The world’s premier motorcycle racing series will reintroduce itself to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend with a show that promises plenty of speed, excitement, and drama.
With machines capable of speeds exceeding 200mph, it will again display the type of action rarely seen in American racing..
MotoGP is a racing phenomenon that receives television coverage in over two hundred countries, and represents every faction of the globally competitive motorcycle industry as well.
The second running of the Red Bull MotoGP will consist of three categories of racing which include the 125 and 250cc entries, as well as the MotoGP division which features the monster 800cc engine classification.
The diverse field of competitors again includes the legendary eight time and defending world champion Valentino Rossi of Italy, 2007 champion Casey Stoner of Australia, and 2006 champion, Nicky Hayden of the United States. Dani Pedrosa, currently third in points, followed by fellow Spaniard Jorge Lorenzo, round out this highly touted field for an event that should be both extremely competitive and entertaining for those in attendance.
While rain dampened the circuit for last year’s inaugural event, it did not lessen the bravado of the competitors as many were still clocked at just over 160 mph in a driving rain storm that produced high wind and poor visibility. Straight line speeds of over 200 mph can be expected if Mother Nature cooperates with dry conditions.
Fans will have an opportunity to watch practice and qualifications on Friday and Saturday, followed by all three classifications of racing on Sunday. Tickets are available at the IMS ticket office located at the administrative building at 16th and Georgetown or online at www.Indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Do not miss this opportunity to see some of the most amazing racing on earth as tickets start as low as $75.00 for a three day admission pass.
Notes: Fiat Yamaha has announced that Jorge Lorenzo has signed a one year extension to remain through the 2010 MotoGP season.
Lorenzo will continue to team with Valentino Rossi who is currently leading the series in points, to form what this writer feels is always the team to beat. These guys are brash and quick.
With rain cancelling last year’s 250cc event, many of the riders in that classification will be getting their first taste of the IMS course.
Look for some interesting moments in practice and the race as a result. I have a feeling these guys will put on one heck of a show.
Do not let the 250cc classification fool you. They are land rockets.
American MotoGP legend Kevin Schwantz will take to the track this Sunday at 2:15 p.m. for special demonstration laps on the restored Suzuki RGV500 in which he rode to the 1993 MotoGP title.
Schwantz now conducts riding school events through out the United States. For more info visit www.schwantzschools.com
Danny Bridges, who loves to ride and still kicks himself daily for selling his Suzuki GS550, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.
