Repsol YPF

One has to go back to 1909 to find the last – and only time – that a motorbike race was held at Indianapolis. It was a 14th August and that competition was the first ever race at the American circuit. Now, 98 years later, bikes are going to be part of the history of this oval circuit again.

Down the years the track itself has seen some important modifications and the current owners have made some significant changes so that it can host this weekend`s GP race. The new surface, inaugurated a couple of months ago by the Repsol rider Nicky Hayden, was completed at the beginning of the this year, but it left the famous finishing line intact; it is made from bricks. With a couple of narrow, very slow corners and other very fast sections, this circuit will be an authentic challenge for the riders as it is totally new for most of them.

This race has been intensely promoted over the last few months in the USA and now the streets on the capital of Indiana will see a curious tribute to the seven American riders that have been World Champions. So, Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kevin Schwantz, Kenny Roberts Jr. and the Repsol rider Nicky Hayden, will become part of the city; their names will appear on signs that will be erected on several streets, an orginal distinction that other riders like Colin Edwards, John Hopkin and Ben Spies, as well as Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi, will also receive.

Circuit details
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Location: Indianapolis (Indiana)
Inauguration: 1909
Length: 4 186 metres
Maximum width: 24 metres
Right-handers: 6
Left- handers: 10