AMA Invades Springfield, Illinois during annual trek      by: Terry Young

   Memorial Day always brings a hub of activity to the Springfield, Illinois area as the AMA Motorcycle contingent rolls into town for the coveted and legendary SPRINGFIELD MILE! The week begins with an amateur TT event at the All Purpose Arena of the Springfield, Illinois Fairgrounds. Saturday brings the pro riders to the arena for their version of the TT and the weekend culminates with the running of the Springfield Mile.

The motorcycle events are high speed, throw caution to the wind and go for the checkers style and if you have never witnessed the events you should mark your calendar and be sure to check it out next year.

Throughout the weekend there is something for all ages. Motorcycle racing begins at a young age and enthusiasts can see all ages involved from the very young to the elder statesman taking part in vintage classes. I found it very interesting to watch the younger competitors, their actions and mannerisms mirror reflections of many of the older riders.

   One of the most interesting observations throughout the weekend is when the AMA has open paddock and invites the public into the paddock for a meet and greet with the riders. Unlike so many sports where the "stars" are out of reach from the fans, this is a grassroots sport where the "stars" are down to earth and still realize how the bills get paid, by the ticket buying public, and invite them to be made a part of the sport.

   For further information on the AMA or their Springfield events you can check out www.imda.com or www.amaproracing.com

ALL-PURPOSE ARENA TT RESULTS:

   PRO SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT (18 riders, 12 laps): 1. JD Beach (Hon); 2. James Rispoli (Suz); 3. Corby Scherb (Hon); 4. Jeff Carver (Yam); 5. Mike Poe (Hon); 6. Mickey Fay (Hon); 7. Nigel Heggarty (Kaw); 8. Kenny Malaguarnero (Hon); 9. Colin Heggarty (Kaw); 10. Jacob Shoemaker (Suz); 11. Andrew Smith (Hon); 12. Chaz Parker (Hon); 13. Colt Chebultz (Hon); 14. Hunter King (Hon); 15. Brad Baker (Hon); 16. DJ Slosser (Suz); 17. Lucas Scherb (Hus); 18. John Long (Suz).

   GRAND NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT (19 riders, 25 laps): 1. Henry Wiles (Kaw); 2. JR Schnabel (Yam); 3. Sammy Halbert (Yam); 4. Jake Johnson (Hon); 5. Chris Carr (Hon); 6. Jared Mees (Hon); 7. Johnny Lewis (Kaw); 8. Rob Pearson (Yam); 9. Shaun Russell (Hon); 10. Stevie Bonsey (Hon); 11. Joe Kopp (Hon); 12. Kenny Coolbeth (Hon); 13. Mike Rush (Yam); 14. Jesse Janisch (Kaw); 15. Nick Cummings (Hon); 16. Don Mullen (Suz); 17. Josh Butler (Hon); 18. Luke Gough (Hon); 19. Jethro Halbert (Hon).

SPRINGFIELD MILE RESULTS:

   GRAND NATIONAL TWINS CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT (19 riders, 25 laps): 1. Bryan Smith (H-D); 2. Kenny Coolbeth (H-D); 3. Chris Carr (H-D); 4. Jared Mees (H-D); 5. Nick Cummings (H-D); 6. Joe Kopp (H-D); 7. Jethro Halbert (H-D); 8. Willie McCoy (H-D); 9. Matt Weidman (H-D); 10. Bryan Bigelow (H-D); 11. Don Taylor (H-D); 12. Brandon Robinson (H-D); 13. Logan Myers (H-D); 14. Larry Pegram (Duc); 15. JR Schnabel (H-D); 16. Shaun Russell (H-D); 17. Jake Johnson (H-D); 18. Sammy Halbert (H-D); 19. Stevie Bonsey (H-D).