Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

Series Set to Make Debut at Toledo’s Huntington Center

AURORA, Ill. (January 31, 2011) – The 2011 AMA Arenacross Series received a shakeup last weekend at the championship’s first two-night round of the season from Denver. After watching their fastest competitor in TUF Honda’s Jeff Gibson take the first three main event wins of the year, Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis’ Tyler Bowers and Chad Johnson took their turns atop the podium.

On Friday night, Bowers tactically worked his way into the lead and became the first rider to end Gibson’s early-season dominance. He also led the Babbitt’s team to a podium sweep on the first night of racing. On Saturday night, fans were treated to one of the most memorable races in recent memory as Gibson was determined to reclaim the top spot after failing to make the podium the night before. Preventing Gibson from obtaining that top spot was Johnson, who managed to fend off each of his rivals advances to take the win.

Now, as the series returns to Ohio for the second time in three weeks, the championship battle is closer than ever with Gibson holding a slight six-point lead over Johnson, who sits only an additional two points ahead of his teammate Bowers. Toledo’s Huntington Center plays host to its first AMA Arenacross Series race, with two nights of action for the dedicated Ohio fan base.

Just a month into the championship, the Arenacross class title fight is already down to a three-rider battle that should produce unpredictable action and edge-of-your-seat excitement for the remaining 14 weeks.

Also returning to action this weekend after a one-week break is the Arenacross Lites Eastern Regional Championship. After two rounds, Missouri native Adam Gulley sits undefeated atop the standings and will look to keep up the momentum on Friday and Saturday night.

Advance tickets are available for this weekend’s Toledo Arenacross at the Huntington Center Box Office, Ticketmaster charge by phone and ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $2 more the day of the race.

Arenacross Class Points (After Race 5 of 19)

1. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda – 113
2. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki – 107
3. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki – 105
4. Gray Davenport, Lehi, Utah, Kawasaki – 81
5. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Honda – 76
6. Cole Siebler, Emmett, Idaho, Ho            nda – 74
7. Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda – 70
8. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 54
9. Kevin Johnson, Spring, Texas, Yamaha – 54
10. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, Honda – 53

Arenacross Lites Class Western Regional Points (After Race 3 of 10)

1. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki – 72
2. Tanner Moore, Auburn, Kan., KTM – 45
3. Aviery Hickey, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki – 44
4. Bobby Fitch, Littleton, Colo., Honda – 44
5. Travis Smith, Lancaster, Calif., Yamaha – 38
6. Ricky Yorks, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 29
7. Jeremy Huddleston, Eustace, Texas, KTM – 27
8. Zachary Jaynes, Princeton, Texas, Yamaha – 27
9. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 25
10. Tanner Young, Marland, Okla., Yamaha – 22

Arenacross Lites Class Eastern Regional Points (After Race 2 of 10)

1. Adam Gulley, Jonesburg, Mo., Kawasaki – 50
2. Patrick Massie, Washington Court, Ohio, Honda – 40
3. Kyle White, Freeport, Ill., Honda – 38
4. Tyler Sehr, Belleville, Ill., Honda – 25
5. Steve Mages, Sardinia, Ohio, Kawasaki – 22
6. Austin Coon, Spencer, W.V., Honda – 21
7. Zachary Jaynes, Princeton, Texas, Yamaha – 20
8. Kyle Hussey, Moscow Mills, Mo., Kawasaki – 19
9. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki – 16
10. Travis Merrill, Fowler, Ill., KTM – 15

New for 2011! Live timing and scoring from each round of the AMA Arenacross Series. To follow the intense racing action live, log onto www.arenacross.com.  For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short at brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

Never miss out on the latest news! Follow the AMA Arenacross Series on Facebook and Twitter! Log on to http://www.facebook.com/AMAarenacross and http://twitter.com/arenacross today!

About Feld Motor Sports®

Feld Motor Sports^®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA^® Nitro Jam^®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

“Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend” Set for Release in 2011

SLINGER, WIS. (January 31, 2011) – Excitement is building among racing enthusiasts for a new independent documentary about the multi-world champion motorcycle drag racing legend – the Hogslayer. Slated for a 2011 release date, the production company, The Edge Ltd., is accepting additional documentary materials and offering sponsorships on this exciting project.

Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend is the true-life story of the dual-engine Norton dragster designed, built and raced by John Gregory and TC Christenson of Sunset Motors in Kenosha, Wis. The documentary chronicles the Sunset Motors Racing Team’s unrivaled innovation and unbridled courage as they faced unyielding challengers throughout the United States and Europe in the 1970’s. The Hogslayer dragster is presently on exhibit at the National Motorcycle Museum in the United Kingdom.

The project is currently being financed and produced independently by The Edge Ltd., however the production company is offering sponsorships to assist with the remaining funding and to share in the premieres and distribution promotion of the documentary. The Edge Ltd. is also offering an open invitation for anyone familiar with the Hogslayer story to submit film, photographs, publications and video of the dragster and race team for inclusion in the documentary. For additional information or to submit materials, contact James Cutting, independent producer, The Edge Ltd., at 262-224-3777 or edgeltd@charter.net.

For the latest Hogslayer news, become fans of the ‘Hogslayer Documentary’ on Facebook, or to see the pomotional trailer preview of the documentary, visit YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrdXSyVg1UU

JARED MEES — REPORT

Well, it was last year when I last “Wrote” to you, so I guess I will start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Hope everyone had a great holiday!! Since the first of the year we have raced a few races. With all the traveling involved and getting the bikes ready, it has been difficult to get out my reports.

Reading PA

The first ICE race this year was at Reading PA, which is about 30 minutes from where I was born and raised. That meant I had a lot of my family and friends there, even some old High School buddies showed up. It was exciting to have them all there. I won both of my Heat races and felt really good. Again I was asked if I wanted to take the Motion Pro Challenge. I said NO but the crowd went nuts. So I gave in and took it. It was a bad start but a good first corner. By turn four I was 2nd behind Kevin Anderson, got him before half way, then someone knocked the inside marker unto the track. I went around it but Anderson went up the inside and made the re-pass. I came back and got him on the next lap and won it. It was quite exciting, the crowd was really into it. My family and friends got to see an exciting race and it was a great way to start the new year.

Cedar Rapids IA

The next two races were back-to-back in Iowa. The first night I again won both of my Heats and was sitting on the pole. I decided to take the Motion Pro Challenge again. I came off the back row and right on the first turn there was a big pile up. I thought there would have been a red flag but as I came around the corner the green flag was waiving and I knew I had to get going. I got into 3rd and had to get by Tom McGrane next. I was able to pass him and next was Brock whom I passed to win the Challenge again.

The second night was at the same spot. Again I won both of my Heats. Kevin Anderson had the pole due to a flip of the coin. Off the line I got a good jump and was able to beat him to the first corner, holding him off for the 8 laps. The ice seemed soft and difficult to grab. Kevin won it fair and square, keeping me honest.

Roanoke and Hampton VA

This was a short week. Got home on Sunday from Iowa and had to race in Roanoke VA on Thursday night –about a 12 hour drive down and then another race on Saturday in Hampton VA. And bikes to get ready before I left. My buddy Adam Beldyga and I left Wednesday night and put some miles in, stopping half way and finishing the rest of the drive to Roanoke the next morning.

I won both my Heats and sat on the pole, got the hole shot and was leading when on the 3rd lap I stalled my bike and went back to 7th. Got it re-started and worked my way through the pack to end up 2nd. It was a little frustrating. Not to say I would have necessarily won the race, but I sure made it harder on myself. But it could have ended worse. This was my second loss of the season, having crashed on the very first race in Des Moines and unable to finish.

At Hampton on Saturday I again won both of my Heats and sat on the pole. Got a good jump and put in some hard laps, took a peek over the shoulder and saw I had a good lead so I just brought it home for the win.

I hooked a ride with Tommy McGrane and the crew who got their stuff loaded quickly in Virginia and they kindly gave me a ride to the Philadelphia airport. Adam was driving my van back to Michigan with our bikes from the ICE indoor. I had a one-way ticket to fly into Detroit to make the Ice Race Grand Championships in Birch Run MI on Sunday.

My buddy Jason Hensely [aka J-HENZ] picked me up at the Detroit airport and we drove straight to the outdoor ice race.

Birch Run, MI

I got there just in time to make practice—perfect timing. In the first practice the track was already coming apart and getting really tough. I came in and my mechanic, Brent Armbruster, and I made some changes before going back out. The track was very hard to pass on. The first Heat was the 450 Kold Kutter. I came off the line in 2nd and had to work for the lead, finally winning the Heat. Next was the Open Kold Kutter which was really stacked: Bryan Bigelow, Bryan Smith, Stephen Vanderkuur, to name a few. Top three to go to the Main Event. I got the hole shot and was able to run my own race pretty much, winning it to sit on the pole for the Main Event.

In the Main Event of the 450 Kold Kutter I got off in 3rd and quickly got into 2nd. My buddy Craig Pickett who is 52 years old grabbed the hole shot and was leading it. But I was able to get around Craig, got some company towards the end, but was able to hang on for the win. Craig ended up 3rd which was awesome. Bigs ended up crashing half way which was a bummer that we could not dice it up and Smith’s bike broke I think. The track was just brutally rough. Roughest I have ever ridden on.

The next one was the big one ,,, the Open Kold Kutter. I was on the pole, green light went on and Bigs got the jump on me and I was 2nd. I tried to get around him going into turn 3 but couldn’t make it. The next few laps I tried making some passes but every time I went to make a move it was jumping through holes. By half-way Bigelow had built himself a gap and I sat there in 2nd. Bigs ran really well and won it and Craig got another 3rd. I was pumped to be on both podiums with Craig as we spend a lot of time together during the ice season. It was a lot of fun even with the track being the way it was.

It was a stressful week so I’m glad it is done and over with. I need to thank a few people along with all my sponsors. First off, Tommy McGrane and the whole crew with us. Tommy actually got a speeding ticket on the way to the Philadelphia airport so I am very grateful to all the guys who got me there in time. I also want to thank Adam Beldyga for driving our gear in my van back home; and J-Henz for picking me up at the Detroit airport. Without all the help from each and every one of them, it would not have happened for me. Last but not least I really want to thank my mechanic Brent for all the hard work at the race on Sunday. I think it was 5 degrees for a high temperature that day and yet, anything I wanted changed on the bike he did it—I know how hard it was for him to work on the bike in such cold weather. Our friend Danny Kelsh gave us a big hand as well. Thanks again to all the people who made all this happen.

I have to tell you, I was one tired puppy at the end of that day.

This past weekend is the Bloomington IL indoor ICE race (I’ll have a report in a few days!!). This coming weekend is Nichola Cheza’s 6th Annual Shindig party. I hope to see a lot of you there.

The month of February in on the light side for once… not a lot of racing. I have a few things to finish up on the Hondas for Daytona. And they will be ready. Brent has the Harleys looking great and they are just about ready as well. So things are shaping up good. I am really excited for the season to be here.

Until next time. Thank you for the support.

Jared Mees…..

An ad for the 1981 ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers event at Carlsbad. The Superbikers brought together the top riders from each genre of motorcycle racing to compete against one another on a track that consisted of pavement, flat track and motocross sections. In the days when motorcycle racing was rare on network TV, the Superbikers was a big deal and the manufacturers poured a lot of money into making special racing bikes just for this nationally televised race. Superbikers ran from 1979 to 1985 and was the inspiration for modern day Supermoto racing. Steve Wise won the 1981 race over Graham Noyce and Eddie Lawson. It marked the second straight year that Wise took victory on a factory Honda. If you can read the smaller print on the ad check out the price for tickets – $9 for adults, $5 for children.

An ad for the 1981 ABC Wide World of Sports Superbikers event at Carlsbad. The Superbikers brought together the top riders from each genre of motorcycle racing to compete against one another on a track that consisted of pavement, flat track and motocross sections.

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Motorcycle Hall of Fame is recognizing the enthusiastic, grassroots passion of fans of AMA Arenacross this February by offering free admission to visitors who present a ticket stub from the Feb. 4-6 event in Toledo, Ohio, or the Feb. 12-13 event in Louisville, Ky.

“AMA Arenacross is woven into the fabric of American motocross,” said Jack Penton, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) director of operations and a member of the Hall of Fame. “Many fans of the sport are participants themselves, competing at local motocross and off-road events for fun and glory. We’re happy to open the doors of the Hall of Fame to these enthusiastic riders and AMA members so they can explore the history of motorcycling’s great innovators and pioneers.”

The Hall of Fame was recently redesigned to highlight past and current inductees — the most important people in motorcycling’s history — from competition greats to leading rights activists.

“This is a great chance for the thousands of AMA Arenacross fans in Ohio and Kentucky to get a firsthand look at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and all of its racing heritage,” said Jayme Dalsing, director of operations for FELD Motor Sports, which promotes the AMA Arenacross Series. “Having been to the Hall of Fame numerous times myself, I would highly recommend that our fans take advantage of this opportunity.”

Key elements of the Hall of Fame exhibits are the incredible machines that represent the inductees’ accomplishments. They include a Wayne Rainey Superbike; Gary Nixon’s Formula 750 racebike; one-of-a-kind Craig Vetter bikes; Doug Henry’s YZM400, which is the bike that started the four-stroke motocross revolution; Denis Manning’s 23-foot-long Tenacious II streamliner; and many, many more.

The Hall of Fame is at 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, Ohio 43147. Directions can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org > Plan Your Visit. Regular admission is $5 for AMA members or $10 for non-AMA members. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

More about AMA Arenacross, including schedule and ticket information, can be found at Arenacross.com.
 
About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Museum’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Öhlins Lite Shock comes with a handy rebound adjustment wheel at the shock’s bottom, and the classic two-wrench preload adjusting system.

Hendersonville, North Carolina: Öhlins USA is thoroughly thrilled to now offer the heralded Öhlins high performance at an unheard of low price, with its new line of Öhlins Lite Shocks. These units are designed to fulfill the suspension needs of street riders caught between concerns of performance and price.

Designed and manufactured with the same materials, tolerances and high-performance parameters of all Öhlins suspension components, each Öhlins Lite Shock comes with a handy rebound adjustment wheel at the shock’s bottom, and the classic two-wrench preload adjusting system. Slim and trim, without a piggyback or remote reservoir as required for high-end or racetrack applications, the Öhlins Lite Shock provides exclusive Öhlins performance for just $617.00 MSRP. As a cost savings, the Lite shocks are without Öhlins trendsetting, knob-style, hydraulic preload adjuster.

Fitments for the Öhlins Lite Shocks include motorcycle models from seven manufacturers: BMW F650GS, F800GS/R/ST, R1100GS, R1150GS, R1200GS/Short/Adventure, R1150R, R1150RS, and R1200RT; the full range of Ducati Monster from 600 to 1000/S4; Honda VRF800FI; Kawasaki ER6/ER6 Low, Versys, Z750, Z1000; Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, DL1000 V-Strom, GSF 1200/1250 Bandit, SFV650 Gladius, SV650; Triumph Tiger 1050; Yamaha FZ1, FZ8.

To order an Öhlins Lite Shock, or for more information, please contact Öhlins USA or your local Öhlins certified dealer or service center.

Öhlins USA distributes and services the world’s leading performance suspension for automobiles, motorcycles, and ATVs. Öhlins develops its proprietary and innovative suspension components at the highest levels of racing from open-wheel car racing, to Moto GP, to off-road competition on two and four wheels. Öhlins USA also provides training for service centers and dealers. Öhlins USA can be contacted at: 828-692-4525; www.Ohlinsusa.com

(NEWS RELEASE)

Tickle Takes Lites Class Win

OAKLAND, Calif. (January 29 2011) – Team San Manuel/Yamaha’s James Stewart, of Haines City, won his second Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, race at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before 44,394 fans and moved into the points lead. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle, of Holly, Mich., captured his first Western Regional Supercross Lites class race of the season.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., edged out TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., for the holeshot in the Supercross class main event. Defending class champion Ryan Dungey started third and was quickly passed by Stewart. On lap two, Villopoto crashed, handing the lead to Stewart. Stewart led the next 18 laps en route to his second race win of the season. On the last corner of the race Reed passed Dungey for second place.

“This is a great win for me and the team,” said Stewart. “It’s a long season and it’s all about winning a championship. The rain tonight made it a little difficult, but I am glad I came out on top.”

Despite the heavy rain that fell just before the start of the Western Regional Supercross Lites class main event, Geico Honda’s Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., won the holeshot with Red Bull/KTM’s Ken Roczen, of Mattstedt, Germany, and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Hansen in tow. Tomac spun out on lap three, giving the lead to Roczen. On laps four and five, Roczen and Hansen traded positions until near the end of lap five when Hansen secured the lead.

Tickle also passed Roczen on lap five and moved into the lead on lap eight. Roczen went down on lap nine, dropping several positions while Tomac moved into third. Hansen finished second and Tomac held on for third, marking the second podium of his career.

“I was so focused out there tonight,” said Tickle. “I knew it was going to be really slick out there, so I tried to ride smooth and take it lap by lap.”

Hansen leads Tickle in championship points 88 to 87.

Supercross Class Results: Oakland

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda
3. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
4. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
5. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
6. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
7. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda
8. Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha
9. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM
10. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki

Supercross Class Season Standings

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 92
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 90
3. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 78
4. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 71
5. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda – 70
6. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 55
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM – 49
8. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda – 46
9. Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha – 39
10. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha – 39

Supercross Lites Class Western Regional Results: Oakland

1. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki
2. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda
4. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Germany, KTM
5. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki
6. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
7. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha
8. Jimmy DeCotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda
9. Bruce Rutherford, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
10. Ryan Marmont, Woonona, Australia, KTM

Supercross Lites Class Western Regional Season Standings

1. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 88
2. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki – 87
3. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki – 70
4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 69
5. Cole Seely, Corona, Calif., Honda – 60
6. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki – 58
7. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Germany, KTM – 49
8. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki – 45
9. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha – 44
10. Jimmy DeCotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda – 40

CBS will broadcast the Supercross class race at 12:00 p.m. EST on January 30 and SPEED will broadcast the Supercross Lites class race at 6:00 p.m. EST on January 30, 2011. The 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season continues next weekend in Anaheim, Calif., at Angel Stadium.

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305. To follow Monster Energy Supercross on Facebook and Twitter, log on to http://www.facebook.com/supercrosslive and http://twitter.com/supercrosslive.

About Feld Motor Sports®

Feld Motor Sports^®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA^® Nitro Jam^®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Chad Cook Goes Back-to-Back in Arenacross Lites

DENVER, Colo. (January 29, 2011) – Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis’ Chad Johnson, of Rhinelander, Wis., became the third different winner of the 2011 AMA Arenacross Season inside the Denver Coliseum on Saturday with a strong outing in the Arenacross class. In the second night of Arenacross Lites Western Regional Championship action, Chad Cook, of Oklahoma City, Okla., raced to his second win in as many nights aboard his House of Kawasaki machine.

Just one night after his teammate Tyler Bowers, of Danville, Ky., ended the undefeated streak of current points leader Jeff Gibson, of Blacklick, Ohio, Johnson made himself a player in the chase for the 2011 title, but it wasn’t without a fight. After failing to make the podium for the first time in 2011, Gibson was determined to get back on top of the box. The TUF Honda rider and Johnson were bar-to-bar for nearly the entire 25-lap main event, with Gibson taking shots at the top spot every chance he had, unsuccessfully making the pass each time. The duo’s relentless battle kept the fans inside the Denver Coliseum on their feet in a showcase of what the AMA Arenacross Series is all about.

While his closest rivals put on a show out front, Bowers closed in during the late stages only to fall as he came within striking distance. However, the winningest rider of the 2010 season rebounded with a vengeance, finding a way to track down Gibson in the final five laps to take over the runner-up spot behind his teammate. Gibson gave it everything he had, but the energy he exerted in his memorable battle with Johnson ultimately dropped him to third.

Much like Friday night, the Arenacross Lites main event was a showcase for Cook. After taking the Western Regional Championship points lead on Night One, the Oklahoma native continued his dominance on Night Two while also extending his points lead. Sun Honda rider and Colorado native Bobby Fitch, of Littleton, finished behind Cook for the second consecutive evening while Foremost Insurance/Spinechillers/HondaofFairfield.com’s Patrick Massie, of Washington Court, Ohio, rounded out the podium in third.

The 2011 AMA Arenacross Series continues next weekend with Round 5 from Toledo, Ohio and the brand new Huntington Center for two nights of action. The racing begins on both Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Arenacross Class Results (Denver, Colo.)

1. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki
2. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki
3. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda
4. Gray Davenport, Lehi, Utah, Kawasaki
5. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Honda
6. Kevin Johnson, Spring, Texas, Yamaha
7. Cole Siebler, Emmett, Idaho, Honda
8. Daniel Aulsaybrook, Ortonville, Mich., Suzuki
9. Dave Ginolfi, Lake Hopatlong, N.J., Suzuki
10. Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda

AMA Arenacross Lites Class Results (Denver, Colo.)

1. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki
2. Bobby Fitch, Littleton, Colo., Honda
3. Patrick Massie, Washington Court, Ohio, Honda
4. Tanner Moore, Auburn, Kan., KTM
5. Zachary Jaynes, Princeton, Texas, Yamaha
6. Ricky Yorks, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
7. Tanner Young, Marland, Okla., Yamaha
8. Cody Doerfler, Peyton, Colo., Yamaha
9. Travis Smith, Lancaster, Calif., Yamaha
10. Jeremy Huddlesteon, Eustace, Texas, KTM

Arenacross Class Points (After Race 5 of 19)

1. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda – 113
2. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki – 107
3. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki – 105
4. Gray Davenport, Lehi, Utah, Kawasaki – 81
5. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Honda – 76
6. Cole Siebler, Emmett, Idaho, Ho            nda – 74
7. Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda – 70
8. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 54
9. Kevin Johnson, Spring, Texas, Yamaha – 54
10. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, Honda – 53

Arenacross Lites Class Western Regional Points (After Race 3 of 10)

1. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki – 72
2. Tanner Moore, Auburn, Kan., KTM – 45
3. Aviery Hickey, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki – 44
4. Bobby Fitch, Littleton, Colo., Honda – 44
5. Travis Smith, Lancaster, Calif., Yamaha – 38
6. Ricky Yorks, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 29
7. Jeremy Huddleston, Eustace, Texas, KTM – 27
8. Zachary Jaynes, Princeton, Texas, Yamaha – 27
9. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 25
10. Tanner Young, Marland, Okla., Yamaha – 22

New for 2011! Live timing and scoring from each round of the AMA Arenacross Series. To follow the intense racing action live, log onto www.Arenacross.com.  For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short at brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

For more information on the 2011 AMA Arenacross Series, log on to www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

Never miss out on the latest news! Follow the AMA Arenacross Series on Facebook and Twitter! Log on to http://www.facebook.com/AMAarenacross and http://twitter.com/arenacross today!

About Feld Motor Sports®

Feld Motor Sports^®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA^® Nitro Jam^®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Chad Cook Wins Arenacross Lites Class Main Event

DENVER, Colo. (January 28, 2011) – Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis’ Tyler Bowers, of Danville, Ky., became just the second winner of the 2011 AMA Arenacross Series season on Friday night in Denver, capturing the Arenacross class main event win from the Denver Coliseum. In the second round of the Arenacross Lites Western Regional Championship, Chad Cook, of Oklahoma City, Okla., raced to the win aboard his House of Kawasaki machine.

After a fast start by TUF Honda’s Jeff Gibson, of Blacklick, Ohio, resulted in overall victories in the first three rounds of the season, Bowers proved the championship is nowhere near over this early in the season. After a strong start by his teammate Gray Davenport, of Lehi, Utah, Bowers was forced to be patient in his chase for the victory. He made his move for the lead just about halfway through the main event and never looked back. Throughout the remainder of the race, fellow Babbitt’s rider Chad Johnson, of Rhinelander, Wis., kept Bowers honest, following him to the end to secure second overall. Davenport solidified the Babbitt’s podium sweep in third while Gibson overcame a rough start to finish fourth.

In the Arenacross Lites main event, Cook was untouchable. The Oklahoma native was strong throughout the 18-lap main event and eventually pulled away from the rest of the field as the laps winded down and by the time the checkers flew, only five riders remained on the lead lap. Sun Honda’s Bobby Fitch, of Littleton, Colo., grabbed the runner-up spot while Precision Kawasaki’s Aviery Hickey, of Decatur, Texas, rounded out the podium in third.

The Denver Arenacross continues tomorrow night from the Denver Coliseum, kicking off the festivities at 7:00 p.m. MT.

Arenacross Class Results (Denver, Colo.)

1. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki
2. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki
3. Gray Davenport, Lehi, Utah, Kawasaki
4. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda
5. Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., Yamaha
6. Cole Siebler, Emmett, Idaho, Honda
7. Travis Bannister, Calhoun, Colo., Kawasaki
8. Broc Sellards, Sherrodsville, Ohio, Honda
9. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Honda
10. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki

AMA Arenacross Lites Class Results (Denver, Colo.)

1. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki
2. Bobby Fitch, Littleton, Colo., Honda
3. Aviery Hickey, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki
4. Scott Zont, Algonquin, Ill., Honda
5. Patrick Massie, Washington Court, Ohio, Honda
6. Tanner Moore, Auburn, Kan., KTM
7. Ricky Yorks, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
8. Travis Smith, Lancaster, Calif., Yamaha
9. Justin Jensen, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Yamaha
10. Zachary Jaynes, Princeton, Texas, Yamaha

Arenacross Class Points (After Race 4 of 19)

1. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda – 93
2. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki – 83
3. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki – 82
4. Gray Davenport, Lehi, Utah, Kawasaki – 63
5. Cole Siebler, Emmett, Idaho, Ho            nda – 60
6. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Honda – 60
7. Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda – 59
8. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, Honda – 46
9. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 46
10. Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., Yamaha – 45

Arenacross Lites Class Western Regional Points (After Race 2 of 10)

1. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki – 47
2. Aviery Hickey, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki – 238
3. Tanner Moore, Auburn, Kan., KTM – 27
4. Travis Smith, Lancaster, Calif., Yamaha – 26
5. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 25
6. Bobby Fitch, Littleton, Colo., Honda – 22
7. Brian Alquist, Lagrange, Calif., Honda – 16
8. Jeremy Huddleston, Eustace, Texas, KTM – 16
9. Ricky Yorks, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 14
10. Justin Jensen, Idaho Falls, Idaho, Yamaha – 12

New for 2011! Live timing and scoring from each round of the AMA Arenacross Series. To follow the intense racing action live, log onto www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short at brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

For more information on the 2011 AMA Arenacross Series, log on to www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

Never miss out on the latest news! Follow the AMA Arenacross Series on Facebook and Twitter! Log on to http://www.facebook.com/AMAarenacross and http://twitter.com/arenacross today!

About Feld Motor Sports®

Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

The first Oakland supercross race was held on January 18, 1979 and Jimmy Weinert won on a Kawasaki. Jimmy Weinert used a paddle tire, to win on the all sand track. The AMA has since ruled paddle tires illegal. (Photo Credit: Dick Miller Archives)

AURORA, Ill. (January 28, 2011) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., made a statement last weekend at the inaugural Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, race at Dodger Stadium, scoring his second win of the season and stretching his points lead to five over Team San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart. This weekend, the championship heads north for its second consecutive race at a new venue for the 2011 season as the Oakland Coliseum hosts the fourth race of Monster Energy Supercross season.

Stewart’s night in Los Angeles resulted in a hard-to-swallow runner-up effort for the two-time champion. After a rough heat race, he bounced back with a solid start in the main event, grabbing the lead on Lap 3. Stewart looked like he was on a path to take his second straight victory of the season, but tucked the front wheel just past the halfway point. Despite being able to fight his way back into second, Stewart knew he gave away his chance at the win with his mistake. With podium results at each of the first three races, he sits just five points out of the championship lead.

“It felt great to come back home for the week, but I’ve been focused and have been working on correcting some of the mistakes I made the last couple races,” Stewart said. “I’m super excited for Oakland this weekend and hope to bring home the win.”

2010 Supercross class champion and Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey sits in third place, 14 points behind leader Ryan Villopoto in the Supercross class standings. (Photo Credit: Hoppenworld.com)

For Stewart’s teammate Kyle Regal, Los Angeles was just another step in his continued development of acclimating to the deep field of talent in the Supercross class. Much like his teammate, Regal is looking for good things in Oakland.

“I’ve been training hard all week and am hoping for better results this weekend,” said Regal.

Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey and his Yoshimura-equipped Suzuki RM-Z450 powered to a third-place podium finish at Dodger Stadium. After qualifying fourth, Dungey and his Suzuki came out strong and dominated his heat race with a convincing win. In the main, Dungey grabbed a second-place start out of the gate just behind teammate Brett Metcalfe and pulled into the lead by Lap 2. Dungey’s Suzuki RM-Z kept him at the front pack for the duration of one of the most exciting main events in recent years.

“L.A. was good overall so I’m excited to head to Oakland,” said Dungey. “It’s always good to go to a new venue so I’m definitely looking forward to Oakland and going to another new stadium. We did some work this week, my regular routine, and plan on showing up to Oakland ready to go.”

Metcalfe started his night in L.A. with some tough luck in his heat race but fortunately was able to score the final qualifying spot for the main event. Despite an outside gate pick, Metcalfe and his Suzuki RM-Z450 blasted out of the gate and pulled the hole-shot just ahead of Dungey. Metcalfe led the first lap and a half until a small mistake put him on the ground. The Rockstar/Makita Suzuki rider remounted and rode a strong 18 laps to an eighth-place finish.

Four races into the season, Red Bull KTM’s Andrew Short is hopeful that his progress on the new KTM 350 SX-F will get him near, if not on the podium for the Oakland Coliseum race on Saturday. (Photo Credit: Hoppenworld.com)

“I felt a lot better on the bike in L.A.,” said Metcalfe. “So I’m really looking forward to Oakland – another new stadium. The dirt should be a little looser and more tacky, which will suit my style a little better. I put in some good work this week and am ready for Oakland.”

After qualifying 18th in L.A., Rockstar Energy Suzuki’s Ryan Morais rode his Suzuki RM-Z to a third-place finish in the first Lites heat race. In the main, Morais was eighth at the start but rode a strong, consistent race, working his Suzuki up to a third-place podium finish.

“The Rockstar Energy Suzuki team did a great job and I’m happy to put my Suzuki RM-Z on the podium in L.A.,” said Morais. “I’m going to go home and work on my starts for Oakland. It seems like whoever gets the starts winds up winning this year. I’ll be ready to step it up for Oakland. I’m excited for the new venue as it will level the playing field a bit as no one really knows what to expect.”

Rockstar Energy Suzuki’s Martin Davalos qualified fastest for the day and dominated the second heat race on his RM-Z250 to end up with a convincing win. Davalos had a solid fourth-place start in the main but had some issues and fell back to eventually finish in 11th place.

“I think I’ve been a little too cautious and that has caused me problems in the main events,” said Davalos. “I think I need to work on my confidence and be more aggressive to improve my mains. I’m looking forward to a better result in Oakland. Another new track and new atmosphere will be good.”

The entire Red Bull KTM team continues to improve and saw solid results across the board at Dodger Stadium. Rookie Ken Roczen bounced back from a hard crash in Phoenix to mix it up at the front of the field and challenge for the lead early on in the Supercross Lites main event. Misfortune eventually struck the German rider, but he rebounded to finish sixth.

“If you asked me to reflect on the last three weekends, I would definitely say I have learned a lot,” said Roczen. “I have made a few mistakes each week that are just part of learning. I feel I am improving each week and moving closer to hopefully landing on the podium.”

Despite a disappointing fifth place finish last weekend in Los Angeles, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen is looking to regain control of his early-season dominance in the Supercross Lites class and make the podium this Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum race. (Photo Credit: Hoppenworld.com)

Andrew Short continues to adjust to his KTM 350 SX-F and experienced another strong outing in Los Angeles. While his ninth-place finish isn’t what Short was looking for, it’s also not an indication of how much more confidence and comfort he feels on the new bike after another race under his belt.

“It is the first year of supercross for the new KTM 350 SX-F and I feel we are making great progress each weekend,” said Short. “The bike is a solid bike for supercross racing and I am feeling very comfortable on it. I have some things to work on and have a great team behind me to make sure we get the results to where we need to be.”

For Mike Alessi, Dodger Stadium served as the ideal place to turn his season around after struggling the week prior in Phoenix. With a positive weekend behind him, Alessi is looking to get more out of himself and his KTM.

“I have been struggling the first few weeks,” said Alessi. “I had a better weekend in L.A. than I did in Phoenix but I am still working on getting my fitness back. My goal is to finish inside the top 10 within the next few races.”

After capturing a win at the newest venue on the circuit at Dodger Stadium, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto hopes his luck with new stadiums will follow him into Oakland. He has been able to hold the points lead since the opening round in Anaheim and already has two wins through three races this season.

“It’s always fun going to a new stadium,” said Villopoto. “The dirt should be pretty similar to what we’ve seen in San Francisco and that is where I got my first win last year. I just want to ride smart and keep up the momentum for the championship.”

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen maintained his points lead heading into the Oakland Coliseum. He is looking to bounce back from a fifth-place finish in Los Angeles and go after his third win of the season.

“I think Oakland is going to be good,” said Hansen. “I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike and seeing if I can get another win.”

Still making his mark on the Supercross Lites West Region class is Broc Tickle. He currently sits four-points back from teammate Hansen in the championship and is still very hungry for his first win aboard the Kawasaki KX™250F and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki.

“I felt better than I have all year in Los Angeles, but my results didn’t show it,” said Tickle. “I made a mistake at the end of the race that cost me a podium, but I still was able to get some good points. Hopefully Oakland will go a little better.”

Having to make some adjustments to his training routine before Los Angeles because of a wrist injury, Tyla Rattray looks to get back on track and go after another podium finish in Oakland.

“I had to take some time off before Los Angeles to let my wrist heal up and I was a little rusty before the race,” said Rattray. “Hopefully I can get back to my normal routine and put in a good ride in Oakland.”

CBS will broadcast the Supercross class race at 12:00 p.m. EST and SPEED will broadcast the Supercross Lites class race at 6:00 p.m. EST on January 30, 2011.

Tickets are available at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Box Office, SupercrossOnline.com, all Ticketmaster retail locations, www.ticketmaster.com, or charge by phone at (800) 745-3000. Practice and qualifying begins at 12:30 p.m., and the main event begins at 7:00 p.m. Club Level tickets are $75 Adult/Child; Trackside $45 Adult/Child; Lower View $35 Adult/Child; Upper View $25 Adult/Child; Extreme Value $10 Adult/Child. Fans can also get into the Pits for FREE from 12:30 – 6 PM Race Day when they recycle a MONSTER Energy Can at the stadium Pit Entrance (valid only with event ticket).

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305. To follow Monster Energy Supercross on Facebook and Twitter, log on to http://www.facebook.com/supercrosslive and http://twitter.com/supercrosslive.

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.