ROCZEN WINS AT VALENCE INTERNATIONAL

Courtesy of Suzuki
ROCZEN WINS AT VALENCE INTERNATIONAL


Team Suzuki Press Office - February 22.


The second major International event of the European motocross calendar occurred under bright but cloudy conditions at the hard-pack and slippery Valence circuit in France, south of Lyon and Teka Suzuki Europe World MX2’s Ken Roczen won the MX2 class with 3rd and 1st positions in the two motos, before scoring 10th in the Superfinal that saw a mix of 450 and 250 machinery.

Roczen took his works RM-Z250 to the top of the podium for his first attempt at the Valence meeting and for the first time in 2010 as Teka Suzuki World MX1’s Steve Ramon was third overall on his RM-Z450 in the MX1 division.

Still using the pre-season meetings as chances for testing and training, Roczen, and team-mate Arnaud Tonus, ran plenty of laps in the practice sessions and steadily worked on their speed at a chilly Valence. The teenage German, the sensation of the 2009 FIM MX2 World Championship, was consistently one of the top three fastest on race day. He rode to 3rd in the first race before carefully picking his lines and beating World Champion Marvin Musquin in the second. He was the third highest-ranked MX2 rider in the Superfinal.

“I am happy because I did not come here expecting to win and had also felt sick last week which meant that I could not ride much; the weather hadn’t helped us either,” the 15 year old said. “Both the bike and I are on a good level, not the level we want for Bulgaria and the first Grand Prix but we are on the way. We used this meeting for further mileage and training and it went well. It is good to see we are pretty competitive already.”

Steve Ramon rode to 12th, 2nd and 2nd in the sprints and led for a section of the last moto. The Belgian weathered some difficult moments with arm-pump in the formative stages but emerged with a podium finish for his efforts. “I am quite pleased with the result because I suffered a bit with arm-pump again during the Timed Practice and also the first moto,” said Ramon. “My start was not great for the first race and I found I could not really push, so I rode my own speed. We made a change to the bike for the second moto and I was riding a bit more relaxed and could find a better rhythm. The last race was the best for me. I started in the top five and was leading for a while until Cairoli came through. I could stay on his wheel until the finish, so I was happy with that at this stage in the year.”

Team-mate on the factory RM-Z450, Clement Desalle, had an eventful day. The Belgian champion, in his second appearance in Teka colours, was 7th overall with a best finish of 3rd in Moto1. A poor opening phase of the next race meant he had to recover from the lower top ten to claim 5th and his event was prematurely ended in the Superfinal with two crashes. The second of which caused his retirement with a painful arm. “The first moto was the best, I took third. Then I was fifth in the next one after a start that was not so good,” commented Desalle. “In the last race I had the holeshot and was leading for two or three laps until I lost the front wheel in one of the corners. I recovered to the top five after five laps but the slippery track caught me again and I hurt my left arm. At the moment it seems to be nothing more than muscular pain. Hawkstone Park is next for me after some days testing in France.”

Tonus was pushing hard for positions in the second MX2 race after taking 10th at the first time of asking. The young Swiss rider made a mistake and lost two places and then was lucky to emerge relatively unscathed from a frightening looking accident only a few corners later.

The Teka Suzuki teams will remain in southern France for testing this week before attempting the Hawkstone Park International in England on March 7th.

Valence International results:
MX1: 1. Antonio Cairoli, 2. David Philippaerts, 3. Steve Ramon (Suzuki), 4. Anthony Boissiere, 5. Seb Pourcel. 7. Clement Desalle (Suzuki).

MX2: 1. Ken Roczen (Suzuki), 2. Marvin Musquin, 3. Steven Frossard, 4. Gautier Paulin, 5. Valentine Teillet. 16. Arnaud Tonus (Suzuki).
 

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Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Invades New England for Penultimate Round

Courtesy of MX Sports

MORGANTOWN, W.V. - This weekend, the top riders of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship will head to New England for the historic Moto-X 338 Motocross National, which also serves as the penultimate round of the 12-race series.

With Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki's Chad Reed clinching his first 450 Class championship last weekend at Budds Creek, the focus of the series turns to the hotly-contested 250 Class battle for the title between current points leader Christophe Pourcel and Ryan Dungey. Additionally, the talented women of the WMX Class make their return to action for round seven of eight. Honda Red Bull Racing's Ashley Fiolek leads the way in search of her second straight championship.

Affectionately known as the "sandbox," Moto-X 338 has been a home to motocross events since 1973. The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship made its first appearance at the facility three years later and ever since, Southwick has been a favorite amongst fans and riders alike. The track is unique when compared to other tracks that host the series as it is the only one that is comprised primarily of soft and loose sand, held under the cover of the New England scrub pine trees.

Last weekend at Budds Creek MX Park, the chase for the 450 Class title came to a dramatic conclusion as Reed, a two-time AMA Supercross champion, finished second in moto one to Honda Red Bull Racing's Davi Millsaps. In the second moto, Reed came out swinging and won under persistent rainfall, claiming the championship with two rounds remaining. Millsaps captured second overall while his teammate Ivan Tedesco finished third.

Joining the fray on Saturday is local Massachusetts legend John Dowd, who lives in nearby Ludlow. Dowd, a two-time Southwick winner, won back-to-back races in 1997 and 1998, grabbing wins in both the 250 and 450 Classes (formerly known as 125 and 250). At the ripe young age of 44, he also holds AMA records as the oldest rider to win an overall event, earn a moto victory, stand on the podium and claim an AMA Championship. The beloved New England rider finished sixth overall at this event one year ago and will look to improve on that performance by using his experience at the track to overcome his much younger opponents in addition to scoring AMA championship points, which will allow him to keep his national number of 16.

Pourcel, a Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider, leads the 250 Class by 13 points over Dungey, who rides for Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki. To date, Dungey has four overall victories to Pourcel's three, but with the advantage, the French rider has placed his rival in a virtual must win situation for the remaining four motos. Last weekend, Pourcel's teammate Jake Weimer landed his third overall win of the season despite treacherous conditions thanks to torrential rain. Playing it smart, Pourcel cruised to second overall as Dungey settled for third.

As the WMX Class returns for its first race in over a month, the championship chase is taking shape as Fiolek carries the momentum of five wins in six rounds. Rival Jessica Patterson brought a halt to Fiolek's dominance at the previous race in Washougal, but with just two events remaining it may be too late as the reigning women's champion holds a 49-point lead. However, a win at Moto-X 338 last season will play into Patterson's favor. In order to claim the 2009 crown, Fiolek needs to gain just one more point over the field on Saturday. However, Patterson along with current third place rider Sherri Cruse are eager to keep their hopes alive and will pull out all the stops as the gates drop. Additionally, local Southwick competitors look to use familiarity to their advantage and pull off the upset.

Last season, James Stewart captured his 11th consecutive overall win en route to a perfect 2008 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship season and his first-ever 450 Class championship. 250 Class champion Ryan Villopoto nailed his 20th and final class victory in bringing one of the most dominant 250 careers to an exciting conclusion.

This weekend, the Southwick staff is preparing for what is sure to be yet another memorable event by providing a trio fundraising opportunities supporting local hero Doug Henry, the Southwick Recreation Center and School Department, as well as American Legion 338. Additionally, the track will host an open practice for all riders on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The excitement kicks-off on Friday at 3 p.m. as gates open for the Monster Energy Fan Fest that will feature live music, autograph sessions, pro team truck tours and a pit bike national.

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Standings
After 10 of 12 Rounds

450 Class

1. Chad Reed, Australia, Suzuki, 434
2. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 330
3. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 322
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 280
5. Michael Byrne, Australia, Suzuki, 276
6. Thomas Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki, 229
7. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 201
8. Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Yamaha, 176
9. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha, 176
10. Jimmy Albertson, Ozark, Mo., Yamaha, 150

250 Class

1. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 432
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 419
3. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 312
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 302
5. Tommy Searle, Great Britain, KTM, 282
6. Justin Barcia, Cairo, Ga., Honda, 267
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 242
8. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 214
9. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 196
10. Kyle Cunningham, Ft. Worth, Texas, Kawasaki, 174

WMX Class (After 6 of 8 Rounds)

1. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda, 294
2. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 245
3. Sherri Cruse, Bakersfield, Calif., Suzuki, 224
4. Vicki Golden, El Cajon, Calif., Honda, 192
5. Sara Price, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kawasaki, 175
6. Elizabeth Bash, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki, 161
7. Sarah Whitmore, Cheboygan, Mich., KTM, 149
8. Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Honda, 126
9. Penni Cyrus, Queen Creek, Ariz., Kawasaki, 116
10. Tatum Sik, Temecula, Calif., Suzuki, 101

Tickets are available are available at the box office or online at www.motocross338.org and www.allisports.com. Saturday tickets: Adults - $35, Children (6-12) - $20, 5 and Under - Free.

For more information, please contact Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship media coordinator Brandon Short via email at brandon@mxsports.com or by telephone at (949) 365-5752.

For fan and racing information on the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, log onto www.allisports.com.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world's most prestigious motocross series - the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. An industry leader in off road powersport production and management, its mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the production of professional championship racing events nationwide. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing fields more than 60,000 action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of active fans, spectators and enthusiasts. For more information, please visit www.mxsportsproracing.com.

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, Maloof Money Cup, Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, King of Wake series, and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour; Alli TV Productions, which creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000 spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. More information can be found at www.allisports.com.

Lucas Oil Products
Lucas Oil is a worldwide leader in the production of oils, greases, 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, greases, and problem-solving 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.

Forrest Lucas and his wife, Charlotte, founded Lucas Oil Products in 1989 after he spent 20 years as a truck driver and owner of a nationwide long-haul trucking fleet. They experienced firsthand the need for better lubricants and fuel treatments to maintain their equipment.

Lucas Oil is involved in an array of motorsports sponsorships, including the "Official Motor Oil of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship." For more information on Lucas Oil, please visit www.LucasOil.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. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization operates and manages AMA Pro Road Racing, which includes AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport and AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT. AMA Pro Racing also manages and works closely with the day-to-day operational organizations of the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship and the AMA Pro Supermoto Championship Series in addition to other two-wheel and ATV series. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.