The Lima Half-Mile Motorcycle Races will return to the Allen County Fairgrounds this Saturday.
LIMA — Motorcycle races are coming back to the Allen County Fairgrounds.
When the Lima Half-Mile Flattrack Motorcycle Races start at 3 p.m. Saturday, promoters hope that they will be just in time.
“Hopefully, we’re able to get these races in, despite another storm system coming in for the weekend, but when things kick off, fans can expect to watch a lot of amateurs and pros from all around the country there,” Jeff Hiers, president of RPM Promotions said. “We even have racers coming from Canada. It’s going to be exciting racing and after three years of doing this, each year just seems to get better and better.”
Allen County Fairgrounds Promotions and Operations Manager Troy Elwer said that they have been working with RPM for years and the event always draws a good crowd.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity and the guys at RPM are a pleasure to work with,” he said. “We’re always searching for new and creative entertainment opportunities that give the community a chance to enjoy something that’s outside of the nine days of our fair because we have one of the best outdoor facilities in the state, in my opinion. We really try to capitalize on that factor and make sure that we’re packed full throughout the summer with exciting events that meet the different interests of the people in our community.”
Those new to the event are in for something very interesting.
“They’re going to be watching an exciting race at 100 miles an hour from pros and some of the top amateurs and we will also have kids as young as four years old racing in the 50cc class,” Hiers said. ” We’ve got 13 different classes and the pros will be getting ready for a race coming here in June.”
Hiers said that it is part of a tradition that he remembers coming to as a kid in the 1980s.
“I raced at least probably six or eight times here so the prestige of it makes for a great race, and right here in the Midwest and Ohio, we’re known for some of the best racers to come out of the state,” he said. “We’re all around the area so it’s exciting for everyone, and especially all Ohio fans, to see these great races coming right out of their home state.”
Above all, the event is about bringing excitement to area families and fans of bike racing.
“Fans can come to this event for family fun and they’re even able to go down into the pits and meet the racers with their tickets,” Hiers said. “They can go down and get autographs or pictures and I think it’s a great deal for fans to be able to away with a souvenir when they leave.”
Gates for the pits open for the event at 10 a.m. and practice begins at 12:30 p.m. Spectator gates open at noon. Tickets are on sale now.
In case of weather complications, the schedule could be moved up earlier in the day. To keep up to date on all announcements, follow RPM Promotions on Facebook.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Lima Half-Mile Flattrack Motorcycle Races
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Allen County Fairgrounds, 2750 Harding Highway, Lima
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids and free for children up to age 5
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
