If you’re searching for fun places to fly, consider an action-packed motorcycle race. The U.S. is full of them – and while many are being postponed or run without fans this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t get started planning a future trip. With that being said, let’s take a look at the top 10 motorcycle races you can fly to—start your engines!
1) Daytona 200
Nearest Airport: Daytona Beach Airport (KDAB)
More Information: https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Most people are familiar with Nascar’s Daytona 500, and the Daytona 200 is the motoracing industry’s version of the huge event. Held at the famous Speedway in Florida, this AMA-sanctioned race has been taking place since the late 1930s. The course it’s held on has shrunk over the years to its now 3.51-long Sportbike track, but the excitement for this race has never been higher.
2) MotoGP of the Americas
Nearest Airport: Austin Executive Airport (KEDC)
More Information: http://circuitoftheamericas.com
Short for Motorcycle Grand Prix, you can consider this race the Super Bowl of motorcycle competitions. As the oldest motorsport world championship and governed by the global body known as Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, these races take place all over America and the world, and often race just outside of Austin, TX. Here, you’ll not only see purpose-built gas-powered motorcycles, but electric-driven bikes as well, across an entire season of racing.
3) Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
Nearest Airport: City of Colorado Springs Airport (KCOS)
More Information: http://ppihc.org
Not for the faint of heart, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb pits competitors against each other along a 12.42-mile course going straight up a 14,000-foot mountain. The road was fully paved in 2011, allowing the fastest bikes in the world to finally compete in this tight-turning, uphill battle – the fastest recorded time stands at an impressive nine minutes 49 seconds.
4) Hangtown Classic
Nearest Airport: Sacramento Mather Airport (KMHR)
More Information: https://hangtownmx.com
Hangtown Classic is less of a race, although the event attracts some of the industry’s steepest competition, and more of a motocross festival. It’s also the longest-running motocross outdoor national in the U.S., so you know there’s plenty of engine-roaring fun to be had as a range of amateur categories compete against one another.
5) GNCC Series
Nearest Airport: Morgantown Municipal Airport (KMGW)
More Information: https://gnccracing.com
If longer races are more your thing, take a look at the Grand National Cross Country Series. Serving a broad array of motorcycle racers, enthusiasts and fans, the race attracts some of the country’s fastest off-road racers as they go head-to-head on off-road courses ranging in distance from eight to 12 miles that sometimes last up to three hours. As a bonus, there’s also extensive ATV races that take place throughout the event.
6) Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta
Nearest Airport: Jackson County Airport (KJCA)
More Information: https://www.roadatlanta.com
A short, 2.55-mile road track located in Atlanta, the Michelin Raceway is known to draw some of the biggest names in both professional and amateur racing. And, it was the official location of the Suzuki Superbike Championship for two decades. While it isn’t home to the race anymore, the track still offers a ton of events year round – like the WERA Double Header Sportsman Sprint, an entire weekend of motorcycle races.
7) AMA National Championship Series
Nearest Airport: Indianapolis Regional Airport (KMQJ)
More Information: https://promotocross.com
The first National Championship race took place in 1974, where motorcyclist and sports innovator Lane Leavitt took first place in what is now known as motocross. And while the racers have changed, the series continues to thrive, thanks to its strong support from the AMA, NATC and the biker community itself.
8) Indian Motorcycle Minnesota Mile
Nearest Airport: Flying Cloud Airport (KCFM)
More Information: https://www.canterburypark.com/events/american-flat-track-racing/
The state’s most anticipated race is known as the Indian Motorcycle Minnesota Mile, at arguably the finest facilities on the flat track circuit—Canterbury. Not only will you get the enjoyment of watching AFT motorcycles, competing for two separate championships, the rest of Canterbury Park provides plenty of fun for a wayward pilot; the on-site casino, concerts and horse racing.
9) Annual World Championship Ice Racing Series
Nearest Airport: Varies
More Information: https://www.facebook.com/worldchampionshipiceracing/
For those looking for something new, check out the most exciting thing to happen to the sport, motorcycles on ice. The World Championship Ice Racing Series brings together motorcyclists to compete in what’s billed as the roughest, most dangerous sports in the world, as they zoom around an frozen, icey track. The event takes place at various locations throughout the country, from Las Vegas to St. PAul to New Orleans – look to their website above for more information about upcoming events.
10) NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing series
Nearest Airport: Indianapolis Regional Airport (KMQJ)
More Information: https://www.nhra.com/nhra
For fans of Pro-Stock Motorcycle racing, the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series is a great option. Hosted by the National Hot Rod Association, it’s the top competition within the organization’s roster, offering competition in four classes, including both Pro-Stock Motorcycle as well as car-based races.
Do you want to travel to the country’s best motorcycle races?
Then get in touch with Inflight Pilot Training today! We can give you the freedom to fly to these destinations, or any of your other favorites – anywhere in the world. All it takes is a quick call or email to our facilities in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and we can provide you with the information you need to get started with our flight training programs.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.
