Plenty Of Action, Excitement At Red Bull Indianapolis GP
August 09, 2012 | By Paul Kelly
The 2012 Red Bull Indianapolis GP features exciting, 200-mph racing by the world’s best riders on exotic, prototype machinery, and there are plenty of other activities geared toward motorcycling enthusiasts during “The Ultimate Motorcycle Race in America” on Aug. 17-19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
MotoGP superstars Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner will race against American standouts Nicky Hayden, Ben Spies and Colin Edwards aboard 1000cc prototype motorcycles from Ducati, Honda, Yamaha and more on the IMS road course Sunday, Aug. 19, with practice Friday, Aug. 17 and practice and qualifying Saturday, Aug. 18. Exciting competition also will take place in the Moto2 (600cc) and Moto3 (250cc) World Championship classes featuring riders from around the world.
The distinctive rumble of American V-Twin thunder also will be heard and felt for the second consecutive year on track at IMS, as the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series returns for a second consecutive year with races Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19.
Competitors race on spec Harley-Davidson XR1200 machines, with only limited modifications allowed. This formula places a premium on rider skill and creates fantastic, side-by-side, handlebar-banging action all over the track.
There’s also great action off the road course at IMS, both at the Speedway and around Indianapolis.
Fans can get an up-close look at the exciting world of MotoGP during the popular Red Bull Indianapolis GP Pit Walkabout, which takes place from 5:15-6:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. The pit lane at IMS will be open, giving fans a fantastic look at the exotic prototype machinery of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 as mechanics prepare the bikes for Race Day.
Every MotoGP rider will answer fan questions and help auction items for charity during the Riders For Health auction from 5-6:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 on the Main Stage on 6th Street in the IMS infield. Experts from Cycle World will talk motorcycle tech during the Cycle World Industry Panel from noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 on the Main Stage. Yamaha stars Jorge Lorenzo, Ben Spies, Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow will answer fan questions during the Yamaha Rider Chats from 6-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 on the Main Stage.
The worlds of fashion, music, beauty and the most famous global motorcycle brand intersect at Ducati Island, located in the IMS infield during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Live music, fashion shows, Ducati giveaways, autograph sessions with Ducati riders, the beautiful Ducati Girls and Ducati motorcycles from all eras are among the evocative sights and sounds available in this popular area. There are a variety of special perks for Ducati owners, including gear check, special parking and more.
Major motorcycle manufacturers and aftermarket companies will display and sell their products at the
Manufacturer Display area in the IMS infield and the Vendor Marketplace in the Gasoline Alley garage area.
Manufacturer representatives are available at the Manufacturer Display area to answer questions from fans interested in putting one of the beautiful new machines in their garage.
Enthusiasts can see and purchase gear from top motorcycle equipment and accessory companies at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP Vendor Marketplace, as the popular display area for aftermarket products returns for a fifth year. The Vendor Marketplace also will feature the largest selection of motorcycle apparel anywhere. The Vendor Marketplace will be open in the Gasoline Alley garages at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the entire Red Bull Indianapolis GP, Friday, Aug. 17 through Sunday, Aug. 19.
Some exquisite vintage and custom bikes – including legendary bikes from Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Indian – will be on display and run Saturday, Aug. 18 during the return of the Cycle World Rolling Concours presented by BikeBandit.com.
Participants join the Cycle World staff on a ride from the track to a private lunch before riding back to the Speedway for judging. Bikes must complete the entire ride to be eligible for trophies in a variety of classes, as this unique event celebrates both form and function.
The beautiful machines of the Rolling Concours machines also will be on display Friday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 19 in a special area at IMS.
While the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 puts Harley-Davidson motorcycles on center stage at IMS, America’s best flat-track riders will race for victory and glory Saturday night, Aug. 18 during the Lucas Oil Legendary Indy Mile Grand National AMA Flat Track race on the dirt oval at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Glorious memories of the Indy Mile go back for decades. Top riders always have coveted a win at this race, long considered the “Crown Jewel” of AMA Pro Racing’s oldest and most tradition-rich professional racing series, the Flat Track Grand National series.
Anticipation will be high for this year’s race, which returns after a one-year hiatus.
For those looking for a break from the intense competition at IMS and the Indy Mile, Motorcycles on Meridian is the path to a good time.
South Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis will be transformed into a festival of the motorcycle lifestyle on Friday evening, Aug. 17 and Saturday evening, Aug. 18. The streets will fill with the roar of engines from all kinds of motorcycles and the sight of leather-clad riders.
Riders will gather on Meridian all the way from Monument Circle to South Street to share interests and celebrate the Red Bull Indianapolis GP at IMS, which has been a co-host and presenter of this popular event since the inaugural year in 2008.
Fans seeking a jaw-dropping display of skill on modern, cutting-edge street bikes should look no further than the fourth round of the 2012 XDL Championship Series, taking place Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Indiana War Memorial downtown Indianapolis.
The high-energy, high-thrill XDL series is the premier stunt-riding championship in the world, featuring riders from America and around the world performing the latest tricks in an action-packed format.
For more information about the Red Bull Indianapolis GP and all of the surrounding events, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, the event Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndianapolisGP.