LIMA FLAT TRACK

THE LIMA HALF MILE

The THUNDER returns to the Allen County Fairgrounds

America’s oldest and purest form of motorcycle racing returns to Lima OH for the AMERICAN FLAT TRACK LIMA HALF MILE June 25 at the Allen County Fairgrounds. If you’ve never been to a flat track race, let alone a professional AFT race – this is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss. The nation’s best riders will take to the track and spray dirt in the stands as they compete for glory in one of motorsports greatest competitions.

Progressive AFT 101 – courtesy AFT

Progressive American Flat Track is America’s original extreme sport as well as the guardian of the Grand National Championship series, formally established in 1954 but with roots reaching back to motorcycling’s original speed demons of a century ago. At its core, professional flat track racing is a hyper-competitive, adrenaline-fueled American motorcycle sport featuring custombuilt and production-based motorcycles reaching top speeds of 140mph on the straights and 90mph in the corners, all piloted by world-class athletes. Progressive AFT is widely recognized as the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track motorcycle racing in the world. Much has changed over 100 years, but the sport remains perhaps motorsport’s purest test of man and machine. Over the decades, many of the world’s best motorcycle racers have emerged from America’s dirt track venues – legends like original Indian Wrecking Crew members Bill Tuman, Bobby Hill and Ernie Beckman during the 1950s, Gary Nixon and Dick Mann in the 1960s, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, and Wayne Rainey during the ’70s and ’80s, and Nicky Hayden in the ’90s and 2000s. All were superb flat track racers – several of them Grand National Champions – and many used the skills they first developed on the dirt to revolutionize Grand Prix Motorcycle racing and attain global superstardom. Today’s series is comprised of three classes – Mission® SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle, Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER, and Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines – with riders competing in 18 races across the country featuring four distinct track formats: Mile ovals, Half-Mile ovals, Short Track ovals and TTs, which incorporate right-hand turns and a jump.

The revamped Mission® SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class consists of twin-cylinder motorcycles (649 - 900cc), utilizing the latest in motorsport technology and piloted by an exclusive company of the fastest athletes on dirt. The Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines class features production-based, twin-cylinder street bike engines with displacements between 649cc and 900cc. Race-only engines from machines such as the Harley-Davidson XR750, Honda RS750, and Indian Scout FTR750 are not eligible in AFT Production Twins. The Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class consists of production-based 450cc off-road machines specially prepared for flat track competition. Professional flat track racing is currently experiencing a significant rebirth, much of which can be credited to changes instituted in 2017: a name change, a simpler class structure, and significantly boosted media presence that helped attract millions of new viewers.

THE ALLEN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Located in Lima, right off I-75, the Allen County Fairgrounds have hosted some of the best motorcycle racing in Ohio for years. It’s a great venue that draws riders by the thousands – filling football field sized lots with motorcycles. But it’s a great crowd – racing enthusiasts and families coming together to enjoy the thunder of the bikes. If you’ve got kids and you’ve never been to the track – get your tickets today! Grandstand tickets are only $30 and kids 12 and under are FREE! Your kids will love it and you’ll have memories for a lifetime!

NEW for 22’ PADDOCK ACCESS UPGRADE!

The Paddock Upgrade provides you the opportunity to meet your favorite riders and check out their race bikes up close all day long. Bring the family and enjoy live music, big-screen viewing, vendor displays, and a variety of food and beverage options.

AMERICAN FLAT TRACK LIME HALF-MILE

Saturday, June 25th Gates Open at 2:30pm Allen County Fairgrounds 2750 Harding Hwy, Lima OH LimaHalfMile.com

(or scan the QR Code to connect for tickets)

GENERAL ADMISSION - BLEACHERS A General Admission – ticket provides ticket holders with viewing of turns 3 and 4 and the back straightaway. These bleachers are not protected from the sun. First come First serve seating basis. Fans may expereince some dirt debris from the track in this section. Enjoy the rip-roaring action firsthand on race-day!

General Admission • Adult: $30 • Adult with Paddock: $70 • Child 12 & Under: Free with a paid Adult in the General Admission • Child 12 & Under with Paddock: $25 NOTE: The General Admission – ticketed area is at ground level. Lawn chairs are prohibited. Grandstand, Reserve Grandstand, and VIP Experience tickets are available online – while they last.