Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

Suzuki continues to support U.S. motocross and road racers

BREA, CA (December 7, 2011) – American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is proud to announce the allocation of more than $4.2 million in contingency for the 2012 Motocross and Road Race seasons in the United States. For nearly three decades, ASMC has provided extensive contingency support to amateur and pro racers alike, and the 2012 season will be no different. Suzuki continues to reward racers who purchase the RM/RM-Z and GSX-R product lines and, in turn, support Suzuki dealers.

“Suzuki is proud to continue carrying on this long and significant tradition of providing support to our most dedicated racers,” said Pat Alexander, ASMC’s amateur support manager. “We are excited about seeing Suzuki riders on top of the podiums around the country, in both Motocross and Road Racing. I have been fortunate enough to see some of the world’s greatest racing talent competing for Suzuki contingency dollars in the past, and I look forward to enjoying that privilege again in the very near future.”

Over the course of the 2012 season, ASMC will be offering in excess of $4.2 million of contingency to racers who purchase 2011 or 2012 RM85/85L, RM-Z250, RM-Z450, GSX-R600, GSX-R750 or GSX-R1000 models. Complete details outlining the dates and locations of the 2012 Suzuki Contingency Program will be available soon on www.suzukicycles.com.

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.

(NEWS RELEASE)

AURORA, Ill. (December 7, 2011) – The 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season was widely considered to be the greatest of all time, following an intense battle for the championship that was contended by five riders throughout the 17-race season. Ryan Villopoto, Chad Reed, Ryan Dungey, James Stewart and Trey Canard each shared victories, keeping stadiums throughout the country filled to capacity. In the end, it was Villopoto who prevailed, leading the points for 15 weeks, and outlasting every challenge from his rivals to claim his first premier class title following two years marred by injury and illness.

For 2012, those five riders return, ready to rekindle the magic of last season, while many of the sport’s other recognizable names also enter the season looking to throw their names into the mix. The parity-driven championship last season was arguably the greatest season ever in the 37-year history of Monster Energy Supercross, and with a deeply-talented field of riders prepared to attack the tracks inside the most renowned stadiums in America, that trend should reach even greater heights.

The most poignant element of this season’s championship is a result of the amount of hardware achieved by the competitors ready to battle for the world title. For the first time since 1991, four past champions will take to the track. In fact, since the 2008 season, Reed, Stewart, Dungey and Villopoto have secured the past four titles, respectively.

While the veteran duo of Reed and Stewart have amassed Hall of Fame careers, establishing themselves in the upper half of the all-time wins list and garnering multiple championships, Villopoto, Dungey and Canard have taken the sport by storm since making the move into the Supercross class. Villopoto has grabbed numerous wins in three seasons of competition, while Dungey made history in 2010 when he became just the second rookie in history to win the title. As for Canard, his rookie campaign last season was highlighted by three impressive victories, but resulted in a premature end after he suffered a heartbreaking injury.

As a result, the sport is in the midst of a strong youth movement, led by this trio of young guns. However, despite the success of their younger rivals, both Reed and Stewart have shown that neither rider is ready to give way to their hard-charging successors. The respective motivation of each rider has led to exceptional racing and quite possibly the most competitive era the sport has ever seen.

Beyond the competition, 2012 is being tabbed as a significant season of change for many of the sport’s biggest names. Most notably are the respective moves of both Stewart and Dungey. After three years with San Manuel Yamaha, Stewart made a high-profile move to Joe Gibbs Racing and the Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX stable, while Dungey will compete professionally on a machine other than Suzuki for the first time in his young career, rejoining his mentor and team manager Roger DeCoster at Red Bull KTM.

“I am excited about joining the Gibbs racing family,” said Stewart, at his press conference to announce his signing with the team. “My goal in supercross is to pass Jeremy McGrath’s record of 72 supercross wins. I am more than half way there, and look forward to realizing that dream during my time with JGR.”

“I like the way that KTM has backed Roger since he made the switch last year, and I appreciate KTM’s goal of working hard to develop their race team to earn championships,” said Dungey, in KTM’s formal announcement. “I am making this switch to win races and work toward getting that (first) championship for KTM.”

Additionally, Reed will embark on his second year as a team owner and rider after an extremely successful first season. As the 2011 championship wore on, Reed received greater support from American Honda for his TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing effort, and one would expect that with even greater support from the successful brand for 2012, Reed will be that much better than a year before.

As for Canard, the highs and lows he experienced in 2011 will be sure to carry over into his sophomore season. Following two separate fractures of his previously-broken left femur in the span of eight months, Canard learned to appreciate the success he achieved in competition during his rookie season. They say there is no better motivator in the sport than being forced to watch from the sidelines, and Canard is a true testament to that. With a return to American Honda set for the upcoming season, Canard will be arguably the most eager rider to take to the track come January, and will look to make a statement early.

“Injuries are part of our sport,” Canard wrote in his Racer X Illustrated column. “But to be there and see everything that was going on was tough. Seeing the championships decided and realizing that I had no part of that was tough. But you know what? It’s also motivating to go there, because you realize how bad you missed it. It adds fuel to the fire to get back as soon as I can.”

However, after one of the most successful single seasons in AMA history in which Villopoto captured the Monster Energy Supercross and AMA Motocross crowns, in addition to leading Team USA to a seventh straight win at the Motocross of Nations, all eyes will be on the champion, who capped off the 2011 season by claiming the largest purse in the history of the sport with the Monster Energy Cup “Monster Million.”

Since making his move into the elite level of supercross in 2009, Villopoto experienced a slow, yet upward progression. The trials and tribulations he endured as a result of his misfortunes built a mature and fierce competitor that learned to take advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. In 2011, Villopoto took the championship by the horns, and was rewarded for it. With early access to his 2012 Monster Energy Kawasaki machine, Villopoto has already secured a leg up on the competition that he hopes will play to his advantage come January. He will look to become the first rider since Ricky Carmichael, in 2005 and 2006, to win back-to-back Monster Energy Supercross titles.

“It’s pretty unreal,” exclaimed Villopoto, following his Monster Energy Cup victory. “I’m happy we were able to pull it off. To back it up next year would be hard, so if we do, it would be great.”

Combine these five superstars with the long list of talented challengers like Andrew Short, Kevin Windham, Davi Millsaps, Justin Brayton, Ivan Tedesco, Mike Alessi, Brett Metcalfe, Jake Weimer and Josh Grant, to name a few, and you have what is arguably the most talented field of riders to ever line up on a starting gate.

The star-studded group of premier-class competitors are ready to duke it out over the course of 17 races in search of a World Championship. History has shown that anything can happen in the sport of supercross, and last season was a true indication of that. With four World Champions, eight Supercross Lites Regional Champions, and a total of 15 different riders who have won a Monster Energy Supercross race in either division, the extremely stacked field of riders set to enter Angel Stadium of Anaheim on January 7, is unlike anything ever seen before.

Monster Energy Supercross is at an all-time high in regards to parity, competitiveness, depth of talent, and overall speed of competition. The likes of the “Big Five” from one year ago have helped take the sport to new heights, ushering in a new era for the greatest spectacle in racing. It’d be hard to find a way to build on the “Greatest Season Ever” of 2011, but it would be no surprise of anyone in the industry if the competition in 2012 is an unpredictable as it is setting up to be.

For the first time in the sport’s history, SPEED will broadcast live coverage from the following 11 races: Anaheim Race 1, Phoenix, San Diego, Arlington, Atlanta, St. Louis, Daytona, Indianapolis, Toronto, Seattle and Las Vegas. Additionally, CBS Sports will provide next day coverage at Los Angeles, Oakland, Anaheim Race 2, Houston, New Orleans and Salt Lake City. Fans should check local TV listings for additional details.

The 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season gets underway in just a matter of weeks, from Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., on Saturday, January 7.

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)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Maggie McNally, the Northeast Region member representative on the AMA Board of Directors, has been elected vice chairwoman of the board. McNally, who has served on the board since 2009, is the first woman to hold the position.

“Maggie McNally has played an invaluable role in the leadership of the AMA,” said AMA Chairman of the Board Stan Simpson. “She’s been an active member of our nominating, state chapters and awards committees. We welcome her expanded responsibilities on the board as we strive to find new ways to promote and protect the motorcycling lifestyle.”

A longtime resident of Albany, N.Y., McNally is the third woman elected to the AMA Board of Directors. She follows Hazel Kolb, elected to the board in 1978, who served as secretary. Following Kolb’s death in 1990, Patty Mills replaced her on the board and later served as secretary. Mills remained on the board until early 1999.

“It’s an honor to represent individual members of the American Motorcyclist Association on the Board of Directors,” McNally said. “We currently face a number of challenges to the motorcycling lifestyle — from attacks on our right to ride to an economic climate that makes it difficult for many to experience the freedom on two wheels. I hope that in my new role I can effect positive change that will improve motorcycling for all of us.”

McNally was elected vice chairwoman to serve the remainder of former Director Jim Williams’ term, which runs through February 2012. At that time, McNally will need to run again to retain the post.

McNally is a longtime motorcyclist whose love for riding began when she was 11-years old and her cousin took her for a ride on a Triumph. A few years later, eager to disprove a naysayer who suggested that women don’t ride motorcycles, she got her riding permit and a 1972 Suzuki GT380. Today, McNally is an avid motorcyclist and a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach.

McNally says one of her major initiatives for next year will be promoting the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, which takes place July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev.

“Women are among the most passionate and dedicated motorcyclists and members of the AMA,” McNally said. “For the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, we’ll be working with some very enthusiastic individuals — those whose clubs and organizations will partner with the AMA as we work hard to make this the best women’s motorcycling conference ever.”

Registration for the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is now open to AMA members at the early-bird price of $125 through April 30, 2012, when it increases to $175. Register online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5b2rc65a3dc83f3

To contact McNally or other members of the AMA Board of Directors, please go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > About > Board.

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)

In Wake of Recent Controversy Gibson Leads Arenacross Class Field Into Fourth Round

AURORA, Ill. (December 7, 2011) – After a month-long break from competition, the 2012 AMA Arenacross Series season returns to action this weekend from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, of Wilkes Barre, Pa., for the fourth round of the championship. With two wins to his credit through the first five races, FMF Power/Poynt TUF Honda’s Jeff Gibson leads the Arenacross Class field into two nights of bar-to-bar competition, on Friday, December 9, and Saturday, December 10.

Gibson’s effort at the series’ previous stop in Madison, Wis., in November resulted in a victory on the opening night of competition, followed by a top-five effort to close out the weekend. Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki presented by Maxxis’ Tyler Bowers rebounded with a commanding win Saturday night; however, he was issued a loss of 22 points, a $1,250 fine and placed on probation by the AMA for excessive contact during the race.

“The current points standings reflect a penalty that was issued by the AMA following the Main Event in the Arenacross class on Friday November 11th in Madison,” said AMA Race Manager Harv Whipple. The appeal has been processed through the AMA office and is now considered complete.”

As a result, the 2009 champion holds a six-point lead over 2010 series champion, and Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki presented by Maxxis rider, Josh Demuth. The veteran duo have been exceptionally consistent throughout the early portion of the season, and carry the advantage as the AMA Arenacross Series gets back into action.

While Gibson and Demuth currently have control of the series standings, reigning AMA Arenacross Champion Bowers boasts the distinction of capturing the most wins of the season to this point, grabbing three checkered flags for Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki. He sits just one additional point behind his teammate, Demuth, in the series standings, occupying third. As the most recent winner in the series, he’ll be looking to build the momentum with another strong weekend in Wilkes Barre.

The competition to this point in the premier Arenacross Class has been exceptional. A handful of riders have found themselves at the front of the field throughout the first five main events, and lap times from top to bottom in the class are less than a second apart. Such close-knit speed is sure to results in unpredictable outcomes out on the track.

In addition to the Arenacross Class, the Eastern Regional Arenacross Lites Class Championship has also been the site of parity-driven competition. Four different riders have stood atop the podium after two rounds, and four main events. Through it all, Motocross Ministries Kawasaki’s Michael McDade has emerged as the points leader, holding just a one-point advantage over Dragon Racing Fuels/AG Motorsports KTM’s Michael Willard heading into Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.

The 2012 AMA Arenacross Series is making its return to Wilkes Barre for the first time since the 2009 season. Back-to-back nights of action from Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza kick off on Friday, December 9, before coming to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, December 10. Opening ceremonies for both nights begin at 7 p.m. ET.

Previous Round Results:

Alliant Energy Center – Madison, Wis.

November 11-12, 2011

Round 3 of 12

Arenacross Class Results Night One (Madison, Wis.)

1. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda
2. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki
3. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki
4. Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., KTM
5. Josh Demuth, North Richland Hills, Texas, Kawasaki
6. Kurt McCabe, Marion, Iowa, Honda
7. Tyler Bright, Hamer, S.C., KTM
8. Michael Willard, Newark, Ohio, KTM
9. Michael McDade, Indiana, Pa., Kawasaki
10. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, KTM

Arenacross Lites Class Results Night One (Madison, Wis.)

1. Michael Willard, Newark, Ohio, KTM

2. Dalton Carlson, Dayton, Minn., KTM

3. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., KTM

4. Steven Mages, Sardinia, Ohio, Kawasaki

5. Michael McDade, Indiana, Pa., Kawasaki

6. Tanner Moore, Auburn, Kan., KTM

7. Dave Ginolfi, Lake Hopatlong, N.J., KTM

8. Adam Gulley, Jonesburg, Mo., Kawasaki

9. Kevin Johnson, Spring, Texas, KTM

10. Kevin Markwardt, Freeport, Ill., Honda

Arenacross Class Results Night Two (Madison, Wis.)

1. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki
2. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki
3. Josh Demuth, North Richland Hills, Texas, Kawasaki
4. Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., KTM
5. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda
6. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., KTM
7. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Kawasaki
8. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, KTM
9. Tyler Bright, Hamer, S.C., KTM
10. Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda

Arenacross Lites Class Results Night Two (Madison, Wis.)

1. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, KTM
2. Michael Willard, Newark, Ohio, KTM
3. Steven Mages, Sardinia, Ohio, Kawasaki
4. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., KTM
5. T.J. Phillips, New Castle, Pa., Kawasaki
6. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki
7. Dave Ginolfi, Lake Hopatlong, N.J., KTM
8. Aaron Gulley, Jonesburg, Mo., Kawasaki
9. Patrick Massie, Washington Court House, Ohio, Honda
10. Sean Lipanovich, Tallahassee, Fla., Suzuki

Arenacross Class Points (After Race 5 of 19)

1. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda – 104
2. Josh Demuth, North Richland Hills, Texas, Kawasaki – 98
3. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki – 97
4. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki – 84
5. Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., KTM – 77
6. Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda – 72
7. Tyler Bright, Hamer, S.C., KTM – 56
8. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Kawasaki – 55
9. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, KTM – 50
10. Kurt McCabe, Marion, Iowa, Honda – 46

Eastern Regional Arenacross Lites Class Points (After Race 4 of 10)

1. Michael McDade, Indiana, Pa., Kawasaki – 70
2. Michael Willard, Newark, Ohio, KTM – 69
3. Dave Ginolfi, Lake Hopatlong, N.J., KTM – 64
4. Travis Sewell, Westfield, Ind., KTM – 59
5. Steven Mages, Sardinia, Ohio, Kawasaki – 54
6. T.J. Phillips, New Castle, Pa., Kawasaki – 44
7. Sean Lipanovich, Tallahassee, Fla., Suzuki – 34
8. Kevin Johnson, Spring, Texas, KTM – 34
9. Maxx Malatia, Itasca, Ill., Honda – 34
10. Cody Robbins, Huntersville, N.C., Kawasaki – 33

2012 Dash for Cash Winners:

Des Moines – Zach Ames

Baltimore Night One – Tyler Bowers

Baltimore Night Two – Tyler Bowers

Madison Night One – Willy Browning

Madison Night Two – Jeff Gibson

Live timing and scoring from each round of the AMA Arenacross Series returns for the 2012 season! To follow the intense racing action live, log onto www.Arenacross.com.

For more information on the 2012 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)

Öhlins Racing AB has the world’s first aftermarket electronic suspension system (ESA), designed to replace the electronically adjustable suspension on the BMW R 1200 GS ESA.

Hendersonville, North Carolina: Öhlins Racing AB has the world’s first aftermarket electronic suspension system (ESA), designed to replace the electronically adjustable suspension on the BMW R 1200 GS ESA. With its Öhlins TTX shocks and Öhlins ESA ECU, it’s the most advanced mechatronic suspension system available, from its dynamic mechanics to its autonomic electronics.

Öhlins’ mechatronic suspension system will be revealed to the USA market at the Long Beach, California IMS show this weekend, December 9-11. It will be on display at the Öhlins USA booth, number 1560, mounted and functioning on a 2011 BMW R 1200 GS ESA. Also on display will be new product for sportbikes, MX bikes, and American V-Twins from Milwaukee.

At the forefront in the development of electronically adjustable suspension, this latest mechatronic suspension system was developed out of Öhlins extensive experience with creating one of the World’s first production electronic suspension systems, found on the Ducati Multistrada. Equally, it evolved from Öhlins’ historic win in World Superbike with a Yamaha YZF-R1 fitted with electronic suspension in 2007, piloted by Noriyuki Haga. Öhlins’ performance reputation complements BMW’s heritage of quality, giving riders an appropriate upgrade for their touring needs.

The mechatronic system from Öhlins interacts directly with the R 1200 GS ESA’s primary ECU, plugging directly into the existing user interface. The kit includes front and rear TTX shocks, a wiring harness, and a dedicated ESA ECU, utilizing the OEM display and rider controls for adjustment. As evidence of its smart-as-heck intelligence, the Öhlins mechatronic system features a semi-active function, automatically adjusting the suspension damping in relationship to the motorcycle’s speed. With the latest technology of twin-tube TTX shocks mated to a brilliant ECU, the mechatronic system from Öhlins provides a double upgrade: an athlete-grade suspension mated to head-of-the-class electronics.

Using the BMW controls on the handlebars, the Öhlins system allows the rider to choose between BMW’s multiple driving modes and damping levels, along with various spring pre-load settings on the rear shock. But that’s not all. In ‘Comfort’ mode, the Öhlins ECU monitors the bike’s speed, and when it exceeds 80kph (49mph) the suspension’s damping is automatically altered to the firmer ‘Normal’ setting. When the speed exceeds 120kph (74mph), the damping is further increased to ‘Sport’ mode, for a more sporting controllability. When the speeds decrease, the damping reverts back to its original settings through the intermediate ‘Normal’ mode. This feature makes Öhlins’ ESA replacement system the World’s first autonomic aftermarket suspension system.

The Öhlins mechatronic suspension system also allows riders to customize the spring rate on their R 1200 GS ESA through fitment of new springs as well as have their shocks fully serviced and maintained by one of the many specialist Öhlins Centers across the USA. The Öhlins BMW R1200GS ESA replacement system is now available, at the incredibly low MSRP of $3,279.00.

Öhlins USA distributes and services the world’s leading performance suspension for automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. 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. www.Ohlinsusa.com.