Roberts tribute at Indy Mile

From Indy Mile News

AMA Pro Racing and Yamaha Motor Corporation will pay tribute and honour 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 Roberts, a two-time AMA Grand National Champion and three-time World 500cc Champion, will take several hot laps between the final Pro and Expert 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 on Saturday night.  

“That night 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.”

“I remember that night very well. You could hear that bike screaming no matter where he was on the track with Kenny hanging on for the ride of his life,” said Mike Kidd, Director of AMA Pro Flat Track. “Running about mid-pack early in the race, Kenny pulled up alongside me down the front straight…then he shifted gears…I never saw him again.”

The Lucas Oil Indy Mile is the seventh round of the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Series. Gates will open at 2:00pm at the Indiana State Fairgrounds with qualifying beginning at 3:00pm. A rider autograph session will be held from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Opening ceremonies begin at 7:00pm followed by racing at 7:30pm. The main event is scheduled for 9:30pm.

Tickets are on sale now at any Ticketmaster location, www.ticketmaster.com, calling 1-800-745-3000 or available at the Indiana State Fair box office.