Rider Files

Damon Harvey races the Arclight Racing II Honda CBR900RR in front of Team Suzuki Endurance rider Chuck Graves coming onto the front straight at Putnam Park Road Course in Mt. Meridian, Indiana, on May 22, 1993. Riding a Suzuki GSXR1100, Team Suzuki’s Graves and Kurt Hall went on to win that day’s WERA Power-Mist/Performance Machine 6-Hour Endurance National. Arclight Racing II finished third in the Heavyweight Superbike class, sixth overall, with Doug Bell, Tony Tugwell and Pete Martins sharing riding chores with Harvey. If Harvey looks big on the CBR it’s because he was one of the taller road racers in WERA, standing at around 6’ 4” tall.

Damon Harvey races the Arclight Racing II Honda CBR900RR in front of Team Suzuki Endurance rider Chuck Graves coming onto the front straight at Putnam Park Road Course in Mt. Meridian, Indiana, during a WERA National Endurance race on May 22, 1993. (Larry Lawrence photo)

(NEWS RELEASE)

For Immediate release: May 7, 2012

The “Advanced Suspension Technology” of Öhlins was proven again this weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, with the Erik Buell Racing 1190RS ridden to the company’s first ever AMA Pro Superbike podium, piloted by racer Danny Eslick.

Hendersonville, North Carolina: The “Advanced Suspension Technology” of Öhlins was proven again this weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, with the Erik Buell Racing 1190RS ridden to the company’s first ever AMA Pro Superbike podium, piloted by racer Danny Eslick.

To assist Eslick’s team, Öhlins USA technician Brad Stokes was assigned to work closely with them, immediately showing with results that a competitive suspension is more than just dampers, having as much to do with the symbiotic relationship of rider, team and Öhlins USA technician. Eslick connected with confidence and earned third-place on his Team Hero EBR 1190RS in Saturday’s Superbike Race One, joining the fellow Öhlins riders of race-winner Josh Hayes on his Monster Energy Graves Yamaha, and second-place finisher Blake Young on his Yoshimura Racing Suzuki, for a Superbike podium sweep.

Both Superbike races were Öhlins wins with Blake Young earning the prize in Sunday’s race, and the points lead for the season.

This top-three sweep and historic first Superbike podium for the EBR 1190RS, with its Öhlins fitment, was complemented by a podium sweep in Sunday’s GoPro Daytona Sportbike race, where Team Latus Motors Racing‘s Jason DiSalvo took his first win of the season on the Triumph Daytona 675. DiSalvo was followed by Tommy Hayden of the team YES Graves Yamaha Racing, with Joey Pascarella taking third for SGA Racing Yamaha Champions Riding School; each of them on a YZF-R6. DiSalvo also earned a second-place finish in Saturday’s Daytona SportBike race, with Cameron Beaubier stepping up to third on his Öhlins equipped Yamaha.

Another win for Öhlins at Infineon was Dustin Dominguez taking the checkered first in Saturday’s Motorcycle-Superstore.com SportSport race for Team Latus Motors Racing. Dominguez backed up his win with a second-place finish on Sunday.

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

A Canadian dealer is attempting to return a Harley-Davidson swept away by last year’s tsunami back to its owner — 4,400 miles away in Japan. Read more.

(NEWS RELEASE)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 7, 2012) – MX Sports Pro Racing and Alli Sports, a division of the NBC Sports, announced today that Kawasaki will become an Official Motorcycle Manufacturer of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Additionally, Kawasaki will also play an integral role at the track, on television, and on the web.

Located in Irvine, Calif., Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., is one of the most successful names in Lucas Oil Motocross history, garnering a combined 24 titles in the 250 and 450 classes in 40 years of competition. Last season, the brand was the bike for both Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champions, in Ryan Villopoto (450 Class) and Dean Wilson (250 Class).

“We are exceptionally proud of our racing heritage and the 24 championships we have shared with a very talented group of athletes,” said Chris Brull, Kawasaki’s Director of Marketing. “Kawasaki’s involvement with the Nationals provides a way to both support the growth of the sport and reinforce our commitment to racing enthusiasts.”

“The Kawasaki partnership is a deeply-integrated program that will bring many new benefits to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship,” said Mark Carter, General Manager of Motocross, Alli Sports. “We are looking forward to elevating this property as we work alongside Kawasaki to bring new experiences to the fans.”

As part of being an official partner of Lucas Oil Motocross, Kawasaki will have a presence through multiple avenues of the series. At the races, the Kawasaki Teryx4TM will be the Official On-Track Side x Side of the Nationals. The Teryx4 is a four-seat UTV capable of tackling almost any terrain, making it a perfect fit for navigating the most iconic tracks in the country.

On each of the NBC Sports and FUEL TV broadcasts of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Kawasaki will serve as the presenting partner of the Racer X Track Maps, giving viewers a unique perspective of each of the 12 national tracks.

On the Web, the return of the AlliSports.com Live Stream, featuring the opening motos at all 12 rounds of the season, will come to viewers thanks to Kawasaki’s support. The company will be the presenting partner of this hugely-popular feature, providing exclusive online content at no cost to motocross fans around the globe.

The 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will commence in just a couple weeks, kicking off on May 19 from Sacramento, Calif., and the legendary Hangtown Motocross Classic.

Tickets for all 12 rounds of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship can be found at www.allisports.com.

For additional information please visit AlliSports.com/motocross also, “like” the American Motocross Facebook page, “follow” @AmericanMX on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and information on the latest Lucas Oil Motocross news and developments.

For media information about the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, please contact MX Sports Pro Racing via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world’s most prestigious motocross series – the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. 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 Sports
Alli Sports is an action sports lifestyle brand whose mission is to connect fans with athletes and brands through best in class events, media, and authentic branded products. Alli Sports includes: the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour; Alli Media which creates, produces, and distributes original content; Alli Ride Shop an online retailer carrying top skate and BMX consumer products; and Alli MotoShop an online retailer carrying top moto consumer products. Alli Sports is owned by NBC Sports. More information can be found at 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 Pro Motocross Championship.” Visit www.LucasOil.com.

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Side x Sides, and personal watercraft through a network of more than 1,350 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with 300 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.TM”, is recognized worldwide. For five decades, the Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.

NBC Sports Group
When the Comcast-NBCUniversal transaction was completed in January of 2011, the broad reach and storied history of NBC Sports united with Comcast’s 24/7 ability to super-serve fans to create the NBC Sports Group. The new sports media company consists of an array of broadcast television, cable television and digital sports assets, including NBC Sports & Olympics, Golf Channel, Versus, 11 SportNets (regional sports networks) and their respective websites. Together, the new combined assets of the NBC Sports Group possess an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the Olympics, NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, USGA, IndyCar, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Wimbledon, French Open, Tour de France and Kentucky Derby.

OnTheThrottle.TV visits LTD Racing’s Huntley Nash between rounds one and two of the 2012 AMA Pro Racing Superbike Series. In his natural habitat just outside of Marietta, Georgia, we spend a day in the life with the road racer as he rides motocross at nearby Durhamtown Plantation. Huntley also pedals his Wilier Triestina bicycle and meets up with the company’s US President Angelo Cilli.

After round one at Daytona International Speedway, Huntley Nash gives us the inside scoop on how he prepares for round two at Road Atlanta– from enjoying post-race apple pie to training hard cycling and riding motorcross. Watch as we tour “casa de Nash” and peek inside the LTD Racing garage.

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to welcome Moto Armory as the presenting sponsor of the 2012 AMA Motocross Vintage Grand Championships, presented by Moto Armory, taking place at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days July 20-22 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

“Moto Armory is the leader in commercially available museum-quality vintage motocross bike restorations, which makes them a perfect fit for the AMA Vintage Grand Championships,” said AMA Director of Operations Jack Penton. “Their display is wonderful eye candy for racers of all ages, and their presence at the AMA Motocross Vintage Grand Championships, presented by Moto Armory, will elevate the event and bring additional support to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

With proceeds supporting the Hall of Fame, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the country’s premier celebration of vintage motorcycles and motorcycling heritage. In addition to the AMA Vintage Grand Championships, which include national championship roadracing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track, the event includes North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, bike shows, stunt shows, demo rides of current production bikes, and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts.

“AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and the AMA Vintage Grand Championships are without question one of the best times you can have around motorcycles,” said Moto Armory’s Tom Reese. “We are excited to sponsor the motocross portion of the national championship event with the AMA Motocross Vintage Grand Championships, presented by Moto Armory. We will be on location in full force and welcome racers and fans of all disciplines to check out our display.”

The AMA Motocross Vintage Grand Championships, presented by Moto Armory, feature skill-, age- and displacement-based classes for vintage, post-vintage and non-current motorcycles. The event draws everyone from first-time vintage competitors to some of the country’s best vintage racers. Sign up is available now at AMAVintageMotorcycleDays.com > Register to Race.

In addition, AMA members can purchase a weekend pass to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for $35, a $10 savings off the regular advance rate, and a one-day pass for $20, a $5 savings off the regular advance rate. The AMA member discount is in addition to the regular $10 savings on advance ticket purchases, and there is no service charge for AMA members when purchasing through the AMA. Kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult.

AMA member pricing, available through May 28, is only available by calling the AMA directly at (800) 262-5646.

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, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

James Stewart has just signed with Yoshimura Suzuki. Read about it here.

Gary Scott earned the AMA Rookie of the Year Award in 1972, beating out one of the most talented groups of freshman in the history of AMA racing, including riders like Kenny Roberts and Mike Kidd. Scott reeled off three straight runner-up finishes in the national standings, before running to the title in 1975. He won the ’75 series racing for Harley-Davidson in spite of being burdened with uncompetitive machinery for road race and short track nationals. He was amazingly consistent throughout the season, earning a total of 15 top-10 finishes, including wins on the Columbus (Ohio) Half-Mile and Ascot TT in Gardena, Calif. After winning the No. 1 plate Scott could not come to terms with Harley and raced (sometimes bitterly) against them as a privateer the rest of his career.

Gary Scott leads fellow Harley-Davidson factory rider Corky Keener during an AMA Grand National race in 1975. That year Scott earned his one and only AMA Grand National Championship and then had his infamous split with Harley-Davidson. (AMA press kit photo)

Stoner takes championship lead with win at Estoril
Repsol Honda Team’s Casey Stoner made it two wins in a row to take the lead in the MotoGP™ championship with victory at the Grande Prémio de Portugal Circuito Estoril. Read more.

Victory for Stoner and 100th podium for Pedrosa
Today at the Grand Prix of Portugal, Casey Stoner took his second successive victory of the season with teammate Dani Pedrosa again joining him on the podium in third position. Read more.

Lorenzo retains podium record at Estoril
Yamaha Factory Racing rider Jorge Lorenzo continued his unbroken podium record at Estoril today. Read more.

Marquez takes Estoril victory after epic last lap battle
Team CatalunyaCaixa Repsol’s Marc Marquez took victory at the Grande Prémio de Portugal Circuito Estoril after a phenomenal last-lap battle with compatriot Pol Espargaró. Read more.

Cortese wins Moto3™ Estoril thriller
Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Sandro Cortese took victory in a thrilling battle to the line with rival Maverick Viñales at the Grande Prémio de Portugal Circuito Estoril. Read more.

Red Bull Rookies – Deroue double with Estoril 2 win
Scott Deroue scored a sensational double win at the Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril to lead the Red Bull MotoGP Cup points table after 4 of the 15 races. Read more.

Positive signs for Rossi as Hayden suffers electronics issue
The Portuguese Grand Prix saw the Ducati Team improving with Valentino Rossi, while Nicky Hayden had to ride through an electronics issue. Read more.

Dovizioso ahead of Crutchlow in Estoril
Andrea Dovizioso secured his best Yamaha result so far in today’s Estoril MotoGP round, the Italian leading home Cal Crutchlow to help the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Team celebrate a third consecutive double top five finish in 2012. Read more.

Another top ten finish for rookie Stefan Bradl
LCR Honda MotoGP rider Stefan Bradl took another positive 9th place in today’s 28-lap Grand Prix of Portugal at Estoril, now lying 7th in the world championship classification with 24 points after three rounds only. Read more.

Positive day at Estoril for Bautista
Alvaro Bautista picked up another positive result whilst Michele Pirro achieved his objective of bringing the CRT home on a positive day for Team San Carlo Honda Gresini at Estoril. Read more.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto was crowned the Supercross Class Champion and the first Kawasaki rider to win back-to-back titles. (Photo by Hoppenworld.com)

LAS VEGAS (May 6, 2012) – The 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season concluded this weekend, following the year-end awards ceremony held at The Joint by Rogue inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. A total of 22 award categories were presented to recognize the championship’s top riders and industry personnel.

The 2012 Monster Energy Supercross season opened as one of the most anticipated seasons in the sport’s 38-year history, but, to everyone’s surprise, was filled with unforeseen injuries as the championship progressed. Despite the injury-plagued season, unpredicted storylines were able to emerge, giving fans a new perspective on the season.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto captured the second consecutive Supercross Class Championship of his career, clinching the title with four races remaining on the schedule, a feat never accomplished in the sport’s 38-year history. With the championship locked up, the attention turned to the hotly contested race for second place between JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha’s Davi Millsaps, Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Brayton and Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey. In the end, Millsaps earned a career-best second-overall with Dungey and Brayton finishing third and fourth, respectively. Dungey’s third-overall marked KTM’s best finish in the Supercross Class.

Villopoto also became one of five riders in supercross history to win back-to-back titles. The Poulsbo, Wash., native led the field with eight victories and three podium finishes. Unfortunately, during Villopoto’s hometown race in Seattle, he was added to the lengthy injury list after suffering a knee injury. Subsequently, Villopoto was placed on the injured reserve list and missed the last two races of the season.

“It’s been an awesome season for me and the team,” said Villopoto. “There is a lot of hard work that went into this, and I am only one piece of the pie; the whole Monster Energy Kawasaki team has worked very hard all year to help me make this happen. It’s unfortunate what happened in Seattle, but injuries are part of the sport, so you have to keep moving forward.”

Six of the sport’s top riders, including Villopoto, Dungey, JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha’s Stewart, GEICO Honda’s Kevin Windham, Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Trey Canard and TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing’s Chad Reed, sustained severe injuries throughout the season. With such little time to recover, only two would return. The war of attrition is a true testament of the physically demanding nature of the sport.

“This season was meant to be such an amazing one for us,” said two-time supercross champion Chad Reed. “The season started out great – It’s unbelievable to think the top-six guys from last season were on the sideline. To not be racing was a bummer for all us.”

In the Supercross Lites Class, the GEICO Honda team clinched titles in both the Eastern and Western divisions, taking home a combined record total of 11 wins and seven podium finishes, an accomplishment Honda hasn’t achieved since 1991. Lites East champion Justin Barcia successfully defended his title and rode to an almost-perfect season with six wins and one additional victory in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout. In the Lites West division, Eli Tomac won his first title with the help of five wins and two-additional podium finishes. Tomac also earned a podium finish during the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout.

“This was another exciting season for the sport,” said Dave Prater, director of supercross. “Leading up into the final race in the Supercross class, we saw five different winners throughout the season and a three-way battle for second place. In the Lites division, we also saw several first-time winners and fiercely contested battles for the top spot. I’d like to congratulate all of the riders, sponsors and teams for making the 2012 Monster Energy Supercross season a huge success.”

Award Recipients

Fans Choice – Chad Reed (TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda)
Unsung Hero – Eddie Casillas
Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot Awards – 2012 Holeshot Winners
Transport Driver of the Year – Greg King (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki)
MMI Top Tech – 2012 Winners
Supercross Class Champions Mechanic – Mike Williamson (Monster Energy Kawasaki)
Humanitarian of the Year – Steve Bauer
Rising Star – Justin Barcia (GEICO Honda)
Innovation Award – Dodge/Sycuan Casino/Hart and Huntington/Bel-Ray Racing
Team of the Year – GEICO Honda
Team Manager of the Year – Mike LaRocco (GEICO Honda)
Road 2 Recovery Main Jet Award – Jimmy Button
Impact Player – Rick Asch (Monster Energy Kawasaki)
Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Champion – Eli Tomac (GEICO Honda)
Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class Champion – Justin Barcia (GEICO Honda)
Dave Coombs Sr. Supercross Lites East/ West Shootout – Justin Barcia (GEICO Honda)
Lifetime Achievement – Broc Glover
Supercross Class Top Riders – Riders who finished 20th – 5th place overall
Supercross Class Fourth Place – Justin Brayton (Team Honda Muscle Milk)
Supercross Class Third Place – Ryan Dungey (Red Bull KTM)
Supercross Class Second Place – Davi Millsaps (JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha)
Supercross Class Champion – Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki)
Cross Club and National On-Sale Dates for the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross season are as follows:
Exclusive Cross Club On-Sale Dates: May 7-8
Ticketmaster Pre-Sale Dates: May 9-10
Public National On-Sale Date: May 11
Additional ticket information can be found at www.SupercrossOnline.com or www.Ticketmaster.com.

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.