---

AMA: A Will Davis Homecoming

21 July 2000

     PICKERINGTON, Ohio --  The racers of the AMA (American Motorcyclist

Association) Progressive Insurance U.S. Flat Track Championships prepare to roar

into Lowe's Motor Speedway, July 22, for the inaugural Charlotte National

Half-Mile.

     Moroney's 1-800-FAST-HOG rider Will Davis hopes it will be his homecoming

victory. Davis, of Goldsboro, N.C., has the opportunity to give the hometown

crowd a double-shot of victory. A win at Lowe's would catapult the half-mile

technician into the championship points lead. With 102 points, Davis sits 1

point behind current points leader and defending champion Chris Carr.

     Davis put on a groove clinic with his wire-to-wire win, July 8, in

Hutchinson, Kan., and pulled within a point of Carr. Carr fought off a bad start

in Hutchinson and worked his way through the pack, but could not reel in the

leading three riders and had to settle for fourth. Series third-place rider Joe

Kopp is just 20-points behind Davis. Kopp, of Mica, Wash., managed a fifth-place

finish at Hutchinson, but showed everyone how to pass on a tight groove during

the heat races. Kopp slipped off the groove in lap one and was passed by the

entire field. Showcasing his high caliber talent, Kopp then began a relentless

attack of the field reeling in seven riders in 10-laps and pressuring leader

Bryan Bigelow to the checkers.

     Also back in action at Lowe's will be the Harley-Davidson Sportster

Performance Series where just 15 points separate the top-ten riders. Brian

Thomas, of Belleville, Ill., leads the series with 34-points. Hot on Thomas'

heels is Scott Stump with 31 points. Rounding out the top-three is Sandoval,

Ill., James Hart with 25 points.

     While at the Charlotte National Half-mile be sure to stop by the

Progressive Insurance tent, near the grand stand entrance, for rider autograph

sessions, video games, free magnetic schedules, posters and other giveaway

items. Once there you can support the sport by calling 1-800-FLAT-TRACK on the

hotline or by receiving an on-line quote on the Progressive computer.  Don't

forget, for every quote made through 1-800-FLAT-TRACK, Progressive pays $1 into

the rider point fund.

     Qualifying heats begin at 6 p.m., with opening ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. For

ticket information call ( 704)455-3200. The Grand National race will be

broadcast Wednesday, August 9, at 6 p.m. EST on ESPN2 and again on Sunday,

August 13, at 4:30 a.m. EST.  The Harley-Davidson Sportster Performance race

will be broadcast Friday, August 18, at 6 p.m. EST on ESPN2 and again on Friday,

September 1, at 2 a.m. EST. Check local listings as broadcast times may vary.