Motorcycle race deadline nears
Staff writer
Motorcyclists who want to participate in the Flint Hills Bent Rims inaugural race have until May 18 to register online for the May 29 event.
The race is a reincarnation of the Florence Grand Prix, first held in 1972, in honor of the city’s 100th anniversary. It is being reinstated this year in honor of Florence’s 150th anniversary.
Participants and campers may register at Flint Hills Bent Rims. website, https://flinthillsbentrims.com.
Duane McCarty, race organizer, said 350 riders had signed up so far.
Registration for the race is $75.
“We have to have a cutoff date because we will print off three stickers for each bike with their race-selected number,” McCarty said.
Each racer can ride in a road race, a flat-track race, a motocross race, a cross country race, and an extreme endurance race.
Race classes are limited to 200 riders per category. They include:
- Vintage, for motorcycles 1978 and older, with 125cc, 250cc, open class, and powder puff.
- Post-vintage, for 1979 to 1985 motorcycles with air cooling and drum brakes front and read. Both Vintage and post-vintage will be one-hour races.
- Modern with classes pro, A. B, C, over-40 class, over-50, over-60, team class, and women’s. These classes race 100 miles and are over when leaders have completed that distance.
Racers must have or buy a transponder, available for $10, and must be at least 16. Those ages 16 and 17 must have a parent or guardian with them when they race.
An 8 a.m. May 29 church service near 5th and Main St. will kick off race day.
A parade lap for vintage and modern classes will be at 8 a.m., with the vintage race at 10 a.m.
The modern race will begin at 1 p.m.
Trophies will be presented at 6:15 p.m.
Spectators may pre-register for $12 and get an anniversary button or for $10 for a Florence Grand Prix button.
Camping, which costs $50 for a three-day weekend or $20 per day, is arranged through the city of Florence. Participants and spectators may register for priority camping on the website.
A camping spot cannot be guaranteed without a reservation.
Camping will be at the football and baseball fields, with overflow areas available.
“Tent campers will be in the baseball outfield area,” mayor Bob Gayle said.