Dirt Bike News - Glen Helen Raceway newest event to set the stage for the 2004 AMA Outdoor Motocross Nationals - Dirt Rider Magazine

Southern California motocross fans were aghast when they heard the recent rumor that Glen Helen Raceway might be losing the coveted opening round of the AMA 125/250 Outdoor Motocross series. A Mother's Day tradition, Glen Helen has hosted the season opener for the AMA and a legion of nearly 20,000 fans for some eight years.In the end the rumor proved to be only half true. The season will now begin at Hangtown on May 16 and the series stop at Glen Helen has been relocated to September 12, the 12th and final round of the 2004 schedule.Over the years Glen Helen Raceway has developed a solid reputation of blending fresh thinking with hard work to meet the rapidly changing conditions of the racing world. The World Cup of Motocross in 2002 was organized and executed in one short week after the demise of the U.S. Motocross des Nations and by all accounts was a world-class success. With the unexpected opening in the 2004 schedule, the Glen Helen staff once again recognized the opportunity at hand and set about developing an event to capitalize on it - _The Prequel_. What is a prequel you ask? Webster's defines it as "a dramatic work that precedes a story."In terms of this year's motocross season, _The Prequel_ means a huge advantage for any teams or riders to do last minute testing prior to the series opener and an opportunity to get acclimated to the newly redesigned Glen Helen circuit. The lay out for the Prequel will be exactly the same for the AMA National in September. Familiarity with a track often results in confidence, which usually equals quicker lap times.Every factory does extensive testing prior to the outdoor season but this will be the first time in recent history for anyone to test and fine-tune their programs in a real racing environment. With every team and rider looking for even the slightest advantage, this event could the just the edge they need.Some of the best names in the business have joined forces to insure that _The Prequel_ is a great success. The Primm MX Collection has taken the title sponsorship position with presenting honors being co-hosted by Yamaha Motor Corporation and Parts Unlimited. These headliners will share the stage with over twenty industry associate sponsors to create a hefty $20,000.00 purse.All of the top AMA Pros have received their written invitations and are in the process of confirming. There will be amateur and pro practice on Thursday May 6th and a Chaparral private party on May 7th. The professional portion of _The Prequel_ weekend will take place on Saturday, May 8th, with a similar format to the AMA 125/250 MX Nationals. The day will consist of two 30 minute motos plus two laps for each of the professional classes, with the first race starting at 11:00am and the 125cc AMA Pro event followed by the 250cc AMA Pro race. A full amateur program will be held Sunday May 9 and camping is available during the entire period. The Women's Motocross Association is also starting its 2004 season here and all classes are racing on the 9th.For more information go on line www.glenhelen.com and call the 24 hour information line at 909/880-3090. So mark your calendars now May 6-9, it is guaranteed to be a dramatic beginning to the 2004 outdoor motocross story!