Rider Files

Yamaha’s Anthony Gobert proved once again at Road America in June of 2001 that he was one of the best rain riders in the world. The then 26-year-old Australian survived an off-track excursion and a resulting near crash to charge back and pass Miguel Duhamel to take his second AMA Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike victory of the 2001 season.

Canadian Duhamel finished second on his Honda, his first podium of the season. Nicky Hayden, 19, of Owensboro, Ky., finished third on another Honda. Series leader Mat Mladin crashed twice, but got a break when his Suzuki teammate Jamie Hacking crashed and brought out the red flag. Mladin made the restart and took seventh.

Gobert lost the lead when he ran off the circuit in Turn Seven. He had to negotiate a gravel trap and another downed bike, but was able to get back on course in fourth. After his off-road excursion, Gobert ran a torrid pace (nearly five-seconds per lap faster than Duhamel and Hacking) and on lap 11 passed both to go back in the lead.

From that point on it was no contest. Gobert pulled out to over a five-second margin of victory. Duhamel finished alone in second after Hacking crashed a second time and retired from the race on lap 12. Nicky Hayden was the beneficiary of Hacking’s mistake and took the checkered flag third.

AMA Chevy Trucks Superbikes
Sunday
At Road America
ELKHART LAKE, Wis.
Lap length: four miles

1. Anthony Gobert, Australia, Yamaha R7, 16.
2. Miguel Duhamel, Canada, Honda RC51, 16.
3. Nicky Hayden, Owensboro, Ky., Honda RC51, 16.
4. Andreas Meklau, Austria, Ducati 996, 16.
5. Eric Bostrom, Las Vegas, Kawasaki ZX7, 16.
6. Tommy Hayden, Owensboro, Ky., Yamaha R7, 16.
7. Mat Mladin, Australia, Suzuki GSXR750, 16.
8. Jordan Szoke, Canada, Harley-Davidson VR1000, 16.
9. Doug Chandler, Salinas, Calif., Kawasaki ZX7, 16.
10. John Jacobi, Carmel, Ind., Suzuki GSXR750, 16.
11. Andrew Deatherage, Cleveland, Suzuki GSXR750, 16.
12. Roger Hendricks, Ham Lake, Minn., Suzuki GSXR750, 16.
13. Dean Mizdal, Huntington Beach, Calif., Suzuki GSXR750, 15.
14. Alan Schmidt, Canada, Suzuki GSXR750, 15.
15. Brett Ray, West Frankfort, Ill., Suzuki GSXR750, 15.
16. Brett Boyd, Madison, Wis., Suzuki GSXR750, 15.
17. Michael Smith, Canton, Ga., Harley-Davidson VR1000, 15.
18. Richard Shaw, Princeton, Fla., Suzuki GSXR750, 15.
19. Jeffrey Purk, Des Moines, Iowa, Suzuki GSXR750, 14.
20. Aaron Yates, Milledgeville, Ga., Suzuki GSXR750, 13.
21. Jamie Hacking, Boiling Springs, S.C., Suzuki GSXR750, 12.
22. Greg Fryer, Blaine, Minn., Yamaha R7, 10.
23. Mike Walsh, Canada, Yamaha R7, 9.
24. Mauro Cereda, Sarasota, Fla., Suzuki GSXR750, 7.
25. Larry Pegram, Baltimore, Ohio, Ducati 996, 6.
26. Steve Rapp, Lafayette, Calif., Ducati 996, 4.
27. Kurtis Roberts, Hickman, Calif., Honda RC51, 4.
28. Randall Mennenga, Freeport, Ill., Suzuki GSXR750, 2.
29. Pascal Picotte, Canada, Harley-Davidson VR1000, 0.

Race Statistic
Time of race: No time due to red flag.
Margin of victory: 5.591 seconds.
Lap leaders: Duhamel 1-2, 7-11. Gobert 3-6, 12-16.

Point standings (after six of 14 rounds):
1. Mat Mladin (198).
2. Eric Bostrom (163).
3. Tommy Hayden (139).
4. Doug Chandler (138).
5. Nicky Hayden (136).

The first day of the Official MotoGP™ Test of 2012 at the Sepang International Circuit finished with the Yamaha Factory Racing rider on top of the timesheet and pleased with his new 1000cc YZR-M1. Stoner sat out the first day of testing and hopes to participate tomorrow. Read more.

Tuesday will see the majority of the premier class converge on track aboard 1000cc bikes at the Sepang International Circuit for the first Official MotoGP™ Test of 2012. Read more.

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) member Randy Odom of St. Louis will take his dual-sport passion to an entirely new level this summer. That’s because the 29-year-old Odom just got an unexpected bonus for riding in last year’s AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series: a 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F from 2011 series sponsor KTM North America.

The annual AMA drawing, conducted by independent auditing and accounting firm Plante & Moran of Columbus, Ohio, included participants in all of the AMA events on the national dual-sport calendar.

“Man, this is awesome,” said Odom, whose current bike is a 10-year old 125cc two-stroke. “My boss got me into dual sports, and I’ve been having the best time ever. Everybody on these rides is great. They’re friendly. They’re helpful. Everyone is a die-hard rider. The riding is super challenging, but without the full-on pressure of a flat-out race. It’s great. I can’t think of a better time on a motorcycle.”

KTM North America Inc. President Jon-Erik Burleson said he’s excited to see the 350 EXC-F go to someone who appreciates the new bike as much as Odom.

“It’s great that someone like Randy, who has wanted to be a part of the KTM family for so long, can now count himself among the orange-bleeders,” Burleson said. “These guys are the heart and soul of our customer base. I hope Randy enjoys his new KTM for years to come.”

Odom, a long-time off-road rider, says the people who ride and organize the individual events on the AMA’s national dual-sport calendar represent some of motorcycling’s friendliest people. He said one of his favorite rides is the Show Me 200, put on by the Midwest Trail Riders Association in Bixby, Mo.

“I loved it,” Odom said. “I rode that, and I got hooked. It’s all types of terrain. It has the best of everything. Maybe best of all, I get to keep my wheels on the ground and stay pretty safe. My wife definitely approves! In fact, I just sent my check off to ride the 2012 Show Me 200. Plus, at all these events, we appreciate the AMA and the clubs that are part of the AMA and everything the AMA does for riders.”

With the 2012 season set to begin soon, stay tuned for exciting news on this year’s dual-sport series, including a full schedule and more. Keep an eye on AmericanMotorcyclist.com for the latest news and updates.

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 the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

(NEWS RELEASE)

For Immediate Release: January 30, 2012

Hendersonville, North Carolina: It’s a podium followed by a podium for Zach Osborne in the Monster Energy Supercross Lite West Series, on his Team Monster Energy BikeIt Cosworth Yamaha YZ250F, fitted end-to-end with Öhlins suspension. Osborne followed up his third-place finish last week with a third-place finish this week, in Saturday’s SX event in Oakland, California, at the Overstock.com Coliseum. Smooth.

Clocking the second-fastest time in his Heat, Osborne earned gate number-four for his start in the Main, where he launched off into about eighth-place into the first turn. Osborne quickly made a handful of passes and was immediately also aided by errors of others, finding himself suddenly in second.

At the other end of the race, with just two laps to go, Osborne was passed for position to finish a close third at the checkers, less than two-seconds behind second, and more than two-seconds in front of fourth. Osborne’s consistency throughout the season has catapulted him into sole ownership of third-in-points, a mere six points from second place. And he did it all just for fun.

After the race Osborne said, “I was comfortable all day and thought I’d be in contention for a podium, maybe the win. In my Heat I didn’t have a great start but rode well to finish second. In the Main, after just a few laps, I rode a little tight and had some arm pump. I think that seeing the others make mistakes and fall in front of me caused me to over-think things a bit and tighten up. Early off I was running at around eighth and then pretty suddenly I was in second. I never really regained the speed I knew I had, though third is a really good finish. Everything with the bike was comfortable and great, showing how pre-season testing with Marty from Öhlins USA has paid off. ”

Using these races as pre-season testing for his real job, South Carolinian Osborne will no longer be competing for the SX Lites West Championship in the USA, but has now headed off to Europe to compete in the MX2 World Championship Series. His first race overseas is March 11, in the British Championship Series, and then the MX2 World Championship Series starts its season April 9, in the Netherlands. But don’t despair, Osborne has announced that next year he will challenge for the SX Lites Championship here at home.

Öhlins USA distributes and services the world’s leading performance suspension components for automobiles, motorcycles, and ATVs. Öhlins develops its proprietary and trend-setting suspension components, steering dampers and oils, 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. Öhlins USA can be contacted at: 828-692-4525; www.Ohlinsusa.com

Not Since 1976 Have There Been Four Different Winners Through Four Races

AURORA, Ill. (January 30, 2012) – Entering the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season, the attention surrounded the four former champions who were set to wage war inside the most storied and popular stadiums in North America. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto – the reigning World Champion, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda’s Chad Reed, Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey, and Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX’s James Stewart had all reached the sport’s pinnacle over the past four seasons and were ready to provide the world with a sure-to-be-memorable 2012 championship. Now, after four races, each rider has taken his turn atop the podium and as the season makes its return to Anaheim’s Angel Stadium this weekend, the Supercross Class Championship is still wide open.

Press Day is Thursday, February 2, from Noon-2:00 p.m., featuring Monster Energy Kawasaki riders Ryan Villopoto and Jake Weimer, along with MotoConcepts Suzuki’s Mike Alessi, Jeff Alessi, and Vince Friese.

Stewart’s maiden victory of the 2012 season last weekend in Oakland also signified his first win as a member of the Joe Gibbs Racing team. The two-time Monster Energy Supercross Champion stayed on two wheels throughout the entire 20-lap main event for the first time this year, and was rewarded for it, passing Reed for the lead on Lap 9 and pulling away. While Stewart took the checkered flag, Reed secured the runner-up effort, fending off the challenges of Villopoto, who finished third. Dungey overcame a 10th-place start to finish off the podium for the first time in 2012, in fourth.

It was a special race for the entire Joe Gibbs Racing organization, which enjoyed just its second Monster Energy Supercross win in four years, and also signified a historic moment in the 39-year history of the sport.

For the first time since 1976 – when the Monster Energy Supercross Championship consisted of just six races – there are four different winners through the first four races of the season. Even more impressive yet, each of these four riders have claimed at least one Monster Energy Supercross title, which has only been achieved one previous time since the inception of the championship, during the 1985 season. However, never before have four former champions won consecutive races, particularly to start a season.

Despite being just a month into the 2012 schedule, this is the most parity in the history of Monster Energy Supercross and as a result, the championship is exceptionally close heading back to Anaheim. Currently, just 12 points separate these four riders, with Dungey and Reed sharing possession of the red number plate atop the standings. Villopoto sits a mere two points back of the leaders, while Stewart’s victory helped bring him to within a dozen points of the lead duo. Additionally, each of the four title favorites has captured at least two podium results through the first four races.

In the fourth race of the Western Regional Supercross Lites Championship, GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac became the first rider in all of Monster Energy Supercross to become a repeat winner in 2012. The sophomore rider capitalized on a strong start, and the misfortune of Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson and Rockstar Energy Racing Suzuki’s Martin Davalos, to maintain control of the red number plate as the championship leader, and extend his advantage in the standings to 15 points over Wilson.

Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin tied a career-best finish with his second runner-up effort in three weeks, while Monster Energy/BikeIt/Cosworth Yamaha’s Zach Osborne rounded out the podium. Osborne has now posted back-to-back third-place finishes, vaulting him to third in the championship. Wilson recovered from his Lap 2 misfortune to climb from 19th to 10th in the main event.

Last year during the second visit to Anaheim, Stewart put forth his most convincing effort of the 2011 season to capture his third win of that championship. In the Supercross Lites Class, Josh Hansen overcame a broken hand suffered in practice earlier in the day, to take his third win of the season for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki.

The first race held in Anaheim was on December 4, 1976. Marty Smith won on a Honda. Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath share the all-time Supercross Class win record at Angel Stadium with eight wins apiece. In the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class, three riders have swept each event at Angel Stadium: Hansen, Villopoto, Ivan Tedesco and Ernesto Fonseca. Villopoto, Stewart, Kevin Windham and McGrath are the only riders in history to win in the Supercross Lites Class and Supercross Class at Anaheim.

CBS will broadcast the Supercross class race at 12:00pm EST on Sunday February 5, 2012.

Tickets are available at the Angel Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000, SupercrossOnline.com, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Practice and qualifying begin at 12:30 p.m., and the main event begins at 7:00 p.m. Club Level tickets are available for $75 Adult/Child; Diamond Club and Field $50 Adult/Child; Price Level 3 $40 Adult/Child; Price Level 4 $35 Adult/Child and Supervalue $20 Adult/Child. Fans can also get into the Pits for FREE from 12:30-6 p.m. Race Day when they recycle a MONSTER Energy Can at the stadium Pit Entrance (valid only with event ticket).

Supercross Class Results: Oakland

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha

2. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda

3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki

4. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM

5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda

6. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda

7. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha

8. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki

9. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda

10. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki

Supercross Class Season Standings

Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 85
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 85
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 83
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 73
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 61
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 58
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 52
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 47
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 45
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 42

Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Results: Oakland

1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda

2. Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM

3. Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha

4. Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Yamaha

5. Matt Moss, Sussex Inlet, Australia, KTM

6. Travis Baker, Temecula, Calif., Honda

7. Nico Izzi, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha

8. Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda

9. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki

10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki

Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 88
Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki – 73
Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha – 67
Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM – 64
Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki – 60
Cole Seely, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 57
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki – 53
Nico Izzi, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha – 46
Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda – 45
Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Yamaha – 43

Past Winners in Anaheim

Supercross Class

February 5, 2011: James Stewart

January 8, 2011: Ryan Villopoto

February 13, 2010: Ryan Villopoto

January 23, 2010: Ryan Dungey

January 9, 2010: James Stewart

February 7, 2009: James Stewart

January 17, 2009: James Stewart

January 3, 2009: Josh Grant

January 5, 2008: Chad Reed

January 19, 2008: Chad Reed

February 2, 2008: Chad Reed

January 6, 2007: James Stewart

January 20, 2007: James Stewart

February 3, 2007: James Stewart

January 7, 2006: James Stewart

January 21, 2006: Ricky Carmichael

February 4, 2006: Ricky Carmichael

January 8, 2005 Kevin Windham

January 22, 2005 Ricky Carmichael

February 5, 2005 Ricky Carmichael

January 3, 2004 Chad Reed

January 17, 2004 Chad Reed

January 31, 2004 Kevin Windham

January 4, 2003: Chad Reed

January 18, 2003: Ricky Carmichael

February 1, 2003: Ricky Carmichael

January 5, 2002: David Vuillemin

January 19, 2002: Mike LaRocco

February 2, 2002: Ricky Carmichael

January 6, 2001: Jeremy McGrath

January 20, 2001: Jeremy McGrath

February 3, 2001: Ricky Carmichael

January 8, 2000: Jeremy McGrath

January 15, 2000: Jeremy McGrath

January 9, 1999: Ezra Lusk

February 6, 1999: Ezra Lusk

January 27, 1996: Jeremy McGrath

January 28, 1995: Jeremy McGrath

January 29, 1994: Jeremy McGrath

January 23, 1993: Jeremy McGrath

January 25, 1992: Damon Bradshaw

January 26, 1991: Jeff Stanton

January 27, 1990: Damon Bradshaw

January 28, 1989: Rick Johnson

January 31, 1987: Jeff Ward

January 18, 1986: David Bailey

February 2, 1985: Broc Glover

January 28, 1984: Johnny O’Mara

January 29, 1983: David Bailey

January 30, 1982: Donnie Hansen

January 31, 1981: Kent Howerton

November 17, 1979: Kent Howerton

November 11, 1978: Gaylon Mosier

November 12, 1977: Bob Hannah

December 4, 1976: Marty Smith

Supercross Lites Class

February 5, 2011: Joshua Hansen

January 8, 2011: Joshua Hansen

February 13, 2010: Trey Canard

January 23, 2010: Jake Weimer

January 9, 2010: Jake Weimer

February 7, 2009: Jake Weimer

January 17, 2009: Ryan Dungey

January 3, 2009: Jake Weimer

January 5, 2008: Ryan Dungey

January 19, 2008: Ryan Dungey

February 2, 2008: Jason Lawrence

January 6, 2007: Ryan Villopoto

January 20, 2007: Ryan Villopoto

February 3, 2007: Ryan Villopoto

January 7, 2006: Andrew Short

January 21, 2006: Grant Langston

February 4, 2006: Grant Langston

January 8, 2005 Nathan Ramsey

January 22, 2005 Ivan Tedesco

February 5, 2005 Ivan Tedesco

January 3, 2004 Ivan Tedesco

January 17, 2004 Ivan Tedesco

January 31, 2004 Ivan Tedesco

January 4, 2003: Travis Preston

January 18, 2003: James Stewart Jr.

February 1, 2003: James Stewart Jr.

January 5, 2002: Travis Preston

January 19, 2002: David Pingree

February 2, 2002: Brock Sellards

January 6, 2001: Ernesto Fonseca

January 20, 2001: Ernesto Fonseca

February 3, 2001: Ernesto Fonseca

January 8, 2000: David Pingree

January 15, 2000: Tallon Vohland

January 9, 1999: Casey Johnson

February 6, 1999: Nathan Ramsey

January 27, 1996: Kevin Windham

January 28, 1995: Damon Huffman

January 29, 1994: Damon Huffman

January 9, 1993: Damon Huffman

January 25, 1992: Jeremy McGrath

January 26, 1991: Jeremy McGrath

January 27, 1990: Michael Craig

January 28, 1989: Jeff Matiasevich

January 31, 1987: Jeff Matiasevich

January 18, 1986: Tyson Vohland

February 2, 1985: Mike Healy

Tune into the enhanced exclusive weekly video content from Supercross LIVE! during the entire 2012 season on SupercrossOnline.com, the Official Website of Monster Energy Supercross.

Weekly Supercross LIVE! Video Content Schedule

The Official Supercross LIVE! Pre-Show Race Days at 11 AM Local Race Time
Behind the Scenes with Supercross LIVE! All Day on Race Days
2 Minutes on the Track Race Days at 3:30 & 5:30 PM Local Race Time
And on the Podium Tonight Following Each Round’s Main Events
The Official Supercross LIVE! Post-Show Saturday Nights at Each Round
Toyota Tailgate Talk Wednesdays at 5 PM ET
After The Checkered Flag Thursdays at 5PM ET

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross. 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.

Here’s a photo that is a bit strange because I don’t recall the circumstances of this machine and I followed this rider’s career closely. This is Ed Key racing in the AMA 250 Grand Prix class at Road America in 1988. Key rode a Honda RS250 in the series during this era, so I’m guessing there’s a Honda under this bodywork. Key was a Wisconsinite, so looking at this bodywork and putting two and two together I would bet this faring is a creation of Erik Buell, but I don’t know for sure. I’m certain someone knows the story of this bike. If so please leave a comment below to fill us in.

The Speed Master Team have reached an agreement for Mattia Pasini to pilot their ART (Aprilia Racing Technology) CRT bike in the MotoGP™ class. Read more.

Kevin Johnson Races to Third Arenacross Lites Class Victory

CEDAR PARK, Texas (January 27, 2012) – The AMA Arenacross Series kicked off its eighth round of the season on Friday night with its debut from Cedar Park, Texas. The inaugural night of action from the Cedar Park Center resulted in the first win of the season for Team Faith KTM’s Kelly Smith, of Ludington, Mich., leading the way for a sweep for the veteran Team Faith squad. Earlier in the evening, Smith’s teammate Kevin Johnson, of Spring, Texas, grabbed his third win of the season in front of his hometown crowd.

Foremost Insurance/Spinechillers/Storm Lake Honda’s Nathan Skaggs, of Chillicothe, Ohio, took control of the early lead in the 25-lap Arenacross Class Main Event, with FMF Power/Poynt TUF Honda’s Jeff Gibson, of Blacklick, Ohio, and Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki presented by Maxxis’ Tyler Bowers, of Danville, Ky., close behind. On Lap 2, Gibson made his way past Skaggs while Bowers was hit with misfortune and fell to the ground.

While Gibson looked to pull away and potentially gain considerable ground on his championship rival, Smith moved into second and set his sights on the lead. Bowers remounted in 14th place and instantly began to work his way through the field.

Three laps later, Smith’s pressure on Gibson was rewarded, as he made the winning pass. Gibson tried to keep pace, but couldn’t get the gap below a second. Meanwhile, Bowers set a torrid pace in his climb through the pack, working his way into podium position in the final handful of laps.

Smith pulled away to win by almost three seconds over Gibson, while Bowers battled up to third, losing only two points to Gibson in the championship standings.

In the 18-lap Arenacross Lites Class Main Event, Johnson had the opportunity to make the most of a tough night after bike issues forced him to miss qualifying for the Arenacross Class Main Event earlier in the evening.

Hansen Racing Kawasaki’s Nick Myers, of Collinsville, Texas, grabbed the holeshot and hoped to grab a big win in front of his hometown crowd. As the field reached the halfway point, Johnson made his move and began to pull away.

Myers helped make it a 1-2 finish for home state riders, while Reed & Reese KTM’s Dave Ginolfi, of Lake Hopatcong, N.J., rounded out the podium in third after a hard-fought battle with BWREngines.com Honda’s Kyle White, of Freeport, Ill.

The Cedar Park Arenacross continues tomorrow night, with a final evening of action from the Cedar Park Center. The action kicks off at 7 p.m. CT.

Arenacross Class Results (Cedar Park, Texas)
1.Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., KTM
2.Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda
3.Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki
4.Cole Siebler, Emmett, Idaho, Honda
5.Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Kawasaki
6.Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki
7.Michael Willard, Newark, Ohio, KTM
8.Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda
9.Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, KTM
10.Brad Ripple, Cypress, Texas, Honda

Arenacross Lites Class Results (Cedar Park, Texas)

1. Kevin Johnson, Spring, Texas, KTM

2. Nick Myers, Collinsville, Texas, Kawasaki

3. Dave Ginolfi, Lake Hopatcong, N.J., KTM

4. Kyle White, Freeport, Ill., Honda

5. Michael Willard, Newark, Ohio, KTM

6. Daniel Blair, Lodi, Calif., KTM

7. Steven Mages, Sardinia, Ohio, Kawasaki

8. Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki

9. Kevin Markwardt, Freeport, Ill., Honda

10. Patrick Massie, Washington Court House, Ohio, Honda

Arenacross Class Points (After Race 13 of 19)
1.Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki (8 wins) – 280
2.Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda (2 wins) – 267
3.Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki (2 wins) – 233
4.Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., KTM (1 win) – 211
5.Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda – 186
6.Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Kawasaki – 180
7.Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, KTM – 140
8.Josh Demuth, North Richland Hills, Texas, Kawasaki – 127
9.Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., KTM – 111
10.Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 95

Western Regional Arenacross Lites Class Points (After Race 4 of 9)
1.Chad Cook, Oklahoma City, Okla., Kawasaki – 60
2.Tanner Moore, Auburn, Kan., KTM – 56
3.Kevin Markwardt, Freeport, Ill., Honda – 48
4.Patrick Massie, Washington Court House, Ohio, Honda – 35
5.Cody Church, Grand Junction, Colo., Kawasaki – 25
6.Nick Myers, Collinsville, Texas, Kawasaki – 22
7.Brandon Marley, McEwen, Tenn., KTM – 19
8.Jake Locks, Dixon, Calif., KTM – 12
9.Aviery Hickey, Southlake, Texas, Honda – 11
10.Shawn Rife, Mechanicsburg, Ohio, Honda – 7

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.