Thursday, January 30, 2014

The Toyota Triple Challenge Debuts at Monster Energy Supercross This Weekend

Courtesy of Feld Motorsports

Three-Race Points Challenge Puts $250,000 and a 2014 Toyota Tundra on the Line

AURORA, Ill. (January 30, 2014) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that it has teamed up with longtime Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, sponsor Toyota to introduce the inaugural “Toyota Triple Challenge,” a three-race points-earning challenge within the 17-race championship. The winner of the “Toyota Triple Challenge” will win a new 2014 Toyota Tundra, with a $250,000 bonus on the line for any rider who wins all three races.
The “Toyota Triple Challenge” will include the fifth race and third stop in Anaheim, Calif., on February 1, the seventh race of the season and Eastern Regional opener from Arlington, Texas, on February 15, and the anticipated return to the New York area for the 16th race of the season in East Rutherford, N.J., on April 26.
“In an already epic season, the Toyota Triple Challenge will add another exciting points race for $250,000 and a 2014 Toyota Tundra,” said Todd Jendro, vice president of two wheel operations, Feld Motor Sports. “With the parity of this season — three different winners in four races – The Toyota Triple Challenge is an extra incentive for the world’s top racers.”
Every competitor in the 450SX Class is eligible in the Challenge, and points will be awarded towards it during these three events. The rider with the most points at the conclusion of the three designated races will win a 2014 Toyota Tundra and will be recognized as the inaugural victor of the “Toyota Triple Challenge.” However, if any rider is able to take the checkered flag inside Angel Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and MetLife Stadium, he will receive $250,000 in addition to the truck.
“The Toyota Triple Crown is sure to turn the focus of the motorcycle world toward these three events,” said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports manager. “As a long-time Monster Energy Supercross sponsor, we’re thrilled to help debut an exciting new program that’s sure to bring even more attention to the series. The $250,000 reward and a new 2014 Tundra are certain to have all the competitors going flat-out.”
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Toyota has served as an official partner of Monster Energy Supercross for nine seasons. The platform provided by Monster Energy Supercross with its on-track branding and one-of-a-kind Pit Party provides an ideal avenue for Toyota to reach its consumers and potential buyers. As the Official Vehicle of Monster Energy Supercross, the Tundra has been a focal point for Toyota at the races, providing interactive demos for attendees inside the Pit Party and offering fun, competitive contests on the stadium floor for select lucky fans both in advance and during each race.
The “Toyota Triple Challenge” is the second initiative introduced for the competitors with Monster Energy Supercross, but the first for the riders of the premier 450SX Class. For several years, Toyota awarded a Tundra to the winner of the annual East/West Shootout for the 250SX Class in Las Vegas. Thanks in part to its title sponsorship of the Toyota/Yamaha/N-Fab/JGRMX squad, Toyota has invested even more in its support of the sport of supercross, with the “Toyota Triple Challenge” serving as its most ambitious and excited endeavor to date.
For the first-time ever, the entire Monster Energy Supercross season will air live on FOX Sports. FOX Sports 1 will air 13 races live and FOX Sports 2 will air four races live, in addition to every race re-airing on FOX Sports 2. The live Monster Energy Supercross programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2 also includes live coverage on the authenticated FOX Sports Go app.
For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross. To follow Monster Energy Supercross on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, log on to www.facebook.com/supercrossLive www.Twitter.com/supercrosslive and www.instagram.com/SupercrossLive.com. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com.SupercrossLive. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants. There are nearly 1,500 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in the U.S. which sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2013. Toyota directly employs over 31,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from U.S. suppliers totals over $26 billion.
For more information about Toyota,
visit www.toyota.comwww.toyotanewsroom.com or www.toyotainaction.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 productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross and Nuclear Cowboyz®. Feld Motor Sports 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.
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Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Wharton showing 'Military Appreciation' by hosting children of fallen heroes

Courtesy of Geico Honda

Wharton showing 'Military Appreciation' by hosting children of fallen heroes

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 28) -- GEICO Honda Supercross rider Blake Wharton will be taking his sport's upcoming Military Appreciation Day in a special direction by personally hosting a group of children who have lost a parent serving overseas in the U.S. military. 
Wharton, a rider in the team's 250SX East Series program, has partnered with Guide On to create a unique day for 15 children, who will join Wharton in the GEICO Honda pits on Feb. 8 during the Monster Energy Supercross race at Qualcomm Stadium.
Based in San Diego, Guide On helps children who have lost a military parent by providing leadership and skills training while teaming them with peers who have shared similar experiences. Wharton is friends with two members of Guide On, the father and son team of Bob and Bobby Bolt.
"It gets pretty crazy in the middle of a Supercross season," Wharton said. "Everything we do focuses on trying to win races and getting in position to win the championship; that's what we do. But it's also important to take a little time to give back to the community, and when I see something that's a good fit, and this is a good fit, I jump at the chance.
"This is something that's very close to my heart. If we can step out for a moment and make a kid's day, a kid that's been through something pretty bad, then I think it's the right thing to do. I want to do everything I can for these kids."
Wharton has the opportunity to host these guests because he is not racing in 250SX West competition. The 250SX East Series begins Feb. 15 in Arlington, Texas.
The children he's treating to a day at the races are of various ages, with most under 10, though there are some who are 15 and 16 years old. Wharton will provide tickets to the race as well as hospitality and meet-and-greet opportunities in the GEICO Honda pit area. 
"I just saw a good opportunity to do something nice," Wharton said. "We're hoping to do what we can to make their day. It's a hard time for them.
"I hope all the riders I know take a minute to come by and say hi to these kids. That would be very cool."
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MX for Children Drops the Gate on the 2014 Jackpot Challenge

Courtesy of MX for Children


MX for Children Drops the Gate on the 2014  Jackpot Challenge
 
Top Monster Energy Supercross Teams Line Up for North American Children’s Hospitals Fundraising
 
Seattle, WA. (Jan. 28, 2014) –
 
With a packed line-up of Monster Energy Supercross teams for MX for Children’s 2014 Jackpot Challenge, we are pleased to drop the gate for this year’s team competition! Great support from the following teams/riders affords a tremendous opportunity for Supercross fans in Canada and the United States to participate in the Jackpot Challenge and raise funds for children’s hospitals and earn great incentive prizes:
 
BTO Sports racing KTM – Andrew Short, Matt Goerke
Geico Racing Honda –  Zach Bell, Matt Bisceglia, Justin Bogle, Wil Hahn, Zach Osborne, Eli Tomac
MotoConcepts – Mike Alessi
Monster Energy Kawasaki – Ryan Villopoto, Jake Weimer
Muscle Milk Honda – Justin Barcia, Trey Canard
Pro Circuit Kawasaki –  Blake Baggett, Adam Cianciarulo, Martin Davalos, Darryn Durham, Justin, Hill, Dean Wilson
Red Bull KTM – Ryan Dungey, Ken Roczen, Marvin Musquin, Dean Ferris
Rockstar Racing KTM – Davi Millsaps, Ivan Tedesco, Jason Alexander, Joey Savatgy
Troy Lee Designs Honda – Cole Seely, Malcolm Stewart, Jessy Nelson, Shane McElrath
TwoTwo Motorsports – Chad Reed
Yoshimura Racing Suzuki – James Stewart
 
The Jackpot Challenge raises funds for brain research at the following children’s hospitals: Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital of Alabama, Houston’s Texas Children’s, Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh’s Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City’s Primary Children’s, Seattle Children’s, St. Louis Children’s, Toronto’s SickKids and Vancouver’s BC Children’s Hospital.  The funds go to support the hospitals’ research to improve the brain condition hydrocephalus – the #1 cause of brain surgery for children.
 
“I was proud that Chad and TwoTwo Motorsports won this award last year,” said Ellie Reed, the official spokesperson of MX for Children.  “Having had a neurological scare of our own with our daughter, I can say that the research supported by this fundraiser is not only very impactful on kids’ lives but also their families who without help from MX for Children wouldn’t be able to help their kids.”
 
Jackpot Challenge participants also can root for one of their favorite Jackpot Challenge teams.  The Jackpot Challenge teams are Supercross race teams that support the MX for Children cause by donating their time at MX for Children events.  The funds raised by individual fundraisers are also credited to the team they select.  MX for Children awards the Jackpot Challenge Team award with the highest total fundraising for the season.  Chad Reed’s TwoTwo Motorsports won the Jackpot Challenge Team award in 2013. Finally, fundraisers who exceed $500 in 2014 will qualify for the Inside Line Experience – offered in Toronto, St. Louis, Houston and Seattle.
 
"It is really great to be working with such a wonderful organization like MX for Children again," explained Trey Canard of the Muscle Milk Honda team. "It is opportunities like this that really allow us riders to give back and have a certain voice that not many people get to have. I think if what we do can bring light into a child's world that  makes it all worth it. It is so gratifying to be able to visit the hospitals sometimes and to donate simple things like gear to help raise money for such a great cause. I look forward to working with everyone again this year and for many years to come."
 
In the U.S. please visit http://mxforchildren.kintera.org/2014 to sign up for the 2014 MX for Children Jackpot Challenge.

In Canada please visit http://tinyurl.com/mx4c-jackpot-challenge-canada





About MX for Children

MX for Children has raised more than $630,000 for children’s hospitals in North American since it was founded in 2006. In 2011 MX for Children was honored by Feld Motorsports with their annual Humanitarian Award. Fundraisers are motivated to help children by advancing research for hydrocephalus -- the #1 cause of brain surgery for kids. MX for Children supported hospitals, recognized as some of the world’s foremost pediatric health-care institutions, are dedicated to advancing children’s health through the integration of patient care, research, and education in several cities on the Supercross circuit. MX for Children is partnered with the Hydrocephalus Association to provide 501©(3) status.  All donations are deductible and 100% of the proceeds to the hospitals for hydrocephalus research. For more information, visit www.mxforchildren.org  or contact MX for Children at info@mxforchildren.org
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Road to Supercross Competitors Continue to Shine as AMSOIL Arenacross Makes Anticipated Return to Milwaukee

Courtesy of Feld Motorsports

Road to Supercross Competitors Continue to Shine as AMSOIL Arenacross Makes Anticipated Return to Milwaukee
Zach Ames and Tony Archer Maintain Leads in Championship Chases

AURORA, Ill. (January 28, 2014) – The start of the 2014 season of AMSOIL Arenacross, featuring Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross, has been nothing short of captivating as four different riders have emerged with overall victories through the first four rounds and six nights of action in the Arenacross Class. The dramatic and unpredictable competition continues this weekend as the championship makes its first visit to Milwaukee, Wis., in over a decade for the fifth round of the season inside U.S. Cellular Arena on Friday, January 31, and Saturday, February 1.

Of the four different Arenacross Class overall winners this season, two have been rising stars from the groundbreaking Road to Supercross program. Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Aaron Plessinger made history by becoming the first rider in the Road to Supercross to capture an overall win during the second round of the season, and just this past weekend Brewer Cycles Kawasaki’s Jacob Hayes broke through for his first career overall victory at his hometown race in Greensboro, N.C.

Adding to the excitement coming from the riders in the Road to Supercross program last weekend was a career-best runner-up finish from Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki presented by Maxxis rider Colt Nichols. The Oklahoma native enjoyed the most consistent performance of his rookie season by finishing with 3-1 Main Event results, which left him just a couple points shy of Hayes’ 1-2 scores. The 1-2 finish by Road to Supercross riders was a first in AMSOIL Arenacross.

The attention-grabbing efforts from the talented group of Road to Supercross riders have also added to the depth of the Arenacross Class. Reigning three-time champion Tyler Bowers has broke through for a pair of overall wins this season, but the Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki rider has also battled with his consistency against a much more aggressive field of riders. Motosport.com/MJM Express/Spinechillers Racing Kawasaki’s Michael McDade also has a pair of overall wins this season, but like Bowers it has been a challenge to find consistency.

Bowers recently revealed he has been racing all season with a broken tibia suffered following heavy contact with several riders at the opening round of the season. No stranger to racing through pain and even a broken bone, Bowers has shown that nothing should be taken for granted in today’s ultra-competitive world of AMSOIL Arenacross.

“Breaking my tibia early in the season set me back a bit, clearly,” said Bowers. “Unfortunately, after my collarbone last season, an injury in the fall, and now this I feel I’m getting too good at riding with injury for my own good. I feel like now I can almost deal with anything and keep my eyes set on the goal [the championship]. I’m getting back into things and feeling more confident on the bike, and I look forward to the rest of the season. I have that fire flaring inside!”

As a whole, consistency is still something every rider in the championship is currently looking for, healthy or not, and that constant battle is a direct result as to why the championship battle remains close. The rider that has proved to be the most consistent up to this point in the season is Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki’s Zach Ames, who has sat atop the Arenacross Class standings for nearly the entire season. Thanks to a trio of overall runner-up efforts, Ames holds a two-point advantage in the championship even though he is still in search of his first overall win of the season.

The complexities of the premier division with its veteran talent overcoming the odds and the fearless determination of the Road to Supercross competitors have made for a compelling start to the season that should continue this weekend in Milwaukee and beyond.

The Eastern Regional Arenacross Lites Class Championship has also seen four different winners emerge through the first six nights of action. Both Hillview Motorsports Suzuki’s Steve Roman and Triangle Cycles Yamaha’s Keith Tucker lead the way with two wins a piece, but its Traders Racing Kawasaki’s Tony Archer who holds possession of the championship lead.

Last weekend in Greensboro, Roman put forth an impressive ride to secure his second victory of the season, which helped move him into fourth in the title hunt. Archer enters this weekend’s action in Milwaukee with a 24-point advantage over Yamaha rider Jacob Williamson.

Friday and Saturday night’s action from U.S. Cellular Arena signifies the return of AMSOIL Arenacross to Milwaukee for the first time since the early part of the new millennium. The championship last visited the region in 2011, when Madison, Wis., hosted the world’s most intense form of racing.

Action from Milwaukee begins on Friday night at 7 p.m. CT, followed by a second night of action on Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

The entire AMSOIL Arenacross season will air on FOX Sports 1, including re-airs on FOX Sports 2. 
Previous round results:

Greensboro Coliseum
Greensboro, N.C.
January 25, 2014

Arenacross Class Results – Overall (Main Event Finishes)

  1. Jacob Hayes, Greensboro, N.C., Kawasaki (1-2)
  2. Colt Nichols, S. Muskogee, Okla., Kawasaki (3-1)
  3. Michael McDade, McDonald, Ohio, Kawasaki (5-3)
  4. Steven Mages, Sardinia, Ohio, Kawasaki (4-4)
  5. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., KTM (2-7)
  6. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Kawasaki (7-6)
  7. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki (11-5)
  8. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki (8-8)
  9. Robby Marshall, Stow, Mass., KTM (6-11)
  10. Kyle Regal, Grand Prairie, Texas, Honda (9-9)

Eastern Regional Arenacross Lites Class Results

1.     Steve Roman, Apollo, Pa., Suzuki
2.     Steven Mages, Sardinia, Ohio, Kawasaki
3.     Cheyenne Harmon, Olivia, Texas, Honda
4.     Dave Ginolfi, Boston, N.J., KTM
5.     Kyle White, Freeport, Ill., Honda
6.     Tony Archer, Waldorf, Md., Kawasaki
7.     Daniel Blair, Lodi, Calif., KTM
8.     Chad Wages, Frederick, Md., KTM
9.     Brandon Glenn, Mesquite, Texas, KTM
10.  Josh Struebig, Crown Point, Ind., KTM

Arenacross Class Points (After Race 6 of 19)

  1. Zach Ames, Prospect, Ohio, Kawasaki – 151
  2. Michael McDade, McDonald, Ohio, Kawasaki – 149
  3. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki – 145
  4. Jacob Hayes, Greensboro, N.C., Kawasaki – 138
  5. Willy Browning, Pleasantville, Ohio, KTM – 121
  6. Colt Nichols, S. Muskogee, Okla., Kawasaki – 91 
  7. Cory Green, Nowata, Okla., Suzuki – 90
  8. Kelly Smith, Ludington, Mich., KTM – 86
  9. Robby Marshall, Stow, Mass., KTM – 85
  10. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., KTM – 83

Eastern Regional Arenacross Lites Class Points (After Race 6 of 9)

1.     Tony Archer, Waldorf, Md., Kawasaki – 78
2.     Jacob Williamson, Swartz Creek, Mich., Yamaha – 54
3.     Brandon Glenn, Mesquite, Texas, KTM – 51
4.     Steve Roman, Apollo, Pa., Suzuki – 50
5.     Michael Lang, Saugerties, N.Y., Honda – 41
6.     Scott Zont, Algonquin, Ill., KTM – 36
7.     Keith Tucker, Furgacy-Varina, N.C., Yamaha – 33
8.     Fredrik Noren, Sweden, KTM – 28
9.     Dylan Rouse, Verona, Ky., Honda – 20
10.  Travis Delnicki, Woodstock Valley, Conn., Suzuki – 20
11.  Chad Wages, Frederick, Md., KTM – 20 

Live timing and scoring from each round of the AMSOIL Arenacross season returns for the 2014 season! To follow the intense racing action live, log onto www.Arenacross.com.

For more information on the 2014 AMSOIL Arenacross season, and to purchase tickets, log on to www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

Never miss out on the latest news! For more information on AMSOIL Arenacross, please log on to www.Arenacross.com. To follow AMSOIL Arenacross on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, long on to www.facebook.com/AMAarenacross, www.twitter.com/Arenacross and www.instagram.com/Arenacross. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/ArenacrossLive.

About AMSOIL Arenacross
AMSOIL Arenacross is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association. The AMA sanctions more amateur motorsports events than any other organization, as well as Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. For more information about AMA-sanctioned competition events, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/racing.

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross and Nuclear Cowboyz®.  Feld Motor Sports 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.

About AMSOIL®
AMSOIL® manufactures premium synthetic lubricants for all automotive, diesel and power sports applications. AMSOIL is formulated specifically for equipment life, maximum power and optimal all\-weather performance and have been tested and proven for over 40 years and billions of miles of service. For more information on AMSOIL, visit www.amsoil.com or www.amsoilracing.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, through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. 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. 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 visitwww.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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Monday, January 27, 2014

Dunlop Announces Elite Team Dunlop Squad

Courtesy of Dunlop

Buffalo, NY: Dunlop is pleased to announce its Elite Team Dunlop lineup for the 2014 season, which has grown from 18 to 20 young stellar amateur motocross racers. Since its inception in 2007, the Team Dunlop program has continued to feature a diverse range of up-and-coming motocross stars, and 2014 will be no different. All 20 Team Dunlop National riders receive special tire support, preferred treatment service at select races, plus advertising and promotional opportunities in national media and on the Team Dunlop website. 

New team manager Rob Fox will head the 2014 program, which will showcase 15 returning members and five new members. “Selecting this year’s group of riders was a difficult proposition because there are so many great riders out there, so we added more members to the team,” said Fox. “Team Dunlop has a long record of choosing not just fast amateurs, but racers that fit all the criteria that it takes to be a champion, and this year’s Elite team of riders continues that tradition.”

Since Team Dunlop’s inception eight years ago, many of the team’s riders have made successful transitions to the professional ranks, riders such as Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, Blake Baggett, Ashley Fiolek, Justin Bogle, Matt Bisceglia, Justin Hill, Adam Cianciarulo, Jessy Nelson and Joey Savatgy to name a few. 

Dunlop will release the Team Dunlop Elite rider information one rider each day on www.teamdunlop.com starting January 29th. Check there everyday to see who has joined the Elite team for 2014. 

Dunlop congratulates both new and returning Team Dunlop members and wishes them the best of luck throughout the 2014 season. 

 
About DunlopDunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S. and the only manufacturer of motorcycle tires in North America. With North American operations located in Buffalo, NY, Dunlop has been making and selling high-quality tires in the U.S. since 1923. For more information, visit www.dunlopmotorcycle.com.

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Villopoto Looking for an Edge as Monster Energy Supercross Makes Third Visit to Anaheim

Courtesy of Feld Motorsports

Villopoto Looking for an Edge as Monster Energy Supercross Makes Third Visit to Anaheim
Anderson Reclaims Possession of Western Regional 250SX Class

AURORA, Ill. (January 27, 2014) –Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, will return to Anaheim, Calif., and Angel Stadium for the third and final time in 2014 this coming weekend with many developing story lines in both classes of racing. The fifth race of the season serves as an opportunity for Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto to gain an edge on his 450SX Class rivals just one week after capturing his second win of the season and reclaiming possession of the championship lead. In the Western Regional 250SX Class Championship, Rockstar Energy Racing’s Jason Anderson seeks his fourth victory of the year.

The action from Anaheim kicks off Saturday, live on FOX Sports 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET (30 minutes earlier than the traditional TV race broadcast time).

Media day is Thursday, January 30, from Noon-2:00 p.m. locally (PT), featuring Team Yoshimura Suzuki and Cycle Trader/Rock River Yamaha.

Photo Credit: Simon Cudby

Last weekend from Oakland, Calif., and the O.co Coliseum, Villopoto put forth the most dominant effort of the 2014 season, leading all 20 laps of the Main Event to secure his second victory in three races and become the first repeat winner in the early stages of the championship. Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart and Discount Tire Racing/TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed rounded out the podium.

“It feels good to be up here tonight,” said Villopoto from the podium. “We have put in a lot of work at the test track, and I have a great team behind me and a great bike under me. I hope I can carry this momentum into Anaheim next weekend.”

Ryan Villopoto
Photo Credit: Simon Cudby

With four races completed and Villopoto earning the distinction of being the first two-time winner of the 2014 season, the storylines in the 450SX Class continue to unfold heading into Anaheim. Some key takeaways in referencing the 40-year history of Monster Energy Supercross suggest Villopoto is in an enviable position, while the parity heavy competition is sure to result in compelling racing:

  • The first repeat winner has won the title in 24 of 40 seasons, a rate of 60%.

  • For the last 11 years, the first rider to win two races in a single season has gone on to win the championship.

  • Jason Anderson has won each of his three Main Events with last lap passes. He has led a total of six laps of the 60 that have been completed in four Main Events.

  • Will someone break through as a two-time winner at Angel Stadium this season?

  • The emergence of Chad Reed and James Stewart, who have earned back-to-back podium finishes following lackluster 2013 seasons.

  • This weekend is the first round of the Toyota Triple Challenge that posts $250,000 to the rider that can win the Main Event at the third race in Anaheim, Arlington, Texas, and East Rutherford, N.J.

In addition to three winners in the first four races in 2014, the 450SX Class Heat Races have had six different winners in eight races, and six different riders have finished on the podium in four Main Events. Additionally, the 450SX Class Semis have had seven different winners in eight races while the LCQ’s have boasted a different winner each week. All this parity has provided some of the most competitive and captivating racing in the 40-year history of Monster Energy Supercross and is an indication of the difficult task that lies ahead of Villopoto as he seeks his fourth-straight world title.

For the third time this season, Anderson won a Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event by making a last-lap pass. Anderson captured the first two races of the 2014 season by surging by Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda’s Cole Seely on the final lap of competition over consecutive weeks and did so again last Saturday when he moved past Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson following a brief loss of power with Wilson’s motorcycle. Anderson reclaimed the points lead with the victory to rebound from a penalty that cost him four points the week prior and give him four wins in his past six Main Events, dating back to last season.

“I can’t believe I keep pulling these off; three wins in four races is huge,” said Anderson. “I hope to come away with the number-one plate at the end of the season. I wanted to be in attack mode tonight, but I also wanted to keep it on two wheels.”

Jason Anderson
Photo Credit: Simon Cudby

Wilson recovered to finish second and claim his first podium finish of the season, while his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate Justin Hill secured his first career podium result in third.
Just two weeks after it hosted the 40th Anniversary of Monster Energy Supercross, Angel Stadium will host its 63rd race in the 450SX Class and its 54th Western Regional 250SX Class race.

The first race held in Anaheim was on December 4, 1976, and Mart Smith won on a Honda. This weekend will mark the 62nd time the gate will drop for a 450SX Class race in Anaheim and the 24th time the city has played host to the season opener. James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath are tied on the all-time 450SX Class win list at Anaheim with eight victories. Ivan Tedesco holds the 250SX Class all-time win record in Anaheim with five victories. Angel Stadium is the only stop on the tour that will host three races – January 4, January 18 and February 1.

The first two races in Anaheim during the 2014 season produced two different winners. Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen captured his first career victory at the season-opening race on January 4, while Reed raced to his 42nd career win at the second race on January 18, ending a near two-year winless streak.

Tickets are available at the Angel Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone (800) 745-3000, or online at www.SupercrossOnline.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Practice and qualifying begin at 12:30 p.m. and the Main Event starts at 7:00 p.m. Supervalue seats start at $20. Fans can also get in to the Pits for FREE from 12:30-6 p.m. Race Day when they recycle a MONSTER Energy Can at the stadium’s pit entrance (valid only with event ticket).

Previous race results:

O.co Coliseum
Oakland, Calif.
January 25, 2014

Western Regional 250SX Class Results: Oakland
1.       Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., KTM
2.       Dean Wilson, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Kawasaki
3.       Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki
4.       Cole Seely, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda
5.       Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda
6.       Michael Leib, Menifee, Calif., Honda
7.       Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda
8.       Shane McElrath, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda
9.       Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha
10.    Dean Ferris, Murrieta, Calif., KTM

Western Regional 250SX Class Season Standings
1.       Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., KTM, 93
2.       Cole Seely, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 87
3.       Dean Wilson, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Kawasaki, 72
4.       Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda, 69
5.       Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha, 65
6.       Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 64
7.       Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Honda, 54
8.       Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 49
9.       Shane McElrath, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda, 42
10.    Dean Ferris, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 42 

450SX Class Results: Oakland
1.       Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
2.       James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki
3.       Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Kawasaki
4.       Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
5.       Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha
6.       Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
7.       Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda
8.       Wil Hahn, Menifee, Calif., Honda
9.       Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
10.    Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM

450SX Class Season Standings
1.       Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 84
2.       Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Kawasaki, 77
3.       Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 75
4.       Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 75
5.       Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha, 71
6.       James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 66
7.       Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda, 56
8.       Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 49
9.       Wil Hahn, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 43
10.    Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 37 

Past Winners in Anaheim

450SX Class

January 18, 2014
January 4, 2014
Chad Reed
Ken Roczen
February 2, 2103
Ryan Dungey
January 19, 2013
Ryan Villopoto
January 5, 2013
Davi Millsaps
February 4, 2012
Ryan Villopoto
January 7, 2012
Ryan Villopoto
February 5, 2011
James Stewart
January 8, 2011
Ryan Villopoto
February 13, 2010
Ryan Villopoto
January 23, 2010
Ryan Dungey
January 9, 2010
James Stewart
February 7, 2009
James Stewart
January 17, 2009
James Stewart
January 3, 2009
Josh Grant
February 2, 2008
Chad Reed
January 19, 2008
Chad Reed
January 5, 2008
Chad Reed
February 3,2007
James Stewart
January 20, 2007
James Stewart
January 6, 2007
James Stewart
February 4, 2006
Ricky Carmichael
January 21, 2006
Ricky Carmichael
January 7, 2006
James Stewart
February 5, 2005
Ricky Carmichael
January 22, 2005
Ricky Carmichael
January 8, 2005
Kevin Windham
January 31, 2004
Kevin Windham
January 17, 2004
Chad Reed
January 3, 2004
Chad Reed
February 1, 2003
Ricky Carmichael
January 18, 2003
Ricky Carmichael
January 4, 2003
Chad Reed
February 2, 2002
Ricky Carmichael
January 18, 2002
Mike LaRocco
January 5, 2002
David Vuillemin
February 3, 2001
Ricky Carmichael
January 20, 2001
Jeremy McGrath
January 6, 2001
Jeremy McGrath
January 15, 2000
Jeremy McGrath
January 8, 2000
Jeremy McGrath
February 6, 1999
Ezra Lusk
January 9, 1999
Ezra Lusk
January 27, 1996
Jeremy McGrath
January 28, 1995
Jeremy McGrath
January 29, 1994
Jeremy McGrath
January 23, 1993
Jeremy McGrath
January 25, 1992
Damon Bradshaw
January 26, 1991
Jeff Stanton
January 27, 1990
Damon Bradshaw
January 28, 1989
Rick Johnson
January 31, 1987
Jeff Ward
January 18, 1986
David Bailey
February 2, 1985
Broc Glover
January 28, 1984
Johnny O’Mara
January 29, 1983
David Bailey
January 30, 1982
Donnie Hansen
January 31, 1981
Kent Howerton
November 17, 1979
Kent Howerton
November 11, 1978
Gaylon Mosier
November 12, 1977
Bob Hannah
December 4, 1976
Marty Smith

250SX Class

January 18, 2014
January 4, 2014
Cole Seely
Jason Anderson
February 2, 2013
Ken Roczen
January 19, 2013
Eli Tomac
January 5, 2013
Eli Tomac
February 4, 2012
Eli Tomac
January 7, 2012
Cole Seely
February 5, 2011
Josh Hansen
January 8, 2011
Josh Hansen
February 13, 2010
Trey Canard
January 23, 2010
Jake Weimer
January 9, 2010
Jake Weimer
February 7, 2009
Jake Weimer
January 17, 2009
Ryan Dungey
January 3, 2009
Jake Weimer
February 2, 2008
Jason Lawrence
January 19, 2008
Ryan Dungey
January 5, 2008
Ryan Dungey
February 3, 2007
Ryan Villopoto
January 20, 2007
Ryan Villopoto
January 6, 2007
Ryan Villopoto
February 4, 2006
Grant Langston
January 21, 2006
Grant Langston
January 7, 2006
Andrew Short
February 5, 2005
Ivan Tedesco
January 22, 2005
Ivan Tedesco
January 8, 2005
Nathan Ramsey
January 31, 2004
Ivan Tedesco
January 17, 2004
Ivan Tedesco
January 3, 2004
Ivan Tedesco
February 1, 2003
James Stewart
January 18, 2003
James Stewart
January 4, 2003
Travis Preston
February 2, 2002
Broc Sellards
January 19, 2002
David Pingree
January 5, 2002
Travis Preston
February 3, 2001
Ernesto Fonseca
January 20, 2001
Ernesto Fonseca
January 6, 2001
Ernesto Fonseca
January 15, 2000
Tallon Vohland
January 8, 2000
David Pingree
February 6, 1999
Nathan Ramsey
January 9, 1999
Casey Johnson
January 27, 1996
Kevin Windham
January 28, 1995
Damon Huffman
January 29, 1994
Damon Huffman
January 9, 1993
Damon Huffman
January 25, 1992
Jeremy McGrath
January 26, 1991
Jeremy McGrath
January 27, 1990
Michael Craig
January 28, 1989
Jeff Matiasevich
January 31, 1987
Jeff Matiasevich
January 18, 1986
Tyson Vohland
February 2, 1985
Mike Healy

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