Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

Lakewood’s Thunder Valley MX Park Will Challenge Riders in Mile High Altitude

Picturesque Thunder Valley MX Park is the site of the third round of the 2012 season. (Courtesy Frank Hoppen)

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (May 29, 2012) – Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart has started the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, perfectly, winning all four motos through the first two rounds of competition. On Saturday, June 2, Stewart will bring his undefeated record into the mile high altitude of Colorado for the third race of the season from Lakewood’s Thunder Valley MX Park and the Toyota Thunder Valley National.

The beginning of Stewart’s relationship with Factory Suzuki could not be going any better. Despite being away from Nationals competition for the past three seasons, Stewart has re-acclimated himself to the rough and rugged nature of the series flawlessly. Last weekend in Texas, the 2008 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion refused to give in to the relentless pressure being applied by Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey, fending off his rival to start the season with back-to-back overall victories.

Dungey has kept Stewart honest throughout the season. In Texas, he was arguably faster than Stewart, but was unable to complete a pass for the lead in either moto. Despite that, his pair of runner-up efforts to start the championship have also gotten his first season with the Factory KTM effort off on a high note. This weekend, Dungey will look to give the Austrian brand its first 450 Class win at a track where he serves as the defending race winner.

James Stewart (7) enters Thunder Valley undefeated in 2012, but Ryan Dungey (5) isn’t far behind. (Courtesy Simon Cudby)

At last season’s Thunder Valley event, Dungey went bar-to-bar with eventual champion Ryan Villopoto in both motos, trading wins with his rival, but emerged victorious by virtue of his second moto win for his first overall victory of the 2011 championship. Dungey has won the annual Lucas Oil Motocross stop in Colorado for the past two seasons, in addition to a dominant outing at the facility during the 2010 Motocross of Nations.

In the 250 Class, GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac showed he’s ready to add his name to the discussion of title contenders in the deeply talented division. The third-year rider dominated in Texas, posting a moto sweep to secure his second career Lucas Oil Motocross win – his first since becoming the first rider in history to win his professional debut back during the 2010 season.

By virtue of his victory, Tomac moved from fifth to third in the 250 Class standings and now returns to his home state of Colorado. A native of Cortez, Tomac is hoping his familiarity with the higher elevation will play to his advantage at Thunder Valley, where he finished third last year.

While Tomac will carry the momentum of his win into Lakewood, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett enters the third round in possession of the coveted red number plate, which signifies his position as the 250 Class points leader. Baggett followed Tomac in second at Texas; giving him a win and runner-up finish to start the season. This weekend, he enters Colorado as the defending race winner.

Eli Tomac heads to his hometown race as the most recent winner in the 250 Class. (Courtesy Simon Cudby)

In addition to the strong starts by Tomac and Baggett, Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen is making the most of his debut season on U.S. soil. The defending World Motocross MX2 Champion has finished third overall in each of the first two rounds and despite being the youngest rider in Lucas Oil Motocross, is showing the experience of a veteran. Thunder Valley is the lone venue in the championship that Roczen has raced on previously, winning the MX2 class at the 2010 Motocross of Nations.

Last season at Thunder Valley, Baggett was forced to withstand the pressure of both Tomac and eventual champion Dean Wilson. He outlasted the efforts of his rivals to post a 1-1 moto sweep and notch his third win of the 2011 championship.

The Women’s Motocross Championship hosted its second round of the season at Texas. Despite suffering the effects of food poisoning, Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Ashley Fiolek broke through for her first win in her 2012 title defense. Fiolek’s 2-1 moto scores gave her the edge in the tiebreaker with Rockstar Energy Racing Suzuki’s Jessica Patterson. The pair’s rivalry is sure to be renewed in Colorado, with Patterson holding the edge as the current points leader. Additionally, Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda’s Tarah Gieger and Kawasaki Team Green’s Meghan Rutledge, who secured her first career podium last weekend, will also challenge the leaders of the WMX Class.

Patterson was dominant at Thunder Valley one year ago, posting a 1-1 moto sweep with Fiolek and Gieger following on the podium.

With a win under her belt, Ashley Fiolek (1) is looking for more in Colorado. (Courtesy Simon Cudby)

Since becoming part of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in 2005, Thunder Valley MX Park has grown to be one of the series’ most popular stops. With its mile-high elevation and sprawling layout, Thunder Valley presents one of the most unique challenges for both the riders and their teams. The thin mountain air robs bikes of power while also testing a rider’s endurance. It is a one-of-a-kind combination that is only found at Thunder Valley and each year, it is one of the race’s most prominent storylines. Additionally, its picturesque setting and hillside location make it one of the best venues for fans, with incredible sight lines from any point on the track.

The Toyota Thunder Valley National will commence on Saturday, June 2, from Lakewood, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern. Live coverage of the opening motos on FUEL TV and AlliSports.com will begin at 3 p.m. Eastern, while live second moto coverage of the 450 Class can be seen on NBC Sports Network at 5 p.m. Eastern. Same-day coverage of the second 250 Class moto can also be seen on NBC Sports Network, beginning at 12 a.m. Eastern.

Previous Round Results and Current Standings

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship
Miller Electric Freestone National
Freestone Raceway – Wortham, Texas
May 26, 2012
Round 2 of 12

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (2-2)
3. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (5-3)
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (3-6)
5. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki (6-4)
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda (10-5)
7. Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda (9-7)
8. Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki (13-10)
9. Nico Izzi, Rochester, Mich., Yamaha (4-25)
10. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ky., Yamaha (8-17)

450 Class Championship Standings
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 100
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 86
3. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 70
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 61
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 61
6. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki, 58
7. Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki, 53
8. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki, 43
9. Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 39
10. Nico Izzi, Rochester, Mich., Yamaha, 39

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (1-1)
2. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (2-2)
3. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (3-4)
4. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki (6-3)
5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (4-5)
6. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (5-8)
7. Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda (7-9)
8. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda (12-6)
9. Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Honda (8-14)
10. Kyle Cunningham, Fort Worth, Texas, Yamaha (13-12)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 94
2. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 80
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 79
4. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda, 76
5. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki, 55
6. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 52
7. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 46
8. Kyle Cunningham, Fort Worth, Texas, Yamaha, 42
9. Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Honda, 41
10. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 41

WMX Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda (2-1)
2. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Suzuki (1-2)
3. Meghan Rutledge, New South Wales, Australia, Kawasaki (3-3)
4. Tarah Gieger, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico., Honda (7-4)
5. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Osaka, Japan, Honda (6-5)
6. Kasie Creson, Vallejo, Calif., Honda (4-8)
7. Jacqueline Strong, Cottonwood, Ariz., KTM (5-7)
8. Mariana Balbi, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Honda (8-6)
9. Sara Pettersson, Sweden, KTM (9-9)
10. Sade Allender, Sanford, Maine, Honda (12-10)

WMX Class Standings
1. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Suzuki, 91
2. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda, 88
3. Meghan Rutledge, New South Wales, Australia, Kawasaki, 78
4. Tarah Gieger, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico., Honda, 72
5. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Osaka, Japan, Honda, 65
6. Kasie Creson, Vallejo, Calif., Honda, 61
7. Mariana Balbi, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Honda, 55
8. Jacqueline Strong, Cottonwood, Ariz., KTM, 48
9. Sara Pettersson, Sweden, KTM, 46
10. Lindsey Palmer, Conifer, Colo., Kawasaki, 32

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, 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.

A beautiful sun has welcomed this last day of the Supermoto Gran Prix of Sicily, held in the Boccadifalco Airport and organized by Youthstream Events, Youthstream, Moto Club Dream Team and FMI. Read more.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Hayden Gillim rode his Team Roadrace Factory Yamaha YZF-R6 to victory at the Miller Motorsports Park round of the AMA Motorcycle-SuperStore.com SuperSport, crowded at the finish line by barely over a second of slack by Jake Lewis and Dustin Dominguez, providing Öhlins with a win and a third in the single Supersport feature at this combined WSBK/AMA Pro event in Tooele, Utah.

Tooele, Utah: Hayden Gillim rode his Team Roadrace Factory Yamaha YZF-R6 to victory at the Miller Motorsports Park round of the AMA Motorcycle-SuperStore.com SuperSport, crowded at the finish line by barely over a second of slack by Jake Lewis and Dustin Dominguez, providing Öhlins with a win and a third in the single Supersport feature at this combined WSBK/AMA Pro event in Tooele, Utah.

This is Hayden’s first win in the AMA SuperSport class this season, while his consistency has him scored at second in the Supersport West series points chase. So the question now is, will this win cause him to get more Twitter followers than his teammates, to whom he’s now running in fourth?

Joining Hayden in the win column at Miller was Josh Hayes on his Team Graves Yamaha sponsored Yamaha YZF-R1, giving Öhlins, and the folks with tuning forks, wins for heavyweight and mediumweight Rs. Hayes was hounded to the flag in the AMA Superbike race by teammate Josh Herrin and Yoshimura Suzuki’s Blake Young, making it an all Öhlins podium for the big bikes. We think that might mean something.

In GoPro Daytona SportBike, Jason DiSalvo earned a second place with his Öhlins fitted Team Latus Motors Racing’s Triumph, pushing him higher in the points, while another second for the weekend was earned by Kyle Wyman in the Vance & Hines XR1200 class, moving him into second overall in the pushrod class for the season.

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

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The 2012 American Motorcyclist Association Dirt Track Grand Championships fired off the line in a big way today, May 29, with the fastest amateur dirt-track racers in the world running the legendary Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill.

“The Springfield Mile is one of the most historic motorcycle racing venues in the world, and we’re thrilled for our amateur racers to have the opportunity to decide national titles on this track,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships always offer some of motorcycle racing’s best amateur competition, and I’m looking forward to some great racing this week.”

The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships crown amateur and youth champions in individual dirt-track disciplines, including half-mile, TT and short-track events. Amateur racers also compete in mile events. In addition, AMA Grand Championships are awarded to the riders in each class who have the highest point totals across all disciplines.

“The championships won and the history written at this track are legendary,” said event promoter Steve Nace of Steve Nace Racing. “We’re excited to be part of bringing the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships back to Springfield, Ill., and we’re looking forward to a great week of racing.”

Another highlight of 2012 is the AMA Pro Grand National Championship, which competed at the same venue just two days earlier. Numerous professional racers, most of whom rose through the ranks by excelling at the AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships, remained in Springfield to see the country’s top youth talent.

One prize that everyone will be watching closely is the AMA Dirt Track Horizon Award. The AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships are the amateur proving grounds for the professional ranks, and the fastest riders in premier classes compete for the Horizon Award, which honors the amateur racer poised for success on the pro level.

Other awards up for grabs include top youth and vet awards, in addition to the AMA Fast Brain Award, a scholarship of $1,000 awarded to a young racer who demonstrates not just talent on the racetrack but exceptional grades in the classroom. As they have in past years, AMA Board of Directors Chairman Stan Simpson and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Bill Werner, one of the most successful tuners in dirt-track history, are sponsoring the award.

Dirt-track racing features a wide range of competitive equipment. Racers field both traditional dirt-trackers and the latest DTX motorcycles, which begin as stock motocross bikes that are then fitted with dirt-track tires, suspension and other modifications.

For more information about dirt-track competition, see the Racing section of AmericanMotorcyclist.com. For more information about the 2012 AMA Dirt Track Grand Championships, see SteveNaceRacing.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through 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.

Hello Friends:

I want to begin by saying ‘Thank You!’ for all the cards and well wishes, heartwarming e-mails and phone calls. Your genuine love and concern continue to lift and carry us through this difficult time. Sincerest thanks to all who have participated in the recent bone marrow drives whether by swabbing to be a donor, volunteering or just being there to support Be The Match. Your response has been overwhelming and unbelievably humbling. Without all of you my story could not be told…

Our journey began 2 years ago with the life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer. While the news was devastating, we decided to keep it private and face the battle head-on, our family by our side. After months of treatments and several surgeries, we rose to victory and I began to feel normal once again. 15 months after my last chemo treatment, I was finally getting back on my feet, my hair was starting to look cute again, I was really looking forward to forever.

Then, the crushing news–leukemia. The word pierced deep. I could hardly breathe. Still exhausted from all I had been through, I was done being brave, done being strong. I just wanted to BE. I wanted to be a good mom. I wanted to be a good wife and friend. I just wanted to be like everyone else. And now once again I’m not. Being bald twice isn’t fair—not for me, not for anyone.

Hearts shattered but always a fighter, I went into survival mode once again. I believe everyone should fight for what they want, what they want to keep, and what they believe in. So here I am in the hospital again, fighting for everything that’s waiting at home for me. Much like being in prison for a crime I didn’t commit, the isolation here is tedious and lonely. The chemo is grueling and feels like the worst hangover ever, without all the fun. Through it all, thoughts of the simplest things have become my treasures: a breath of fresh air, a walk in the sunshine, going home to precious time with Jeremy and our girls, holding hands on the beach. Simple joys… rewards that warm me and keep me focused.

It didn’t take long for us to realize that this time our battle was BIGGER than us. We knew we could not do it alone. I know many of you admire Jeremy because he’s a champion, has done great things for the sport he loves, is a hero and role model. But, beyond all that, I want you to know what an incredible father and husband he is. No husband should have to see his wife the way he’s seen me. Yet, through it all he has been right by my side. We share an amazing love story. He is even more remarkable on the inside than you have ever seen on the outside.

So, we come to the part where Jeremy McGrath had to reach out and reveal his heart to all who would listen–his friends, fans, fellow riders, sponsors past and present. His passionate plea is for donors, bone marrow awareness, all the love and support we can find. You listened, you cared, you did not disappoint. Your response has been unbelievable and lifesaving.

Sometimes I think, “Why me, God? Why me again?” Then I hear about the record-breaking days we have set getting donors, raising funds and critical awareness for our cause, and I clearly get it–God’s answer to me. Somewhere there is another mom in a hospital bed missing her babies just like me. There are dads, daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, more importantly, kids out there waiting for a match just like me. If Jeremy and I can help one person, 10 people, or maybe even 100 people, THAT’S why I’m here, THAT’S why I’m doing my time.

I think about all the amazing blessings I have in my life, each one worth fighting for! Everyone has their thing, right? Well, I guess this is mine. I’m gonna fight because that’s the only thing I know how to do.

Thanks all so much for being there when we need you most.

Love,

Kim McGrath

Moto3™ field to scrap it out in Catalunya
Following an eventful race in the wet at Le Mans, the Moto3™ grid lines up at the Gran Premi Aperol de Catalunya this weekend, where Red Bull KTM Ajo’s German championship leader Sandro Cortese will look to increase his points tally over title-rival Maverick Viñales. Read more.

Moto2™ battle intensifies in Catalunya
With only three points separating the top three Moto2™ riders, the Gran Premi Aperol de Catalunya promises to be yet another nail-bighting affair in the quest for intermediate-class supremacy. Read more.

Lorenzo to defend championship lead at Catalunya
After battling the elements in an incident-strewn Le Mans, the MotoGP™ paddock once again returns to action this weekend at the Gran Premi Aperol de Catalunya, where current championship leader Jorge Lorenzo will aim to defend his eight point lead over rival Casey Stoner in front of his home crowd. Read more.