INDIANAPOLIS (AP):

Usain Bolt and the rest of Jamaica's Olympic-dominating sprint crew are ready to take on the best from the United States.

In a bid to boost track and field's profile in non-Olympic years, the two countries will square off in the USA vs Jamaica Challenge Series starting in 2010, USA Track and Field and the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association announced yesterday.

The team-based, scored meets will include men and women competing in the 100, 200 and 400 metres, two hurdles distances, three relays and the long jump.

The countries will have one meet in the United States - probably on the East Coast - and one in Jamaica, some time in May or June, before the European track season begins.

Stars will be aligned

( l - r ) Fraser, Campbell-Brown

"We feel the stars will be aligned, literally and figuratively, next May and June for this series to really take off," USATF CEO Doug Logan said.

"We will be working with the Jamaican federation, our athletes and other stakeholders over the next 12-plus months to put together a top-tier event."

With Bolt's gold medals and world records in the 100 and 200 and wins by Shelly-Ann Fraser and Veronica Campbell-Brown, Jamaica won all four sprints at the Beijing Games.

Bolt also helped Jamaica break the world record previously held by the United States in the 4x100m relay.

"We look forward to taking on our American friends in head-to-head competition in 2010," Jamaican federation president Howard Aris said. "We are confident that this kind of team competition, featuring the most exciting events in athletics, will prove captivating to fans around the world."