From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

2004 AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Dec. 9, 2003) — The AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship will have a fresh look in 2004 as it features a combination of 19 returning and new events. The season begins on Thursday, March 4, 2004 during Daytona Bike Week and will wind its way across the United States before wrapping up on Sept. 25, at the Du Quoin “Magic Mile” in Du Quoin, Ill.

Bruce Bober, AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Series Manager is anxious for the season to begin. “In addition to some of the historic events that remain on the schedule like Peoria and Springfield, we’re pleased to announce that the series will be visiting the West Coast with a stop at the Cow Palace in San Francisco,” said Bober. “We know we have a loyal following of fans out West so we’re looking forward to bringing AMA Flat Track racing back to them.” The series also visits new tracks in Lexington, Ky., Oak Ridge (Knoxville), Tenn., and Farley, Iowa. Bober added that the Knoxville race will be held in conjunction with the Honda Hoot, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country. “The Honda Hoot draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country; it’s the perfect venue for an AMA Flat Track event,” said Bober.

Reigning champion Chris Carr will be vying for his fourth consecutive title (sixth overall) in the 50th anniversary of AMA Grand National racing. Carr, recipient of the 2003 AMA Pro Racing Speed Channel Athlete of the Year Award, is one of the favorites of the series. Runners up Johnny Murphree and Joe Kopp are expected to return as well. The 2004 AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship schedule is as follows:

Date, Location (Type)

March 4, Municipal Stadium, Daytona Beach, FL (Short Track)

May 1, Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA (Indoor Short Track)

May 22, Florence Speedway, Union, KY (Half-mile)

May 29, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL (T.T.)

May 30, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL (Mile)

June 12, The Red Mile, Lexington, KY (Mile)

June 25, Atomic Speedway, Oak Ridge, TN (Short Track)

June 26, Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH (Half-mile)

July 3, Sharon Speedway, Hartford, OH (Half-mile)

July 31, Hagerstown Speedway, Hagerstown, MD (Half-mile)

Aug. 7, Farley Speedway, Farley, IA (Half-mile)

Aug. 22, Peoria Race Park, Peoria, IL (T.T.)

Aug. 28, State Fair Speedway, Sedalia, MO (Half-mile)

Sept. 4, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL (Short Track)

Sept. 5, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL (Mile)

Sept. 11, Vernon Downs, Vernon, NY (Mile)

Sept. 18, Scioto Downs, Columbus, OH (Half-mile)

Sept. 24, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin, IL (Short Track)

Sept. 25, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Du Quoin, IL (Mile)

Note: Dates and locations subject to change