It may still officially be winter, but a motorcycle event is promising to heat up Phoenix Arizona at the end of February.

The HDTV Motorcycles Bike Show will be just one of the events taking place at the Checkered Flag Run weekend scheduled for February 25^th through the 27^th at the Talking Stick Resort and Phoenix International Raceway.

The inaugural event will be hosted by Second II None Motorcycle Club – Phoenix Chapter and features entertainment, key activities as well as celebrity appearances.

Motorcycle enthusiasts are encouraged to enter the competition to have their bike judged by legendary bike builders Paul Yaffe of Bagger Nation, Brian Klock of Klock Werks Kustom Cycle and John Shope of Sinister Industries, as there will be over $50,000 in prizes and a chance to accompany PIR President Bryan Sperber for the trophy presentation to the winner of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ NASCAR race. 

Registered participants of the Checkered Flag Run will also have a chance to enter raffles for limited edition motorcycles and performance wheels, including a 2010 Road King Police Special "Rick Hatch Signature Series" bike courtesy of Hacienda Harley-Davidson, as well as a 23" and 18" wheel set courtesy of Performance Machine. A portion of proceeds from Checkered Flag Run raffles will benefit the Greater Phoenix Urban League, Maricopa County NAACP, the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce and World of Soul Motorcycle Community to honor Black History Month.

"Celebrating Black History Month in February is a tremendously important part of the Checkered Flag Run," said Alan M. Powell, chairman and CEO of AP & Associates, LLC, "Not only are we highlighting the diversity among motorcycle enthusiasts, but we also are supporting organizations that work to benefit the local African-American community in both Phoenix and Scottsdale."

More than 100 motorcycle clubs from across the country have been invited to participate in this unique event for motorcycle enthusiasts. The Checkered Flag Run offers three days of exciting activities, which will culminate with a sheriff-escorted motorcycle run from Talking Stick Resort and Casino to Phoenix International Raceway to watch the SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500™ NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Febuary 27th.

"Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country are drawn to Arizona because of its natural beauty, state-of-the-art entertainment venues and exciting attractions," said City of Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.  "The Checkered Flag Run creates the opportunity to showcase some of Phoenix's best assets and celebrates diversity among the motorcycle community with all of Arizona."