And don’t miss the one-hour season recap of 2011 Monster Energy Supercross – The Greatest Season Ever
beginning at 9:00PM ET/6:00PM PT on SPEED
Archive for October 14th, 2011
(NEWS RELEASE)
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) applauds U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) for introducing a bill that calls for new research into the effects of certain ethanol-blended gasoline.
“The research sought by Representative Sensenbrenner is badly needed to ensure that new ethanol-gasoline blends won’t damage motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engines,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “We are urging all concerned motorcycle and ATV riders to contact their lawmakers to ask them to support Representative Sensenbrenner’s bill: H.R. 3199.”
On Friday, Oct. 14, Sensenbrenner, who is vice chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, introduced H.R. 3199. The legislation would require the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek an independent scientific analysis of the effects of E15 — a new gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent alcohol by volume — on engines.
“The EPA’s decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower or boat,” Sensenbrenner said. “Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.
“There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15’s introduction into the marketplace,” Sensenbrenner said. “This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence — albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA — that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines.”
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available.
In a July 11 letter to the U.S. House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, the AMA, along with its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), asked “that on- or off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles be part of any scientific study” into the effects of E15 sought by the subcommittee.
In October 2010, the EPA approved the use of E15 in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). Then, in January 2011, the EPA added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.
No motorcycles or ATVs are currently on the list.
The AMA and ATVA have expressed concerns about E15 being mistakenly used and damaging engines in motorcycles and ATVs, and about the continued availability of gasoline that has no ethanol, or gasoline with only a 10 percent blend, that is safe for use in motorcycles and ATVs.
The organizations have also expressed concerns about the possibility that “blender pumps” that dispense multiple grades of gasoline through a single hose might introduce enough ethanol into gasoline to be used in a motorcycle or ATV to damage the vehicle; and that ethanol absorbs water, which could be harmful to motorcycles and ATVs.
To contact your federal lawmakers to urge them to support H.R. 3199 go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
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 Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
(NEWS RELEASE)
GRAND OPENING – THURSDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 3rd
Los Angeles, CA – Friday, October 14, 2011 – Troy Lee Designs, a leader in motorsports enthusiast products, is happy to announce the opening of a flagship boutique and design center. This unique, and one-of-a-kind Boutique & Design Center feature the Troy Lee Designs sportswear line, which encompasses premium tee’s to jeans and the name sake’s higher end line – the Steve McQueen line.
Capturing the essence of the active California lifestyle, The Troy Lee Designs Boutique & Design Center also features a selection of TLD bicycle wear and touts some of the most exciting motorcycle memorabilia from some of the greatest names in racing history!
Located in the heart of Laguna Beach at 380 Glenneyre Street, Suite A, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, the Grand Opening celebration takes place November 3rd, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM culminating with an exclusive first-hand showcase of the Boutique & Design Center with Troy Lee himself. The evening features meet and greets and autograph signings with motorsports stars and standouts Oriol Servia and from the Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda team — Christian Craig, Travis Baker, Cole Seely and Tarah Geiger. Other guests expected include motorcycling legend On Any Sunday’s Malcolm Smith and Hollywood icon Easy Rider’s Peter Fonda.
The Troy Lee Designs Laguna Beach Boutique & Design Center is open Sunday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM PST. Store phone is: 949-715-8142 troyleesportswear.blogspot.com.
Check out the just released TLD Boutique & Design Center preview and tour: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0rGezxY-6E
About Troy Lee Designs
For more than 30 years, Troy Lee Designs has been customizing helmets “For The World’s Fastest Racers.” Our relentless commitment to creating products that exceed the cutting edge style, design and quality, has given us the reputation as an innovator in many different racing fields. Troy Lee Designs has since expanded into a full force operation, offering a complete product line including helmets and gear, to sportswear and our full line of Premium Protection products.
LIKE us on facebook.com/troyleedesigns.tld
FOLLOW us on twitter @troyleedesigns
(NEWS RELEASE)
Team Hammer Inc. has re-signed Martin Cardenas and Dane Westby for the 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing season.
Martin Cardenas, the 2010 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, has re-signed with Team Hammer.
Cardenas, the 2010 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike Champion, is one of the foremost talents in the AMA Pro paddock. The Colombian won his first AMA Pro Superbike race at Barber Motorsports Park during the 2011 season and has won a total of 17 AMA Pro races in the past three years.
Westby joined the team for 2011 and earned his first AMA Pro race win at Mid-Ohio. The Oklahoman was instantly competitive on Team Hammer’s bikes in the Daytona SportBike class, showcasing his aggressive style with regularity.
“We’re excited to have both riders back for next year as we continue to finalize our 2012 plans,” said Crew Chief Keith Perry. “It is accepted knowledge that Martin is one of the very best riders in the paddock. He’s fast and is going to give you 100% every time out. He can win on any type of bike and in any class and you know he’s going to give maximum effort every time. His personality is easy to work with and he’s a joy for the guys on his crew. We’ve had a lot of success so far but are looking forward to 2012.
Dane Westby joined the team for 2011 and earned his first AMA Pro race win at Mid-Ohio.
“Dane joined the team this past year and learned a new bike really quickly,” Perry added. “He got a great win and came close to winning several other times and we’re looking forward to his continued development. Dane earned some good results this year and we think he can be a solid contender for the championship in the future.”
Team Hammer, which raced as M4 Suzuki during the 2011 AMA Pro season, will announce more on its 2012 plans at a later date. The upcoming year will the mark the team’s 32nd consecutive racing season.
Will Anyone Win the Million Bucks? That’s the big question for tomorrow night.
At Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, the Monster Energy Cup race should be interesting at the very least and it has the potential to be an historic race in the history of motorcycle racing. How can a one-off supercross/motocross hybrid race hold such importance? Simply put, it’s the purse. If any rider wins all three races they will take home one million dollars. That would easily be the biggest prize for a single event every awarded in motorcycle racing.
Whoever wins is guaranteed $100,000, which ain’t chump chance, but to have the chance to take home a cool million could not only make a rider’s bank account look a lot better, but could put him in the history books.
Motorcycle racing’s version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” has an impressive lineup including 2011 AMA Supercross and 450 Motocross champ Ryan Villopoto. Also Ryan Dungey will be debuting with KTM and there will be a slew of other top riders.
Notable for their absence in the potential Million Dollar race is James Stewart and Chad Reed. Missing two of the premier names in supercross reveals one of the problems with having a big race in October. It’s a no-man’s land for riders, many of whom are between contracts, or still negotiating for 2012. To see Dungey in the lineup after only a few weeks practicing aboard his new bike is impressive. No doubt KTM will get a lot of press for introducing Dungey as their new rider via the Monster Energy Cup.
Dungey on a new motorcycle is music to the ears of Ryan Villopoto. With Stewart and Reed out and Dungey on a new machine, RV’s path to sweep all three races and take home the big prize is a lot clearer.
Big money motorcycle races have been few and far between. In Supercross you had the U.S. Open that was held at the MGM Grand every October from 1998 to 2009. It had a $250,000 purse with $100,000 going to the winner, just like the Monster Energy Cup (sans the million dollar bonus). In road racing Willow Springs Raceway used to hold the Toyota 200 race that had a $100,000 purse with 50K going to the winner. In the early 1970s the Championship Spark Plug Motorcycle Classic at Ontario Motor Speedway, promoted by Gavin Trippe and Bruce Cox, offered a $53,000 total purse, the biggest of its day by far and the equivalent of $285,000 today. The winner took home about $30,000, or roughly 160,000 in today’s dollars.
Good for Feld Motor Sports for creating this unprecedented opportunity for a rider to become an instant millionaire. I hope promoters in the other genres of motorcycle racing will follow Feld’s lead and create special big-money races.
(NEWS RELEASE)
Inaugural Monster Energy Cup Launches this Saturday at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium
Supercross legend Ricky Carmichael discusses the unique hybrid track design and race format. (Feld Motor Sports)
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (October 13, 2011) – A pre-race press conference was held today at Sam Boyd Stadium to preview Saturday night’s inaugural Monster Energy Cup, featuring supercross legend Ricky Carmichael, Best Trick competitor Kyle Loza, Super-Mini competitor Adam Cianciarulo and Amateur All-Star competitor Thomas Covington as well as open class riders Mike Alessi (Rockwell Suzuki), Justin Brayton (Team Honda Muscle Milk), Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM), Kevin Windham (GEICO Honda), Josh Hansen (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki) and Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki).
Ricky Carmichael:
“This race is a great opportunity for the sport and riders. When you’re racing and caught up in the moment aiming for $1 million, we forget about the tremendous exposure this race is getting, which is certainly going to open the door for opportunities down the road for everybody. The sky is the limit with this one.”
The Monster Energy Cup stands five feet tall and weighs 217 pounds. (Feld Motor Sports)
Ryan Villopoto:
“There are definitely some big jumps out here. We’ve been testing out the 2012 KX 450F, so we are in really good shape. It’s good to go out there and see where everybody is at.”
Kevin Windham:
“No matter how much you prepare for a race like this, you just don’t know what to expect because it’s so different. There are so many sections that can make for some exciting racing. Really, anybody can win a 10-lap event, so it should be interesting.”
Justin Brayton:
“To be racing with Team Honda Muscle Milk for the first time is really exciting for me. Winning the $1 million purse would be really neat. We’ve been doing a lot of testing, and after seeing the track today, I’m looking forward to giving it a shot.”
Mike Alessi:
“I feel really good on the new bike and am excited to get it on the hybrid track and see how we do. I definitely would like to take the trophy and million bucks home. As a rider that has to cover most of the finances for my team, winning a $1 million would be a tremendous help.”
Josh Hansen:
“It’s going to be a good race with some of the greatest riders. I’m stoked about the big jumps and technical sections. With a $1 million on the line, anything goes.”
Marvin Musquin:
“I’ve been practicing on the supercross track with Ryan Dungey testing suspension setup, so I am ready to battle the hybrid track.”
The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse, awarding the winner 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. (Feld Motor Sports)
Kyle Loza:
“I’m psyched for this “Best Trick” competition. I missed my chance to showcase the “bike flip” because of an injury, so I’m ready to give it a shot. The $40,000 prize is a big deal. Four guys are going home super mad and one is going home amped.”
Adam Cianciarulo:
“To be riding on a track designed by two of the sport’s greatest riders is in itself is awesome. Mixing in aspects of live television coverage on SPEED and racing in front of a packed house really makes this a great race for a younger rider.”
Thomas Covington:
“I’ve been training really hard at the Kawi track for this race, so we will see how it pays off. I’m really going to benefit from the experience I’ll receive, because it’s going to allow me to get a feel for what it’s like competing in supercross.”
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, awarding the winner 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.
For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305. To follow the Monster Energy Cup on Facebook and Twitter, log on to http://facebook.com/VegasMECup and http://twitter.com/VegasMECup.
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)
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is proud to announce that KTM North America will be the presenting sponsor for the 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.
“From the Penton motorcycles that established the KTM brand in America to the numerous championships that KTM riders have achieved in AMA-sanctioned off-road competition, KTM has made its mark on motorcycling in this country and abroad,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We are pleased and very appreciative that KTM North America has joined the AMA in our backing of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and our recognition of the esteemed class of 2011.”
The 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, kicks off the three-day AMA Legends & Champions Weekend. The ceremony will officially welcome five legends to the Hall of Fame: motocross promoter Stu Peters, magazine editor Phil Schilling, industry leader Fred Fox, roadracing champion Doug Polen and motorcycling pioneer Norbert Schickel.
In addition to the class of 2011, the induction ceremony will honor the careers of two existing Hall of Fame Legends: world champion icons Roger DeCoster and Kenny Roberts.
“KTM is excited to support and help elevate motorcycling’s history and heritage with our support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the class of 2011,” said KTM North America President Jon-Erik Burleson. “Of course, with ‘The Man’ Roger DeCoster, team manager of KTM’s U.S. Motocross and Supercross programs, taking the stage as a Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend this year, we are particularly thrilled to put our name on the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM.”
Following the induction of the class of 2011 on Friday, Nov. 18, the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend will continue on Saturday, Nov. 19, with the 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance bike show. The show will feature some of the country’s finest original and restored classic motorcycles. Then, on Sunday, Nov. 20, the AMA honors the best of the amateur racing community at the 2011 AMA Racing Championship Banquet.
A number of the weekend attendees are also expected to attend the season finale of the AMA GEICO EnduroCross Series on Saturday evening at the Orleans Arena. Ticket information is available at EnduroCross.com.
For a complete schedule of the AMA Legends & Champions Weekend, including information about tickets and room accommodations, visit http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/events/legendsandchampions.
For more information about KTM and the 2012 lineup, see KTMUSA.com.
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 Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
The Moto2 Championship leader will have one minute added to his qualifying time at the Iveco Australian Grand Prix, after Race Direction ruled he rode irresponsibly during the first practice session on Friday. Read what happened here.
Casey Stoner kept the rest of the field at bay once again on Friday at Phillip Island, leading the times from start to finish to close the first day of practice nearly three tenths of a second clear of Jorge Lorenzo, with Marco Simoncelli third. Read the details here.