AMA Pro Riders Return to I-96 Speedway

By Richard Bila

Lake Odessa, MI. I-96 Speedway is pleased to welcome back the AMA Pro Grand National riders this Saturday night July 10. The event Saturday night marks the 10^th all time visit of the flat track riders.

Michigan rider “Hammerin” Henry Wiles, from Blanchard, riding a Harley Davidson, is tied for the point lead with Mica, Washington rider “Smokin” Joe Kopp, who will be riding a Ducati.

Clio Michigan rider “Jammin” Jared Mees is the defending champion of the series and will be aboard the #1 Harley.  Brian Smith, from Flushing, Michigan will be another Michigan rider to keep an eye on. Smith will be riding a Kawasaki.

Seven time National champion Chris Carr will also be racing his Harley. Carr will be aboard the number 4 bike and is currently eighth in points. “I am looking forward to returning to I-96. That track suits my type of racing. It is a big, wide ½ mile where we can really get the speed going.”

An international rider to keep an eye on is Luke Gough, from Hill Top, New South Wales, Australia. Gough will also be aboard a Harley and looking forward to racing at I-96 and racing for his first national win.

Defending past three time winner is Kenny Coolbeth from New Milford, Conn. Coolbeth, currently sixth in points, is the man to beat on Saturday night, as I-96 has become one of his favorite tracks.

There will be an autograph session in the paddock area at 5:00pm. All fans will be invited down to meet and greet the riders, and take a look at the bikes up close and personal.

Then at 7pm, opening ceremonies, with the first heat of the AMA pro motorcycle Superstore .com pro singles heats, and then the AMA Pro K&N filters GNC Twins will race their heats after the pro single’s heats with semi mains and features to follow.

Ticket info can be found at www.i96speedway.com or calling the track at 616-642-0555.

I-96 Speedway is located off of interstate 96 at exit 64. Go south ½ mile, then west on Portland Road to the track.