The Yamaha Factory Racing riders are prepared for Round 11 this weekend, after which they will ride the 2012 MotoGP prototype in the official test at the Brno circuit on Monday. Read about it here.
Archive for August 9th, 2011
The late great Gary Nixon is featured prominently in today’s issue of Cycle News.
For his obit and comments by Nicky Hayden click here and here.
For more about his racing career and personality in this week’s Archives click here.
(NEWS RELEASE)
Wilson, Rattray and Baggett Sit Atop 250 Class
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (August 8, 2011) – It’s been two weeks since the world’s best riders took to the track, but this Saturday, August 13, American Motocross returns to action with the Rockstar Energy Unadilla National from New Berlin, N.Y. The ninth round of the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship will bring the biggest names in the sport back to the legendary Unadilla facility, which in over four decades of existence, has become an international motocross destination. Fittingly enough, the global battle for the 450- and 250-Class championships between riders from all over the world will resume, as just four rounds of competition remain.
The on-track festivities from one of the most iconic tracks in the sport of motocross will boast an early start time. Opening ceremonies will kick off at 12 noon EST, while motos are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. EST. Additionally, live final moto coverage of the 450 Class will be showcased on NBC Sports at 3 p.m. EST. The second live domestic broadcast on the network this summer will feature the most competitive motocross racing on the planet, across millions of households throughout the country.
At the series’ previous stop from Washougal Motocross Park, the dramatic battle for the 450 Class title continued to evolve, with Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto ultimately taking control of the lead in the standings, while Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey raced to his third win of the season. After amassing a class-leading four wins, and sitting atop the championship since the opening round, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing’s Chad Reed fell to third, following a fourth-place effort. As the dominant trio of the 450 Class heads to Unadilla fresh off a break from competition, just nine points separate the three riders, including a single point between Villopoto and Dungey.
There has been little doubt through the first eight rounds of the season that the premier class title would be decided amongst Villopoto, Dungey and Reed. While Reed proved to be the most consistent over that span, his frightening incident at Spring Creek two rounds ago tightened the points race with his younger rivals. Now, both Villopoto and Dungey have capitalized on Reed’s misfortune, and have set the stage for a memorable showdown over the final month of competition.
Throughout the 250 Class season, one team has garnered all the attention with a remarkable string of success. The Mitch Payton-led Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team, highlighted by Dean Wilson, Tyla Rattray and Blake Baggett, has taken the checkered flag in all 16 motos this summer, resulting in the overall win at all eight rounds of competition. While the aforementioned threesome of riders has shared moto victories, only Rattray and Baggett have managed to secure overalls. Despite missing out on that same opportunity, Wilson still maintains a double-digit lead over his teammates in the standings, and has been the most consistent rider in the entire series, accumulating more points than any competitor, in either class.
At Washougal, the battle for the win once again came down to the three teammates, with Baggett prevailing for a series-leading fifth time this season. Rattray followed closely in second, while Wilson rounded out the podium in third. As a result, Wilson’s lead over Rattray sits at 13 points, with Baggett an additional four points behind.
Unadilla hosted a round of the inaugural AMA Pro Motocross Championship in 1972, and has been a part of the American Motocross landscape ever since. It remains one of the most unique venues in the sport, thanks to its rolling hills and incredible natural terrain. It boasts a high-speed layout, yet is the site of notorious and awe-inspiring obstacles like Gravity Cavity, The Wall, and the Skyshot.
Last year at Unadilla, Dungey responded to a strong challenge from Belgian Clement Desalle, to post perfect 1-1 moto scores and grab his eighth win of the season. In the 250 Class, eventual champion Trey Canard continued his impressive second-half run, taking his fourth win of the season on the heels of a 2-1 performance.
Once again, festivities for the Rockstar Energy Unadilla National begin this Saturday at 8:30 a.m. EST with practice and qualifying. Opening ceremonies begin at 12 noon EST, with motos kicking off at 12:30 p.m. EST.
Previous Round Results and Current Standings
Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
Peterson CAT Washougal National
Washougal MX Park – Washougal, Wash.
July 23, 2011
Round 8 of 12
450 Class (Moto Finish) – To view complete event Box Score, click HERE
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-1)
- Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-2)
- Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki (4-3)
- Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda (7-4)
- Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha (6-5)
- Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (9-6)
- Tommy Hahn, Great Bend, Kan., Yamaha (8-7)
- Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (5-10)
- Jimmy Albertson, San Diego, Calif., Yamaha (11-9)
- Michael Byrne, Rockhampton, Australia, Suzuki (10-12)
450 Class Championship Standings
- Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 341
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 340
- Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda – 332
- Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki – 247
- Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda – 193
- Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM – 183
- Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM – 178
- Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 173
- Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 159
- Tommy Hahn, Great Bend, Kan., Yamaha – 140
250 Class (Moto Finish) – To view complete event Box Score, click HERE
- Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (1-3)
- Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (2-2)
- Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki (5-1)
- Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha (3-7)
- Gareth Swanepoel, Johannesburg, South Africa, Yamaha (7-4)
- Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (4-10)
- Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (8-8)
- Martin Davalos, Quito, Ecudaor, Suzuki (13-5)
- Darryn Durham, Butler, Pa., Honda (11-9)
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki (9-16)
250 Class Championship Standings
- Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki – 346
- Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki – 333
- Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki – 329
- Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha – 233
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 201
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki – 187
- Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda – 181
- Gareth Swanepoel, Johannesburg, South Africa, Yamaha – 177
- Martin Davalos, Quito, Ecuador, Suzuki – 152
- Darryn Durham, Butler, Pa., Honda – 144
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.
Jared Mees took a solid second in the return to Castle Rock.
(NEWS RELEASE)
First of all, I want to offer my condolences to the family of Gary Nixon. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him and by the whole flat track “family”.
After being on and off the schedule for the last three or four years, this time Castle Rock was a go. I was somewhat concerned about how this race would go as the track is really tough to pass on and some of the local riders know it so well. It was hard to know what to expect. The Halbert and Baker brothers would be tough, having ridden it from their 50 cc days to now professionals.
I struggled a little through qualifying, but getting better each time I got on the track. In the 1st Heat I had Henry Wiles, Joe Kopp, Johnny Lewis, Jake Johnson, Jimmy Wood and Scott Baker. I got by Kopp and was working on Wiles, got by him and started to make ground. I won the Heat, placing me on the front row for the Main Event and the Dash for Cash. Watching Sammy Halbert closely in his Heat I could t ell he was the guy to beat today.
In the Dash for Cash Sammy got the hole shot and led it from start to finish as I finished 2nd. Still, I felt I could run his pace.
For the Main Event we lined up from inside to outside. Sammy got the hole shot and I was 3rd off the line but red flags came out right away as there was a big pile up on the jump. After a complete restart I was 2nd off this time, again behind Sammy. I was making time on him through the infield section but he was killing me off turn 4. Then there was another red flag at about the half-way point. This time it was a staggered restart with me in 2nd place. I tried to get around Sammy in turns 3 and 4 but went sideways, losing my drive and he stretched it out, putting a gap between us. I ended up in 2nd place, Sammy winning, and Brad Baker in 3rd.
I am now 10 points off the lead. This was the one race I was worried about and I feel it was a good night for me. There are 8 races left on the schedule.
We have this next weekend off, then it is Peoria. I can’t wait. Hope to see you all out there. Until then, thanks for your support.
Jammin’ Jared Mees # 9.
Singles Series Sponsors 2011:
Lucas Oil, National Cycle, Rogers Lake Racing, Montgomeryville Cycle Center, Twisted Beverage CompanyTM, Saddlemen, Digger 57, M.E.H. Corp, Rod Lake, Goodwin Racing, Rockysonline .com, Arai Helmets, Speed Strength Leathers, KK Motorcycle Supply, A&A Racing, Steve & Cindy Vizzo, Battley Cycles, MRT Racing, Kelly’s, MTA, JE Pistons, Cometic Gaskets, VP Racing Fuels,Tsubaki, Motion Pro, TCX Boots, Troy Lee Designs, K&N Filters, Millennium Technologies, Vortex, Craig Pickett, Goodridge, Works Connection, RekluseClutches, Gene & Gail Cummings, Eddie Mulder, NGK, Z Gallerie, Dick Winters, Oakley, WestCoast Hot Shoes, Jupiter Wheels, Supertrapp, ARC Levers, Moto Tassinari, EBC, Mikuni, Web Cam, Ancra, J&M Racing Frames, Pro Plates, Kold Kutter, Turn 1 Distributing. Crank Works Crank Shafts, Ez-up, Suburban H-D, Twenty Six Suspension, Flash, G2, Penske Racing, Chicken Hawk, Ferrea Valves, J2 Motorsports, Royal Publishing Co., Applied Diamond Coatings, M&Z Anodizing, Brent Armbruster, CV4, Bristol Core, Universal Coatings, Hammer Head, Hot Rods, TSS Graphics, Dyno Jet, DVS Shoes, Xtremely Fit,