SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 12, 2014) – Officials from Cal Expo and AMA Pro Racing announced today that the Sacramento Mile will return to the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule. The historic event, which was previously removed from this year’s calendar, is back on track to take place at Cal Expo in Sacramento, Calif. on July 26, 2014 with event promotion from SMI.
“We’re thrilled to be able to get the Sacramento Mile back on the 2014 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule,” said Michael Gentry, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “The race is always one of the most prominent events on the schedule and I’m really looking forward to watching our riders take to the track at the Cal Expo in late July.”
The Sacramento Mile returned to the AMA Pro Flat Track schedule in 2011 after a nine year absence and has once again stamped itself as one of the most exciting events on the Grand National Championship tour. Over the last month, negotiations have been ongoing with the intent of creating a long-term agreement for the event that will honor the history of the Sacramento Mile.
“We are excited to be able to continue the rich tradition of the Sacramento Mile for our region and for AMA Pro fans,” said Rick Pickering, CEO of Cal Expo. “We appreciate the leadership and commitment of SMI in stepping forward to take the Sac Mile to the next level of success,”
“The Sacramento Mile has been one of the highlights of the Cal Expo season and we are looking forward to seeing it here for its 100th event,” said Nick Nicora, VP of Ovations Food Service.
SMI, a company owned and operated by AMA Hall of Famer Steve McLaughlin, will be the event promoter and AMA Pro Racing sanction holder, with event sponsorship, marketing, promotion and advertising handled by Don Henry of Henry Advertising. Lynne H. Saunders will be director of Operations and Dennis Pearson, Dirt Productions will build and maintain the track.
“The Sacramento Mile was a must attend when I was a young AMA Pro racer,” said Steve McLaughlin, event promoter. “Cal Rayborn tried to get me on the Mile but as a Road Racer I couldn’t understand racing with no brake lever on the right side of the handlebar. We are very close to the event and will be doing our best to get the word out and improve the fan experience as well as value. As a new promoter, my first act will be offering free standing room only tickets to children 12 years old and under, and all other ticket prices for children 12 years old and under will be 50% off. Also, Sacramento Mile attendees that arrive by motorcycle will park for free.”
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.