Sixteen Thousand Motorcycle Parking Spots
the heartland heads to indy motogp ...
by staff
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
This just in from IMS:
RED CARPET ROLLING OUT FOR FANS AT RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP
Community effort to produce world-class event for motorcycle enthusiasts
INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008 - Indianapolis will embrace motorcycle riders and celebrate the two-wheeled lifestyle in September when MotoGP comes to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP, as a joint community effort is producing a festival of exciting, world-class activities for riders and enthusiasts.
Officials from the City of Indianapolis, Town of Speedway, the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA), the Red Bull Indianapolis GP Local Organizing Committee and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are coordinating many motorcycle-oriented events to celebrate the return of two-wheeled competition to IMS for the first time since 1909, the year the fabled facility opened.
"The sense of anticipation and excitement is building every day for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP," said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. "The organization and effort by the community surrounding this race is very similar to that during the month-long celebration of the Indianapolis 500 every May. This will be a memorable, world-class event for riders in every way."
The Red Bull Indianapolis GP Local Organizing Committee, formed in February 2008, is comprised of representatives from these organizations: LDI Ltd., Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., Indiana Office of Tourism Development, International Center of Indianapolis, Simon Property Group, regional and national motorcycle enthusiasts and IMS.
The Local Organizing Committee is overseeing the coordination of local special events, local and regional riding opportunities for motorcycle enthusiasts, local hotels and restaurants, and public safety and security.
In conjunction with the Committee, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development has created "Live Indiana: Motorcycle Rides," a special promotion with an interactive Web site and blog featuring favorite motorcycle routes throughout the state. The Web site, found at
www.LiveIndiana.net, features opportunities for riders to blog about their favorite Indiana restaurants, activities and entertainment along the routes, as well as maps and directions.
Committee officials also are working closely with ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of Indiana, a not-for-profit, safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization. ABATE of Indiana, which has a membership of more than 27,000, is working as a liaison with visiting riders during race week, promoting area bike-oriented events and rider safety.
Much like the impressive lineup of activities surrounding the Indianapolis 500 during the Month of May, multiple events around the area will create a festival atmosphere during Red Bull Indianapolis GP race week, including:
?Tuesday, Sept. 9: Kick Start Celebration press conference, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis.
?Thursday, Sept. 11: Red Bull TNT Freestyle Motocross, 8 p.m. in the popular entertainment district of Broad Ripple. The event will take place on 62nd Street between College and Guilford Avenues, as Red Bull TNT Freestyle riders will perform aerial tricks and stunts after launching themselves high into the air from huge ramps. Special motorcycle parking and street closures in the area will create a festival atmosphere.
?Friday, Sept. 12: XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship at Indy, 7-11 p.m. in downtown Indianapolis. This high-energy, high-thrill motorcycle stunt/drifting event will take place on North Street between Pennsylvania and Meridian Streets.
?Friday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 13: Motorcycles on Meridian, starting at 7 p.m. in downtown Indianapolis. Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis will be open only to motorcycle traffic and parking between Maryland and South Streets, providing a perfect opportunity for riders and fans to check out the exciting restaurants and downtown nightlife.
?Saturday, Sept. 13: Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Flat Track Grand National, 7 p.m. at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. in Indianapolis. The top national flat-track motorcycle racing series returns to the famed "Indy Mile" dirt oval for the first time since 1999. The top flat-track riders in the world will slide through the corners while racing handlebar-to-handlebar around the track.
"Indianapolis is ready for all the exciting events surrounding the Red Bull Indianapolis GP," ICVA President and CEO Don Welsh said. "We've worked hard to create and sustain our city's reputation as America's premier sporting events destination. This week-long festival celebrates that reputation coupled with everything about motorcycles."
The world's best motorcycle road racers in the MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc classes will provide high-speed, side-by-side action all day Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14 on the 2.621-mile road course at IMS. The MotoGP stars of the future also will compete in Red Bull Riders Cup and Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup events during the weekend at IMS.
But there also is plenty of non-racing entertainment planned at IMS.
Manufacturer displays, manufacturer demo rides and a Vendor Marketplace featuring many types of motorcycle equipment and accessories will be available to fans all weekend at IMS. Pre-race entertainment on Sunday, Sept. 14 will include stunt riding, sky divers, the always-inspiring military flyover during the national anthem, and more.
IMS is accommodating motorcyclists with several areas of motorcycle-friendly parking, with nearly 16,000 spaces spread over 26 acres at the facility.
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