Stats and Notes- Glen Helen

Courtesy of MX Sports

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - The 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicks off in just a few days with the highly anticipated Red Bull Glen Helen National in San Bernardino, California. The season opener, taking place this Saturday, May 24, will serve as an industry homecoming for the motocross-rich Southern California area, as Glen Helen Raceway returns to the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross schedule for the first time since 2009.
Glen Helen Raceway held its first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National in 1993, where it served as the final round of the championship during its inaugural season. Glen Helen then moved to become a Mother's Day staple from 1996-2003, hosting the opening round in six of those years, before returning to the final stop of the championship from 2004-2007. Glen Helen returned to hosting the opening round in 2008 and 2009, and will once again serve as the opening round in 2014 for the sixteenth running of the Glen Helen National.
Not all the hype surrounds the return of Glen Helen to the National schedule, though, as three former Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 450 Class Champions will line up to reclaim the #1 plate following the news of reigning 450 Class Champion Ryan Villopoto's absence. Villopoto suffered a serious knee injury in the closing stages of the recent AMA Supercross Championship, forcing him to take the summer off for surgery and rehabilitation. Leading the way will be two-time 450 Class Champion Ryan Dungey, last year's runner up. Joining Red Bull KTM's Dungey will be the 2008 450 Class Champion James Stewart, aboard his Yoshimura Suzuki and TwoTwo Motorsports/Discount Tire Racing's Chad Reed, who claimed the 450 Class title in 2009.
Of the current riders lining up at this weekend's season opener, Haines City, Florida's James Stewart is the only rider to have won in the 450 Class at Glen Helen, where he won in 2006 and 2008. Additionally, Stewart has claimed two wins in the 250 Class at Glen Helen in 2002 and 2004.
While Dungey has yet to compete in the 450 Class at Glen Helen, the 2009 250 Class Champ is the last rider to secure a win there in the 250 Class.
Two Southern California natives, Mike Alessi of the Smartop/MotoConcepts Racing team, and Toyota/JGRMX/Yamaha's Josh Grant, will make an appearance in front of a hometown crowd this weekend. In 2009, Grant and Alessi each swapped a second place moto score, finishing atop the last National podium held at Glen Helen. While Alessi has never won a National at Glen Helen, he has finished second in four consecutive attempts, once in the 250 Class (2006) and three times in the 450 Class (2007-2009).
With 2013 250 Class Champion, Eli Tomac of the GEICO Honda team, having moved into the 450 Class this season, the door is now open to any one of a number of top title contenders. Two former 250 Class Champions and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki teammates Dean Wilson and Blake Baggett will return to the class this season in hopes of becoming the next multi-time 250 Class Champion since Ryan Villopoto's three-year streak from 2006-2008.
Additional notes and stats for Glen Helen:

• Glen Helen held its first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National in 1993, where it used a unique one-moto format.
• Doug Henry won Glen Helen's first National in the 125cc class, while Mike LaRocco won the 250cc class.
• Mount Saint Helens drops about 200 feet in elevation, which equals 20 stories.
• Ricky Carmichael is the all-time leader in wins at Glen Helen with eight career victories, three in the 250 Class and five in the 450 Class.
• In 15 years of Nationals, 10 different riders have emerged victorious in the 450 Class.
• Eleven different riders have won in the 250 Class and the class will feature its eighth straight new winner in 2014.
• Every manufacturer but KTM has won in both the 450 Class and 250 Class at Glen Helen. KTM has yet to win a 450 Class race here.
• In the 250 Class, Kawasaki has won 10 of the 15 races held at Glen Helen, where they enjoyed a seven-year winning streak from 2002-2008.
• Four riders have won at Glen Helen in both classes: Ricky Carmichael, Grant Langston, James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto. Ryan Dungey is the only rider who can attempt to join that list with a 450 Class win this weekend.
• Ryan Dungey became the first rider to win in the 250 Class on a Suzuki during the 2009 race at Glen Helen.
• In 2009, Ryan Villopoto won his first 450 Class race in his first career start.
• A total of five international riders have won at Glen Helen: Grant Langston (250 Class & 450 Class), Mickael Pichon (450 Class), Sebastien Tortelli (450 Class), Stephane Roncada (250 Class).
• Three riders have won at Glen Helen to capture the very first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship race they ever entered: Sebastian Tortelli (1999), Grant Langston (2001), James Stewart (2002).

Previous Glen Helen National Winners:
Date                             450 Class                   250 Class
Aug 1, 1993                 Mike LaRocco             Doug Henry
May 12, 1996               Jeremy McGrath         Kevin Windham
May 11, 1997               Jeff Emig                     Ricky Carmichael
May 10, 1998               Mickael Pichon            Ricky Carmichael
May 9, 1999                 Sebastien Tortelli         Ricky Carmichael
May 14, 2000               Ricky Carmichael        Stephane Roncada
May 13, 2001               Tim Ferry                     Grant Langston
May 12, 2002               Ricky Carmichael        James Stewart
May 11, 2003               Ricky Carmichael        Mike Brown
Sep 12, 2004               Ricky Carmichael        James Stewart
Sep 11, 2005               Ricky Carmichael        Grant Langston
Sep 10, 2006               James Stewart            Ryan Villopoto
Sep 9, 2007                 Grant Langston           Ben Townley
May 25, 2008               James Stewart            Austin Stroupe
May 23, 2009               Ryan Villopoto             Ryan Dungey
The 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off this Saturday, May 24, in San Bernardino, California for the Red Bull Glen Helen National. For more information or to purchase tickets for this weekend's event, please click HERE.
For additional information on the series, please visit www.promotocross.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and additional information on the latest Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship news.

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Ken Roczen, Cooper Webb earn 2014 AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year honors

Courtesy of AMA

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association is proud to announce that Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen, in the 450 SX class, and Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha’s Cooper Webb, in the 250 SX class, are the 2014 AMA Supercross Rookies of the Year due to their strong showings during the 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season.

“Both of these riders had outstanding seasons,” said AMA Supercross Director Kevin Crowther. “Ken and Cooper have shown repeatedly that they are part of the AMA Supercross competitive landscape, and will be for years to come. We congratulate them on their performances in 2014.”
AMA Rookie of the Year honors are awarded to the eligible rookie rider with the most points accumulated in each class.

Roczen, from Apolda, Germany, finished third in the AMA 450 SX Championship. This was Roczen’s first season contesting the premier class championship. Roczen won the AMA 250 SX West title before moving to the 450 SX class full-time for 2014. Roczen won two 450 SX main events in 2014 — Anaheim I and Atlanta — in addition to finishing on the podium six additional times.

Webb, from Newport, N.C., finished fifth in the AMA 250 SX West Region Championships, earning the most season points of any AMA 250 SX class rookie. This was Webb’s first season competing at the professional level. Webb had two second-place finishes in AMA 250 SX West competition on his way to Rookie of the Year honors.

AMA Supercross returns for the last event of 2014 with the Monster Energy Cup on Oct. 18 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information on AMA Supercross, and to see the 2015 schedule, visit www.amasupercross.com or www.supercrossonline.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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Free Admission to Glen Helen National and Hangtown Motocross Classic Now Available to Military Veterans and Active-Duty Members Through VetTix.org

Courtesy of MX Sports

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Celebrates Three Years With Nonprofit Organization
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 14, 2014) – MX Sports Pro Racing and the National Promoter’s Group (NPG) are pleased to announce that General Admission tickets for the first two rounds of the 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, are now available free of charge to military veterans, active-duty members and their families through VetTix.org.
Through the continuation of an initiative with the Veteran Tickets Foundation, active and retired military veterans will once again have the opportunity to attend any round of the 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at no cost. Fifty General Admission tickets will be available through a lottery process two weeks prior to each event through VetTix.org.
The Red Bull Glen Helen National will take place on Saturday, May 24 at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. Opening ceremonies begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, and the first gate drops for 450 Class Moto 1 at 1 p.m. Glen Helen Raceway offers amenities for the entire family, including grandstand seating, food/drink/beer concessions, permanent restroom facilities, handicap viewing and parking, a baby changing station and more. For more information on this event, please click HERE.
The GoPro Hangtown Motocross Classic will take place the following weekend, on Saturday, May 31, at the Prairie City OHV Park in Sacramento, California. Opening ceremonies begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, and the first gate drops for 450 Class Moto 1 at 1 p.m. Hangtown offers amenities for the entire family, including grandstand seating, food/drink/beer concessions, permanent restroom facilities, handicap viewing and parking, a baby changing station and more. For more information on this event, please click HERE.
Vet Tix is a national nonprofit organization based in Phoenix that provides free tickets to veterans and active-duty members of the military and their families. The concept of Vet Tix was developed in 2008 by U.S. Navy veteran Michael Focareto. Since then, the organization has given away more than 725,000 tickets to veterans nationwide.
All active and retired military veterans can create an account on VetTix.org to receive emails and reminders about when Lucas Oil Pro Motocross tickets become available. More information about Vet Tix can be found at VetTix.org.
The 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off Saturday, May 24, with the Glen Helen National in San Bernardino, California. The world’s best riders will compete over the course of 12 rounds of action on the most renowned motocross tracks in the country.
For additional information, please visit our new URL ProMotocross.com and LIKE the Pro Motocross Facebook page and follow @ProMotocross on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and additional information on the latest Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship news.
MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world’s most prestigious professional motocross series – the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The industry leader in off road power sport 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 a media, event and branded content company that specializes in action, adventure, and adrenaline based sports. Alli Properties include the Dew Tour, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, the Red Bull Signature Series, World of Adventure Sports presented by Go Pro and Octane Academy founded by Ford and Alli Media, which creates original content, produces and presents content with partners and distributes content through a variety of channels. Alli Sports is a division of the NBC Sports Group. More information can be found at www.Allisports.com.
AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.
NBC Sports Group
When the Comcast-NBCUniversal transaction was completed in January 2011, the sports assets of the two companies combined to form NBC Sports Group, which serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. The sports media company consists of a unique array of broadcast television, cable television, radio and digital sports assets, including NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBC Sports Network, Golf Channel, 12 NBC Sports Regional Networks, NBC Sports Radio and all of their respective digital properties. NBC Sports Group possesses an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic Committee, the NFL, NHL, NASCAR, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, MLS, Tour de France, French Open, Formula One, IndyCar and many more.
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.

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MAG and Tucker Rocky Complete Merger

Courtesy of MAG Group

Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice and Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG) today announced the completion of their merger. The combined company will operate under the MAG name.

J.A. Lacy, President and CEO of LDI, Ltd., the majority shareholder of the combined company, is the Chief Executive Officer. Brian Etter continues in his role as President of MAG’s branded product, media and online retail operations. Dan Courtney continues as President of Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice.

Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and other legacy MAG shareholders retain a significant minority interest in the combined company.

About Motorsport Aftermarket Group (MAG)
Founded in 2000, MAG is a leading independent manufacturer of branded aftermarket products for the powersports industry. Major brands in the MAG portfolio include Vance & Hines, Küryakyn, Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension, Mustang, Renthal, Dragonfire and Roland Sands Design. MAG is also the leading online retailer in the powersports industry through its Motorcycle Superstore and J&P Cycles websites. For more information, visit www.maggroup.com.

About Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice
Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice is a leading distributor of motorcycle and ATV aftermarket parts, apparel and accessories to powersports dealers. With seven distributions centers throughout the United States, Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice sells over 100,000 products with next-day delivery. Tucker Rocky / Biker’s Choice also designs, develops and markets a portfolio of proprietary apparel and equipment brands including Answer, MSR, ProTaper, Speed and Strength, BikeMaster, Firstgear, River Road, QuadBoss and Twin Power. For more information, visit www.tuckerrocky.com and www.bikerschoice.com.

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Three Former Champions and a Highly Talented Field of Riders Set to Vie for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship 450 Class Title

Courtesy of  MX Sports

Three Former Champions and a Highly Talented Field of Riders Set to Vie for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship 450 Class Title

Series Makes Anticipated Return to Glen Helen Raceway for Season Opener

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (May 14, 2014) - When the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, returns to Glen Helen Raceway next Saturday, May 24, for the Red Bull Glen Helen National, it will mark the first time since 2009 that the championship has visited the vaunted track in San Bernardino, California. Known for its steep hills and spectacular jumps, Glen Helen will be an immediate test of strength and endurance for the star-packed 450 Class participants. A strong finish on the hills of Glen Helen Raceway, located in the heart of motocross-rich Southern California, will be a great way to start the 12-round 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Every athlete competing that day knows there will be a new 450 Class Champion in 2014 following the recent announcement that reigning champ Ryan Villopoto suffered a serious knee injury in the closing stages of the recent AMA Supercross Championship and will be forced him to take the summer off for surgery and rehabilitation. Of course, that news sent a buzz through the motorcycle racing world, as a multitude of top racers are hoping to take his place as the premier-division champion of the world's most competitive and prestigious motocross series.

Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey will compete for a third career 450 Class title in 2014 Photo: Simon Cudby/Racer X

In fact, three former Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 450 Class Champions will be vying to reclaim the #1 plate. Leading the way will be Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey, last year's runner-up. Dungey, who hails from Belle Plaine, Minnesota, earned 450 Class championships in 2010 and 2012, as well as the 250 Class title during the 2009 season. He will be teamed with former FIM World Champion Ken Roczen, the super-fast import from Germany who finished second in the 250 Class last season.

James Stewart will head to Glen Helen Raceway aboard his Yoshimura Suzuki. Hailing from Haines City, Florida, the veteran is considered one of the fastest, most innovative racers in the history of the sport. Stewart has not won a motocross title since 2008, when he ran the table with a perfect season, sweeping all 12 rounds and every single moto along the way.

Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart will enter the 2014 season as a top contender in the 450 Class championship Photo: Courtesy of Yoshimura Suzuki

Another superstar looking to work his way back into the winner's circle is TwoTwo Motorsports/Discount Tire Racing's Chad Reed. The Australian native earned the 2009 title in the 450 Class and was enjoying a career revival in the 2014 AMA Supercross Championship before a February crash left him with a damaged shoulder. Since then, he has turned his attention to the upcoming Red Bull Glen Helen National opener in hopes of picking up where he left off.

Eli Tomac, last year's 250 Class Champion, will make his Lucas Oil Pro Motocross debut aboard 450cc equipment this summer. The resident of Cortez, Colorado, will lead the GEICO Honda team.

The Team Honda Muscle Milk squad also features a former 250 Class Champion in Shawnee, Oklahoma's Trey Canard. He will be joined on the starting gate by his teammate Justin Barcia, a New York native who now lives in Pinetta, Florida. Barcia made his professional debut at the last Glen Helen National in 2009, leading much of the way before finishing sixth overall.

Yet another former champion who hopes to be in the mix is Ivan Tedesco, who has been picked up by RCH Racing/Soaring Eagle Suzuki, the team jointly owned by Ricky Carmichael and Carey Hart. Tedesco, who won the 250 Class Championship in 2005, will be joined by the popular Weston Peick, a privateer favorite from Wildomar, California, who is getting his first shot on a team of this scale this summer.

TwoTwo Motorsports/Discount Tire Racing's Chad Reed will make his anticipated return from injury at next Saturday's season opener Photo: Simon Cudby/Racer X

Another California flyer to keep an eye on is Smartop/MotoConcepts Racing's Mike Alessi, who basically grew up racing at Glen Helen. Alessi has been a steady contender for the past decade and knows the 450 Class #1 plate is up for grabs this summer.

Josh Grant enters the 2014 season alongside his familiar Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX team Photo: Jason Hooper

The Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX team will enter two contenders in the 450 Class: California native Josh Grant and Iowa's Justin Brayton. Both riders are two of the most formidable competitors in the division, with Grant being a former winner, who also happens to call Glen Helen his home track.

Although Monster Energy Kawasaki will not have Villopoto this summer, Brett Metcalfe has been invited to join Jake Weimer on the team's 450 Class roster. Metcalfe, the reigning MX1 Canadian National Champion, was a top-five contender in the select Lucas Oil Pro Motocross rounds he participated in last season and is a former winner in the series. For Weimer, Villopoto's absence presents the perfect opportunity for the veteran to step up as this team's captain.

The factory Red Bull KTM duo of Dungey and Roczen aside, three other KTM riders have national wins on their résumés: Rockstar Energy Racing's Davi Millsaps will be back in action after missing an entire season with a knee injury and BTO Sports.com/KTM will feature Andrew Short and Matt Goerke.

Team Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard looks to improve upon last year's solid 4th place finish in the ultra-competitive 450 Class Photo: Simon Cudby/Racer X

Adding yet another storyline to the loaded 450 Class is the professional development of Troy Lee Designs/MAVTV Honda's Malcolm Stewart, James' brother. The younger Stewart has shown marked improvement since turning pro in 2011 and with a full season of 450 Class competition under his belt, he will be a force this summer.

Those are just some of the talented athletes who will be competing in the 2014 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 450 Class Championship. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Red Bull Glen Helen National on May 24, please click HERE.

For additional information on the series, please visit www.promotocross.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and additional information on the latest Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship news.

MX Sports Pro Racing

MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world's most prestigious professional motocross series - the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The industry leader in off road power sport 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 a media, event and branded content company that specializes in action, adventure, and adrenaline based sports.  Alli Properties include the Dew Tour, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, the Red Bull Signature Series and World of Adventure Sports presented by Go Pro. Alli Sports is a division of the NBC Sports Group.  More information can be found at www.Allisports.com.

AMA Pro Racing     
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at  www.amaproracing.com.  

Lucas Oil Products           
Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products, Inc is the world leader of High Performance Lubricants and Problem Solving Additives and produces and markets 272 unique formulations in thirty four countries around the globe and is growing country by country, market by market every year. Through innovative product research and development, along with progressive 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 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship." Visit: www.lucasoil.com.

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Valli Yamaha Signs Pourcel

Courtesy of  Valli Yamaha

Cypress, CA — Yamaha Motor Corporation is very excited to announce another team will be joining the family to contest the AMA Nationals, alongside the JGR Toyota Yamaha, Yamalube Star Racing and CycleTrader Rock River teams.
After working behind the scenes for the last few months, Valli Motorsports team owner Chad Lanza put a team together with the sole intention of bringing home the AMA 250 Motocross National title to Yamaha using the award winning 2014 YZ250F as his weapon of choice.
Knowing that a team is only as good as its’ members, Chad Lanza with the help of Yamaha Motor Corporation, set about hiring a rider with  a proven history as a front runner in a stacked field of 250F riders. Enter into the picture Christophe Pourcel. Already a World Motocross Champion, Pourcel came to the United States in 2009 with the intention of adding an AMA National title to his resume. In both the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Christophe won the 250 East Supercross Championship, but finished a disappointing 2nd overall in the 250 AMA Nationals despite being one of the most dominant riders in the class.
“When I came to America I had one goal and that was to win the AMA 250 Motocross National title. I came so close, but never realized my goal. That fire still burns, and the minute I had the opportunity to make another run at the title, on a bike as good as the 2014 YZ250F, I jumped at it,” said Christophe Pourcel.

Knowing that just having a championship caliber rider wasn’t enough, the Valli Motorsports team owner set about finding a team manager that was just as capable of bringing home a championship. That man is none other than legendary team manager Erik Kehoe. With a long history with Yamaha during his tenure at Yamaha of Troy, Kehoe is the perfect guy to work with Valli Motorsports, Yamaha Motor Corporation and Christophe Pourcel.
“Some of my best years as a team manager were with Yamaha. They gave me my first shot at being a team manager and I remember quite fondly Ernesto Fonseca winning that first championship in his rookie year and then following it up right after with the then revolutionary YZ250F. I think we can recapture that magic with Pourcel and the 2014 YZ250F,” said Erik Kehoe.
Look for Valli Motorsports Yamaha and Christophe Pourcel as they begin their assault on the AMA 250 Motocross National Championship at Glen Helen on May 24.

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Hookit Announces Hookit Score & New Platform of Tools

Courtesy of Hookit

Solana Beach, Calif. – May 6, 2014 – San Diego-based Hookit unveils an all-new brand identity and platform of tools and services surrounding the introduction of its revolutionary Hookit Score.
The Hookit Score is a ground-breaking evolution of the Hookit Index™, which was the first ever tool to track, quantify and rank athletes’ exposure and activity in the complex world of social media. The new Hookit Score is a 1-10,000 score and the new standard to effectively measure any athletes’ commitment, performance and reach in their respective sport.
Hookit’s proprietary scoring engine tracks 15M pieces of data every day from hundreds of verified sources to track and compare athletes based on their fan base and exposure in social media, how often they do their sport, how much they travel, and their competition results at events.
For the first time ever, athletes at any level from the pros to local competitors and enthusiasts have a way to track their progression, see where they stack up against other athletes, friends and pros, and earn recognition and deals from brands and sponsors as their Hookit Score grows.
“We have always supported the most dedicated athletes with a platform that helps them earn recognition and deals to cover the increasing costs to do their sport,” said Scott Tilton Hookit CEO. “With today’s shifting digital landscape and the challenges brands face to connect with and engage with their most valuable consumers, the Hookit Scoreis the most effective way to discover and reward athletes who support your brand.”
Brands can effectively leverage the collective audience of their sponsored athletes’ networks to generate an authentic emotional connection that capitalizes on athlete influence and sharability. The Hookit Score also allows brands to better determine which athletes are the most engaging with their fans and who are the most marketable with the power to inspire their fans to buy the products they endorse.
With genuine social media data on athletes, the Hookit Score ensures brands can justify their ROI on the dollars spent on sponsorship, which marks the beginning of a new era in maximizing the value and influence of their professionally sponsored athletes.
The introduction of the Hookit Score allows brands to connect with the millennial athlete, and provides new opportunities for brands to better discover, manage and maximizetheir athletes and sports marketing programs by ranking athletes.
Brands can also access all of their sponsored, or prospective athletes’ ranking stats to better define and establish quantitative KPIs to further drive brand awareness and conversion through ecommerce if their athlete is tied to product.  By tracking and ranking athletes, brands can also better activate athletes through their social platforms, effectively measure the performance and ROI, and optimize athletes by ranking their brand contribution through the actual earned media benefit the athlete is generating for the brand they represent.
For more information contact Kim Dresser at kim.dresser@indiepragency.com. Connect athookit.com, facebook.com/hookit, instagram.com/Hookit/#, twitter.com/hookitcom.
About Hookit
Hookit is a digitally connected platform of tools and services created to support and connect athletes, brands and sports. Nearly 1M athlete’s worldwide use Hookit to track their progression, promote themselves, build their personal brand, and earn deals from their favorite brands. The newly launched Hookit Score essentially measures the value of any athlete at any level. Updated daily scores range from 1-10,000, and are based on athletes’ commitment, performance andreach in their sport. Brand partners are provided with powerful tools to discover, manage and reward amateur and professional athletes who actively support their brand. For more information visitwww.hookit.com.
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Villopoto Out for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

Courtesy of Monster Energy Kawasaki

Irvine, Calif., -- Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto will be unable to defend his 2013 AMA Pro Motocross Championship title after opting to get knee surgery to fix a lingering injury. Villopoto battled with the knee issue throughout the Monster Energy Supercross season, and after consulting his medical team, it was decided he will undergo surgery on his knee as soon as possible. Monster Energy Kawasaki has signed the 2013 Canadian Monster Energy Motocross Nationals Champion Brett Metcalfe to join Jake Weimer for the 2014 AMA Pro Motocross season.
“This is definitely not the news I wanted to hear from the doctors,” said Villopoto. “We have worked hard to be in position to win championships for Monster Energy Kawasaki and to not be able to race this summer is very disappointing. Going from a really great feeling after winning a fourth straight supercross title, to knowing I am going to spend the summer rehabbing a knee injury is devastating.”
“Obviously this is a big blow for the Monster Energy Kawasaki team,” said Kawasaki Senior Manager of Racing Reid Nordin. “Even with the injury Ryan has shown he is the top rider in our sport, but we are listening to his medical team to make sure he gets his knee fixed properly and he can compete for championships in 2015.”
Villopoto is coming off of a dominant Monster Energy Supercross season where the Poulsbo, Wash. native joined “The King of Supercross” Jeremy McGrath as only the second rider to ever win four consecutive supercross championships.

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AMA celebrates successful 2014 AMA Supercross season

Courtesy of American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates the three riders who claimed AMA No. 1 plates during the 2014 AMA Supercross season — Ryan Villopoto, 450SX champion; Justin Bogle, 250SX East champion; and Jason Anderson, 250SX West champion — and thanks its partners for another successful year.
“The 2014 season demonstrated yet again why AMA Supercross is one of the most exciting sports on two wheels,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Some of the most thrilling main events in recent memory took place this year, and we congratulate Ryan Villopoto, Justin Bogle and Jason Anderson for earning their AMA No. 1 plates. Excelling for a full season of AMA Supercross is one of motorsports’ greatest challenges, and these riders can stand proud for what they have achieved.”
Dingman added that AMA Supercross is only possible thanks to the cooperation and efforts of the AMA’s promoting and operational partners.
“The growth of AMA Supercross over the years has benefited greatly from the efforts and support of Feld Motor Sports,” Dingman said. “I extend my personal thanks and congratulations for another season well done. In addition, we appreciate the participation of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme, which bolsters our championship on the world level.”
Another group important to success of AMA Supercross is the Asterisk Mobile Medical Center, which provided a range of emergency medical care for riders throughout the 2015 season.
“The Asterisk Mobile Medical Center is an enormous asset to AMA Supercross operations,” said AMA Director of Supercross Kevin Crowther. “The health and safety of the riders are paramount, and the experienced Asterisk crew ensures that we have the best people on hand to manage any and all medical-related issues. The officials and floor staff depend on Asterisk, and we’re thankful for what they do.”
Ryan Villopoto, from Seattle, Wash., locked up his fourth straight AMA Supercross premier class title in the series’ penultimate round, clinching at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. In so doing, Villopoto joined AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jeremy McGrath as the only riders with four consecutive championships. For the 2014 season, Villopoto claimed seven main event wins in the 17-race series, including the Las Vegas finale. Villopoto races for Monster Energy Kawasaki.
Justin Bogle, from Cushing, Okla., won the 250SX East Championship, finishing second in Las Vegas behind Star Racing Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. For the season, Bogle had two wins and three runner-up finishes in the regional championship. Bogle races for the GEICO Honda team.
Jason Anderson, from Rio Rancho, N.M., won the 250SX West Championship. Anderson finished sixth in Las Vegas, earning enough points to claim the title over Troy Lee Designs Honda’s Cole Seely, 193 to 188. Anderson had four wins over the course of the regional championship. Anderson races for Rockstar Energy KTM.
The 2015 AMA Supercross season kicks off in Anaheim, Calif., next Jan. 3. The complete 2015 series schedule is below. For updates, see the AMA’s official series website www.amasupercross.com and the official AMA series Facebook page www.facebook.com/AMASupercrossChampionship.
Date — Venue – City
Jan. 3 Angel Stadium Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 10 Chase Field Phoenix
Jan. 17 Angel Stadium Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 24 O.Co Coliseum Oakland, Calif.
Jan. 31 Angel Stadium Anaheim, Calif.
Feb. 7 Petco Park San Diego
Feb. 14 AT&T Stadium Arlington, Texas
Feb. 21 Georgia Dome Atlanta
Feb. 28 Georgia Dome Atlanta
March 7 Daytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, Fla.
March 14 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis
March 21 Ford Field Detroit
March 28 Edward Jones Dome St. Louis
April 11 NRG Stadium Houston
April 18 Levi’s Stadium Santa Clara, Calif.
April 25 MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, N.J.
May 2 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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2015 Monster Energy Supercross Schedule Announced

Courtesy of Feld Motorsports

2015 Monster Energy Supercross Schedule Announced

The 2015 Season to go On-sale Exclusively to Cross Club Members May 5

AURORA, Ill. (May 2, 2014) – Feld Motor Sports^® announced today the 17-race schedule for the 2015 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season. The world’s premier off-road motorcycle racing championship will once again visit the most prestigious stadiums across the U.S., including a pair of new stops. In total, the world’s best riders will visit 10 different states and 14 different venues in 2015.

Monster Energy Supercross will make its debut at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, and Petco Park in San Diego, Calif., home to Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres.  Levi’s Stadium will serve as the 15^th race of the season, on April 18, resulting in two visits to California’s Bay Area with the annual race from Oakland’s O.co Coliseum, on January 24. In addition, the championship will have two stops at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. The Atlanta race has been home to the largest capacity crowds each of the last few years and will host races  on February 21 and February 28.  The Georgia Dome joins Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., as the only two venues with multiple races.

“As Monster Energy Supercross continues to grow and expand its fan base, so does the championship schedule,” said Charlie Mancuso, president of Feld Motor Sports. “We are proud to welcome two new state-of-the-art venues to the schedule with Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara) and Petco Park (San Diego) next season and we are excited to bring an additional race to the southeast with back-to-back Atlanta races.”

As it has for over two decades, Anaheim will once again kick off the 2015 Monster Energy Supercross season on January 3 for the first of three races inside Angel Stadium over the first five weekends of competition (January 17 and January 31). Widely considered to be the “home” of Monster Energy Supercross, Anaheim will host its 64^th, 65^th, and 66^th races in 2015 to maintain its legacy as the most visited Monster Energy Supercross city of all time.

The 2015 season will also feature the championship’s second consecutive visit to the New York area with a return to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. After an incredibly successful debut at the venue last week in which Ryan Villopoto made history by becoming just the second rider in history to win four consecutive titles, the world’s premier media market will once again host the penultimate stop of the championship on April 25.

Also making its return for a second straight year is Detroit’s Ford Field, which welcomed Monster Energy Supercross back to the Motor City in 2014 with the signature lane built into the seats. The one-of-a-kind venue will play host to the championship again next season, on March 21, as the 12^th stop on the schedule.

“With new stadiums and another year of a premier television package on FOX Sports 1, the 2015 Monster Energy Supercross season is going to be bigger and better than ever before,” said Todd Jendro, Feld Motor Sports, Vice President of Two Wheel Operations. “We are in the midst of the most competitive and compelling era in the history of the sport and the 2015 schedule will provide even more emerging story lines. With Ryan Villopoto gunning for a record fifth straight title, and the likes of James Stewart, Chad Reed, Ryan Dungey, Ken Roczen and more all looking to bring his reign to an end, we’re in for an incredible 2015 season with some great new venues to showcase the sport.”

"The 2015 Monster Energy Supercross season is going to be very exciting," said Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto. "We have a couple of new stadiums on the schedule and after how successful the event was at MetLife Stadium, I'm really looking forward to going back there and I know we will have a great time at the brand new stadium in Santa Clara. Also going to Petco Park in downtown San Diego will give Feld a chance to get a little more creative with the track design in the baseball stadium." 

Pre-sale tickets for the 2015 Monster Energy Supercross season (except San Diego and Santa Clara) will begin on Monday, May 5^th, following the 2014 season finale in Las Vegas. The May 5^th on-sale is exclusive to Cross Club members only. To become a Cross Club member for free and have access to the best tickets, click on the following link http://www.supercrossonline.com/crossclub/.  The Ticketmaster.com pre-sale kicks off on Wednesday, May 7^th. The general public on-sale begins on Friday, May 9^th. For more information, log onto www.SupercrossOnline.com.

Date                                         Venue                                                  City

January 3                                  Angel Stadium                                      Anaheim, Calif.

January 10                                Chase Field                                           Phoenix

January 17                                Angel Stadium                                      Anaheim, Calif.

January 24                                O.Co Coliseum                                      Oakland, Calif.

January 31                                Angel Stadium                                      Anaheim, Calif.

February 7^                               Petco Park                                            San Diego

February 14                               AT&T Stadium                                       Arlington, Texas

February 21                               Georgia Dome                                      Atlanta

February 28                               Georgia Dome                                      Atlanta

March 7**                                  Daytona International Speedway            Daytona Beach, Fla.

March 14                                   Lucas Oil Stadium                                 Indianapolis

March 21                                   Ford Field                                             Detroit

March 28                                   Edward Jones Dome                             St. Louis

April 11                                     NRG Stadium                                        Houston

April 18^^                                  Levi’s Stadium                                      Santa Clara, Calif.

April 25                                     MetLife Stadium                                    East Rutherford, N.J.

May 2                                       Sam Boyd Stadium                               Las Vegas

** Not a Feld Motor Sports Race

^The San Diego race will go on-sale July 12, 2014

^^The Santa Clara race will go on-sale June 25, 2014

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. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/supercrosslive. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.

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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JASON ANDERSON CLAIMS CHAMPIONSHIP IN LAS VEGAS SUPERCROSS FINALE

Courtesy of Dragon Optical

Photo: Cudby

JASON ANDERSON CLAIMS CHAMPIONSHIP IN LAS VEGAS SUPERCROSS FINALE     Carlsbad, CA (May 5th, 2014) - Supercross titles aren't easy to win. Putting together a winning season takes an incredible amount of discipline, hard work, determination and a bit of luck. For 21 year-old Jason Anderson those things all came together Saturday night in Las Vegas as the New Mexico native clinched his first major professional championship. Standing on the podium with his number one plate Anderson admitted that it didn't come without it's challenges. Just ten days before the series finale Anderson crashed during a practice session and injured his ribs and lung. For a time he wasn't sure he would be able to ride well enough to get the job done at the final round. But when the chips were on the table for the final main event of the season Jason gritted out a finish that kept him on top of the point standings for 2014. "It's been an amazing season and I can't even put in to words how great this feels," said Anderson of his championship. "I am really lucky to have some amazing people and companies behind me supporting my career. Without all of them in my corner there's no way I could have made this happen."

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