The baddest boys on two wheels in North America descend on the Tooele Valley this weekend for the MotoAmerica Championship of Utah, our biggest motorcycle event of the year. This is a double-header event -- two full days of racing -- for the Superbike, Superstock 1000, Supersport and Superstock 600 classes, plus other support races. The weekend will also include sports car racing from NASA Utah, and we’ll have kart rentals available as well. There are a variety of ticket packages, ranging from mild to wild, plus camping and VIP options. If you’ve never seen a Superbike race, you’ve been missing some of the best RACING you’ll ever witness. Bring a crowd, and come experience it for yourself!
The Next Evolution in Action Sports Competition is back August 17th, 2019
Since our last newsletter, the date has been announced for this year’s return of Nitro World Games, and it’s going to be on August 17. This is perhaps the most amazing event we’ve ever hosted at this facility, it’s the only one of its kind in the world, and you have to see it to believe it. Just like last year, we’ll have Nitro Rallycross, FMX Best Trick and Moto Quarterpipe, but Travis Pastrana and the crew say it’s going to be even bigger and better. We’ve learned not to bet against Travis, and we advise you not to, either. Tickets are available: go get ‘em!
Now that the season is well and truly underway, the UMC Kart Center is rockin’ almost every day! Rave reviews for our new karts, the Throttle Café and the new Xbox gaming center are greatly appreciated. We’re working hard to make this the best karting experience in Utah. We’re open six days a week (closed Tuesdays), unless there’s a race or corporate event scheduled. As always, “Call before you haul!” - 435-277-8575 - Coming soon(ish): UMC karting leagues, membership programs and more! Grab your squad and satisfy your need for speed!
We have quite a few opportunities coming up for you to get out on the big track and sharpen your skills. Our entry-level program, Wide Open Wednesday, is scheduled for June 19, and three times in July (3rd, 17th and 31st). Our next UMC Open Track Day is scheduled for July 13 (next one in September). Also, Xtreme Xperience is coming in August, during which you can drive exotic cars on track. Also, NASA Utah has a great program for beginners, their High Performance Driving Experience (this weekend and August 2-4). For our two-wheeled friends, Apex Track Days handles all our motorcycle Open Track Days (July 12, August 23). What are you waiting for?
June 14-16 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship (East Track)
NASA Utah Region - 4 (West Track)
June 19 Wide Open Wednesday
June 30 USBA Supermoto Championship - 3 (Kart Center)
July 3 Wide Open Wednesday
July 5 UMC Night of Drift
July 12 SCCA Utah Region TrackCross (East Track)
Apex Track Days (West Track)
July 13-14 USBA Law Tigers Masters of the Mountains - 3 (West Track)
UMC Open Track Day (East Track)
July 17 Wide Open Wednesday
July 19-21 Porsche Pirelli Trophy West (Outer Track)
SCCA Utah Region Autocross (Midway)
Extra Mile Racing Bicycle Race (West Track)
July 27-28 ChampCar Endurance Series Double 8 Enduro (East Track)
July 31 Wide Open Wednesday
August 2-4 NASA Utah Region Round 5 and Enduro (Outer Track)
August 9-11 SCCA Utah Region TrackCross (East Track)
SCCA Utah Region Autocross (Midway)
Salt City Drift (West Paddock)
USBA Supermoto Championship - 5 (Kart Center)
August 17 Nitro World Games
August 21 Wide Open Wednesday
August 23-25 Xtreme Xperience (West Track)
USBA Law Tigers Masters of the Mountains - 4 (East Track)
Apex Track Days (East Track)
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Secretary Perdue Statement on Disaster and Trade-Related Assistance
(June 10, 2019 - Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement on disaster and trade-related assistance:
“Whether it’s because of natural disasters or unfair retaliatory tariffs, farmers across the country are facing significant challenges and tough decisions on their farms and ranches. Last month, immediately upon China reneging on commitments made during the trade talks, President Trump committed USDA to provide up to $16 billion to support farmers as they absorb some of the negative impact of unjustified retaliation and trade disruption. In addition, President Trump immediately signed into law the long-awaited disaster legislation that provides a lifeline to farmers, ranchers, and producers dealing with extensive damage to their operations caused by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019.
“Given the size and scope of these many disasters, as well as the uncertainty of the final size and scope of this year’s prevented planting acreage, we will use up to $16 billion in support for farmers and the $3 billion in disaster aid to provide as much help as possible to all our affected producers.
“I have been out in the country this spring and visited with many farmers. I know they’re discouraged, and many are facing difficult decisions about what to do this planting season or if they’ve got the capital to stay in business, but they shouldn’t wait for an announcement to make their decisions. I urge farmers to plant for the market and plant what works best on their farm, regardless of what type of assistance programs USDA is able to provide.
“In the coming weeks, USDA will provide information on the Market Facilitation Program payment rates and details of the various components of the disaster relief legislation. USDA is not legally authorized to make Market Facilitation Program payments to producers for acreage that is not planted. However, we are exploring legal flexibilities to provide a minimal per acre market facilitation payment to folks who filed prevent plant and chose to plant an MFP-eligible cover crop, with the potential to be harvested and for subsequent use of those cover crops for forage.”
Background:
For frequently asked questions regarding the USDA Risk Management Agency’s prevented planting policy and losses resulting from floods, please visit, here. For several frequently asked questions regarding how USDA will treat prevented planting acres with regard to the recently announced 2019 Market Facilitation Program and 2018/2019 disaster relief legislation, see below.
1. What is the purpose of the Market Facilitation Program? What is the legal authority?
2. Last year, soybeans had the highest MFP payment per bushel, should I plant soybeans this year to get the highest payment if I have the opportunity?
3. My fields never dried out enough to get any crop in, do I get a 2019 Market Facilitation Program payment?
4. I filed a prevented planting claim and I am going to plant a cover crop to prevent erosion, does that count for 2019 MFP if it’s on the 2019 MFP-eligible list you announced in May?
5. I heard that I could get 90% of my crop insurance guarantee as a prevented planting payment through the disaster bill, is that true?
6. If I plant a second crop or cover crop, can I still get my full prevented planting payment? What about an MFP payment?
7. I have heard that only acreage in a declared disaster area will qualify for prevented planting under the Disaster Relief Act. Is that true?
8. I have a revenue protection policy with a ‘harvest price option’, do I get the higher of the projected price or harvest price for my prevented planting payment?
9. If I am prevented from planting but manage to get a cover crop or a forage in the ground, am I able to hay or graze that prior to November 1, given the forage shortage we’re going to experience?
10. What if I don’t have crop insurance? How do MFP and disaster relief programs work for me if I’m prevented from planting due to natural disasters?
Fifth Annual STEM Best Practices Addresses Equity & Access in Utah Schools
SALT LAKE CITY (June 10, 2019) – Close to 800 educators and administrative leaders convened today at the 5th annual STEM Best Practices conference to learn strategies for increasing STEM engagement across all student populations, particularly those who are underrepresented in STEM fields.
The conference kicked off with a panel of experts who discussed the challenges, and innovative solutions, to broadening participation in STEM areas through increased diversity, inclusion, access and equity. Dr. Sydnee Dickson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, moderated the panel, which included Mimi Lufkin, CEO Emerita of the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE); Rebecca Chavez-Houck, Executive Director of Utahns for Responsive Government; and Donna Eldridge, Administrative Coordinator for the Office of Inclusion at the University of Utah.
“Every student has the ability and the capacity to engage in STEM education. What’s important is that they get inspired and encouraged early on,” Mimi Lufkin said. “It’s really critically important to understand your own biases, and how our own implicit biases impact others around you — and as teachers, as educators that influence is huge.”
The daylong conference highlighted successful STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning practices in Utah’s K-12 schools, including the recognition of newly designated STEM Schools. Numerous breakout session opportunities – led by educators, scientists and non-profit organizations – with an emphasis on hands-on and project-based learning for grades K-12 grades allowed educators to network with other educators and members of the Utah STEM community.
Community partners exhibited various STEM education resources and showed their support for Utah educators through an in-kind donations giveaway (major prizes included JetBlue flight vouchers, a Disney vacation, a Traeger Grill, and others).
“The STEM Best Practices conference is one of our favorite events of the year,” Dr. Tami Goetz, Director of the Utah STEM Action Center said. “It gives us a chance to provide resources to Utah educators and celebrate all of the hard work, passion and commitment that they bring to our students.”
Marathon Petroleum Corporation was presented with the STEM Dynamo Award in recognition of their outstanding support of STEM education. On hand to accept the award were Steve Konig, Marathon Director, GPA, Western U.S.; Marathon Sr. Manager of Government and Public Affairs Brad Shafer; and Marathon Communications Specialist Brianna Patterson. Marathon provides the support for the Utah STEM Bus that travels to schools around Utah to increase access to STEM activities for Utah students.
“The support from company partners, such as Marathon, increases the STEM Action Center’s ability to reach more students and create innovative programs that help Utah students to dream big, and do big”, said Allison Spencer, Director of the Utah STEM Foundation.
To round out the conference’s highlights, nine new Utah STEM School designees were announced:
Platinum STEM School Designation (three)
Gold STEM School Designation (one)
Silver STEM School Designation (two)
Bronze STEM School Designation (three)
The STEM School Designation program is a partnership between the STEM Action Center and the Utah State Board of Education that recognizes schools that are working to create a comprehensive STEM learning environment for their students.
For more information please visit stem.utah.gov/bestpractices or contact Katherine Kireiev, STEM Communications Manager at 801-231-1281 or kkireiev@utah.gov
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About the STEM Action Center
stem.utah.gov
The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Action Center works to develop Utah’s workforce of the future by prioritizing STEM education. The program drives research and implementation of STEM education best practices across Utah by coordinating STEM-related activities, creating and coordinating proven STEM education best practices, facilitating educator access to those tools, align public STEM education and higher STEM education activities.
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development
business.utah.gov
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) charter is based on Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s commitment to statewide economic development. The state’s economic vision is that Utah will lead the nation as the best performing economy and be recognized as a premier global business environment and tourist destination. GOED provides extensive resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment statewide, as well as programs to increase tourism and film production for the benefit of Utah residents. All administered programs are based upon strategic industry clusters to develop a diverse, sustainable economy. GOED accomplishes its mission through unprecedented partnerships.
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Angel Fire Bike Park Announces “Return of the Burner” 12-Hour Endurance Race, Trail Improvements for Summer Season and Expansion of Greenbelt Trails for Easier Riding for Beginners
ANGEL FIRE, NM - (June 10, 2019) – Awarded #1 Bike Park in the Southwest by MTBParks.com, Angel Fire Bike Park (www.angelfirebikepark.com)the largest Bike Park in the Rockies, has opened for the summer season and has plenty of races, improvements, and expansions in the works this year. After record-setting late winter storms, the Bike Park officially kicked off their season with 60 miles of trails in the Park and over 40 miles in the surrounding village of Angel Fire. The additional late snow is creating a different type of riding trail.
“With such fantastic snow conditions this season, it’s now left our amazing ‘Cacao Pow’ dirt trails super moist which makes for ideal riding conditions,” explained Patrick West, Manager, Angel Fire Bike Park.
On tap this summer is the Return of the Burner, a 12-hour endurance mountain biking race, slated for June 22, in conjunction with the summer solstice. After a nearly 10-year hiatus, the Burner endurance gravity race returns to Angel Fire Bike Park to challenge the strongest riders in the area with the longest and largest downhill race of the summer. The original Angel Fire Burner event ran for two years and was the inspiration to what later developed into the Red Bull Final Descent Series. There will be single-racer and team categories with varying amounts of runs that competitors must finish to complete the event. Every racer will compete for the same number of laps specific to the category, and the first one to complete the specified runs will be crowned the winner. To register or for more information: https://www.bikereg.com/return-of-the-burner
Additionally, Angel Fire Bike Park has purchased another excavator allowing them to have a dedicated trail development team throughout the summer. Plans include adding a few more miles of riding in the Bike Park on the mountain, as well as expanding and improvements to the Greenbelt system of trails throughout the Village of Angel Fire. The greenbelt trail system is a free-access group of trails within the valley of Angel Fire that is open to non-motorized traffic including cross country mountain biking, running, hiking, and horseback riding.
“While we’re known for our technical, expert downhill trails we have been working the last few seasons on developing more beginner downhill green trails, as well as adding to our easy-riding trails throughout the valley,” West explained. “We have so many families that visit us in summer we want to make sure that every level of riding – from beginner to the hardcore downhill rider – has a great experience here in Angel Fire. We’re excited about our top-secret new green and blue trail system we’re calling Mac & Cheese. This new system will offer some of the best trails for adults and children of all riding ability.”
Angel Fire Bike Park will also be hosting their annualFire 5 Downhill races this season. Presentedby Schwalbe, these three premiere downhill races puts cash and prizes up for grabs. Back this season will be the Lil’ Shredders category,for kids 12 and under.
Additionally, this season, Angel Fire Bike Park is redesigning several of its green trails, including “Easy Street,” to create more relaxed riding for kids as young as 6. The park has also added a fleet of Specialized Turbo Levo E-Bikes, which offers riders a full suspension mountain bike with electric power that provides riders with pedaling assistance. Unlike other bike parks, E-Bikes are allowed on all mountain and cross-country village trails since the land is all privately owned.
“We’re known as the most family-friendly resort in the southwest, so we want to make sure we’re offering the best in mountain biking for the very young,” Greg Ralph, marketing director, Angel Fire Resort, explains. “Along with easier and expanded XC trail riding throughout the village of Angel Fire, we’re also making sure that beginners have a fun selection of downhill trails they can safely learn the sport on.”
Angel Fire Bike Park is also offering a special deal for any Spider Mountain Bike Park ticket holders. Present a single day Spider Mountain Bike Park ticket for 50% off a single day pass at Angel Fire Bike Park. Spider Mountain Bike Park season pass holders can receive up to three days at the discounted price.
Angel Fire Bike Park is also offering its riders some additional riding gear perks. Guests will be able to demoa new fleet of bikes from Commencial, Giant, Specialized, GT, Trek, Evil, as well as, the latest gear from Fox and Troy Lee Designs.
PHOTO LINK OF ANGEL FIRE BIKE PARK:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B2DaG8Er2C17TFc0YzUtRlVKT1k
(permissions granted for any posting, online or broadcast coverage. Please courtesy “Angel Fire Bike Park”).
