Indianapolis is the capital of the state of Indiana. Indianapolis is probably best known for the Indianapolis 500 racing cars rather than motorcycles. The Indianapolis 500 has been held in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway complex since 1911. However, motorcycling in Indianapolis is very popular, whether it is just watching major events or taking part in the many charity events that are held every year.
Motorcycling had been absent at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 1909 but returned in 2008 with the Red Bull Indianapolis GP which features the MotoGP World Championship. The course is just over two and a half miles and a record of over 200mph was achieved for the first time in 2008. The first race at the track in 1909 was organized by the Federation of American Motorcyclists but was canceled after the first day of a two-day event as the track was deemed unsuitable for motorcycling racing. The Indianapolis Grand Prix has become a family event, with pedal car racing and balloon artists for the children whilst riders from around the world compete around the 16-turn course.
Mid-America Speedway is located at the Marlon County Fairgrounds in Indianapolis. Events are held every Saturday night over a three-hour period when around 40 races take place featuring different classes with riders as young as four years old racing on 50cc motorbikes. The motorbikes used in speedway racing are very different from the ones seen racing at the MotoGP races. They have no brakes, no starting mechanism and the engines used are normally 500cc four stroke engines.
Helping Homeless Veterans and Families (HVAF) organizes an annual ride around the countryside of Indianapolis from which the proceeds help veterans and their families. The ride is held in August beginning at Harley-Davidson in Indianapolis and finishes downtown. The HVAF also organizes a Summer Festival, which includes a motorcycle show with live music and games and prizes.
Every year more than 7,000 motorcycles arrive at the Riley Hospital to meet the children and raise money for them. In August 2010, nearly $2 million had been raised since the charity began in 1994. The event includes a poker run, which is where motorcyclists visit five or seven checkpoints and pick a playing card at each stop. At the end of the run the player with the best poker hand wins. Other events throughout the weekend include a golf tournament and a silent auction as well as a music concert.
