Rider Files

The Repsol Honda rider now has a 44-point lead at the top of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship standings going into Round 13 of 18 this weekend, the Gran Premio Aperol di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini. Read about it here.

Our Facebook page has an interesting question on who would win in a fantasy road race bringing together riders of different eras. Click here to vote.

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(NEWS RELEASE)

AURORA, Ill. (August 31, 2011) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, will race in the inaugural Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium October 15.

Weimer, who was the 2010 Western Regional Supercross Lites class champion, has nine-career Lites class wins and seven additional podium finishes. In 2011, following a five-year run in the Lites class, Weimer stepped up to the Supercross class, but an unfortunate injury prior to the start of the season left him sidelined for 15 of the 17 races.

Fully-rested after his injury, Weimer will be back on the KX450F ready to battle against the world’s top riders in this one-of-a-kind race.

“Anytime you have a chance to win $1 million in one night, you want to take advantage of it,” said Weimer. “I definitely want to go there and do well. It’s cool that Feld and Monster have stepped up to make this a unique event.”

When asked about the unique hybrid-style track incorporating both supercross and motocross elements, Weimer explains, “Because we’ve never really had a race like this before, it could make for some interesting battles. I have done well racing the supercross finale here at Sam Boyd Stadium, which is typically hard-packed and dry, so I hope my experience can carry over to this hybrid track.”

The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence, making it unlike any other stadium race in the world. This track will be the perfect blend of supercross and motocross combined and created into the ultimate battleground. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and for the “first time ever” $1 million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.

Tickets for the 2011 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVtickets outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com, or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only.

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.

Kenny Kopecky has long been known as a Willow Springs specialist. The San Diego native has won countless titles at Willow and as well as other SoCal tracks. While a legend in Southern California club racing, many may not realize that Kopecky made occasional forays into the pro ranks during the late 1980s and early ‘90s. Here Suzuki-mounted Kopecky leads Colorado’s John Hopperstad in the 1991 Daytona 200. Kenny has had an incredibly long and competitive racing career spanning from the 1980s to today. You can read more about Kopecky’s career here.

Suzuki-mounted Kenny Kopecky leads Colorado’s John Hopperstad in the 1991 Daytona 200. (Larry Lawrence photo)

The three time 500cc World Champion will be present at the upcoming Gran Premio Aperol di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini this weekend, his first visit to the Misano World Circuit since his career-ending crash on September 5, 1993. Read here.

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The United States is gearing up for a full-blown assault on the 2011 FIM Motocross of Nations, Sept. 17-18, at Saint D’Angely, France, with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) finalizing the team structure and partners coming on board to support a first-class world championship effort.

The team, announced on Aug. 13, includes Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto and Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett. Dungey will race the MX1 class, which features 450cc four-stroke machinery. Villopoto will race the open class. Baggett will compete in the MX2 class, which features 250cc four-stroke motorcycles.

Roger DeCoster, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team manager and Motorcycle Hall of Famer, will manage the team in its hunt for a record 22nd Motocross of Nations Championship.

“This is an awesome team,” DeCoster said. “The two Ryans are quite dominant. What else can you say about them?

“As for Baggett, he is putting in a lot of strong rides in the 250cc class, and he’s getting stronger as the season comes to an end,” said DeCoster. “What’s really important is that he is a guy who can come from behind. It’s tough to get a good start in the Motocross of Nations on a 250cc bike, because they race on the track with the 450cc bikes, and you have to be able to come through the pack a lot. We need a rider who can do that, and Blake can.”

AMA Director of Supercross and AMA Pro Racing Relations Kevin Crowther said that it’s nice to return to the Motocross of Nations with another superb team.

“We couldn’t be happier with the U.S. national team this year,” Crowther said. “Villopoto is leading an extremely tight 450cc points race in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Dungey is the returning overall champion from the 2010 Motocross of Nations, where he led the U.S. National team to its record 21st victory. And Baggett is lighting up the 250cc outdoors class, where he is the top-ranked U.S. rider. We are bringing a lot of talent to France this September, and not just on the track, but off it as well.”

Crowther said that the off-track talent includes several companies that have stepped up to support the U.S. Motocross of Nations program this year.

“As in previous years, Feld Motor Sports, which promotes the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and FIM World Championship, Fox Racing and the Asterisk Mobile Medical Center continue to support the Motocross of Nations effort in a big way,” Crowther said. “In addition, we owe a big measure of gratitude to MX Sports Pro Racing, which promotes the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, for their help and support as well. Of course, we also have to recognize the contributions of the riders’ teams — Monster Energy Kawasaki, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki and Rockstar Makita Suzuki.”

Dungey has competed most recently at the Motocross of Nations, racing for the winning U.S. team in Italy in 2009 and Lakewood, Colo., in 2010. He said that teamwork will be key to success in France.

“This is a really good team with Ryan Villopoto and Blake Baggett,” Dungey said. “To go with that, we have a great group of people behind us. We all know how to work together, and we’re building a great partnership — that’s what it takes to do well at this event.

“It’s not about winning individual honor here,” he added. “It’s about winning as a team, and we’re all going to help each other out, whether it’s advice we can give or whatever. One man can’t win it. All three of us have to do our job. With this being Blake’s first time, if I can help him in any way, I will, and I know Villopoto will as well.”

Villopoto, who last competed on the U.S. team in 2008 when he won with James Stewart and Tim Ferry, said that he’s thrilled to be back and part of a particularly talented U.S. national team. Villopoto also was a member of the 2006 and 2007 winning teams.

“I’m really happy to be back on the team after being injured the past two years,” Villopoto said. “It was hard to watch and not be able to have the chance to race the event. As long as we all go out there and ride how we’ve been riding this season, I think we have a great shot at winning.”

Baggett says that he’s looking forward to the new experience of competing at the Motocross of Nations.

“For sure, I think this will be a cool experience against a bunch of guys I’ve never raced against before,” Baggett said. “The GPs are a little unfamiliar to me, and well as who is fast over there, so it will be exciting as a new experience. Also, racing the 250s on the track with the 450s should be fun. Hopefully we can impress quite a few people and bring the trophy home to the USA.”

As for the track, which also hosted the Motocross of Nations in 2000 when the United States won with Ricky Carmichael, Ryan Hughes and Travis Pastrana, DeCoster described it as a “typical” Grand Prix track.

“There are some elevation changes,” he said. “It’s pretty wide. It’s a bit on the side of a hill. The club there does a good job. It’s a well-organized track. The club puts a lot into it, so it should be a great time.”

The Motocross of Nations is one of the most high-profile motorsport events in the world. It features national teams competing for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning country. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time.

The United States is the all-time leader in Motocross of Nations overall victories with 21. Great Britain is second with 16.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Labor Day Weekend Tradition Signifies 11^th of 12 Rounds This Summer

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (August 30, 2011) – Only two rounds remain in the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and on the heels of a captivating round of competition last weekend, the 450 Class championship remains tight heading into this Saturday’s second to last event of the summer from Steel City Raceway. Current points leader, and Monster Energy Kawasaki rider, Ryan Villopoto, along with Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, lead the world’s best riders into the Steel City Motocross National on September 3, from Delmont, Pa.

Currently, just eight points separate two of the sport’s rising stars and budding rivals. While Dungey boasts three wins opposed to his counterpart’s pair of victories, it is Villopoto’s impressive consistency and overall podium results at all 10 rounds of the championship this season that have given him the edge heading into the final two weekend’s of action.

At last weekend’s Rockstar Energy Southwick National, Dungey appeared ready to close the gap on Villopoto, dominating en route to the first moto win and putting the pressure on the points leader. However, following an unforeseen problem, Dungey’s bike did not arrive trackside until the gate had already dropped on the second 450 Class moto. As a result, the defending series champion was forced to fight from nearly a full lap behind to salvage as many points as possible. With his challenger’s misfortune, Villopoto rode a smart race, posting 2-4 moto scores to secure second overall. Even with the win out of reach, Dungey put forth arguably the most impressive ride of the entire season to finish seventh in the final moto and claim third overall, ultimately losing just one point to Villopoto in the end.

While the title fight experienced a slight shift, it was Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe who stole the spotlight. The eight-year veteran put together a consistent pair of motos in rainy conditions to break through for his first career victory, ending the season-long dominance by Villopoto, Dungey and TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing’s Chad Reed.

In the 250 Class, the incredible 18-moto winning streak by Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki came to an end, when DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha’s Gareth Swanepoel started the day by capturing his first moto win on U.S. soil. Despite that, the Kawasaki-mounted duo of Tyla Rattray and Dean Wilson took charge in Moto 2, with Rattray taking the checkered flag to secure his fourth overall victory of the season. Wilson, the current championship points leader, followed in the runner-up spot, and ultimately watched his points lead increase from 25 points to 38 heading into Steel City.

After a two-round break from action, the return of Motorcycle-Superstore.com Women’s Motocross Championship signified a major step towards a possible third-career title for American Honda’s Ashley Fiolek. While her championship rival Jessica Patterson experienced trouble in the opening moto aboard her DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha, Fiolek took advantage, compiling 1-2 moto results to take her third win of the season and extend her advantage in the standings to 30 points with just two rounds remaining.

Steel City Raceway has hosted the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship since the 1989 season. It was the site of the very first Saturday event in the history of the sport in 2008, igniting a new tradition of single-day events that has taken the sport to new heights. As a Labor Day Weekend staple in the sport of motocross, Steel City has become known as the American Motocross Festival, celebrating the end of the summer with a national-holiday competition that showcases the fastest riders on the planet in three featured classes.

The on-track action for the Steel City Motocross National begins this Saturday at 8:30 a.m. EST with practice and qualifying. Opening ceremonies begin at 12:30 p.m. EST with motos kicking off at 1 p.m. EST.

Previous Round Results and Current Standings

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
Rockstar Energy Southwick National
Moto-X 338 – Southwick, Mass.
August 27, 2011
Round 10 of 12

450 Class (Moto Finish)

450 Class Championship Standings

250 Class (Moto Finish)

250 Class Championship Standings

WMX Class (Moto Finish)

WMX Class Standings

Tickets for the upcoming Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship are on sale now at www.allisports.com. Special discounts and incentives are available for advance ticket purchasers.

For more information on the 2011 tour, please log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.

For media information about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please contact Media Manager Brandon Short via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com or by phone at 949-365-5750.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world’s most prestigious motocross series – the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. The industry leader in off road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. Visit www.mxsportsproracing.com.

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, , King of Wake series, and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour. Alli TV Productions creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000 spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. Visit www.allisports.com.

Lucas Oil Products
Lucas Oil is a worldwide leader in the production of oils, lubricants and additives. Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest-growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, featuring a premium line of oils, lubricants and problem-solving performance additives. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top-selling additive line in the American truck-stop industry. Lucas Oil is involved in an array of motorsports sponsorships, including the “Official Motor Oil of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.” Visit www.LucasOil.com.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

AURORA, Ill. (August 30, 2011) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that defending AMA Arenacross Series champion Tyler Bowers will compete in the inaugural Monster Energy Cup on October 15 at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

Bowers, of Danville, Ken., capped off a dominant 2011 AMA Arenacross Series with 12 main event wins, clinching the championship one race before the season finale at Des Moines, Iowa’s Well Fargo Arena. Last year Bowers was leading the AMA Arenacross points race with two rounds remaining, but a crash while practicing resulted in a broken leg, putting an end to Bowers’ championship hopes.

“I think it’s awesome to be riding for a shot at $1 Million,” said Bowers. “The huge purse is great, but the racing element is just as good, because bragging rights hold a higher standard in my books. This is a no holds bar race. We want to be the first to win the Monster Energy Cup, regardless of the bonus. “

The hybrid supercross/motocross track that Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael are designing will level the playing field for riders that specialize in the technical aspect of supercross and the high-speed aspect of motocross.

“Both Ricky [Carmichael] and Jeremy [McGrath] are very knowledgeable when it comes to designing a challenging track for the riders,” explained Bowers. “Both legends bring a lot to the table as far as awareness of what works and what doesn’t, so it’s going to be exciting to see the final product. The hybrid mix is really going to test a rider’s racing abilities.”

“When it comes to a race like this where you have the world’s best riders on one track, understanding the competition is key,” added Bowers. “You have to know their moves and their general riding style in order to contend. I feel my experience riding in several supercross races is really going to pay off because it gives me an idea as to how the competition operates and what they’re capable of.”

The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence, making it unlike any other stadium race in the world. This track will be the perfect blend of supercross and motocross combined and created into the ultimate battleground. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and for the “first time ever” $1 Million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.

Tickets for the 2011 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVtickets outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com, or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only.

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.

From Mike Kneebone, founder and chief of the Iron Butt Association:

We are sad to report that Jack Shoalmire passed away Saturday night, August 27, 2011, from an apparent heart attack. With so many Premier Members a friend of Jack Shoalmire and so many calls coming in asking about him, we thought it appropriate to post the unfortunate news here… One of many of Jack’s close friends, Jim Mulcahy, wrote this about Jack and we cannot find better words than his:

“Jack didn’t just love to ride, he was truly a great rider. The first time I went to Jack’s house I found out why. His garage walls were literally covered with plaques from dirt bike races that Jack had won. When ever we got into the twisties Jack would always leave me behind. I got better at keeping up with Jack by following him but I
knew better than to try to keep up with him if he really got in a hurry.”

“If you check the Iron Butt Site, you will see that Jack had over 100 certified rides. A few years ago Jack rode over 100,000 miles in a year and most of those miles certified rides. Jack did 6 or 7 Four Corners Ride as well. Most of us are happy if we just make it up the Haul Road to Prudoe Bay in a day. Jack rode up and back from Fairbanks on the same day completing a Haul Rode 1000. I believe he was the first one to do that ride.”

“I am honored to have known Jack and privileged to have ridden with him. I will really miss him. I still find it hard to believe that he is gone.”

Jim Mulcahy
#392
Tulsa, OK

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RIP Jack Shoalmire, Iron Butt Rider #1 Forever: