Springfield is the truly the Mecca of the American motorcycle sport of dirt track racing. It is the most historic and most prolific venue in today's AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com and Lucas Oil. It all started in 1937 when the first AMA Class C National Championship was held on The Springfield Mile. In fact, until 1954 if a rider won The Mile he was rewarded the most coveted prize in Dirt Track competition, the National Champion's number 1 plate.

This Memorial Day Weekend, the legend of Springfield continues. The IMDA presents three exciting days of flat track racing. The action starts on Friday night with the AMA Amateur TT. The stars of tomorrow get their chance to race on a tracked built and prepared for the best in the business. Saturday night, it's the rough and tumble action of AMA Pro Flat Track TT racing that will have fans on the edge of their seats.

On Sunday afternoon, the rolling thunder show moves to the track that made Springfield famous, the lightning fast mile. This year we welcome KTM to the mile. They are coming in strong with contingency money for the racers. Will a KTM win for the first time in history? With 7 different brands of motorcycles entered for this year's expert class race there is no way to predict anything. After 25 furious miles the flash of a photo finish camera usually decides the winner. At The Springfield Mile no one will know until the dash for the checkers on the last lap.

To really celebrate Memorial Day and all that it stands for the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association (IMDA) will be honoring our active duty military this weekend. We have a lot of respect and admiration for all of the brave men and women serving and protecting our country in the armed forces. As a "thank you" for their service we are offering them a discounted price ticket to the Springfield TT and Springfield Mile. We know it is because of their sacrifice and dedication that we have the freedom to enjoy the greatest race in the world.

The entire weekend of racing is sponsored by: Green Toyota, K&N, Memphis Shades, and Miller, the official beer of the Springfield Mile. For tickets and information call the IMDA office at (217)753-8866 or www.illinoismda.com

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.