SANTA ROSA, Calif. (September 25, 2012) - After a 42 year absence, the thundering wheel-to-wheel action of AMA Pro Flat Track racing thunders into the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Sunday afternoon, September 30th.
Run in 1968, 1969 and 1970, the Santa Rosa Mile spotlighted the top level competitors of the time such as Dick Mann, Gary Nixon, Freddie Nix, Chuck Palmgren, Jim Rice and more wrestling BSA, Harley-Davidson and Triumph machines around the track for dominance on the dirt.
In 1968, the late Freddie Nix was the inaugural Santa Rosa Mille winner. Piloting a Harley-Davidson, Nix captured each of the AMA Pro trail's four Grand National Miles to claim the title of "Mile Master".
Factory-level British bikes took the following pair of Santa Rosa Mile Checkers. In 1969, Chuck Palmgren rode a Triumph twin to victory and in 1970, Bay Area resident
Jim Rice steered his BSA to first place. Gentleman Jim won six races that year with a mix if TT, Half-Mile and Mile events. His win at Santa Rosa closed out the GNC run at the Fairgrounds.
Now it is back. The rider names are different, the machinery is more sophisticated and the stakes are higher. What is the same is the incredible handlebar-to-handlebar action from start to finish as you watch America's top AMA Pro Grand National Flat Trackers go for the glory.
Boasting the talents of today's stars such as reigning two-time champion (2010 and 2011) Jake Johnson, 2009 champion Jared Mees, three time champion Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. (2006, 2007, 2008), Henry Wiles, Sammy Halbert, Brad Baker, Bryan Smith, Johnny Lewis, Matt Weidman and a host of others leaves no doubt as to the spectacular non-stop action that will be seen. Every rider wants to be the one who takes the Checkered Flag at the return of the Santa Rosa Mile.
More than just a one day affair, this year's Santa Rosa Mile features a full weekend of activity with a number of exciting supporting events. On Friday and Saturday evening, in the Chris Beck Arena at the Fairgrounds, some of the country's best short track competitors will vie for top honors. The North Bay Motorcycle Club will bring their decades of short track expertise to co-promote the District 36 Pro-Am Short Track double header. AMA Pros will join local heroes on Saturday to show who is the best of the best.
On Saturday afternoon from Noon to 4:00 PM, the Santa Rosa Mile will host a special Wine Country Art, Wine, and Pin Stripe Fest. Fans will be able to taste some of the area's best wines, view art from local artists as well as motorsport /motorcycle art. Of special interest will be a selection of outstanding photographs from the Mahony Collection. Featured artist Dan Mahony will be on hand showcasing his photographs and those of his dad, the late Walt Mahony. The Mahony Photo collection contains some of the more iconic photos of the sport. Also on display will be the work of some of California's outstanding pin stripe artists. The art work will be available for purchase. We encourage you to bring your motorcycle, helmet, tank fender or other items to get striped. All proceeds from the Wine Country Art and Wine Fest will benefit the Santa Rosa Express, a local youth running club.
Admission to this special show is just $15 and includes a special Santa Rosa Mile Souvenir glass. Tickets can be ordered on line at www.santarosamile.com.
On Saturday evening at 6:00 pm the Santa Rosa Mile will host a Grand Marshal's dinner honoring Jim Rice, Mark Brelsford, and Jim Odom the Grand Marshals for this years Santa Rosa Mile. Fans will be able to purchase tickets and come and enjoy an excellent catered dinner with the Grand Marshals, some of the Legends of Flat Track, and many of the AMA Pro stars of today's Grand National Championship. Tickets can be ordered on line at www.santarosamile.com and cost $100.
And, then on Sunday, fans will be able to watch the incredible action of the AMA Pro Flat Track riders as they battle for glory.
Round 14 in this year's 16 race tour, the Santa Rosa Mile will be all important to every rider as they go for those all important points.
This is a weekend you won't want to miss. Mark your calendar and make plans now to attend the return of the Santa Rosa Mile.
Sunday Box Seats $65
Prices: Legend Club Seating $60
Grandstand Reserved $50
General Admission $30
Children 5 & under $20 discount on above prices
Youth 6-16 $15 discount on above prices
Weekend Pass Upgrade (includes admission to Mile, plus both nights of short track) - Add $45 to above prices
Short Track Friday night only
Prices: Adult $25 - Youth $10 - Child $5
Saturday night only
Adult $30 - Youth $15 - Child $10
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.