The HANNspree FIM Superbike World Championship's annual stop at Miller Motorsports Park is more than motorcycle race.
It is a four-day festival held over Memorial Day weekend that state and track officials want to turn into a Utah tradition.
That was the message delivered by Gov. Gary Herbert Thursday at a news conference at Energy Solutions Arena to announce an expanded event in 2010.
According to Gov. Herbert, this year's HANNspree FIM Superbike Championship will be the largest international sporting event held in Utah since the 2002 Olympics.
"I'm not sure everybody realizes that," he said.
Over 120 million people around the world will watch on television.
According to Jeff Robbins of the Utah Sports Commissioner, that air time is worth $17 million.
An additional $15-17 million will be pumped into the Utah economy by race teams and fans attending the four days of activities, which begin Friday, May 28 and run through Monday, May 31.
On-track action starts Saturday with practice and continues with racing Sunday and Monday.
A classic rock concert featuring the groups Styx, Foreigner and Kansas, plus a fireworks show, will be held Saturday night.
Opening ceremonies on Memorial Day will include a fly-over by F-16 fighter jets from Hill Air Force Base.
Throughout the weekend, members of the United States military will be honored by a 2,010-flag tribute on the Miller Motorsports
Park infield
Activities begin Friday when Gov. Herbert greets superbike competitors at the state capitol building.
A motorcycle parade to the Gateway will be held prior to a public street party at the outdoor mall that will feature live music, stunt demonstrations and autograph sessions.
Two riders attended the press conference and were impressed by the expanded plans for this year's HANNspree FIM Superbike World Championship.
"I don't know if they have to promote as much [in Europe] because motorcycle racing is so big over there," said Roger Lee Hayden of the Pedercini Kawaski team. "People already know about it over there -- like football and basketball here. ...
"But this year, the people here are really stepping up. I'd say Miller is doing as much, if not more, than anyone to advertise, get the fans out and make it a family environment."
Jason DiSalvo of the BE-1ParkinGo Triumph team agreed: "... The events in Europe are easy to promote. You just say, 'We're having a race' and all the people come.
"But I would say as far as the [non-European] events go, this is on a par with Australia, which is another country where the following is tremendous."
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