Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

Tickets are Available Through Nonprofit Veteran Tickets Foundation

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 11, 2012) – Thanks to an initiative with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (VTF), active and retired military veterans will have the chance to see the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, at no cost during the 2012 season.

“MX Sports Pro Racing and the Nationals have always been very fond of our veterans and the service they provide,” said MX Sports President Davey Coombs. “This season, we wanted to take the next step in showing our gratitude, and the opportunity with the Veterans Tickets Foundation was a perfect way to say thank you.”

Major sports franchises from Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, National Football League, and National Hockey League have also partnered with the VTF, as have World Wrestling Entertainment and Professional Bull Riders. Lucas Oil Motocross is one of the first prominent motorsports in the country to offer this one-of-a-kind service to all veterans of the armed services.

VTF is a national nonprofit organization based in Phoenix that provides free tickets to veterans and active-duty members of the military and their families. The concept of VTF was developed in 2008 by U.S. Navy veteran Michael Focareto. Since then, the organization has given away more than 300,000 tickets to veterans nationwide. More information about VTF can be found at VetTix.org.

The 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off next Saturday, May 19, with the FMF Hangtown Motocross Classic in Sacramento. The world’s best riders will compete over the course of 12 rounds of action on the most renowned motocross tracks in the country, visiting 10 states along the way.

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

For additional information please visit AlliSports.com/motocross, “Like” the American Motocross Facebook page, and 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, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and the Red Bull Signature Series; Alli Media, which creates, produces, and distributes original content; Alli RideShop, 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.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.

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.

FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports including UFC, surfing, motocross, snowboarding and more. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. With more hours of UFC coverage than any other network, FUEL TV is the place to be for live fights, weigh-ins, prelims, pre- and post-fight coverage, specials and events you won’t see anywhere else. See why adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 36 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4 FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

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.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Live Stream of Opening Motos and Exclusive Content Available Throughout Summer

MORGANTOWN, W.Va (May 11, 2012) – Next week, the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will kick off with the FMF Hangtown Motocross Classic on Saturday, May 19, at Sacramento’s Prairie City ORV Park. Fans unable to attend the opening or any remaining round of the Nationals can follow all the action at the Official Website of Lucas Oil Motocross, AlliSports.com, all summer long.

For the third straight season, the AlliSports.com Live Stream, presented by Kawasaki, will feature the opening motos from all 12 rounds of the championship, at no cost and in high definition.

“The live stream has been an integral part in bringing Lucas Oil Motocross to its fans all over the world,” said Mark Carter, Alli Sports’ General Manager of Motocross. “Continuing the program is important for the series and we are excited to bring it back. Thanks to the support of Kawasaki, who will present the Live Stream this season, we will be adding additional camera POV’s and will continue to provide this service free for the fans who aren’t able to attend an event.”

As an added bonus for 2012, the Live Stream, presented by Kawasaki, will also feature the second motos of the Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX) which will consist of eight races.

Tickets for all rounds of the 2012 Nationals can be purchased at AlliSports.com. The site will also contain important series and event information, athlete bios, and television schedules.

AlliSports.com will also provide exclusive Nationals content throughout the summer, with lifestyle features showcasing a different side of the riders as well as photo and video highlights following each round of Lucas Oil Motocross.

Fans worldwide can also “be social” with Lucas Oil Motocross thanks to American Motocross Social Media. The official Facebook page of the series (American Motocross) features exclusive contests and content, while the official Twitter account (@AmericanMX) allows fans to stay connected to everything happening on and off the track throughout the summer.

A new Instagram account at “AmericanMX” will also provide a behind-the-scenes look at Lucas Oil Motocross, while official on-track video content from the championship can be seen on the series’ American Motocross YouTube page.

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

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, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and the Red Bull Signature Series; Alli Media, which creates, produces, and distributes original content; Alli RideShop, 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.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.

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.

FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports including UFC, surfing, motocross, snowboarding and more. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. With more hours of UFC coverage than any other network, FUEL TV is the place to be for live fights, weigh-ins, prelims, pre- and post-fight coverage, specials and events you won’t see anywhere else. See why adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 36 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4 FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.

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.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Jakub Smrz (Liberty Racing Team Effenbert Ducati) loves Donington Park and today it loved him right back as he took provisional pole after posting the fastest lap in the opening qualifying session.

Donington (UK), Friday 11 May 2012 – Jakub Smrz (Liberty Racing Team Effenbert Ducati) loves Donington Park and today it loved him right back as he took provisional pole after posting the fastest lap in the opening qualifying session. After the rain flags came out momentarily at the start of the 45-minute session track conditions improved and a flurry of fast times in the last few minutes of qualifying put Jonathan Rea (Honda World Superbike Team) second, Carlos Checa (Althea Racing Ducati) third and true home boy Leon Haslam (BMW Motorrad Motorsport) fourth. Rea had two falls today, one shortly after the start of this morning’s free session and one at the end of this afternoon’s qualifying run, without injury.

British riders were, predictably, to the fore, as Leon Camier (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) was fifth and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing team) sixth. Sykes had headed up the first unofficial practice session in the morning.

The overnight second row was completed by Michel Fabrizio’s BMW Motorrad Italia GoldBet machine, and the first Aprilia Racing entry in the rankings, ridden by 2010 champion Max Biaggi.

Two local riders were given the opportunity to run as wildcards at Donington, with Peter Hickman (FIXI Crescent Suzuki) in 17th place and Gary Mason (Kawasaki Team Pedercini) 23rd. New Kawasaki Racing Team rider Loris Baz was 20th in his first ever SBK qualifying session.

One more regulation qualifying session remains tomorrow, before the top 16 riders move on to Tissot-Superpole.

Times: 1. Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1′29.336; 2. Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1′29.394; 3. Checa C. (ESP) Ducati 1098R 1′29.507; 4. Haslam L. (GBR) BMW S1000 RR 1′29.604; 5. Camier L. (GBR) Suzuki GSX-R1000 1′29.614; 6. Sykes T. (GBR) Kawasaki ZX-10R 1′29.719; 7. Fabrizio M. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1′29.918; 8. Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1′29.973; 9. Giugliano D. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1′29.977; 10. Badovini A. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1′29.986; 11. Guintoli S. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1′30.225; 12. Melandri M. (ITA) BMW S1000 RR 1′30.245; 13. Davies C. (GBR) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1′30.392; 14. Aoyama H. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1′30.522; 15. Berger M. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1′30.539; 16. Laverty E. (IRL) Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1′30.577; etc.

World Supersport 
Sam Lowes (Bogdanka PTR Honda) came close to setting a new best lap in the Supersport World Championship class during the first qualifying session at Donington. By grabbing provisional pole with his 1 minute 31.155 second lap time he was almost a second ahead of Kenan Sofuoglu (Kawasaki DeltaFin Lorenzini) and just over a second ahead of Monza race winner Jules Cluzel (Honda PTR). Wildcard Australian team-mates Glen Richards and Billy McConnell (Smiths Gloucester Triumph) were fourth and fifth respectively. Ronan Quarmby (PTR Honda) and Broc Parkes (Ten Kate Racing Products Honda) were the last riders into the 1 minute 32 seconds lap times.

Times: 1. Lowes S. (GBR) Honda CBR600RR 1′31.155; 2. Sofuoglu K. (TUR) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′32.053; 3. Cluzel J. (FRA) Honda CBR600RR 1′32.281; 4. Richards G. (AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 1′32.397; 5. McConnell B. (AUS) Triumph Daytona 675 1′32.505; 6. Quarmby R. (RSA) Honda CBR600RR 1′32.724; 7. Parkes B. (AUS) Honda CBR600RR 1′32.856; 8. Morais S. (RSA) Kawasaki ZX-6R 1′33.064; etc.

Those of you who attended WERA races at Blackhawk Farms in 1987 will no doubt remember this crew. In the WERA shirt is fastman Dave Barnard, who’d probably won races that day, getting ready to be interviewed for what I think was a Chicago area public access TV program. I tried to stay away from the whole scene as much as possible, so I’m not certain of the details, but from what I remember the guy in the suit would come to the races with the girls in their outfits, they would shoot some race footage, but I was told that mainly the shows were these girls and the suit guy interviewing racers. As hokey as it was, it was getting on TV, so everyone seemed excited about having the chance to be interviewed. What a crazy time. This photo is courtesy the Greg Sickmeier Collection.

Those of you who attended WERA races at Blackhawk Farms in 1987 will no doubt remember this group. In the WERA shirt is fastman Dave Barnard, who’d probably won races that day, getting ready to be interviewed for what I think was a Chicago area public access TV program. Why the girls in the crazy outfits? I have no clue. (Greg Sickmeier photo)

From the New York Times:

Travis Pastrana crawled through the window of his No. 99 Toyota, kissed his wife and flashed his magnetic smile. Even though he had placed 22nd in his Nascar Nationwide Series debut last month, he was pleased that he had not wrecked his car or anyone else’s. Read more.