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Springfield
Jan Luparell
The “Springfield Mile” was first run in 1937; Lester Hillbish of Reading, PA won that race on an Indian. I wonder what he would think of the track, riders and the machines that race here now.
The Mile is the most historic and prestigious motorcycle race in dirt track. It also holds the distinction of being the fastest flat track in the world. 1983 saw a change come to the mile, previously only run once a year, it now became a twice a year event, each Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, drawing fans from around the world.
Imagine going over 100 mph, turn left, repeat 100 times, in dirt, on two wheels and you get an idea of what it might be like to run this 25 lap event. Of course, you also have to do practice, qualifying heats, and the semis. Add into the mixture 10,000 people, travel time, riders meeting, and humidity, this is Illinois after all. Did I mention 17 other riders who plan to finish before you? Now, the picture gets a little clearer.
These athletes take this all in stride, this is Springfield and this is the mile, after all. Chris Carr, Scott Parker, Ricky Graham, Jay Springsteen, Bubba Shobert, Terry Poovey, Hank Scott-men who have won here. Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, BSA, Triumph, Indian-the machines that have brought winners across the finish line.
In 2000, a Short Track was added on Saturday night, at the Multi-Purpose Arena on the Il State Fairgrounds, to make it a double header on Labor Day Weekend. The following year, 2001, a TT was added, again at the Multi-Purpose Arena, to the Memorial Day Weekend. In 2002, the Multi-Purpose Arena received a new nickname in the Flat Track world “Hayden Hollow”. That May, three brothers stood atop the podium, first, second and third. No other sport has ever had brothers finish in the top spots. Nicky, Tommy, and Roger were a sight to behold, while Dad, Earl, and Mom, Rose, were beside themselves--talk about proud parents!
Labor Day Weekend, 2005, an amateur Short Track was added to Friday night. It was such a success that an amateur TT was added to Friday night of the Memorial Day Weekend. A four-year old, on a PW 50, on Friday night to a professional racer on a 450 Saturday night Short Track to a professional on a 750 on Sunday, dirt track is truly a family affair in these weekend extravaganzas.
As the 2008 race season starts what new history will be written here? Whose dreams will come true? Who will walk away thinking “if only…..”?
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