Featuring over 800 pre-entries, the AMA Black Cat Gold Dirt Track Grand Championships will crown more than 100 AMA Amateur National Champions and 24 Grand Champions. In addition to the individual National Champions, four marquee awards highlight the events standout performers; Vet/Senior Dirt Tracker of the Year, Youth Dirt Tracker of the Year, The Fast Brain Award and the coveted AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award.

Since its inception in 1997, the Dirt Track Horizon Award features a rich history of past recipients including Road Racing stars Nicky and Roger Hayden, dirt track standout Jared Mees and future road racing prospect Stevie Bonsey.

Black Cat Gold exploded onto the AMA dirt track scene this year as new event title sponsor. Celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2007, Black Cat is the industry leader in the fireworks market. With its traditional holiday event date, Black Cat’s sponsorship has become a perfect fit for the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships. “It’s natural to bring together two of the great American summertime pastimes of fireworks and dirt track motorcycle racing,” said Adrian Toader, marketing chief for Black Cat in the U.S.

Black Cat’s sponsorship package also includes the AMA Winter National Short Track Series and five rounds of the Amateur Dirt Track Nationals leading up to the Grand Championships in Du Quoin, Ill.

Racing at the 31st Annual AMA Black Cat Gold Dirt Track Grand Championships kicks off on Saturday, July 1 on the Mile and concludes one week later with Half-mile racing and an awards ceremony.

Provided by the American Motorcyclist Association.