PMC host two professional TT events each year - the All-Star National Dirt Track Series, held in June, and the AMA Budweiser Grand National Championship TT, held in August.
AUGUST Event
The Grand National Championship TT held in August is legendary. We're proud to say, it is the longest consecutive running dirt track race in the world. This event is the descendant of the first National TT held in Peoria, back in 1947.
The men who have raced this event, right here in world famous Peoria Race Park, a.k.a. "Thunder Valley", are individuals who have made a mark in motorcycle racing history - not just at this event, but in various forms of motorcycle racing. Curious about who they are? Read though the list of Past Champions, for a Who's Who among motorsport legends. Or if you missed it, go back to the page titled, Who We Are.
As much as we enjoy reminiscing, our focus is on today's young racers and where the sport is headed in the coming years. Despite the glamour of AMA Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, FIM Moto GP and SBK Superbike - all of which are well known (even by casual sports fans) due to ample TV coverage - AMA Flat Track racing has a lot to offer in its own right.
This segment of professional motorcycle racing has a very talented group of riders, many of which have racked up years of experience even at a young age. PMC is proud to say that many of them have grown professionally, because of the experience they gained racing on PMC's 5/8 mile TT track. We know for sure that several have gained their fame here.
If you've been to a TT at Peoria in person, you've seen the high flying action off of the back stretch jump. Some of the riders land 110, 120, and even 130 feet down the track. To make it more exciting, riders must immediately set up for a right-hand dog-leg after landing this high-speed jump.
The thrills multiply when there are two or more riders flying side-by-side through the air and into the dog-leg turn.
JUNE Event
As proud as we are, and as much as we talk about it, the Grand National Championship TT held in August, isn't the only event we host. Event though it doesn't have the same history as the Grand National, the TT races we host in June are very important to the racers. Since this event is not normally part of the AMA Flat Track Series, the results don't contribute to the championship outcome. Still though, most of the pro riders attend this event to acquire more seat time on the challenging 5/8 mile TT track. It helps keep the skills sharp, so they can be more competitive in August.
The June event is also considered a Pro/Am, meaning we run both professional and amateur classes. This gives up and coming amateurs a chance to experience the Peoria TT track, before they turn pro and the racing gets cranked up a level or two. It gives the top amateurs a chance to see how their lap times compare to the pros, on the same track and under the same conditions - an apples to apples comparison. For 2012, we ran a 450 Amateur class and a 250 Amateur class.
This event has been promoted under different titles over the years, i.e. the "Hot Shoe Series" to name one. Beginning in 2011, the June race has been part of the All-Star National Dirt Track Series, which is promoted and ran by Steve Nace. One of the things that makes this series more interesting, is the Short Track races held at Peoria Speedway, on the 1/4 mile stock car track. Racers who travel to Peoria have the opportunity to maximize their travel budget, by racing two events in a three-day period, at two tracks that are almost neighbors. It also gives race fans twice the opportunity to see some great bar-to-bar racing.
T H A N K Y O U Race Fans!
The Peoria Motorcycle Club recognizes our loyal fans, who attend these events year after year. We could not continue this tradition without their support. First and foremost, we must say T H A N K Y O U to every single fan, who comes back each year for more great racing at PMC.
We try to greet each and every person on their way in through the gates. If time allowed, we'd also like to say "Thanks for coming!" to everyone as they head out at the end of the day. Quite honestly, there are not enough club members to make that kind of personal contact. But still, you can rest assured that we truly appreciate every single one of the thousands of loyal Peoria TT fans, avid flat track fans and first time spectators.
Event Sponsors
It takes a lot to host a professional TT race. In addition to what racers and spectators see on race day, it takes weeks of preparation before hand. There's always something to maintain or acquire, and that requires funding. We could not begin to put on the level of events that we do without the generous financial support of our sponsors. And for that, we say. "Thank you!"
If you've been to a TT at Peoria in person, you've seen the high flying action off of the back stretch jump. Some of the riders land 110, 120, and even 130 feet down the track. To make it more exciting, riders must immediately set up for a right-hand dog-leg after landing this high-speed jump.
The Peoria Motorcycle Club recognizes our loyal fans, who attend these events year after year. We could not continue this tradition without their support. First and foremost, we must say
