Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

M4 Broaster Chicken Suzuki’s Dane Westby put on a magnificent performance to claim a clutch final-lap victory in Saturday’s AMA Pro Daytona SportBike shootout at Mid-Ohio.

Launching from the front row of the grid after qualifying third earlier in the day, Westby stormed to the holeshot, a just reward for his recent efforts to improve his starting skills. In the mix from the very start, Westby leveraged his Mid-Ohio mastery to factor heavily at the front throughout the tense contest.

A nine-rider lead pack whittled down to a three-man breakaway, which later developed into a head-to-head duel for the win between Westby and GEICO Suzuki’s superstar ace, Martin Cardenas.

The two traded the lead back and forth on the race’s thrilling last lap, with ‘the Wolverine’ slicing up the inside only to see Cardenas square him up and immediately retake the lead. Unwilling to accept defeat at the scene of his first SportBike victory scored one year ago, Westby made one final strike, finding a small area of daylight and sneaking his Suzuki GSX-R600 up the inside of Cardenas as they raced into the Carousel side-by-side for the final time.

Westby held on and edged Cardenas at the finish line by 0.223-second.

“To be one year out and do the same thing is really cool,” Westby said. “It was a real barn-burner of a race. We were right there until the last second. Playing poker with these guys, you never know what’s going to happen until the very last card is down. That was a really good race, that’s how I’d like all races to be.”

Westby is ranked second in the SportBike title fight with 222 points on the strength of five podium finishes, highlighted by his Mid-Ohio victory.

Suzuki SportbikeTrackGear.com’s Elena Myers raced her way forward in the day’s SuperSport contest. Starting from the outside of Row 3 after qualifying 12th, Myers shot up to sixth on the race’s opening lap. She then settled into a multi-rider scrap for eighth position and narrowly took the position at the checkered flag.

M4 Broaster Chicken Suzuki’s Chris Ulrich battled in the day’s Superbike race to complete an outstanding combined effort for the team. Ulrich raced his way into the top 10 again, doggedly pursuing a rival before finally making his move on lap 17 of 21. The Californian then defended the position aboard his GSX-R1000 and finished 10th by 0.288-second.

Team Venezuela’s Robertino Pietri scratched from the weekend’s Superbike races on the advice of doctors after an MRI revealed that he had broken his left wrist in a violent crash at Road America last month. The 2006 FIM Latin American Superbike Champion sought an MRI when his wrist started feeling worse, not better as time passed. Pietri has returned to his U.S. base in Miami to seek further medical advice.

Team Hammer will be looking for more success on Sunday, the final day of the AMA Pro Road Racing doubleheader weekend at Mid-Ohio.

In 2012, Team Hammer, Inc. is competing in its 32nd consecutive racing season and marks its sixth year of offering technical and logistical support through its Contract Services Department. Riders on Team Hammer-prepared racebikes have earned 53 AMA Pro National race wins; 121 AMA Pro National podium finishes; 4 AMA Pro Championships; 133 Overall National Endurance race wins; 13 National Endurance Championships and assorted other race wins and titles.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Lexington, OH (July 14, 2012) – Saturday’s Daytona SportBike race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was an eventful one for LTD Racing’s Huntley Nash and unfortunately his race ended a little short of the 21-lap distance when he retired after 16 laps.

Nash qualified ninth and was hopeful of running with the lead pack. After the race began, he was in 11^th place and also led a pack of riders fighting for position, but had a moment when he was bumped by another rider. After his front tire lost grip shortly afterward, Huntley decided it would be best to retire from the race.

“I wanted to do well today. We’d been quick on Friday but Saturday didn’t go as we had planned,” said Nash. “We’ll make some changes for tomorrow, including going with a different tire. We need a good result and hopefully we can get it going again tomorrow.”

Nash and LTD Racing will conclude the Mid-Ohio weekend with the second DSB race of the weekend on Sunday.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Tomac Capitalizes for Third 250 Class Win of the Season

 

MILLVILLE, Minn. (July 14, 2012) – The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, made its lone visit to the Land of 10,000 Lakes on Saturday with its seventh round of the season from Spring Creek MX Park. After another dominant outing, Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., took his fifth consecutive victory of the summer in front of the hometown crowd, sweeping the day’s pair of 450 Class motos. In the 250 Class, GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Colo., took advantage of the misfortune experienced by points leader, and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider, Blake Baggett, of Grand Terrace, Calif., to claim his third win of the season.

After coming out of the gate at the front portion of the field, Dungey settled into fifth place at the conclusion of the opening lap of the first 450 Class moto. As the KTM rider began to work his way forward, MotoConcepts Suzuki’s Mike Alessi, of Victorville, Calif., assumed the lead and opened a small gap over the field.

 

Dungey picked off one rider per lap and took over second place on Lap 3, and then set his sights on Alessi. Dungey gradually eliminated his deficit to Alessi and passed the Suzuki-mounted rider on Lap 6, quickly establishing an insurmountable advantage and taking the win.

 

In Moto 2, Dungey wasted little time in asserting himself, capturing the holeshot and leading all 16 laps of competition. He crossed the finish line nearly 49 seconds over Alessi, in second, and celebrated with the supportive crowd. Dungey has become accustomed to winning at his home track at Spring Creek, standing atop the podium for the last five years. Today he secured his third straight victory at the facility in the 450 Class to go along with his back-to-back triumphs as a 250 Class rider during the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

 

“I enjoy coming back (to Spring Creek), I spent a lot of time riding here as kid,” said Dungey, who has won an impressive 10 consecutive motos during his dominant run. “To get a win was great, not just for me but the team as well, especially since everyone was here to watch. I approach every race the same as the one before, regardless of points. I’ve said it a lot; there’s a lot of racing left and you have to be ready for each race itself. We just come in and hope to accomplish what we want to accomplish, always looking to improve.”

 

Alessi finished second overall (3-2) for his fifth podium in seven rounds, while Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, finished third (2-3).

 

Dungey extended his lead in the 450 Class standings to 80 points over Alessi.

 

In the 250 Class, Baggett was targeting his third consecutive overall win and got the day off to a strong start in the opening moto. After crossing the line in eighth at the conclusion of the first lap, Baggett stormed through the field, climbing his way into a four-way battle at the front of the field by Lap 5 with GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia, of Monroe, N.Y., Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen, of Germany, and Tomac.

 

The four riders paced each other for several laps, often alternating positions, but Baggett eventually moved into the lead on Lap 12, surpassing his rivals and cruising to the win.

 

In Moto 2, Baggett once again put himself in winning position, coming out of the gate in third and passing Tomac for the lead on Lap 6. However, Baggett encountered misfortune on the following lap, losing rear traction and dropping to seventh in the running order.

 

Tomac capitalized on Baggett’s fall and extended his lead over Barcia in second, eventually winning the moto and securing the overall.

 

“That first moto was a barn burner, we all just went at it,” said Tomac. “I needed some better starts and I got those this weekend. Blake and I were going at it (in the second moto), but he made a mistake. I was kind of lucky he fell where he did. I just took it from there.”

 

Barcia posted back-to-back runner-up efforts to finish second overall, while Baggett rebounded to finish fourth in the second moto and claim third overall (1-4).

 

Although he missed an opportunity to gain some ground in the championship standings, Baggett still holds an 18-point lead over Barcia.  

 

The 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship continues next Saturday, July 21, with round eight from Washougal MX Park in Washougal, Wash., and the Peterson CAT Washougal National.

 

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

Bob’s Cycle Supply Spring Creek National

Spring Creek MX Park – Millville, Minn.

July 14, 2012

Round 7 of 12

 

450 Class (Moto Finish)

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (1-1)
2. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (3-2)
3. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (2-3)
4. Justin Brayton, Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Honda (4-4)
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda (5-6)
6. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki (12-5)
7. Les Smith, York, S.C., KTM (11-9)
8. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ontario, Canada, Honda (15-7)
9. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (6-28)
10. Christian Craig, El Cajon, Calif., Honda (14-14)

450 Class Championship Standings

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 336
2. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 256
3. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 244
4. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 209
5. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki, 187
6. Justin Brayton, Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Honda, 167
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 151
8. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki, 150
9. Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki, 142
10. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Kawasaki, 113

250 Class (Moto Finish)

1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (3-1)
2. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (2-2)
3. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (1-4)
4. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (4-3)
5. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki (6-5)
6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda (5-7)
7. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (7-6)
8. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (10-8)
9. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki (8-10)
10. Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Honda (9-13)

250 Class Championship Standings

1. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 315
2. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda, 297
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 281
4. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 273
5. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 218
6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 191
7. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki, 156
8. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M, Suzuki, 145
9. Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 128
10. Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Honda, 125

Tickets for the remaining 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.

All photos by Larry Lawrence.

(NEWS RELEASE)

Lewis remains in third place in the AMA Pro Grand National Championship

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (July 13, 2012) – In only his third full season competing in the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com, Scott Powersports/Saddlemen’s Johnny Lewis is consistently running at and near the front. Since the opening round, he has finished in the top five four out of six events. During the recent Lima Half-Mile in Ohio and the Hagerstown Half-Mile in Maryland, Lewis finished fifth and fourth, respectively, on his custom-built Scott Powersports’ Kawasaki 650.

Lewis dedicated the Daytona Short Track opening round double-header to his friend and former KTM factory mechanic, the late Mark “Tex” Adams. Since then, Lewis has continued to dedicate his season in memory of Tex.

“This has been my strongest pro flat track season so far,” said Johnny Lewis who wears national number ten. “We have a consistent program with many of the same sponsors over the past three years. This year, Scott Powersports and Saddlemen have stepped up their support. We’re in our third year on our custom-built Kawasaki Ninja 650 flat tracker. Mike Scott and Tom Draina have been pivotal in making this a top five bike that can win. I also want to thank AXO and Dubach Racing Development (DRC) for supporting me for many years and making custom products for my race program.”

Lewis continued, “The Lima and Hagerstown half-mile races were fun and a challenge. I am more consistently leading laps and battling for podiums. The racing goals now are for continued improvement on the Kawasaki flat tracker, race line choice and to win an AMA Pro GNC Twins race.”

During the Lima Half-Mile on Saturday, June 30, Scott Powersports/Saddlemen’s Lewis rolled out his Kawasaki 650 to the line for the heat race. Lima is a cushion, pea gravel oval. In the first heat race, Lewis won away recording the quickest time of all three heat races. In the Dash for Cash, Lewis battled for the lead and at the checkers finished second.

In the 25-lap main event sitting on pole, Lewis in his custom AXO leathers and Arai helmet slingshot his Scott Powersports’ Kawasaki into the lead and continued to charge through the Lima track for the first five laps. In a turn, Lewis went low and got a little sideways in the thick pea gravel which allowed four riders to pass him immediately. He recovered and remained in the lead pack, within less than a second of the leader. Lewis continued to ride his fluid style and remain in the lead pack to the checkers, earning fifth.

During the Hagerstown Half-Mile on Saturday, July 7, Lewis on his Pit Posse and Penske Racing Shocks supported Kawasaki 650 he earned second in his heat race qualifying directly for the main event. Lewis went into the Dash for Cash determined to get more track time in preparation for the main event. He finished fifth in the Dash.

In the 25-lap Hagerstown Half-Mile, Lewis on his Silkolene-supported Kawasaki was among the lead top ten from the start. Realizing that he was not moving up an inch to gain on the lead pack, he changed lines to gain more speed. That allowed Lewis to win a three-way battle and move into fourth place at the finish line.

With six rounds of the 19-round AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com in the books, Lewis sits in third place with 97 points.

“I appreciate all the support of my sponsors. Unfortunately it’s still tough to make all the races. I won’t be heading to the next two rounds on the West Coast due to travel cost. I have some racing plans closer to home that will be announced early next week.”

The AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com has a short break before the next round, the Sacramento Mile on July 28. Lewis will not be traveling to Sacramento and the following race in Washington due to a limited race budget. Lewis and his Scott Powersports/DRD Honda CRF450R will make a return to flat track racing for round nine, the famed Peoria TT at PMC Race Park in Peoria, Illinois on Sunday, August 12. Keep up with Lewis on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lewis10 and his website at www.lewis10.com.

About Johnny Lewis
Professional athlete Johnny Lewis of Coatesville, Pennsylvania has been competing in the AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship (GNC) for the past three seasons, earning eighth during the 2011 season with three podiums and a race lead. Prior to flat track, Lewis raced in the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship for three full seasons, two as a factory rider, where he was the youngest to ever win in the Unlimited Class. He won many championships, accolades and races as an amateur dirt track competitor. In 2012, the 22 year-old Lewis will race the #10 Scott Powersports/DRD/Pit Posse Honda CRF450F in AMA Pro Flat Track Singles events and the #10 Scott Powersports/Saddlemen Kawasaki Ninja 650 custom flat tracker in AMA Pro Flat Track Twins races. Lewis is thankful for his sponsors that make the 2012 season possible: Scott Powersports, Saddlemen, Dubach Racing Development (DRD), AXO, Arai, Simply Hart, Pit Posse, Silkolene, Matrix Concepts, 1.7 Cleaning Solutions, Penske Racing Shocks, G2 Ergonomics, Triple J Racing, Wallace Trucking, Ringer Gloves, K&N Filters, ALL Balls and Metro Racing. Visit www.lewis10.com to follow Johnny Lewis’ season.

About MotoPR
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