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August 30, 2009

King Kenny Runs the Indy Mile

King Kenny Runs the Indy Mile

"King" Kenny Roberts rides the bike at the Mile.

The Race
AMA Pro Racing and Yamaha Motor Corporation paid tribute to Kenny Roberts in recognition of the historic last lap win at the 1975 Indy mile on the Yamaha TZ750 that ultimately proved to be one of the most famous wins in American Dirt Track history.

Known as the King, Kenny Roberts, the 2-time AMA Grand National Champion and 3-time World 500cc Champion, took several hot laps between the main races on the infamous Yamaha TZ-750 powered dirt tracker during the Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National at the Indiana State Fairgrounds last night, on Saturday, August 29th.

"That night in 1975 was a memorable event for motorcycle fans the world over" said Bob Starr, General Manager of Communications for Yamaha Motor Corporation. "Kenny's accomplishments over the years played a major role in the basis of what Yamaha's performance image is today. This will be a great tribute to a great man and his accomplishment 34 years ago will live on forever in the history of motorcycling."

The Return of Roberts
Roberts pulled on his leathers, and his crew pushed the bike to the trackside. Roberts' one-time dirt track rival, Mike Kidd, now in charge of DMG dirt track, waved his hand in the air, the crowd cleared and Roberts was pushed off. The bike crackled to life, Roberts throttling it, paddling a few feet forward. Then he was off, throttling the TZ engine as he entered the track.

The capacity crowd in the bleachers went bananas. It was an amazing thing to see--how many of these people were even alive when Roberts won his legendary race in 1975? Young, old, riders, fans, they all stood up and screamed as Roberts was introduced and then went out to make some laps.


"After the race in 1975 I said they didn't pay me enough to ride that thing," said Kenny Roberts, "and this year will be no different! But it should be fun for the fans to hear that Yamaha TZ once again up against the bales."


Amongst the enthusiastic spectators attending this historic event was none other than 8-time World Champion Valentino Rossi.

"For sure Kenny's win at this event on the Yamaha 34 years ago was monumental" said Valentino Rossi, "and the fact that I was not born yet makes it even more exciting for me to be there this time!"

Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Flat Track Grand National Event will be Telecast Nationwide on Versus.

The Lucas Oil Indy Mile AMA Flat Track Grand National will return the "crown jewel" of AMA Flat Track racing to Indianapolis on September 13th. The Lucas Motorsports Hour will feature the race.

D&D Performance Enterprises sponsors the Flat Track race team of Chris Carr Racing.

August 30, 2009 2:17 PM | send page