Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

Official Radio-Controlled Cars and Trucks of American Motocross

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (August 17, 2011) – MX Sports Pro Racing and Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, have announced that Traxxas, “The Fastest Name in Radio Control®,” will become the newest supporter of American Motocross. Beginning this past weekend at Unadilla, the innovative company assumed the role of “Official Radio-Controlled Cars and Trucks” of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, which will culminate in title sponsorship of the season-ending Traxxas Pala National on September 10, from Pala, Calif.

In addition to the initiatives that will cement Traxxas’ position within the American Motocross industry, the company has also implemented the Traxxas Holeshot Challenge. During opening ceremonies, several of Traxxas’ most elite radio-controlled models will face off on the start straight at each of the remaining rounds of the season. The all-out drag race to determine a winner will showcase the tremendous speed of these small-scale vehicles.

“Traxxas is a major supporter of some of motocross’ most successful teams,” said Alli’s Mark Carter. “We are thrilled to welcome them as an integral part of the steadily-growing list of valued partners within the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. They are a well-respected entity within our industry, and the affiliation with this championship will be beneficial for everyone involved.”

Traxxas’ on-site presence will also extend to the thousands in attendance over the course of the final month of competition. The company’s one-of-a-kind, mobile demo exhibit will allow fans to get a first-hand experience of the various top-of-the-line, radio-controlled vehicles that Traxxas has to offer. With the fastest radio-controlled vehicles in the world – that can reach speeds of up to 70mph – the hands-on display will drive any fan to buy a Traxxas model of their own.

“Traxxas is excited to sponsor the AMA Pro Motocross Championship,” said Damron Atkins, Traxxas Marketing Manager. “We’re looking forward to bringing high-performance Traxxas fun to motocross fans at Southwick, Steel City and Pala. We’re very proud of our success in supercross, and are thrilled to now be the ‘Official Radio-Controlled Cars and Trucks of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.’”

Traxxas was founded in 1986, and is the innovator of “ready to run” (RTR) models. Before the company popularized the concept, the radio-controlled hobby was built around kits that required assembly and painting, and did not include all the electronics required to operate them. Traxxas changed all that by offering fully-assembled models with the performance of kits, but the convenience of professional assembly. Since then, “RTR” models have become the industry standard. Traxxas takes the concept further with “Ready-To-Race®,” and offers the most complete, highest-performance RTR models available.

The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues for its final three rounds of competition, beginning next weekend with the Rockstar Energy Southwick National on August 27, from Southwick, Mass. The Steel City Motocross National commences on September 3, from Delmont, Pa., while the Traxxas Pala National brings the summer season to a dramatic conclusion on September 10, in Southern California.

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 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)

IMS After Dark, Harley-Davidson XR1200 racing lead additions for fans

INDIANAPOLIS, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 – Along with many familiar sights, fans can expect a host of new attractions when the fourth annual Red Bull Indianapolis GP rolls into town Aug. 26-28 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The centerpiece of the weekend will be the world’s best motorcycle riders, including Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, Nicky Hayden, Ben Spies and Colin Edwards, competing for a coveted spot atop the IMS victory podium. Popular fan attractions such as the Pit Walkabout, Ducati Island, Vendor Marketplace and Interactive Display Area, Riders for Health auction and rider chats and the Cycle World Editorial Seminar are once again part of the weekend’s program. And the gorgeous umbrella girls on the grid and models strutting on the catwalk during Ducati Island fashion shows have become welcomed sights at the event.

In addition to the traditional activities during Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend, the 2011 schedule introduces a variety of fun, new activities at IMS, creating even more excitement and value for MotoGP fans. A look at the new offerings:

•Earlier MotoGP Race Start Time: The Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP feature race will start at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28 at IMS, an hour earlier than the first three years of the event at IMS.

•IMS After Dark: An expanded lineup of evening party and social attractions will be featured for fans Friday, Aug. 26 and Saturday, Aug. 27 at “IMS After Dark” during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

Public gates will remain open until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at IMS to create one of the coolest parties of the year, energized by the style and attitude of Red Bull.

And for the first time, motorcyclists can park their bikes in the center of the action on the new Main Street in the IMS infield, creating the social scene that is a vital part of every rider’s lifestyle. A variety of fun, action-packed activities, including music, motorcycle competition and fashion, will be located along Main Street.

•Evening Concerts: The centerpiece of IMS After Dark will be concerts in the evening by national and regional acts.

Crash, the band led by two-time World Superbike champion and former MotoGP rider James Toseland, will play from 7:15-8:15 p.m. Friday on the Red Bull Energy Station Stage. Appetite For Destruction, a premier Guns ‘N Roses tribute band, will be on stage from 8:30-10 p.m.

Three national acts will take the Red Bull Energy Station Stage on Saturday. Acoustic pop/freestyle artist Kelley James will open the evening of music at 6:30 p.m., followed by in-demand DJ Mick Boogie. Unique electro-rock band Ghostland Observatory will begin its pulsating performance, which includes a laser light show, at 9 p.m. 

•Fan Attractions Moving to Evening: Many of the popular existing daytime attractions of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP are moving to the evening as part of IMS After Dark.

Every MotoGP rider will be interviewed during the Riders for Health auction at 5 p.m. Friday adjacent to the main stage in the IMS infield.

The Pit Walkabout, which allows fans to see up-close the incredible prototype machines of MotoGP, will take place on the pit lane from 5-6:45 p.m. Saturday. The timing of the Pit Walkabout should allow fans to witness team mechanics make final race preparations to the bikes.

Reigning World Champion Jorge Lorenzo, American favorites Ben Spies and Colin Edwards, and Cal Crutchlow will be interviewed during the Yamaha Rider Q&A at 5:45 p.m. Saturday on the Red Bull Energy Station Stage in the IMS infield.

•Fireworks: Impressive, colorful fireworks displays are scheduled for Saturday evening at IMS between the concerts by Kelley James and DJ Mick Boogie and between Boogie’s set and the headline act of Ghostland Observatory.

James’ performance will start the evening of music at 6:30 p.m.

•Harleys Racing at IMS: The AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 series will bring Harley-Davidson racing to IMS. It’s the first time Harley racing thunder will be heard at the Brickyard since the very first event at the historic facility, a motorcycle race in August 1909.

AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 activity will take place all three days, with practice Friday and races Saturday and Sunday.

•More Track Time Friday: The Friday schedule features expanded track time, with morning and afternoon practice sessions for MotoGP, Moto2, 125cc and XR1200 producing more than five hours of action.

Morning practice begins at 9:15 a.m., with afternoon sessions starting at 1:15 p.m.

There are nearly five hours of on-track action Saturday, with practice and qualifying for the three World Championship classes and an AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 race.

•Vintage Bikes: Vintage racing motorcycles participating in the Cycle World Rolling Concours on the roads of central Indiana during race weekend will be on display at IMS during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.

•Pre-Race Stunts: There will be thrills on land and in the air during pre-race ceremonies for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sunday, Aug. 28, as Red Bull aerobatic and air race pilot Kirby Chambliss and Red Bull motorcycle stunt riders Geoff Aaron and Aaron Colton will perform.

Chambliss will fly over the IMS infield and Brickyard Crossing Golf Course at 1:15 p.m. Colton will perform stunts on the front straightaway of the IMS oval at 10:15 a.m., with Aaron stunting at 10:05 a.m., 11:50 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Vendor Marketplace near Gasoline Alley.

***

2011 Red Bull Indianapolis GP tickets: 2011 Red Bull Indianapolis GP tickets are on sale now.

To buy tickets, visit www.imstix.com, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or visit the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16^th Street. Ticket office and phone hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

The 2011 Red Bull Indianapolis GP is scheduled for Aug. 26-28 at IMS.

Race Day general admission tickets cost $40, with Friday general admission $10 and Saturday general admission $20. A three-day general admission ticket is $60. A Friday-Saturday general admission ticket is $25.

Children ages 12 and under will be admitted free any of the three days of the event when accompanied by an adult with a general admission ticket.

Race Day reserved seat prices will start at $70.

(NEWS RELEASE)

AURORA, Ill. (August 17, 2011) – Feld Motor Sports^® announced today that Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson of Menifee, Calif., will race the inaugural Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium on October 15.

The sophomore Supercross Lites class rider had the best season of his career in 2011 by taking home his first Eastern Regional Supercross Lites-class win in Atlanta. Wilson kept the momentum alive by winning in Arlington, Texas and Toronto. Wilson finished second place overall on the season, 22 points behind Eastern Regional Supercross Lites class champion Justin Barcia.

“The Monster Energy Cup should be a great race,” said Wilson. “Racing in Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium is exciting and the chance to line up against the guys who were my racing heroes growing up will be awesome. I think we are going to see some good battles with the track going into the stands, so that should be exciting too. The format is going to be fun with there being three main events. I am going to be pushing to win all (three) of the races so I can take home the $1 million.”

With 15 career starts, three wins, five podium visits, four top-five and four top-10 finishes to his credit Wilson is one of the top Lites class riders to compete in the open-class format.

The unique Monster Energy Cup 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 http://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.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Myers invited to participate in public relations ride at MotoGP

Elena Myers

BREA, CA (August 16, 2011) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is proud to announce that Team SuzukiScoopFans rider Elena Myers will turn several laps aboard the Suzuki GSV-R MotoGP bike at 12:45 PM on Thursday, August 25th, at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, IN, a few days before the Red Bull Indianapolis GP that weekend.

“Words cannot describe how excited I am to ride the Suzuki GSV-R at Indy during the MotoGP weekend this year,” said Myers. “We had talked about it last year, but things didn’t work out, so here’s a big thanks to everyone involved for making this possible. When I sat on the bike last year, it felt like it was made to fit me. So actually being able to spin a few laps on it will be quite the treat. I’m really looking forward to the weekend.”

Myers finished an impressive fifth-place overall in the 2011 AMA Pro SuperSport West Division, despite missing two rounds due to injury. En route to that result, the 17-year-old California native picked up a podium finish at Barber Motorsports Park, plus five top-five finishes throughout the season. Finally, Myers became the first female racer to ever win an AMA Pro road race when she captured the AMA Pro SuperSport victory at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA last year.

Suzuki’s MotoGP Team Manager, Paul Denning, commented, “We are delighted to be able to give Elena this opportunity to get some understanding of how Suzuki’s MotoGP bike feels and operates. She is a very talented racer – not “for a girl” – she’s just fast full-stop! MotoGP is the pinnacle of every racer’s ambition, and there aren’t so many people who have ridden the very latest 2011 GSV-R – Bautista, Hopkins, Aoki and now Elena! I would guess she’s also the only female racer to have ever ridden an 800cc MotoGP machine? Either way, we really hope she enjoys the experience.”

You can meet SuzukiScoopFans’ Elena Myers on Friday, August 26th, at Dreyer Suzuki, 4170 West Washington Street in Indianapolis, from 5:30 – 6:30 PM. Myers will also be signing autographs in the Suzuki display area at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway over the weekend. For schedule information, visit SuzukiScoopFans on facebook, SuzukiScoop on twitter or check the Suzuki display area at the speedway. The 2011 SuzukiScoopFans team’s next and final event of the 2011 AMA Pro SuperSport season will be at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ on September 2 – 4, 2011.

About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) founded The Motorcycle and ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, CA, in 1963. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC’s parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries. For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com. Follow Suzuki Scoop on facebook for exclusive team content www.facebook.com/suzukiscoopfans.

In the official post-race Test at the Brno circuit, the two Ducati Team riders rode the 800 in its GP11.1 iteration, apart from Nicky Hayden making a single, initial run with the GP11. Read here.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Hendersonville, North Carolina: At Round Nine of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Series, taking place at Unadilla MX outside New Berlin, New York, the highest ranked rider for Team Öhlins USA was Garret Toth slotting in at the 44th fastest position of the 89 riders competing for a gate. Meanwhile, teammates Michael Clarke was 50th fastest and team points leader A.J. Catanzaro, who was under the heavy weather of a respiratory illness, managed to set the 51st fastest time of qualifying. Lessons learned, lives lived, all is good.

Garret Toth said, “This past weekend wasn’t the best for the team but we’re recouping this week and heading down to the Öhlins USA shop to swap out bikes so that we’re ready to race at Southwick. First practice was good. I was in the B group so I had a lot more traffic to deal with. At the end of that practice I was sitting at around 26th overall and was feeling really good. The Second practice didn’t go as smoothly. There seemed to be a lot more traffic and I couldn’t manage to get a good time. Unadilla is my favorite track out of all the tracks but I just couldn’t manage to make it happen this weekend.”

A.J. Catanzaro said, “Last Monday night I came down with some sort of flu or virus. I was trying to fight it off all week but it didn’t let up. The doctors suspect it might be either mono or Lyme disease.

“Saturday was actually the first day that I walked all week. I had zero energy, and my goal was just to see if I could make a few laps around the track in practice. Riding turned out to be about as hard as I expected. With my vision blurry, and my fatigue at such a high, there was no possible way I was going to be racing.

“There’s a weekend off before Southwick, so I’m going to use it to my advantage to rest as much as possible and get rid of whatever I have. It’s frustrating, because I’m never sick, and it’s such bad timing. But everything happens for a reason, and I have a positive outlook coming into Southwick.”

Michael Clarke said, “I learned a lot this weekend and it’s really made me determined to work on things and really improve myself. While walking the track I was really pumped about the layout. It’s a very high-speed track with many big jumps. The dirt looked good and we had no rain the whole week, so the track was perfect for practice.

“I felt really good in practice and was pushing myself. I got over all the jumps right away so that when the green flag waved I could moto hard to put in my best possible lap time. Being on the track was like being on a highway. It’s very fast and probably the fastest track that’s been on the circuit so far. I made very few mistakes and was sitting 44th after 1st practice. In Practice Two I set a faster lap time and was pushing myself. I made little mistakes here and there but still felt really good. The track was getting rougher but all the while getting that much better. I didn’t make the Mains but it taught me a lot about what I need to improve.

“I’m going back to the drawing board to work a lot on corners and charging and definitely on how smooth I am. I had a good time though and got the chance to watch the race up close, really getting to study the top guys to work on applying what they do to benefit myself.”

Team Öhlins USA’s manager, Stacey Berger, said, “This was a tough weekend for the team. We had health issues come up early in the week. The riders are all working hard so it’s tough to see them so disappointed. Garret and Michael will be coming to North Carolina this week for some testing to get ready for Southwick. A.J.’s seeing a doctor to see what he needs to do to get well and be ready for the next round. We’re still a young team and every week we learn something new. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s tough but we learn nevertheless. This weekend was just another tough lesson.”

The next round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Series is scheduled for August 27th at Southwick, Massachusetts. All three Team Öhlins USA riders plan on qualifying for the Southwick Mains. Would anything less make sense?

Team Öhlins USA is sponsored by: Triangle Cycles of Danville, Virginia; Yamaha; GYTR; MX1 West; Acerbis; Ariete; Yoshimura; Kenda Tire; No Toil; Shoei Helmets; Gaerne; Leatt; Langston Racing Academy, which has been instrumental in providing top-level training for the riders; HIT Center (High Intensity Training) of Jacksonville. www.ohlinsusa.com