From a press release issued by AMA Pro Racing:

AMA PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE U.S. FLAT TRACK CHAMPIONSHIP TV SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – The television schedule for the 2003 AMA Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championship has been released and five more events are to be televised on Speed Channel this season, in addition to the Daytona Short Track event that was aired in March. In addition to Grand National coverage, select Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance Series races will be shown.

AMA Flat Track fans will get a good mix of racing venues to watch – from the famous Springfield Mile to the neighboring TT circuit. There will also be the opportunity to catch televised racing from a new venue, the half-mile at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, as well as the race at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio.

“Flat track racing is traditionally some of the closest in all of AMA Pro Racing,” said Bruce Bober, AMA Pro Racing’s Flat Track Manager. “We’re confident that the sport will continue to win new fans as they are able to watch these races on Speed Channel. We’re fortunate to have companies such as Progressive Insurance and Harley-Davidson Motor Company, whose support helps make these flat track broadcasts possible.”

The next AMA Grand National on the TV schedule is the tradition-rich Memorial Day Weekend running of the Springfield Mile. The race will be shown as part of Speed Channel’s Two-Wheel Tuesday on June 24 at 9 p.m. EST and rebroadcast twice. Defending champion Chris Carr will be shooting for a third-straight victory in the Memorial Day Springfield Mile race.

The cameras then move next door to the Springfield TT circuit. The Hayden brothers from Owensboro, Ky., have owned that track since its inception and look for Tommy and Roger Lee to be among the frontrunners again this year. The Springfield TT race will first be shown on Two-Wheel Tuesday July 1.

Sharon Speedway’s Half-mile is one of the new venues on the schedule this year. The July 5 race will be shown on Speed Channel July 22. The scenic Scioto Downs venue in Columbus, Ohio, will run on Sept. 20 and taped for an Oct. 7 showing on Speed. Scioto Downs is the race closest to the AMA Pro Racing headquarters in nearby Pickerington, Ohio, and it’s quickly become a favorite venue to fans and racers alike. The 2003 AMA Flat Track television package wraps up with the season finale, September 26-27, at the Springfield Mile. That race will first be shown on Oct. 21. Considered the most prestigious single race in the championship, Springfield almost always produces exciting finishes decided in final draft maneuvers coming down the front straight on the last lap.

Visit www.1800FlatTrack.com for the complete broadcast schedule.