AMA AX Notebook: Dayton

Courtesy of Feld Motorsports
AURORA, Ill. – As the penultimate round of the 2010 AMA Arenacross Series looms just a couple days away from Dayton, Ohio’s Nutter Center, the world’s best arenacross competitors prepare for the 11th round of bar-banging action before one of the most devoted crowds in the U.S.

The 2010 season has been a true test of resiliency as all 12 rounds of the season are being run consecutively without a single weekend off. While some riders have succumbed to the challenge of such an action-packed season and the intense nature of arenacross competition, one team has stood above the rest, putting together what is likely the most dominating season in the history of the AMA Arenacross Series.

Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLUBE Kawasaki, featuring Tyler Bowers, Josh Demuth and Chad Johnson have put together a remarkable season both as a team and individually. Bowers is the AMA Arenacross class points leader, boasting a series-leading nine victories. Demuth follows him from the runner-up spot in the standings, showcasing five wins of his own. Johnson rounds out the top three in the championship, holding a single win to his credit in 2010. As a team, at least one member of the Babbitt’s team has captured a spot on the podium in every race this season and a Babbitt’s rider has stood atop the podium at all but one race, giving them a winning percentage of 93% with two rounds and three races remaining. It is often said that consistency wins championships and they have proved that better than ever in 2010, effectively solidifying the top three positions in the championship with a 44-point advantage over fourth place.

Luck plays a significant factor throughout the course of an AMA Arenacross Series season where bad luck appears to find every rider in the field at some point. While the Babbitt’s squad has managed to stay relatively unscathed, the 2010 season will come to an unfortunate close for Bowers as an injury suffered in training has sidelined him for the rest of the year. Control of the championship now sits in the hands of Demuth, 19 points behind Bowers. Despite the inopportune injury to him, Bowers has still established an incredible points margin and will finish no worse than third in the championship, further strengthening just how dominant the Babbitt’s team has been this season.

While a bit of a let-down will loom over the final three races of the season thanks to Bowers’ absence, the Babbitt’s AMA Arenacross class team has risen to the occasion each and every week and the success the program has achieved doesn’t stop at the premier class. The Babbitt’s-backed GPF Kawasaki team in the AMA Arenacross Lites class has also set the standard throughout the season. While the challenge presented to the pair of GPF riders A.J. Catanzaro and Daniel Aulsaybrook throughout 2010 has been stronger, two of the youngest riders on the circuit, each of whom are racing the entire season for the first time, have answered the call and each sits in position to claim the respective AMA Arenacross Lites Regional Championships.

The AMA Arenacross Lites Eastern Regional Championship concludes on Saturday night and fresh off his first career victory last weekend, Aulsaybrook sits just four points out of the lead. With the amount of momentum he garnered from his latest outing, it would be hard to doubt his ability and determination to overcome that deficit.

In the AMA Arenacross Lites Western Regional Championship, Catanzaro has four overall wins to his credit in 2010 and leads the standings by 20 points with just one round and two races to go next weekend from Denver. Over the last few weeks, Catanzaro has been the hottest rider in the series and at just 16 years of age, the rookie is amassing one of the most impressive inaugural seasons ever.

With at least one member from the Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLUBE Kawasaki team guaranteed to win the premier class championship and a great opportunity for each GPF/Babbitt’s Kawasaki rider to take home the Lites Regional titles, Babbitt’s-backed Kawasaki’s are in prime position to make 2010 a clean sweep of arenacross prestige, a feat that has never been accomplished.

This weekend, the intimate and exciting action of the AMA Arenacross Series will be showcased at the Ervin J. Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University. Serving as southwest Ohio’s premier sports and entertainment complex, the Nutter Center is home to NCAA Division I Wright State Raiders athletics and the ECHL’s Dayton Bombers hockey team.

Opened in 1990 and named for famous Ohioan Ervin J. Nutter, the main arena of the center seats a maximum of 12,000, but the facility also houses four basketball courts, a recreation running track, a fitness center, classrooms, and 60,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The action commences for the Dayton Arenacross Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Amateur Day concludes an exciting weekend of action on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m.

Advance tickets are available for this weekend’s race at the Nutter Center Box Office, Ticketmaster charge by phone and ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $2 more the day of the race.

Tickets are available online at www.arenacross.com and www.ticketmaster.com. For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.

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 Monster Jam®, SuperBull?, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz?, Gravity Slashers?, 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.Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.

AMA Arenacross Baltimore Preview

Courtesy of Arenacross

Babbitt's Monster Energy Kawasaki pilot Tyler Bowers flew to victory during Saturday night at the Grand Rapids round last weekend.

The 2010 AMA Arenacross Series season started with a bang last weekend inside Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. as arguably the most talented field in the history of the sport began a three-month battle for supremacy. Over the course of two nights of action, four different winners claimed the first place trophy in both the AMA Arenacross and AMA Arenacross Lites classes.

A pair of familiar faces stood atop the podium in the premier AMA Arenacross class as two-time series champion Chad Johnson and young phenom Tyler Bowers grabbed the Friday and Saturday night victories, respectively. Each rider is a member of the preseason favorite Babbitt’s Monster Energy/Ti Lube Kawasaki team and have an early jump on the championship battle as they sit 1-2 in the points with Bowers leading the way by two.

In the first round of the AMA Arenacross Lites Eastern Regional championship, reigning Central Region champion and title favorite Kurt McCabe cruised to an impressive night one victory while rookie Taylor Futrell broke through for his first career win in just his second start. McCabe leads the way in the standings by five points.

The lineup of teams and riders for the 2010 AMA Arenacross Series is a who’s who of the sport. Names like Bowers, Johnson, Josh Demuth, Brock Sellards, Kelly Smith, Kevin Johnson, Robbie Reynard, Jeff Gibson litter the standings while new faces like Colton Facciotti and Ezra Lusk make their foray into the series.

With such a strong lineup, the 2010 season has the potential to showcase the most parity in the history of the sport. Minus the pair of riders making their dull-time debut in the AMA Arenacross Series, each of the aforementioned names are past winners as are young, up and coming riders like Nathan Skaggs and Gray Davenport.

“This is going to be an exciting season for sure,” said AMA Arenacross Series Director Jayme Dalsing. “Despite a tough economy, we have an incredibly strong group of riders who really want to race arenacross and have that chance to capture a national title. With a sport as unpredictable as this and a lineup as strong as we have, it’s anyone’sguess as to how things will turn out.”

In recent years, two teams have slowly risen to the top of the heap in the premier class and have definitely set the bench mark for all other competitors. The Babbitt’s team has won championships in the past and continuously fields the top riders in the series. However, Tuf Honda has served as an antagonist to the Kawasaki team, winning the last three series titles with three different riders. The budding rivalry has the potential to come to a head this season as each team is fielding a trio of highly talented and hugely successful riders.

Joining Johnson and Bowers at Babbitt’s is two-time champion Josh Demuth, arguably the biggest name in the sport of arenacross. The team drew first blood at the Des Moines prequel in November by finishing 1-2-3 and continued to build momentum by sweeping its hometown race last weekend. Tuf Honda brings back defending series champion Jeff Gibson for 2010 while also enlisting the efforts of Brock Sellards, a perennial championship runner-up on the verge of breaking through, and supercross legend Ezra Lusk, who will join the series after recovering from injury.

“Fans are in store for some epic racing with two of the sports most historic teams,” stated Miss Arenacross Lindsey Scheltema. “Tuf has had everyone’s number the last three years no matter who they put on the bike. Now, Babbitt’s is pulling out all the stops in order to break the streak. And there is no way you can count out teams like Spinechillers and Jackson Performance KTM who boast riders that are just as talented and hungry to win.”

No matter what happens. It’s going to be a memorable year.

This weekend, the intimate and exciting action of the AMA Arenacross Series will be showcased at 1st Mariner Arena, the largest indoor sports and entertainment facility in Baltimore. Opened in 1962, it served as the Civic Center before becoming the Baltimore Arena, which was the official title until 1st Mariner Bank garnered sponsorship rights in 2003.

There are 11,000 permanent seats inside the arena, but as many as 14,000 can be in attendance when using its spacious floor, which will be covered with tons of dirt and over 100 of the most competitive arenacross riders in the world this weekend.

The first gates drop on the Baltimore Arenacross Friday, January 15 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The action continues Saturday night from 1st Mariner Arena at 7:30 p.m. for night two, followed by Amateur Day on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m.

All Gold Circle Level seats cost just $20. Mid-level seats are $18 for adults and $8 for kids, ages 2-12. Tickets cost $2 more the day of the race. Purchase at 1st Mariner Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster charge by phone at 800-551-SEAT.

Tickets are available online at www.arenacross.com, www.ticketmaster.com, www.tickets.com. For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.

AX Heads to Baltimore AMA Supercross Great Ezra Lusk Headed to AMA Arenacross Series

Courtesy of Feld Entertainment
AURORA, Ill. (January 12, 2010) – After a memorable opening weekend in Grand Rapids, Mich., the AMA Arenacross Series continues its nationwide trek throughout the 2010 season this weekend at Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena and round two of the 12-race season. Former AMA supercross star and racing veteran Ezra Lusk is prepared to come out of retirement and make a full-time return to the sport he loves on a more intimate and in-your-face style of racing when he joins the AMA Arenacross Series.

Achieving success in the big stadiums of AMA Supercross throughout the ‘90s, Lusk is returning to competition in the action-packed, technical confines of the AMA Arenacross Series for 2010. As a member of the dominant Tuf Honda team that has won the last three AMA Arenacross class titles, Lusk will join teammates Brock Sellards and reigning AMA Arenacross Series champion Jeff Gibson for his official series debut at the legendary Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., January 30-31 for the fourth of 12 rounds this season.

An injury suffered while preparing for the 2010 AMA Arenacross Series forced Lusk to sit on the sidelines as the series got underway, but now the Georgia native affectionately known as Yogi is back and ready to make his first foray into the bar-banging, high-energy competition of the world’s most exciting and intimate form of motorcycle racing.

After a stellar 2010 debut at their team’s hometown race, respective Friday and Saturday night race winners Chad Johnson and Tyler Bowers lead their competitors, sitting atop the standings for Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLube Kawasaki.

Behind them, a potent lineup of challengers await their opportunity to climb atop the podium, including the series’ latest all-star team from reigning three-time series champion Tuf Racing. The 2010 Tuf Honda effort is led by defending series champion Jeff Gibson, who posted a runner-up finish on the opening night of action but suffered his worst performance since racing the AMA Arenacross Series full time last season on Saturday, failing to make the main event. Joining Gibson is perennial championship bridesmaid Brock Sellards along with former supercross star Ezra Lusk who returns from retirement to make his AMA Arenacross Series debut.

Gibson and Sellards were the top two finishers in the AMA Arenacross Series last season and Sellards brings a familiarity with Tuf Honda, racing for the team in 2007. With success and experience in the hands of the riders wearing the number one and two plates, Lusk’s adjustment to the series should be smooth when he joins the 2010 season at the third round in Hampton, Va. Lusk is recovering from a testing injury, forcing him to miss the first two rounds of the year.

Last year in Baltimore, Gibson established himself as a title favorite, extending his early season points lead with a Friday night win while Spinechillers/Storm Lake Honda’s Nathan Skaggs continued what would be a breakout season in 2009 by capturing the victory on Saturday.

In the always unpredictable AMA Arenacross Lites class, a pair of premier AMA Arenacross class competitors took advantage of making the adjustment to a new season as Josh Demuth and Gray Davenport took the wins on Friday and Saturday night, respectively.

This weekend marks the second round of the Lites Eastern Regional championship, currently led by Grand Rapids’ Friday night winner and defending Central Regional champion Kurt McCabe.

AMA Arenacross Series Standings

AMA Arenacross Class (After Race 2 of 19)
1. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki – 43
2. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis., Kawasaki – 41
3. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Honda – 40
4. Josh Demuth, North Richland Hills, Texas, Kawasaki – 31
5. Nathan Skaggs, Chillicothe, Ohio, Honda – 30
6. Kevin Johnson, Spring, Texas, Kawasaki – 26
7. Brock Sellards, Sherodsville, Ohio, Honda – 25
8. Dave Ginolfi, Lake Hopatlong, N.J., Suzuki – 23
9. Jeff Gibson, Thornville, Ohio, Honda – 22
10. Gray Davenport, Lehi, Utah, Kawasaki – 20
11. Robbie Reynard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Suzuki – 20

AMA Arenacross Lites Eastern Regional Class (After Race 2 of 9)
1. Kurt McCabe, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Honda – 43
2. Daniel Aulsaybrook, Ortonville, Mich., Kawasaki – 38
3. Taylor Futrell, Clinton, N.C., Honda – 33
4. Devon Pilkington, Virginia Beach, Va., Kawasaki – 30
5. Chad Wages, Frederick, Md., Suzuki – 29
6. A.J. Catanzaro, Middlefield, Conn., Kawasaki – 27
7. Justin Kelly, Lelumia, Ill., Kawasaki – 25
8. Randy Woodring, Spring Lake, Mich., Yamaha – 23
9. Jim Neese, Julian, N.C., Yamaha – 22
10. Ryan Zimmer, Angier, N.C., Honda – 20
11. Tyler Bright, Lexington, N.C., Yamaha – 20

A limited number of Gold Circle seating is available.  Kid’s seats just $10 (excluding Gold Circle).  Tickets are available at the 1st Mariner Arena box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and by phone at 800-551-SEAT.

Tickets for all rounds of the 2010 season can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and www.arenacross.com.

For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.

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 Monster Jam®, SuperBull?, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz?, Gravity Slashers?, 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.

Kenda Tire Becomes Official Tire of the AMA Arenacross Series

Image via Wikipedia

Courtesy of Kenda Tires
AURORA, Ill. (December 15, 2009) - As the opening round of the 2010 AMA Arenacross Series draws near, Feld Motor Sports(sm) announced that Kenda Tire, the company that has the consumer covered from automotives to wheel barrows, will serve as the Official Tire of the AMA Arenacross Series.

A long-time supporter of the sport, Kenda Tire is increasing its commitment to the world's most intimate form of dirt-bike racing as a major series sponsor for the 12-race 2010 season. Since 1962, Kenda has made high-quality tires for nearly every application imaginable.

"We're very excited about partnering with the AMA Arenacross Series for 2010," said Gus Niewenhous, sales and marketing manager for Kenda Tire. "When researching all of our potential partnerships, no one else offered such a unique blend of exposure to both the fans and the racers. It's really the best of both worlds for us when it comes to elevating our brand awareness. We're looking forward to a great year."

With the tight confines and technical layout of the AMA Arenacross Series tracks, Kenda Tire introduces the "Triple" motocross tire. It is specifically designed and developed for arenacross conditions and will surely be showcased by many of the competitors throughout the season.

"Feld Motor Sports and the AMA Arenacross Series couldn't be happier to have Kenda Tire on board for 2010," said series director Jayme Dalsing. "Their commitment to the sport is second to none and in the face of a tough economy, they believe in our series, our riders and the product we put out on the track each and every week."

The 2010 AMA Arenacross Series season kicks-off January 8-10 from Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich., with two nights of edge-of-your-seat pro action on Friday and Saturday and Amateur Day on Sunday.

A limited number of Gold Circle seating is available at just $25. Regular adult admission is $20 while kid's seats are just $10 (excluding Gold Circle.) Tickets are available at Van Andel Arena Box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 616-456-3333. $5 discounts are available at Babbitt's Sports Center.

Tickets are available online at www.arenacross.com and www.ticketmaster.com. For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.

About Feld Motor Sports(sm)
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy®Supercross , AMA Arenacross SSeries, Freestyle Motocross, Nuclear Cowboyz(sm) 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.