VOL. 52 ISSUE 24 JUNE 16, 2015 P27
POMONA FLAT TRACK
CANCELLATION EXPLAINED
W
ith the announcement that the AMA Pro Flat
Track finale was being moved to Orleans
Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, it was revealed that
the Pomona Half-Mile would be no more.
The Southern California venue had crowned
the Grand National Champion for the past four
years in a row (2009 as well). Unfortunately that
streak comes to an end as the rumors that were
circulating at last year's finale—that the facility was
set to be demolished—came true.
In a release from the promoter, it was explained
that Chris Morgan of the Activation Group, had been
notified by Fairplex officials that the demolition of
the famed Pomona half-mile racetrack, constructed
in 1928, would begin prior to the race date to keep
planned redevelopment at the site on schedule.
"There has been so much motorcycle racing
history at Pomona and it's a shame to see it go
away," said Morgan via release. "It's been a plea-
sure to put this race on for the last five years and
the LA Fairplex has been a great partner, as have
our sponsors and the fans."
Unfortunately, the notification came too late
to find a replacement site for the race, but the
Activation Group is looking forward and negotiat-
ing with alternative sites that could return the AMA
Pro Flat Track championship race to Southern
California in 2016.
"As one door closes another one opens and
we are very excited about our prospects for
returning the event to Southern California in the
near future," said Morgan.
HONDA TO PROVIDE
SAFETY FENCING
AT PIKES PEAK
I
n an effort to provide enhanced safety at the Pikes
Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC), Honda an-
nounced it has partnered with the AMA to once
again provide soft-barrier technology for some of
the dangerous sections of the 12.42-mile course.
Honda helped provide Airfence barriers—soft air-
filled cushions designed to protect motorcycle and
ATV riders—at the 2014 PPIHC, and will once again
deliver the safety feature for the 2015 event.
"Safety is a top priority in everything that we do
at Honda," said James Robinson of Honda R&D.
"Working with the AMA and the Roadracing World
Action Fund to provide a measure of safety for the
competitors is something we are excited about
doing. We saw firsthand last year how well these
Airfence barriers work in protecting a fallen rider,
and while we hope nobody tests them, we feel
strongly about having them in place."
The fencing played a major part in determin-
ing the outcome of the Open Motorcycle class
in 2014, saving eventual class champion Jeremy
Toye after a fall during practice. Toye lost control
in a tight turn and landed in the barriers, and later
credited them with saving him from injuries that
could have prevented him from competing in the
race."
