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AMA Pro Racing press release

AMA Pro Racing and Irwindale Speedway have confirmed that the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship event scheduled for Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway this Saturday will take place as planned. Massive wildfires in Southern California forced organizers to consider postponing the event.

AMA Pro Racing Associate Director of Commercial Development Chris Bradley says that proceeding as planned was a joint decision reached by the promoter, track and AMA Pro Racing. “Obviously, we want to be sensitive to the conditions in Southern California,” said Bradley. “We understand how serious this situation has been and our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the fires. This decision was not reached lightly. We looked at the circumstances as they stand right now, discussed it among all parties, spoke to some of our participants and ultimately decided to move forward with the event.”

Bradley said there was strong support to hold the race. “Many members of the motorcycle industry, which is largely based in Southern California, called and encouraged us to not cancel the race,” said Bradley. “Additionally, we’ve heard from fans and riders who asked us to keep it intact.”

Irwindale Speedway is located about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles and was never threatened by the fires. Local news reports have stated that improving weather in the region has allowed firefighters to gain ground on the flames and shifting wind patterns are beginning to blow the smoke and haze out of the area.

The event promoter is planning on raising money for local fire relief charities through a raffle at the race. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase items donated by series and event sponsors with all proceeds going to local relief efforts.

For ongoing updated information contact Irwindale Speedway at (626) 358-1100 or visit www.supermotowest.com.

About the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship
In its first year, the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship, AMA Pro Racing's newest championship series, is a unique form of motorcycle racing that features a course made up of both dirt and pavement. Many top competitors from the world of motorcycle racing are contesting the series including multi-time AMA Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath, freestyle motocross legend and multi-time X-Game medallist Mike Metzger, former AMA Supercross/AMA Motocross champ and Indy Car driver, Jeff Ward and former World 500cc Grand Prix Champion Kevin Schwantz, among others. The six-round championship culminates on Nov. 21 in Las Vegas in conjunction with the annual AMA Pro Racing Awards Banquet.

About AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the AMA Supercross Championship, the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship, the AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championship, the AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship and the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship. Nearly 2 million race fans attended AMA Pro Racing events during the 2002 season. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.