Ronnie Jones Returns For Another Ride

Estenson Racing heads to Springfield, Illinois, and one of American Flat Track’s legendary venues for the 100^th running of the Springfield Mile on September 2.

Returning to Springfield for the second time this season is semi-retired racer Ronnie Jones. The veteran had a great showing earlier this spring not only making the Main for the second time this season, but scoring a ninth-place finish in tough, hot conditions. Coming off a disappointing Black Hills Half-Mile after being away from the bike for too long, Jones feels that he heads into Springfield II in a much better position. Like Johnson, Jones also has more time on the Indian Scout FTR750. The multi-time Grand National winner is looking to bounce back with a solid finish at the Springfield Mile II in what may be the 57-year-old legend’s final National of his career.

Ronnie Jones – AFT Twins #266:

“I’m excited, of course, after making the Main at the Springfield Mile I in the spring. Also, racing the Black Hills Half-Mile a couple of weeks ago will help me this weekend. I think I’ll be a little better starting out in practice at Springfield than I would have been otherwise. It just takes me time to get comfortable and all that. And, now that I’ve ridden the Indian four or five times this season, that all helps, too.

“It’s the last event that I intend to race this year and you just never know what the circumstances will be next year. I don’t know if I’ll ride again next year. It always comes down to the opportunity and if Tim [Estenson] wants to let me ride the bike still, and also if I’m in the mood to do it. It’s like, as I get older, it’s fun but at the same time I realize at some point I have to say, ‘well, that’s it’. It’s either getting too hard or I’m not fast enough or whatever, and then I make the decision to not do it again. I just never know when that is. I’ve never really known from year to year. It could be the last National that I ride, so that’s kind of in the back of my mind. So I’m really looking forward to Springfield II.”

The Springfield ST is streamed live, Saturday, September 1, on FansChoice.TV starting with AFT Singles practice at 5:00 p.m. ET, followed by Opening Ceremonies at 7:30 p.m. ET, Heats at 8:00 p.m. ET and the Main Events at 10:35 p.m. ET. Action on the big track will also be streamed live the following day, Sunday, September 2. Practice kicks off at 11:00 a.m. ET, followed by the Springfield Mile II Opening Ceremonies at 2:00 p.m. ET, Heats at 2:30 p.m. ET and the Main Event at 4:40 p.m. ET.

Catch both the Springfield ST and Mile II on NBCSN, September 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET. For tickets and additional information about the event: http://www.americanflattrack.com/events.

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