The AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series had a fantastic debut in 2010, adding an exciting element to the road race scene with the thunderous roar and aggressive no-nonsense look of the Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200. With a spec-racing formula to ensure performance parity and effective cost-control measures, the XR1200 Series provided an excellent platform for up-and-comers and veterans alike to demonstrate their skill and tenacity on the track.
Participation in the XR1200 Series is based on running a 2009-2011 Harley-Davidson Sportster XR1200 along with a Vance & Hines Race Kit consisting of a Vance & Hines XR1200 exhaust system, a Fuelpak fuel management system, race bodywork including number plate, single-seat tail section and belly pan, 17- inch front wheel with matching front fender, steering damper, oil cooler relocator and race decal package. The race kit price is $3,500. Teams are also allowed to upgrade their suspension, hand and foot controls, brake components and instrumentation. All competitors run on spec Dunlop tires and Sunoco 260 GTX fuel.
Another appealing aspect to the XR1200 class is its contingency awards. Each race event carries a $10,000 total purse paid out by Vance & Hines and Harley-Davidson. $3,750 is paid to the winner, with $2,000 going to second place and $1,500 for third. Fourth and fifth place finishers receive $1,000 and $500 respectively, while positions sixth through tenth each receive $250.
With preparations for expanding the XR1200 Series underway, AMA Pro Road Racing has just released a preliminary schedule for the 2011 road racing season. The XR1200 Series is slated for participation in seven confirmed AMA Pro events plus another two possible events to be named. The season will kick-off during Daytona Bike Week on the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway. The current schedule for the XR1200 Series includes:
* Daytona International Speedway (March 10-12 in Daytona Beach, FL)
* Infineon Raceway (May 13-15 in Sonoma, CA)
* Miller Motorsports Park (May 28-30 in Toole, UT)
* Road America (June 3-5 in Elkhart Lake, WI)
* (An Additional June Event – To Be Determined)
* Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (July 8-10 in Lexington, OH)
* Virginia International Raceway (August 12-14 in Alton, VA)
* New Jersey Motorsports Park (September 2-4 in Millville, NJ)
* (An Additional September Event – To Be Determined)
With its expanded schedule and straightforward spec-class format, the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series provides an affordable way for Harley-Davidson dealers and sponsors to get involved in a professional national-level racing series. As the new season approaches, keep in touch at www.vanceandhines.com for further updates on schedules and team announcements.