Bikemania to make debut Sunday at Maple Grove

Bikemania, a special race for street motorcycle riders, will finally make its debut at Maple Grove Raceway this Sunday, July 15.

Also on tap at The Grove is Auto Locator Grudge Racing on Friday and another edition of the Sunoco Race Fuels Money Trail Series on Saturday.

With organizing help from Maple Grove Top Bike racer Keith Alesin, Bikemania will give bikers a much safer way to race. Instead of going over country roads, the eighth-mile racing at The Grove offers a controlled environment complete with a safety crew.

“It’s the safest place to ride a motorcycle anymore,” Alesin said. “It has controlled surfaces and safety. People say it’s dangerous, but I tell them it’s the safest place.”

The eighth-mile racing will include classes for each participating club and an open class for non-affiliated riders. Gates open at 8 a.m. with a riders’ meeting at 9:30 and time trials at 10. Eliminations will begin at 1 p.m.

There will also be a bike show.

Riders who race must wear a leather jacket, gloves and boots; a helmet (Snell approved, 2005 and newer); and the motorcycle must have a kill switch.

Winners will receive a 4-foot tall trophy, while runners-up get a 3-foot trophy and those who win two rounds will get a 2-foot trophy.

The weekend kicks off Friday night with Grudge Racing along with its companion Run Tuff race. Those wanting to see what their cars can do on a racetrack are welcome to enter Maple Grove’s gates after 4 p.m. Racing begins promptly at 5. Admission is $20 for street driven cars and $25 for entries on a trailer. Spectators are $10 with children 12 and under free.

The eighth Sunoco Race Fuels Money Trail gets underway Saturday with gates opening at 9 a.m. and time trials at 10. Eliminations will begin immediately after the second time run