Rider Files

(NEWS RELEASE)

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The Department of the Navy has released a final environmental impact statement for the expansion of a Marine base in California that calls for closing a large portion of the popular Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Riding Area, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.

The preferred alternative spelled out in the final environmental impact statement would allow public use of only 40,000 acres of the 190,000-acre Johnson Valley OHV area, and for only 10 months a year. Johnson Valley is currently under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The final environmental impact statement is part of an effort by the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County to expand its land holdings to allow for more live-fire training. The Marine Corps is part of the U.S. Navy.

The Navy released the final environmental impact statement on July 27, with a comment deadline of August 27, and plans to issue a record of decision to finalize its proposal on Sept. 28. But the proposal would still need congressional approval. The military hopes to begin training on the land in 2014.

“While we certainly believe that the Marines Corps, like all of America’s military branches, should be the best trained in the world, we don’t believe that it is necessary to ban off-highway vehicle riders from the area to accomplish that mission,” said Nick Haris, the AMA’s western states representative. “We, and other concerned off-highway recreation groups, will continue working with the military and Congress to ensure the needs of both the military and the OHV community are met.”

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 www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

motogp.com continues its half season review of the MotoGP™ championship, picking up where it left off after the Catalunya race and in-season tests ahead of the UK Grand Prix. Read more.

(NEWS RELEASE)

For immediate release: August 9, 2012

Shane McElrath in the 450B Modified class, the fastest rider overall during the event.

Hendersonville, North Carolina: Two championships and 15 podiums is the count for Öhlins equipped riders at this year’s motocross racing at Loretta Lynn’s AMA Motocross event for amateur riders, in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

Jesse Wentland, on a KTM 450 scored a 1st, 1st, and 2nd for 1st Overall in Open Pro Sport, while adding 2nd, 4th, 3rd for 2nd Overall in the 450A class. Zach Williams scored 4th, 2nd, 2nd for 1st Overall in 450A, complementing that with 7th, 6th, 8th for 6th Overall in 250A, each of his classes raced on a Honda. Jesse Wentland won his championship while running complete Öhlins RXF (A-Kit) forks and an Öhlins Rear Shock, while Zach Williams won his with an Öhlins Cartridge Kit and Öhlins Rear Shock.

Other Öhlins achievers include: Shane McElrath on a Honda in 450B Modified earned 2nd, 2nd, 1st for 2nd Overall; Max Markolf riding a YZ 85 in the oxymoronic titled Mini Sr. (12-14) Stock (Ran Öhlins internal parts) 15th, 13th, 14th for 11th Overall, and Mini Sr. (12-14) Modified 24th, 34th, 14th for 23rd Overall; Dylan Cox (Kawasaki 250 Two-Stroke) Class: Two-Stroke 7th, 11th, 3rd for 6th Overall; Zach Beverly (Honda 250) Class: 250C Mod 9th, 23rd, 13th for 13th Overall, and 450C 7th, 4th, 16th for 7th Overall; Colton Ford (KTM 125 and 250) Class: School Boy 1 (12-16) B/C 6th, 5th, 2nd for 3rd Overall. All of this adds up to Öhlins riders bringing home two Championships, four podiums earned in those in Championships, and 15 Moto Podiums.

Racer Shane McElrath also recorded the fastest time out of every single rider of the entire week at 1:50.923 (In 450B Modified on Öhlins). The next closest time recorded was a 1:51.714, nearly eight-tenths of a second slower. Öhlins USA thanks and congratulates all of its riders, and the added support of Roger Dimsdale at Pro-Motion Suspension, and everyone at Club MX Training Facility.

Championship winning racer Jesse Wentland is making his Pro debut at Southwick this coming weekend in the 450 Class., fresh off his Loretta Lynn’s success.

Öhlins USA distributes and services the world’s leading performance suspension for automobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Öhlins develops its proprietary and innovative suspension components 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. www.Ohlinsusa.com.

Gene Burcham (No. 593) on his FZ600 and Honda 500 Interceptor mounted Ed Key (No. 34) battle in the closing laps for the final podium spot in a WERA C Production final at Indianapolis Raceway Park in September of 1986. Burcham held off Key to finish third in the race. Kurt Hall won the class over Andy Fenwick.

Gene Burcham (No. 593) on his FZ600 and Honda 500 Interceptor mounted Ed Key (No. 34) battle for the final podium spot in a WERA C Production final at Indianapolis Raceway Park in September of 1986. Burcham got it. (Larry Lawrence photo)

(NEWS RELEASE)

Mid-America Speedway, Indianapolis, IN.–August 10, 2012—In just one week, one of the biggest weekends of a motorcycle racing fan’s dream will all come together in the Indiana capital as the Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP will reign supreme for it’s 5th Annual gathering at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

There are many events that help to highlight the great weekend of racing in Indy, but one of the most exciting will be happening on Friday, August 17 as Mid-America Speedway , located at the Marion County Fairgrounds, will be hosting their inaugural ‘Night Before the Indy Mile’ on the beautifully prepared short track venue located on Indianapolis’ south east side of town.

Hosting flat track racing at it’s facility since the 2007 season, the local venue will host the stars of AMA Pro Flat Track and some of the riders on the regional and local circuit for what is sure to be a great kick-off to the following night’s Lucas Oil Indy Mile held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. For the second year in-a-row, Mid-America will again play host to some of the best racing on wheels in the world as some of the stars of The Rolling Thunder Show in AMA Pro Flat Track will roll into town the night before to contest the Pro 450 Class.

Riders such as current AMA Grand National Championship points leader Jared Mees #9, Illinois resident and Mid-America regular Rob Pearson #27, Canadian flat tracker Doug Lawrence #73, full-time AMA Road Racer/part-time AMA Flat Tracker JD Beach #95, and Pro Singles riders Zakk Palmer #81C, Ben Knight #85P and Fight for Dirt Track.com’s Tyler Porter #28C. Last year’s event in the Pro 450 Class saw Mees, Australian Mick Kirkness and Rob Pearson fill-out the podium.

As most remember from the 2011 season, the originally-scheduled round of the Lucas Oil Indy Mile was canceled due to the tragic results of the rigging collapse on the main stage just over two weeks before the event was to run. Mid-America Speedway hosted it’s original outing on Friday night of the ‘11 MotoGP Weekend and saw a great turn-out of Pro and local talent in spite of the cancellation at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and is expecting an even better turn-out of talent for this year’s event on Friday, August 17.

Along with the big names, local favorites such as Dreyer Motorsports/Tucker Rocky-backed Ricky Leak, Nathan and Kevin Wilson and Ken Maynard are also expected to be racing at Mid-America, and Clermont, Indiana’s Dan Ingram #31J will also be on-hand. For those of you unfamiliar with Dan, he just returned to the Expert ranks in AMA Flat Track at the ripe young age of 47 years old after being injured and forced to retire prematurely during the ‘93 racing season. Ingram will be on-hand to sign autographs for the fans and will be selling t-shirts to help support his Expert Twins Series program. All riders will be available throughout the evening to sign autographs and talk with the fans.

Mid-America will be running a limited program at this event, with Pro 450 money class, 250 money class, 30+ vet, 50+ Super Senior, Vintage Light (0-350 air-cooled/twin shock), 85-200 Youth (two and four-stroke), Open Quad and Speedway for the evening’s program.

For the second year in-a-row, we will also be showcasing the by-invitation only Bob Starke Indian Arrow Challenge, which features a fine collection of 1949 Indian Arrows. Texan ‘Wild Will’ Kelley, a former AMA Pro Flat Track competitor and 6-Time VDTRA Pro #1 competitor will be making the swing into Indy after competing in the Kansas Fair races to ride one of these immaculate machines.

Gates are scheduled to open at 1:30 PM EDT on Friday, August 17, with rider’s meeting scheduled for 4:00 PM and first practice at 4:30 PM. Opening ceremonies and the first heat races are scheduled to roll off at 7:00 PM. Admission for this great event is only $10.00 for ages 10 and up, with children 5-9 only $5.00.

For more information, be sure to visit our website at www.midamspeedway.com and make your plans now for what will truly be a great night of short track racing at Mid-America Speedway, the 2012 ‘Night Before the Indy Mile’ at the Marion County Fairgrounds on Indy’s south east side.

(NEWS RELEASE)

‘The Ultimate Motorcycle Race in America’ includes great activities for all riders, fans

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012 – The 2012 Red Bull Indianapolis GP features exciting, 200-mph racing by the world’s best riders on exotic, prototype machinery, and there are plenty of other activities geared toward motorcycling enthusiasts during “The Ultimate Motorcycle Race in America” on Aug. 17-19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

MotoGP superstars Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner will race against American standouts Nicky Hayden, Ben Spies and Colin Edwards aboard 1000cc prototype motorcycles from Ducati, Honda, Yamaha and more on the IMS road course Sunday, Aug. 19, with practice Friday, Aug. 17 and practice and qualifying Saturday, Aug. 18. Exciting competition also will take place in the Moto2 (600cc) and Moto3 (250cc) World Championship classes featuring riders from around the world.

The distinctive rumble of American V-Twin thunder also will be heard and felt for the second consecutive year on track at IMS, as the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series returns for a second consecutive year with races Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19.

Competitors race on spec Harley-Davidson XR1200 machines, with only limited modifications allowed. This formula places a premium on rider skill and creates fantastic, side-by-side, handlebar-banging action all over the track.

There’s also great action off the road course at IMS, both at the Speedway and around Indianapolis.

Fans can get an up-close look at the exciting world of MotoGP during the popular Red Bull Indianapolis GP Pit Walkabout, which takes place from 5:15-6:45 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. The pit lane at IMS will be open, giving fans a fantastic look at the exotic prototype machinery of MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 as mechanics prepare the bikes for Race Day.

Every MotoGP rider will answer fan questions and help auction items for charity during the Riders For Health auction from 5-6:40 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17 on the Main Stage on 6th Street in the IMS infield. Experts from Cycle World will talk motorcycle tech during the Cycle World Industry Panel from noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 on the Main Stage. Yamaha stars Jorge Lorenzo, Ben Spies, Andrea Dovizioso and Cal Crutchlow will answer fan questions during the Yamaha Rider Chats from 6-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18 on the Main Stage.

The worlds of fashion, music, beauty and the most famous global motorcycle brand intersect at Ducati Island, located in the IMS infield during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Live music, fashion shows, Ducati giveaways, autograph sessions with Ducati riders, the beautiful Ducati Girls and Ducati motorcycles from all eras are among the evocative sights and sounds available in this popular area. There are a variety of special perks for Ducati owners, including gear check, special parking and more.

Major motorcycle manufacturers and aftermarket companies will display and sell their products at the Manufacturer Display area in the IMS infield and the Vendor Marketplace in the Gasoline Alley garage area.

Manufacturer representatives are available at the Manufacturer Display area to answer questions from fans interested in putting one of the beautiful new machines in their garage.

Enthusiasts can see and purchase gear from top motorcycle equipment and accessory companies at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP Vendor Marketplace, as the popular display area for aftermarket products returns for a fifth year. The Vendor Marketplace also will feature the largest selection of motorcycle apparel anywhere. The Vendor Marketplace will be open in the Gasoline Alley garages at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the entire Red Bull Indianapolis GP, Friday, Aug. 17 through Sunday, Aug. 19.

Some exquisite vintage and custom bikes – including legendary bikes from Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Indian – will be on display and run Saturday, Aug. 18 during the return of the Cycle World Rolling Concours presented by BikeBandit.com.

Participants join the Cycle World staff on a ride from the track to a private lunch before riding back to the Speedway for judging. Bikes must complete the entire ride to be eligible for trophies in a variety of classes, as this unique event celebrates both form and function.

The beautiful machines of the Rolling Concours machines also will be on display Friday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 19 in a special area at IMS.

While the AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 puts Harley-Davidson motorcycles on center stage at IMS, America’s best flat-track riders will race for victory and glory Saturday night, Aug. 18 during the Lucas Oil Legendary Indy Mile Grand National AMA Flat Track race on the dirt oval at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Glorious memories of the Indy Mile go back for decades. Top riders always have coveted a win at this race, long considered the “Crown Jewel” of AMA Pro Racing’s oldest and most tradition-rich professional racing series, the Flat Track Grand National series.

Anticipation will be high for this year’s race, which returns after a one-year hiatus.

For those looking for a break from the intense competition at IMS and the Indy Mile, Motorcycles on Meridian is the path to a good time.

South Meridian Street in downtown Indianapolis will be transformed into a festival of the motorcycle lifestyle on Friday evening, Aug. 17 and Saturday evening, Aug. 18. The streets will fill with the roar of engines from all kinds of motorcycles and the sight of leather-clad riders.

Riders will gather on Meridian all the way from Monument Circle to South Street to share interests and celebrate the Red Bull Indianapolis GP at IMS, which has been a co-host and presenter of this popular event since the inaugural year in 2008.

Fans seeking a jaw-dropping display of skill on modern, cutting-edge street bikes should look no further than the fourth round of the 2012 XDL Championship Series, taking place Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18 at the Indiana War Memorial downtown Indianapolis.

The high-energy, high-thrill XDL series is the premier stunt-riding championship in the world, featuring riders from America and around the world performing the latest tricks in an action-packed format.

For more information about the Red Bull Indianapolis GP and all of the surrounding events, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, the event Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndianapolisGP.

***

2012 tickets: Tickets for the 2012 Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP event, scheduled for Aug. 17-19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, are on sale now at www.imstix.com, by calling (800) 822-INDY or (317) 492-6700 or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

Information on camping at IMS during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP is available at www.imstix.com. Hotel package information can be found at visitindy.com/redbull.

2012 RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP SCHEDULE
(Provisional, all times local)

FRIDAY, Aug. 17

8 a.m. Public Gates Open

9:15-9:55 a.m. Moto3 Free Practice #1

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Vendor Marketplace, Interactive Display Area Open

10:10-10:55 a.m. MotoGP Free Practice #1

11:10-11:55 a.m. Moto2 Free Practice #1

12:10-12:35 p.m. AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Free Practice

1-2:30 p.m. Live Music, Jasmine Cain, Main Stage, 6th Street

1:15-1:55 p.m. Moto3 Free Practice #2

2:10-2:55 p.m. MotoGP Free Practice #2

3:10-3:55 p.m. Moto2 Free Practice #2

3:15-4:45 p.m. Live Music, Lynda Sayyah, Main Stage, 6th Street

4:10-4:55 p.m. AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Qualifying Practice

5-6:40 p.m. Riders For Health Auction, Chats, Plaza Stage

6:30-7:30 p.m. Motorcycle Track Laps

SATURDAY, Aug. 18

7 a.m. Public Gates Open

8:15-8:30 a.m. AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Warm-up

9:15-9:55 a.m. Moto3 Free Practice #3

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Vendor Marketplace, Interactive Display Area Open

10:10-10:55 a.m. MotoGP Free Practice #3

10:30 a.m.-noon Live Music, Jasmine Cain, Main Stage, 6th Street

11:10-11:55 a.m. Moto2 Free Practice #3

Noon-1 p.m. Cycle World Industry Panel, Main Stage, 6th Street

1-1:40 p.m. Moto3 Qualifying Practice

1-3 p.m. IMS Kids Club Event, North Chalet 6B

1:55-2:55 p.m. MotoGP Qualifying Practice

3:10-3:55 p.m. Moto2 Qualifying Practice

4-5:30 p.m. Live Music, Brent James & The Contraband, Main Stage, 6th Street

4:20 p.m. AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Race #1 (10 laps)

5:15-6:45 p.m. Pit Walkabout

6-6:30 p.m. Yamaha Rider Chats (Lorenzo, Spies, Dovizioso, Crutchlow), Main Stage, 6th Street

SUNDAY, Aug. 19

7 a.m. Public Gates Open

7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Vendor Marketplace Open

8:40-9 a.m. Moto3 Warm-up

9:10-9:30 a.m. Moto2 Warm-up

9:40-10 a.m. MotoGP Warm-up

11 a.m. Moto3 Race (23 laps)

12:20 p.m. Moto2 Race (26 laps)

2 p.m. MotoGP Race (28 laps)

3:30 p.m. AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Race #2 (10 laps)

(NEWS RELEASE)

Official marketplace to buy and sell tickets with other fans

Atlanta, GA, August 9, 2012 – PrimeSport, the leader in providing direct access to the biggest sporting events on the planet, announced today a new partnership with Feld Motor Sports® to build and manage the official ticket exchange and VIP travel packages for the Monster Energy Cup, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Finals, and the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World FinalsSM.

Las Vegas is home to the Monster Energy Cup, Monster Energy Supercross Finals and Monster Jam World Finals. The October Monster Energy Cup showcases the top supercross riders competing on a unique track in an open class, three main event format for a chance to win $1 million. At the finals in May, the Monster Energy Supercross season comes to a climactic end as one rider is crowned champion. The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam World Finals offers the greatest weekend in motorsports for the entire family. Sam Boyd Stadium will be alive as the top 24 Monster Jam® trucks in the world compete for the coveted titles of Racing World Champion and Freestyle World Champion.

“PrimeSport has extensive experience and a first-rate track record when it comes to offering tickets and travel packages for large events.” said Tom Williams of Feld Entertainment. “By partnering with PrimeSport, our fans have safe, dependable and fully authorized methods for securing tickets and packages for each of these great events. PrimeSport has the resources and expertise needed to provide our fans with an unforgettable and quality experience.”

As the Official Ticket Exchange for the Monster Energy Cup, Monster Energy Supercross Finals, and Monster Jam World Finals, PrimeSport creates a secure and approved marketplace for fans to buy tickets. Furthermore, if a ticket holder is unable to attend, they have the ability to post the tickets for sale on an official exchange site. Fans can feel safe while purchasing tickets, as PrimeSport has a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee on all transactions. PrimeSport also currently manages the Official Ticket Exchanges for the NCAA® Men’s Basketball Tournament, NCAA Men’s Final Four®, NCAA Women’s Final Four, NCAA Men’s Frozen Four, 2013 Discover BCS National Championship, Orange Bowl, The Rose Bowl Game®, the University of Arizona, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, ACC Football Championship, ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, National Finals Rodeo and Tulane University.

In addition to the official ticket exchange, PrimeSport is also offering Monster Energy Cup travel packages, Monster Energy Supercross Finals travel packages, and Monster Jam World Finals travel packages. Official packages can include hotel accommodations, event tickets, VIP pre-event hospitality, roundtrip shuttle transfers, and official commemorative souvenirs.

“Our number one priority is to provide value and the VIP experience to our customers, and our partnership with Feld Motor Sports is one more way we can offer an unforgettable and hassle-free experience to fans,” said Greg Nortman, COO of PrimeSport. “We look forward to an exciting partnership with Feld Motor Sports and the opportunity to offer the PrimeSport Experience to supercross and monster truck fans.”

For more information on the Official Ticket Exchange and Travel Packages for the Monster Energy Cup and Monster Energy Supercross, click here.

For more information on the Official Ticket Exchange and Travel Packages for the Monster Jam World Finals, click here.

About PrimeSport
PrimeSport is the leader in providing access to the biggest sporting events on the planet, offering tickets, corporate and fan travel packages, and hospitality events for corporations, professional sports teams and fans. Official partnerships with professional and college sports organizations include multiple NFL teams, the Rose Bowl Game®, 2013 Discover BCS National Championship, Allstate Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl. The company is the official ticket and hospitality package provider for selected NCAA Championships, including the 2012 NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, 2013 NCAA Men’s Final Four® and 2012 NCAA Women’s Final Four®. In addition, PrimeSport manages the Official Ticket Exchange for select events and organizations, including the 2012 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four®, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, University of Arizona, University of Nevada Las Vegas and Tulane University. PrimeSport is a privately-held company, headquartered in Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit www.primesport.com or call 1-800-591-9198.

NCAA, Men’s Final Four, Men’s Frozen Four, and Women’s Final Four are trademarks of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

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.

Charles Lang races his beautiful Ducati Pantah 500 SL in the rain at Indianapolis Raceway Park during a WERA Sprint race in April of 1985. You’ve got to hand it to Lang, not a lot of people would have the audacity to race such a nice motorcycle in the rain. Notice the belt-drive covers are off the engine, yet the taillight is still attached. A year after this photo was taken Lang scored a podium in the Lightweight Modified class of the AMA Battle of the Twins National at Road America.

Charles Lang races his beautiful Ducati Pantah 500 SL in the rain at Indianapolis Raceway Park during a WERA Sprint race in April of 1985. (Larry Lawrence photo)

As the MotoGP™ grid heads into the summer break, motogp.com takes a look an in-depth look at how the premier class has fared this season so far. Read more.