Story By: DAVE SEAY / VIRGINIA MOTOR SPEEDWAY – JAMAICA, VA – Flat track motorcycle racing is returning to the ½ mile at Virginia Motor Speedway Saturday, July 15, 2023, for the RVA Flat Track sanctioned Eddie Boomhower Memorial.
“We are excited for the return of Flat Track motorcycle racing to the speedway. Eddie (Boomhower) did so much for not only the speedway but flat track motorcycle racing in the State of Virginia, we are honored to host this event in his memory,” commented track owner Bill Sawyer.
Eddie Boomhower began his career as a flat-track motorcycle racer, winning numerous awards. After ten years of racing motorcycles, he entered the business end and owned Richmond Harley-Davidson for 25 years. After selling the dealership and retiring, he moved back to Portsmouth, VA, and opened his retirement business Boomhower Cycle Specialties. In 2006 Eddie approached the Sawyers about bringing back Flat Track motorcycles after a 30-year absence. The speedway held the American Flat Track sanctioned Joe Weatherly Memorial in 2006 and 2007. The July 15 event will mark sixteen years since the last ½ mile flat track race in Virginia was run.
Adult general admission tickets are only $30, an adult general admission ticket with a pit pass is $40, students 13 – 17 years old are $15, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Pit passes will be $40.
Spectator gates will open at noon, with heat racing beginning at 3 PM. Features are scheduled for 7 PM.
Divisions that will be competing in the Eddie Boomhower Memorial are: 50cc, 65cc, 85cc, 250 AM, 450 AM, Open AM, 30+, 50+, Pro Twins, Mad Dog, Vintage Light, Vintage Heavy, Hooligans, 450 Pro, and Open Pro.
Competitor registration will be from 9 AM – 11:15 AM, with the rider’s meeting at 11:30 AM. Practice will start at noon, and heat races will begin at 3 PM. Any questions can be directed to RVA Flat Track official John Nickens (804-245-1383) or Mike Hacker (804-586-6117).
Bring your portable radio headset and enjoy hearing the call of all the action on the track by tuning into 95.5 FM on your radio dial.