It will be a thrill a minute at the Lima Half-Mile Flat Track motorcycle race Saturday at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
LIMA — Jared Mees has won the Lima Half-Mile five times, and now he is promoting the motorcycle races that will take place throughout the afternoon Saturday at the Allen County Fairgrounds.
“The half-miles have always been a very action-packed race as Lima’s only flat-track grand national event,” Mees said. “It’s one of the oldest grand national events on the circuit. And it’s actually one of the most iconic races on the schedule due to its type of dirt, which is now only on a few tracks on the circuit.”
Mess said that fans can expect a lot from one of the premier races, especially if they have never been to it before.
“This will be 100-plus miles an hour on motorcycles with twin-cylinder engines and a class with single cylinders, as well, which is more of a motocross style,” he said. “It will have a family-friendly atmosphere and you can save up to $10 on tickets, and we’ll have another great lineup.”
With any luck, fans will take away some heavy appreciation for the sport when they leave the races.
“We have a very longstanding fanbase, but if somebody shows up and is brand new, we hope that they leave with the excitement from an action-packed, close race,” Mees said. “Sometimes the racers and riders will get it figured out and check out, but for the most part we hope it’s a great race that thrills everybody and they come back.”
For Mees, who won his first of 68 grand national victories at 2005’s half-mile, it is always special to participate in it.
“It’s a pretty special race and we’ve been promoting it since 2016,” he said. “I know I’m a little bit biased, but it’s probably my favorite race on the circuit.”
Fans do not have to wait until the main event Saturday to get a preview.
“On Friday, we plan on having an amateur race, and for anybody that wants to just come out and check out some racing, it will be free admission into the grandstands,” Mees said. “If you want a pit pass to see all the riders or to just check out the vendors, we’re going to have it open. The race is the future of the sport and we’re looking forward to having them.”
For more information on the race and to buy tickets, visit limahalfmile.com.
Gates at the fairgrounds open at 2 p.m. and the main events begin at 9:25 p.m.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Lima Half-Mile
WHEN: 6:40 p.m. opening ceremonies, gates open at 2 p.m.
WHERE: Allen County Fairgrounds, 2750 Harding Highway, Lima.
For ticket prices and options, go to limahalfmile.com.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
