7287, for press credentials. Steve Morehead, select racers and representatives from RK Stratman, Inc. will be available for photos and interviews. For additional information, please contact Jericho Communications at 212-645-6900.

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

***MARK THE DATE***

Date:

Saturday, June 14, 2003
Time:

Admission Gates Open – 5:00 p.m.
Qualifying Races – 6:00 p.m.
Opening Ceremonies - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Tri-City Speedway
ocated one-half mile south of I-270 & Illinois Route 203 south

Ticket Prices & Seats: The track’s general admission seating accommodates more than 5,000 fans. Ticket prices start as low as $25.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Raceline at 636-332-8949 or by calling RK Stratman at 314-565-1272. Prior to the race, tickets can also be purchased at local motorcycle dealerships in the Granite City, IL and St. Louis, MO area as well as at the track on race day.

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.