One of the coolest races on the AMA Grand National calendar happens tomorrow in Lima, Ohio. This photo gives you a good idea of why the race is so unique. This is Matt Weidman plowing through the cushion of crushed limestone. This is old school flat track where the riders genuinely steer their bikes with the throttle. More throttle the tighter the turning radius. The challenge at Lima is the transition from the straights to the turns, for a split second, even if you do everything right, the front end tucks on in the soft surface. The riders have to scrub off enough speed to actually make the turn, yet at the same time get back on the gas quickly enough to get the rear tire to come around, to start steering and to keep the front tire from plowing under and causing a crash. It takes an amazing amount of skill, bravery, control and precision. Grand National champ Jake Johnson told me it took years for him to finally figure out how to ride Lima. It’s also a great atmosphere with seemingly everyone riding to the race. The smell of baked corn, elephant ears and other fair food are thick in the air. It’s truly a classic race. Do yourself a favor and put the Lima National on your bucket list of races to visit before you leave this earth.
Matt Weidman plowing through the cushion of crushed limestone at the famous Lima Half-Mile. (Larry Lawrence photo)
Rider Files 
with a friend, we took our kids sometime in the mid 80’s
Kids likely were under 10
daughter would sit on my shoulders, on outside of turn 3-4, we’d get showered with dust/stones
I’d say “do yo want down”
She’d yell … NO!
Indeed, along with Louisville, and the late Northville Downs, great racing
Bang it Sideways !
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JT,
That’s funny. Yeah, there are a whole group of crazies who like to stand/sit outside the turns and get pelted. It takes all kinds. I stand out there because it’s my job. I’m sure it takes a year or two of life from my camera gear.
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