Pedrosa sets MotoGP speed mark

Dani Pedrosa set a MotoGP top speed record of 217.1 mph during a practice session May 29 at the Italian Grand Prix in Mugello, Italy. For comparison, that's only 13 mph slower than the top straightaway speed of 230 mph recorded last month during Indy 500 practice by Ryan Briscoe on Friday, May 8. But Briscoe wasn't on a motorcycle, with no roll hoop and no seat belt!

MotoGP riders should reach 200 mph on the front straightaway this year during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Aug. 28-30 at IMS. Marco Melandri recorded the top speed of 194.4 mph in dry conditions during practice Sept. 13, 2008, but there was a strong headwind that day due to the approaching Hurricane Ike.

Pedrosa, Melandri, six-time MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi, Americans Nicky Hayden and Colin Edwards and the rest of the MotoGP field will compete in the Red Bull Indianapolis GP this year at Indy.

Fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.