AMA Pro Grand National Flat Track was in the Buckeye State this past weekend to showcase its talents at the Allen County Fairgrounds. One of the most historical events on the circuit, the Lima Half-Mile is the only “cushion” half-mile the series visits all year. Nothing screams old-school flat-track racing like riders completely sideways within inches of the hay bales bordering the outside of the track, grabbing tear-offs and shooting 50-foot rooster tails.
Between mechanical problems in qualifying to a DNF while battling for a transfer spot in my semi, I had a crummy day. Hopefully I can shake off the bad luck I have been having recently. In the meantime, here are a few highlights from the race weekend:
Jared Mees scored his third career Lima GNC victory. "After having success here earlier in my career," he told me, "I have struggled the past few seasons. It's been seven years since I won here, so it feels good to prove I can still get the job done at this track."
Sammy Halbert was also gunning for his third career Lima win. Looking in control all day, he was fast qualifier every round, won the George Roeder Memorial Dash for Cash, and had a solid lead in the main event until his engine went sour on lap 12.
Cory Texter is a third-generation motorcycle racer from Willow Street, Pennsylvania. He is currently national number 65 in the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship and has also held an AMA Pro Road Racing license. His father, Randy, was the 1990 AMA TwinSports champion, and his sister, Shayna, is the only female to win an AMA Pro Grand National Expert Singles race. Cory also co-hosts Flat Track Weekly Radio.
Jared Mees is currently third overall in GNC points.
Kyle Johnson won the Pro Singles main event.
Second generation dirt tracker Ryan Varnes.
