Springfield, Ill., to host AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships May 28-31

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The 2013 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships will take place at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill., May 28-31, bringing the fastest amateur dirt-track racers on the planet to one of the sport's most historic venues.

"For 39 years, the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships have crowned the country's top amateur dirt trackers, making this one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur motorsports racing events in America," said AMA Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant. "The world-famous Springfield Mile has been the location of many storied dirt-track races, and we're excited to add to that legacy with what promises to be an incredible week of racing showcasing the fastest amateur racers in the country."

Longtime dirt-track promoter Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing will promote the event.

"The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships represent the top rung of amateur dirt-track racing," Nace said. "We are excited to once again work on this premier event, and we're looking forward to delivering a well-run program that exceeds the expectations of both racers and fans."

The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships crown amateur and youth champions in individual dirt-track disciplines, including half-mile, TT and short-track events. Amateur racers also compete in mile events.

Tuesday, May 28 will feature amateur and vintage competition on the Springfield Mile. On Wednesday, May 29, youth and amateur classes will compete on the TT course. On Thursday, May 30, youth and amateur class will race on the short track. Then, on Friday, May 31, the event will close out with youth and amateur racing on the half mile. June 1 will serve as a rain date if needed.

Online entry will be available soon at www.stevenaceracing.com.

In addition to championships in the individual disciplines, AMA Grand Championships are awarded to the riders in each class who have the highest point totals across all four types of dirt-track racing. The fastest riders in premier classes also compete for the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.

Competitors at the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships field both traditional dirt-trackers and the latest DTX motorcycles, which begin as stock motocross bikes that are then fitted with dirt-track tires, suspension and other modifications.

For more information about dirt-track competition, see the Racing section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com.