Even though we make a good attempt to offer information people need, folks still have a lot of questions about Peoria Motorcycle Club and our annual events. Here are some of the more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) people have.
On this page . . .
..About Our Races . . . from newcomers
..About Our Races . . . from returning fans
..About Membership . . . from those interested
About Our Races . . . from those who have never attended one.
Q What type of motorcycle races do you hold?
A PMC has always supported Flat Track racing, which is normally ran on a smooth, hard-packed oval-shape dirt track. The course at Peoria Race Park is a 5/8 mile TT track. TT, which stands for Tourist Trophy, is a special form of Flat Track that includes at least one right-hand turn and a jump. These two features add another dimension to TT racing, which riders have to negotiate lap after lap. With ours being a 5/8 mile track, it has a very long, very FAST, front stretch. Just as racers top out at over 100 mph, they have to pitch their bikes into the first corner and power slide through with the rear-end hanging out.
Q How often do you hold races at PMC?
A PMC hosts two AMA Pro Flat Tracks every year, one in June and one in August. The June race is part the All-Stars National Flat Track Series, which runs both professional and amateur classes. The August race is our Budweiser Grand National Championship TT, which is part of the AMA Pro Grand National Championship Series. This event is for professional Flat Track racers only. PMC also schedules one vintage TT each year, which is great for those who love the “old iron” and enjoy the bikes that help build the sport.
Q I’m not really a motorcycle person. Why would I want to attend a race?
A Our events are more than just motorcycle races, they are part of Peoria’s history and culture. The AMA Grand National Championship TT held in August, is the longest consecutive running dirt track race in the world, beginning in 1947. Even if you’re not a fan of Peoria history, you can still enjoy the park-like setting and hang out with friends. You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy Steam Boat Days, and you don’t have to be a biker to have fun at a Peoria TT race.
Q I’ve heard negative things about the crowd. Should I be concerned?
A We know that old reputations die hard, and this has been a tough one for people to let go of. There was a time in past years (60s ~ 70s) when things got a little wild… the same period when things were wild everywhere; colleges, political rallies, etc. PMC has done a very good job of creating a family friendly atmosphere and keeping bad behavior in check.
Q The races are held outdoors in the summer. Doesn’t it get uncomfortable?
A Illinois weather is what it is. Summer days can be hot and humid, and they will be regardless of your outdoor activity. PMC Race Park sits in a valley, creating a natural amphitheater for the race track. There are a lot of large old trees for shade, and many open areas if you enjoy the sun. Our concession stands have plenty of water, soda and cold beer to keep you hydrated. A lot of people bring fold-up chairs or blankets to sit on, and many have their favorite places to “park it” for the day. Many walk around to watch the racing action from different vantage points. We always recommend using a good sun block lotion, wearing sunglasses and maybe bringing a hat to cover your head.
Q I’m looking for good value out of my entertainment dollar. Why should I spend my money at your event.
A You can’t hardly find an event where you can be entertained for free. The best you can hope for is a lot of entertainment for your money. We certainly have the entertainment, and we believe our prices are very reasonable too. If you compared our admission to any other professional sporting event, music concert or theater stage show, you’ll see that we come in low on the list. And since we’re trying to make this a family event, we have raised the age for free admission to 13 and under. We’re also offering a discount for Junior High School and Senior High School students. Those with a school ID can enter for $10 at the gate. You’ll also find that our concession prices are very reasonable, and the PMC Burgers and butterfly pork chops are very good.
Q What’s the deal on Advanced Sale tickets? Where can I buy them? What if it rains?
A Advance Sale tickets are $5 off the regular Adult price charged at the gate. For the June race, they are $15 instead of $20 at the gate. For the Grand National race in August, they are $20 instead of $25 at the gate. For a complete list of locations, or to purchase tickets online, please take a look at the Ticket Booth page.
….If the weather is threatening or the ground is already a muddy mess, we may have to cancel a race. If we know the conditions are against us and we call off the event before any real activity begins, advance sale tickets will be good for the next PMC TT event. We suggest that you keep yours in a safe place where you will find them, and then bring them with you the next time. Tickets must be whole, as partial tickets indicate they have already been used.
….If the event gets underway and racers have been on the track, and then it begins raining hard enough to discontinue the event, that is simply an unfortunate situation that we cannot control. No one - neither advanced sale ticket holders nor those who paid at the gate - will receive a refund.
About Our Races . . . from old fans who haven’t been back for a while.
Q I remember the great battles between Scotty Parker and Chris Carr. What can I look forward to if I come back out to a Peoria TT race?
A There are several great “Hot Shoes” in the AMA Pro Flat Track Series today. You can always count on close racing between Henry Wiles, Jared Mees, Jake Johnson, JD Beach, Sammy Halbert and Brad Baker. Henry “Hammer’n Hank” Wiles has won the last eight consecutive Budweiser AMA Grand National Championship TT races, which is our big August event. Jared Mees won the 2012 AMA Grand National Championship and gets to run the number 1 on his bike this year. Chris Carr retired from active racing but is still very involved in the sport. With 13 Checkered Flag finishes, Chris Carr holds the record for most wins at Peoria. This feat earned him the title, “Prince of Peoria”.
Q I love the sound of the V-Twins running around that track. Do you still run them, or just the Rotax singles?
A Actually, we don’t run classes for either of those engines during our two big TT races. We normally schedule at least one Vintage TT race each year, where competitors bring out the old 45 cubic inch Harleys, parallel-twin BSAs and Triumphs and 500 cc single Honda XRs and Yamaha TTs. Going into 2009, the AMA rules that bikes used in the “Singles” classes, would run production frames. As a result. today’s racers ride modern hi-reving four-stroke singles; that start out as 250 cc or 450 cc motocross bikes. Fans are split over the rule, as many still love the old “framers” that race teams built from the ground up. The use of production frames is an effort to “level the playing field”.
Q Do you still have horse-mounted police stomping around the grounds? The horses made a mess.
A Thankfully, NO! At a time when the crowd could get a little wild, the horse-mounted officers were necessary. They could quickly get to the source of an issue, and take care of it. The atmosphere has changed in recent years, and we rarely have problems of that nature. Today, police officers circulate through the grounds on golf carts or on foot.
Q Someone told me that attendance has been down, that the hillside aren’t covered with people they way they used to be. What’s up with that?
A We can’t deny that, but we sure would like to turn that trend around. A lot of people have their opinions about the reason - gas prices, the economy, greater selection of entertainment options, changes in family priorities - are the most often heard comments regarding things outside of the sport itself.
….Within the sport some believe the move away from the Camel Pro Series started a decline in popularity. Purest say it was the change from “framers” to production MX bikes in the Singles classes. Others blame it on big sponsors putting their support into MX, SX and Moto GP. Those venues get a lot more TV exposure and as expected, a lot more glory too. Because of that, many young racers are attracted to those forms of motorcycle racing.
….The truth is, declining attendance at any event begins one person at a time. Each individual has their personal reasons for changing what they do, where they go and how they spend their time. PMC is still very passionate about flat track racing in general, and the Peoria TT in particluar. We believe the racing is as good as ever. The bikes are fast and todays racers have nerves of steel. There are a lot of good rivalries that keep the racing interesting. We believe that we still offer a very exciting show, and we’d like for people to come out and judge for themselves.
Q I know there are two gates to the property. Does it matter which one I use?
A There are two gates on Cameron Lane; a North Gate and a South Gate. The North Gate is the right place to enter for the Press, VIP access, Handicap Parking and to pick up Advance Sale tickets at the Will Call table. The South Gate is where race teams enter so they can register and pick up pit passes from the AMA officials. BOTH gates are fine for general parking - car or motorcycle - if you already have tickets, or will be buying them at the booth.
Q Do you still have a strict policy against bringing beer into the races?
A Yes. No outside alcohol is permitted inside the inner fence that separates parking lots from the spectator area. If you bring beer or alcohol with you, it must stay in your vehicle. We inspect coolers before they enter the spectator area.
Q I’ve seen cars drive through the inside gate. It sure would be nice to park a lot closer. How can I get a pass to do that?
A People driving past the inner gate are either approved vendors, credentialed press, VIP guests, AMA officials or are headed to the Handicap Parking area. If you legitimately belong to one of those categories, you must enter through the North Gate, and stop at the table that is setup about a hundred feet inside the gate.
Q Can you tell me what you put in the PMC Burgers?
A Sorry, no, we can’t. That is a closely guarded secret blend of seasonings. The best we can suggest is for you is to enjoy a couple of them and try to figure it out.
About club membership . . . from those who might be interested.
Q How can I join the Peoria Motorcycle Club?
A PMC has a limited membership with a maximum number of members. We normally run at that level or just short of it. Occasionally we have names on a list, waiting for an opening. If you are interested in joining you need an existing member to be your sponsor. Motorcycle enthusiasts new to the Peoria area can ask around at the local motorcycle shops, to find a member they can talk to. Our members have done enough business with all the local shops, they are certain to know someone they can recommend. You can also call the number or email the address on our contact information on the Home page, to express your interest.
Q Do you have any public events besides the two big TT races?
A In addition to the TT races we host two Poker Run style road rides. We hold one in May each year, and another one every September. Please go to the When page for event details.
Q I love motorcycles and motorcycle racing. What can I do to help support the club, so you can continue doing what you do?
A PMC is self-funded by the money we earn hosting our annual schedule of events, including the two TT races, and the two Poker Run rides. The sponsors we have help support our big events, but they do not fund the club’s existence otherwise. The most we can ask of loyal motorcycle fans, is to please attend our events. If you live far away and cannot make it to a race, but you still want to help support the club, order a pair of tickets and put them in your scrapbook or pin them to the bulletin board in your shop. We certainly appreciate your support, however you choose to show it.