MXGP of USA Venue Announcement

Courtesy of Youthstream

(PIETRAMURATA) Trentino, Italy, 13 April 2017 - Youthstream and MX Sports Pro Racing are very proud to announce that the MXGP of USA scheduled on September, the 3rd will be held at Gatorback Cycle Park in Gainesville, Florida.

Gatorback Cycle Park has already hosted professional motocross racing in the past as a stop on the AMA Pro Motocross schedule from 1983 to 1997. Throughout those years Gatorback saw some very historic moments, including 1989, when two-time FIM Motocross World Champion Jean-Michel Bayle won his first race in US in dramatic fashion. That win was a sign of things to come as he would later claim both the AMA Motocross and Supercross Championships.

In 1993 Jeremy McGrath won his first national at Gatorback, topping the 125cc Class, while in the middle of his march to the first of his many AMA Supercross Championships.

Another remarkable moment was when Florida’s own Ricky Carmichael won his first of what would grow to an all-time record 102 AMA Motocross Nationals here in 1997. Like most aspiring young motocross riders in the U.S, Carmichael visited Gatorback Cycle Park often for the annual THOR Winter Olympics, one of the biggest and longest running motocross amateur events in the world.
Now, 20 years later, Gatorback Cycle Park is set to make history once again being the 17th stop of 2017 FIM World Motocross Championship. Both Youthstream and Gatorback Cycle Park are excited for the spectacular racing this event and venue will provide and look forward to the MXGP of USA on September 3rd, 2017.

David Luongo, Youthstream Vice-President and Head of Operations, stated: “We are very excited to come back in the United States of America for the MXGP of USA. Gatorback is one of the most historical track out there, the venue is beautiful and the MXGP fans in America will have the opportunity to watch the best Motocross Riders in the World to race on a classic US Track which will be very exciting for everybody. I really want to thank MX Sports and the AMA that helped a lot to make this event to happen and also Mr. Kern, the owner of Gatorback facility, to take this opportunity to bring back the MXGP World Championship in USA.”

Wyn Kern, Unlimited Sports MX, stated: "We are excited that Youthstream and MX Sports are working together to bring the MXGP of the USA to Gatorback Cycle Park this fall. We are going to give motocross fans the rare opportunity to see the best racers from AMA Pro Motocross line up against the best riders from the FIM’s MXGP World Championships, on a classic American motocross track.  Add the fact that Unlimited Sports MX will host national-caliber amateur racing on this same Labor Day Weekend and Gatorback Cycle Park is going to be the capitol of the entire motocross world come the first of September."

Davey Coombs, President of MX Sports Pro Racing, stated: “This is very exciting for American motocross, and also for MX Sports, finally having a chance to work with Youthstream to build a successful new race together here in the U.S.  Our fans, not to mention most of the top riders, have long been familiar with what a great motocross track Wyn Kern and the Unlimited Sports MX crew has at Gatorback Cycle Park, so there is a lot of buzz already building about bringing the best professional motocross riders in the world here once again for a new MXGP in the USA.”

Please find here below the updated 2017 Calendar

2017 FIM MXGP / MX2 MOTOCROSS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
DATE	GRAND PRIX	VENUE	ADDITIONAL RACES
25 February (Sat)	QATAR	Losail
5 March	INDONESIA	Pangkal Pinang	Women
19 March	PATAGONIA - ARGENTINA	Neuquen
2 April	LEON - MEXICO	Leon
16 April	TRENTINO (I)	Pietramurata	EMX250, Women
23 April	EUROPE (NL)	Valkenswaard	EMX125, EMX250
7 May	LATVIA	Kegums	EMX125, EMX250
21 May	GERMANY	Teutschenthal	Honda EMX150, EMX300
28 May	FRANCE	Ernée	EMX125, EMX250, Women
11 June	RUSSIA	Orlyonok	EMX250, EMX300
25 June	ITALY	Ottobiano	EMX125, EMX250, EMX300
2 July	PORTUGAL	Agueda	EMX125, EMX250, Honda EMX150
23 July	CZECH REP.	Loket	EMX65, EMX85, Women
6 August	BELGIUM	Lommel	EMX125, Honda EMX150, EMX300
13 August	SWITZERLAND	Frauenfeld/Gachnang	EMX125, EMX250, EMX300
20 August	SWEDEN	Uddevalla	EMX125, Honda EMX150
3 September	MXGP of USA	Gatorback Cycle Park
10 September	THE NETHERLANDS	Assen	Honda EMX150, Women, Veteran
17 September	PAYS DE MONTBELIARD (F)	Villars sous Ecot	EMX250, Women
1 October – FIM Motocross of Nations – GREAT BRITAIN, Matterley Basin
30 July - FIM Junior Motocross World Championship - ESTONIA - Lange Motokeskus

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ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING WELCOMEs ANTTI HELLSTEN

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles

ENDUROGP CLASS LEADER TO STAND IN FOR INJURED TEAM RIDER MATHIAS BELLINO  

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing are pleased to welcome Antti Hellsten who joins the team for the upcoming EnduroGP of Spain. Standing in for the injured Mathias Bellino, who picked up a shoulder injury prior to the GP of Finland, Hellsten will race the team’s FE 350 machine in the premier EnduroGP class. 

Kicking off the 2017 EnduroGP season by claiming two impressive class victories, Hellsten currently leads the provisional EnduroGP series standings. Strengthening the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team, the 27-year-old Finn will look to continue his impressive form in the highly-competitive EnduroGP class at round two in Puerto Lumbreras, Spain. 

No stranger to Enduro World Championship competition, Antti Hellsten made his debut appearance in the Enduro Junior class of the series back in 2010, securing a very strong fifth place position in the championship's final standings. Competing in the EWC full-time for the next two season the Finn wrapped up his first season of senior class competition in 2012 with 12th in the Enduro 1 class. 

The second round of the 2017 FIM Enduro World Championship takes place in Puerto Lumbreras, Spain on April 21/23.

Andreas Hölzl – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: “We’re really looking forward to working with Antti Hellsten as Mathias Bellino continues his recovery from injury. Positively surprising us with his double class victory at the season-opening GP of Finland, we strongly believe Antti will be a perfect fit to our team as a replacement Mathias. Antti will be racing the team’s FE 350 machine in the EnduroGP class.”

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Fasnacht Fastest at Pala WMX

Courtesy of WMX

Onsia Sound Art Women's Motocross Championship - Round 3
 
PALA, Calif. (April 11, 2017) - Pala, California was the battleground for Round 3 of the Onsia Sound Art Women's Motocross Championship (WMX) this past weekend, April 9, and it was Kawasaki's Kylie Fasnacht who won both motos in come-from-behind performances.

Kylie Fasnacht put in another great day, winning both motos and moving into the overall position in series points.

- WMX

JM Racing's-backed Brandy Richards led the charge in Moto 1, taking the MyLucasOil.com holeshot and holding onto the lead for a couple laps. A small miscue by Richards was enough to let BLK RDR/Motovan.com/KTM-supported Eve Brodeur take over the lead. Richards was back up and in hot pursuit of Brodeur when Fasnacht started to make up ground from her mediocre start. Richards hit the dirt once again, allowing Fasnacht to be on the heels of the Canadian rider Brodeur. The track was tight so Fasnacht had to be patient and pick the right spot to pass Brodeur - eating a lot of Pala roost along the way. Fasnacht took the win, Brodeur was second, and Richards remounted to capture third. Lauren Woods finished fourth followed by Amanda Brown and Brittany Gagne.

Moto 2 looked like a repeat of Moto 1 with Richards once again barely grabbing the holeshot over Woods with Fasnacht close behind. Richards was on a mission and determined to take the win, stretching out the lead over Fasnacht who was now in second. Brodeur was holding down third and battled the rest of the Moto with Jamie Astudillo. On lap three, and with a solid lead over Fasnacht, Richards' bike malfunctioned ultimately taking her out of the race where she handed the lead over to Fasnacht. Brodeur and Astudillo went at it for the rest of the moto putting on a great show for the fans. When the checkered flag waved it was Fasnacht, Brodeur and Astudillo - which is how the final moto scoring for the event ended up. Carrie Killebrew finished fourth followed by Gagne and Brown.

Canadian Eve Brodeur is spending her summer racing the WMX Championship and is showing strong improvement each round.

- WMX

Brodeur was excited to post the second place - her best results to date. "I've been working really hard to improve my results from round to round and I'm pretty pumped on getting a second place position today! It's my best finish ever so I'm really excited about it. It's motivating to know that all the hard work I put in over the winter is finally paying off. I will continue to work hard to make it happen again!"

Round 4 of the Onsia WMX will take place Sunday, May 7, as part of the AMSOIL Arenacross Final - held inside the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

For more information, please visit the official website at ww.racewmx.com or call (304) 284-0101. Also, follow the official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for exclusive content and to catch the latest news.

Kylie Fasnacht, Eve Brodeur and Jamie Astudillo filled out the podium for Round 3 of the Onsia WMX Championship.

- WMX

Event Results:

1. Kylie Fasnacht (KAW) 1-1
2. Eve Brodeur (KTM) 2-2
3. Jamie Astudillo (KTM) 8-3
4. Brittany Gagne (YAM) 6-5
5. Amanda Brown (HON) 5-6
6. Lauren Woods (YAM) 4-7
7. Carrie Killebrew (KAW) 9-4
8. Amber Felicio (HON) 7-9
9. Brandy Richards (YAM) 3-13
10. Mikayla Inman (KTM) 10-8

Series Points Standings:

1. Kylie Fasnacht (133)
2. Jamie Astudillo (109)
3. Eve Broduer (103)
4. Hannah Hodges (94)
5. Amanda Brown (85)
6. Shelby Rolen (70)
7. Mikayla Inman (65)
8. Brandy Richards (60)
9. Brittany Gagnes (59)
10. Carter Daughtrey (57)

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Kylie Fasnacht #1 - First Overall
In my first moto, I came off with like a fifth place start and I knew I didn't belong back there, so I just put my head down and started picking them off one-by-one. I caught up to Eve and Brandy and was behind them for a little bit. Unfortunately, Brandy went down and left the track open for Eve, so I played it smart as the track was tight in some spots. I tried not to stay super close but couldn't pull a move as I was right on her eating all her roost and kept making mistakes. I eventually saw chance to pass and pulled the trigger, put it on cruise control and rode safely to the checkers. In the second moto I got off to a little better start and was able to move into second place in the second turn behind Brandy. I fell off her pace as she was riding really good those first couple laps. I was able to make up some ground and catch her then her bike starting bogging and making weird noises. She pulled off so the lead was mine and I rode a safe, smart race until the end.

Eve Brodeur #6 - Second Overall
In race one I got a third place start and quickly moved up to second, and tried to apply pressure to the leader. I ended up leading for a few laps and settled for second behind Kylie. Race two, I was in fourth off the start and quickly made the pass for third. After Brandy pulled out, I was in a battle for second with Jamie for most of the race and eventually pulled a little bit of a gap on the last two laps. A pair of seconds and second overall makes for my best results so far, so I'm pretty excited.

Jamie Astudillo #469 - Third Overall
This California Classic was a bit of a struggle. I felt like I was riding pretty good, just didn't get the best of starts and it was one tough track to pass on. First moto got out to a fifth place start and got into fourth and just stayed there the rest of the race. Second moto kind of happened the same way, off to a decent start. I got into fourth and then by the second lap I got into third. Battled it out for second most of the race but couldn't make it happen. I'm happy getting out with third overall.

Brandy Richards #19 - Ninth Overall
My first moto wasn't too bad, I got the holeshot and led a couple laps and ended up going down twice but luckily I made it back up to third. My second moto was going really good, I got the holeshot again, was leading and building a good gap until the fuel pump in my bike went out and I was unable to finish the race.

Brandy Richards took both MyLucasOil.com holeshots.

- WMX

About Women's Professional Motocross Championship
The Women's Professional Motocross Championship (WMX), an AMA National Championship, features the world's fastest female outdoor motocross racers.  The 8-round series begins with the Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross at Daytona International Speedway in March and concludes at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in August. It includes stops at premier motorsport facilities across America, with events in Florida, Texas, California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Tennessee. These top female pro racers compete in a two-moto format on machines ranging from 125cc to 250cc. The WMX series is managed by MX Sports Pro Racing, a West Virginia-based company and industry leader in power sports event production. For more information, please visit www.racewmx.com or call (304) 284-0101.

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. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.

About ONSIA® Sound Art™
Sound Art™ introduces an entirely new way to listen to music in your home or garage, letting users enjoy personalized, custom artwork as well as high performance sound. ONSIA®'s flat panel design allows the entire surface of your artwork to generate high quality sound, which provides an incredibly robust listening experience. Sound Art™ elegantly hidden behind a high grade textured canvas wrap, bring together the best of engineering and design. This innovative design allows you to have Bluetooth® connectivity with the high quality of sound you expect without the bulky speakers.
Art never sounded so good™. For more information go to www.onsia.com.
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Monster Energy Kawasaki Extends Relationship with Eli Tomac

Courtesy of Monster Energy Kawasaki


FOOTHILL RANCH, CA – April 10, 2017 – Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has inked a multi-year contract extension with supercross and motocross star Eli Tomac to ride for the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team. The Colorado native is currently in the middle of an incredible win streak and title fight aboard his KX™450F motorcycle in Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship race.




“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to stay with Monster Energy Kawasaki,” said Tomac. “The team has put a lot of faith in me over the last year, which has given me the confidence I need to win. We have put in a lot of work and it is good to see it paying dividends.”

Tomac joined the team beginning with the 2016 season, where he captured one win and five podium finishes en route to fourth in the final supercross standings. He carried the momentum outdoors, earning a pair of overall victories and 10 podium results in a strong runner-up effort in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Tomac finished off the 2016 season with two MXGP wins and the Monster Energy Cup Championship.

Tomac’s second season with the team in 2017 has been a breakout one thus far, highlighted by eight race wins including a five-race winning streak. With three races remaining Tomac has earned fastest laps in 10 of the 14 main events and tops the rider point standings.

“Eli Tomac is an exceptional rider and athlete, and has successfully carried on the tradition of dominance with his KX450F,” said Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. President Yoshi Tamura. “Eli epitomizes Kawasaki’s commitment to winning and we are very excited to ensure he’ll be part of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team for years to come!”

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AMA Announces ISDE East And West Qualified Club Team Riders

Courtesy of American Motorcyclist Association

AMA ISDE Qualifier Championship Series in final stages

With only one qualifying event left, 12 riders have claimed their spots on the American Motorcyclist Association’s 2017 International Six Days Enduro Club Team.

The AMA congratulates Ty Tremaine, Jacob Rowland, Brendan Riordan, Mike Pillar, Alex Witkowski, and 40+ rider Brian Storrie for qualifying from the ISDE East Qualifier Series and Cody Webb, Justin Morgan, Anthonee Gibbs, Devan Bolin, Nick Stover and 40+ rider Rick Emerson for qualifying from the ISDE West Qualifier Series.

“Each of these riders has trained incredibly hard to earn this highly prestigious opportunity,” said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Erek Kudla. “I’m excited to see what the rest of these talented riders do at the last round of qualifying and, ultimately, who will get the honor of competing at one of the most incredible off-road racing events in the world.”

The ISDE Committee will select an additional club team, along with the World Trophy, Junior Trophy and Women’s Trophy team riders to represent the United States at the 2017 FIM International Six Days Enduro in Brive, France.

With the AMA ISDE Qualifier Championship Series in its final stages, riders not yet qualified for a 2017 ISDE Club Team still have an opportunity to advance at the remaining, three-day, ISDE Qualifier beginning May 12 in Greenville, Tenn. The event will be a standalone event in the AMA Full Gas Sprint Enduro Championship Series and feature two days of enduro testing before the final day of moto testing.

For more information on the final ISDE qualifier visit www.sprintenduro.com/2017-three-day-enduro-ama-isde-qualifier.


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Kailub Russell Comes Out On Top with FMF Steele Creek GNCC Overall Win

Courtesy of GNCC Racing

Thad Duvall and Steward Baylor Round out Overall Podium
MORGANTON, N.C. (April 9, 2017) - The fourth round of the 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, took place today, April 9, at the scenic Steele Creek Campground in Morganton, North Carolina, with the 18th Annual FMF Steele Creek GNCC. With a mix of sun and warm temperatures the groundwork was laid for one of the best races thus far in the season. At the end of the grueling three-hour race it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Kailub Russell who claimed the overall win.
As the green flag dropped it was Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Josh Strang who headed into the woods first earning himself the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award. Strang felt immediate pressure from Russell who was on his back tire as they headed into the woods.

Josh Strang grabbed the holeshot, with Kailub Russell in tow.

- Darin Chapman

Russell made quick work on the open trail and took over the lead before the shortened first lap was complete, with Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Thad Duvall and FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Russell Bobbitt in third. With a quick check over his shoulder, Russell lead the way through timing and scoring for the first time.
JCR Honda's Trevor Bollinger got off to a top-five start at his home race, and made quick work to pass for fourth and set his eyes on closing the gap for a podium position early on. Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Ryan Sipes wasn't ready to hand over the position where he raced wheel-to-wheel with Bollinger. The duo had a rather large gap on SRT/KTM's Steward Baylor who was in fifth. Much like the previous round, Baylor challenged himself and charged through the pack and began gaining valuable time and positions.

Steward Baylor worked his way from eighth to round out the overall podium.

- Ken Hill

Russell came in contact with a banner midway through the race, but the conflict wasn't enough for Duvall to be able to make the pass. It wouldn't be until pit strategies came into place that a change-up in the lead would occur. Both Russell and Duvall elected to pit on the same lap, but Duvall's pit was just a bit quicker than Russell. Russell pulled back onto Pro Row as Duvall squeezed by to take command of the lead. Duvall's success quickly came to an end when Russell took back the first-place position as they re-entered the woods.
The mid-way point of the race also served as the turning point for Baylor's race where he focused in on Bollinger in third. The two riders swapped the final podium position multiple times, until Baylor was finally able to take if for good on the fifth lap.

Overall Podium: (2) Thad Duvall, (1) Kailub Russell, (3) Steward Baylor.

- Ken Hill

It wouldn't be until the last lap when Russell had a little bit of breathing room, much like Russell, Baylor also found himself with a small gap over Bollinger. As they raced to the finish line, Russell would earn his third win of the season, with Duvall and Baylor rounding out the overall podium. Bollinger made a last minute strive, but finished just off the overall podium in fourth.
"It was a tough day out there, it wasn't what I was expecting," said Russell. "I thought the track would have more moisture. In some places you would have good traction, and other places it would just go away. I laid down a good pace on the first lap and Thad hung on there all the way to the end."

Kailub Russell made in three-in-a-row at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC.

- Ken Hill

Strang oppressed his ankle injury and had a season-best finish with fifth overall. Beta USA's Jordan Ashburn followed behind in sixth and N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha's Ricky Russell crossed the line seventh overall. Bobbitt maintained his speed to earn ninth overall.
N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha's Josh Toth came out with the XC2 250 Pro win, extending his win streak to four-in-a-row. Following behind him was Coastal Racing/Husqvarna-backed Craig Delong in second, and RPM/KTM's Mike Witkowski returned to the podium in third. JCR Honda's Austin Lee showed great improvement this weekend finishing fourth. After being involved in first turn crash, Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Layne Michael eventually came back to lead the race, but had to settle for a respectable top-five finish.

XC2 250 Pro Podium: (2) Craig Delong, (1) Josh Toth, (3) Mike Witkowski.

- Ken Hill

Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Jack Edmondson continued his domination in the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class where he returned to the center of the box. Jason Thomas and Hunter Neuwirth crossed the line in second and third.
Cole Mattison took home the top amateur honors finishing 21st overall and taking home the class win in the 4-Stroke A Lites division.

Jack Edmonston battled with Jason Thomas for majority of the race, but it was Edmonston who would come out on top.

- Ken Hill

Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/Husqvarna Team's Tayla Jones took home gold in the WXC division in addition to the overall win. Spyke's KTM/Maxxis/FMF's Rachel Gutish finished right behind Jones in second. Fly Racing/Maxxis/Seat Concepts/KTM's Becca Sheets rounded out the podium in third.
The first podium of the day consisted the of the overall youth racers from the 8 a.m. race. After a hard fought race, Zack Davidson came out with the top position claiming his fourth overall win. Peyton Whipkey and Ryder Leblond followed in second and third.

Tayla Jones remains undefeated in the WXC division, where she earned her fourth win today.

- Ken Hill

The 1 p.m. race was broadcast LIVE in its entirety on RacerTV.com and can be viewed as an archived video now online by visiting the GNCC LIVE page online. A highlight show featuring today's event will air on the NBC Sports Network on Sunday, June 4 at 3:00 p.m.
The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series resumes April 22 and 23 with the CST Tires Camp Coker Bullet GNCC in Society Hill, South Carolina.
For more information on the series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.
FMF Steele Creek GNCC
Morganton, North Carolina
Round 4 of 13
Sunday, April 9
XC1 Open Pro Event Results:

1. Kailub Russell (KTM)
2. Thad Duvall (HSQ)
3. Steward Baylor (KTM)
4. Trevor Bollinger (HON)
5. Josh Strang (HSQ)
6. Jordan Ashburn (BET)
7. Ricky Russell (YAM)
8. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)
9. Grant Baylor (HSQ)
10. Scott Grills (HSQ)

*Overall National Championship Standings:

1. Kailub Russell (115)
2. Steward Baylor (93)
3. Thad Duvall (75)
4. Josh Toth (61)
5. Ricky Russell (57)
6. Trevor Bollinger (50)
7. Russell Bobbitt (43)
8. Jordan Ashburn (41)
9. Mike Witkowski (40)
10. Grant Baylor (39)

*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2017 National Champion.
XC2 250 Pro Event Results:

1. Josh Toth (YAM)
2. Craig Delong (HSQ)
3. Michael Witkowski (KTM)
4. Austin Lee (HON)
5. Layne Michael (HSQ)
6. Jesse Groemm (KTM)
7. Drew Higgins (BET)
8. Nick Davis (BET)
9. Ben Kelley (KTM)
10. Trevor Barrett (YAM)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:

1. Josh Toth (120)
2. Craig Delong (86)
3. Mike Witkowski (79)
4. Layne Michael (74)
5. Jesse Groemm (52)
6. Austin Lee (59)
7. Zack Hayes (53)
8. Ben Kelley (48)
9. Trevor Barrett (36)
10. Jesper Borjessen (35)                            

About GNCC Racing
The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 2,400 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Central America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised weekly on NBC Sports and RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.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. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.






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MicroBilt PRBC Yoshimura Suzuki Racing Signs Cheyenne Harmon

Courtesy of MicroBilt/PRBC Yoshimura Suzuki


KENNESAW, GA - MicroBilt PRBC Yoshimura Suzuki Racing is pleased to announce the addition of Cheyenne Harmon to the roster for the remainder of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Season, beginning this weekend in Seattle, WA. Hailing from Ovilla, Texas, Cheyenne has been racing motocross since the age of five. He earned his AMA Pro License at the age of 16, having competed in the AMSOIL Arenacross series and became one of the first riders to earn "Road to Supercross" points. In the two years that Cheyenne competed in AMSOIL Arenacross, Harmon finished in the top 20 in the premier AX class in 2016 – which included a Main Event win in the AX Lites class, three podium finishes, and three Heat Race wins. Cheyenne is also no stranger to Monster Energy AMA Supercross, having raced his first Supercross event in Houston in 2014 where he even earned a transfer position to the Main Event in the 250SX class.

Since it's founding in 2014, MicroBilt PRBC Yoshimura Suzuki Racing has been dedicated to supporting passionate, talented supercross and motocross riders and drawn to riders with a shared respect for the grit, determination, commitment, and perseverance that lead to success – on the track, in business, and in life. "When the opportunity to expand our roster arose, it was evident that Cheyenne would make a perfect addition to the team. He is passionate, dedicated, and embodies the values we consider of the utmost importance – both as a rider and as a representative of the team," said Race Team Director Sean Albert. Cheyenne is currently in his rookie season in the Premier Class in Monster Energy AMA Supercross and has spent much of this season as a full privateer, arriving via van to each event thus far. He has proven that he has the tenacity and grit to make his mark aboard a 450.





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Walker Fowler Returns to the Center of the Box at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC

Courtesy of GNCC Racing

 McGill and Neal Place Second and Third Overall 
MORGANTON, N.C. (April 8, 2017) - The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, continued today, April 8, with the 18th Annual FMF Steele Creek GNCC located at the popular Steele Creek Campground in Morganton, North Carolina. Rain from earlier in the week left the track a bit muddy to begin the day, but it did not take long for the conditions to turn around and create a near perfect race track by the time the 1 p.m. pro race headed to the start line.

At the end of the two-hour race it was WFR/Yamaha/Maxxis/Fly Racing's Walker Fowler who emerged victorious setting himself up for a four-race winning streak. As the green flag waved, it was six-time GNCC champion, Chris Borich who jumped out to the early lead claiming the $250 Wiseco XC1 ATV Holeshot Award, but  CST/Induction Solutions/LSR/HiPer/Spider Graphix's Adam McGill lead the way into the woods.

Chris Borich edged out Marty Christofferson to earn the $250 Wiseco XC1 Pro Holeshot Award.

- Ken Hill

With a shortened first lap, McGill continued to hold onto the lead as they checked through timing and scoring for the first time. McGill was feeling pressure from Fowler as they were wheel-to-wheel for first lap. Coastal Racing's Brycen Neal was also in the mix and he began the fight for third against Borich.

Borich's shocks began to fade, providing issues as he tackled the rough and rutted trails. Neal capitalized on Borich's misfortune and took over the third-place position by the end of the second lap. The top-five front runners began to gap the rest of the pack leaving Dillinger's Celtic Pub/GBC Motorsports/Moose Racing's Marty Christofferson a clear track while he ran in sixth.

Walker Fowler took home his fourth overall win of the year, along with stretching out his points lead.

- Ken Hill

McGill and Fowler continued to put on a show where they were practically rubbing plastics as they raced under the infamous concrete bridge. McGill was able to fend off Fowler through the second lap, until Fowler worked his way into the lead right before the pits.
As the race reached its halfway point, different pit strategies came into pay where Fowler elected to forgo his pit, while McGill pitted. Shortly after the pits, Neal was able to work his way into the lead, but it wouldn't last long as Fowler made his way back to the front after the Rocky Mountain section of the race course.

Adam McGill's ride today proved it won't be long until he makes his way to the center of the podium. 

- Ken Hill

Lapped traffic guarded the main trail to the finish line just as Fowler, Neal and McGill came by. The podium contenders successfully navigated their way through and continued to push forward.
The racing action really heated up during the third lap where the top three racers were suddenly all in contention for the lead. With reports of McGill's quad making sputtering sounds, the crowd anticipated an extra pit stop but was shocked when he decided to keep pushing. McGill didn't let the possible mechanical issue bother him and worked his way back into second by the time the white flag came out.
Fowler continued to ride his own race throughout the last lap, with McGill holding onto second. Neal would also carry his momentum through the entirety of the race, rounding out the overall podium. Borich finished just off the podium in fourth, despite his front shock issues.

Overall Podium: (3) Brycen Neal, (1) Walker Fowler, (2) Adam McGill.

- Ken Hill

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day came with the fifth-place rider. After starting outside the top ten, GBC/Fly Racing/HMF/Yamaha's Johnny Gallagher worked his way through the pack to earn a respectable fifth place in XC1 Pro and sixth overall.
GBC/Canyon Motorsports/Fly Racing's Landon Wolfe followed Gallagher in seventh overall, while Christofferson had his season best finish in eighth overall.
In the XC2 Pro-Am division, it was GBC/Goldspeed/Custom Axis' Matthew Lindle who shot out to secure the $100 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award and the early lead. As the checkered flag waved it would be M.R. Unlimited/Hygear Suspension/GBC Tires/Tire Spine's Devon Feehan to see it first and return to the center of the box. Feehan also scored a top-five overall finish, and was followed by Lindle who held onto second and Ithaca Recreation/Maxxis/Quad Tech/Storm Peak Crossfit's Hunter Hart in third.

XC2 Pro-Am Podium: (2) Matthew Lindle, (1) Devon Feehan, (3) Hunter Hart.

- Ken Hill

Coastal Racing's Drew Landers not only won the College A (16-21) division, but also finished 12th overall where he was named the top amateur of the day.
After adjusted time, Schoolboy Sr. (14-17) competitor Ronnie Rusch came out with overall amateur honors taking home to overall and class win in the 10 a.m. race.

Ronnie Rusch topped the charts in the 10 a.m. race, taking home the overall and Schoolboy Sr. class win.

- Ken Hill

The 4x4 Pro podium consisted of Cunningham Racing/Can-Am/Maxxis' Kevin Cunningham who made it four-in-a-row. DeRisi Racing's Robbie Pecorari placed second, and Team UXC Racing's Kevin Trantham claimed third in class.
In the WXC division it was Yamaha/GYTR/Maxxis-backed Traci Pickens who claimed gold with Custom Axis/Spider Graphix's Angel Knox in second and Dillinger's Celtic Pub's Katelyn Osburn in third.

WXC Podium: (2) Angel Knox, (1) Traci Pickens, (3) Katelyn Osburn.

- Ken Hill

The 8 a.m. youth race took to the North Carolina woods to begin the day. At the end of the muddy hour-long race it was Casey Simmons who took the overall win. Layne McCormick and Devin Corrothers rounded out the overall podium.
The 1 p.m. race was broadcast LIVE in its entirety on RacerTV.com and can be viewed as an archived video now online by visiting the GNCC LIVE page online.
The 43rd Annual AMSOIL GNCC Series resumes in two weeks, April 22 and 23, with the CST Tires Camp Coker Bullet GNCC in Sparta, Georgia. A highlight show featuring the Steele Creek event will air on the NBC Sports Network on Sunday, June 4 at 3:00 p.m.
For more information on the series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.
FMF Steele Creek GNCC
Morganton, North Carolina
Round 4 of 13
Saturday, April 8
XC1 Pro Event Results:

1. Walker Fowler (YAM)
2. Adam McGill (HON)
3. Brycen Neal (YAM)
4. Chris Borich (SUZ)
5. Johnny Gallagher (YAM)
6. Landon Wolfe (HON)
7. Marty Christofferson (HON)
8. Westley Wolfe (SUZ)
9. Josh Merritt (YAM)
10. Randy Hamilton (HON)

*Overall National Championship Standings:

1. Walker Fowler (120)
2. Brycen Neal (85)
3. Adam McGill (78)
4. Chris Borich (73)
5. Jarrod McClure (68)
6. Landon Wolfe (58)
7. Devon Feehan (55)
8. Hunter Hart (43)
9. Marty Christofferson (40)
10. Johnny Gallagher (36)

*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2017 National Champion.
XC2 Pro-Am Event Results:

1. Devon Feehan (HON)
2. Matthew Lindle (HON)
3. Hunter Hart (YAM)
4. Austin Abney (HON)
5. Greg Covert (YAM)
6. Brandon Icard (HON)
7. Cameron Bruce (YAM)
8. Kenny Shick (YAM)
9. Braden Henthorn (HON)
10. Wyatt Wilkin (HON) 

XC2 Pro-Am Series Standings:

1. Devon Feehan (155)
2. Hunter Hart (93)
3. Matthew Lindle (86)
4. Greg Covert (78)
5. Austin Abney (59)
6. Brandon Icard (54)
7. Levi Coen (48)
8. Cameron Bruce (44)
9. Sam Hough (44)
10. Kenny Shick (42)

About GNCC Racing
The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 2,400 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Central America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised weekly on NBC Sports and RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.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. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.





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HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES INTRODUCE FUEL-INJECTED 2-STROKE ENDURO MODELS

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles

REVOLUTIONARY NEW TE 250i & TE 300i MACHINES SET TO CHANGE PERCEPTIONS ABOUT 2-STROKE ENDURO BIKES

Husqvarna Motorcycles proudly announce the introduction of their next generation fuel-injected 2-stroke enduro motorcycles. Perfectly embodying the brand’s pioneering spirit, the new from the ground up 2018 TE 250i and TE 300i machines will feature engine technology that is set to revolutionize the field of 2-stroke enduro motorcycles.

Enjoying over a century of uninterrupted design, development and production, Husqvarna Motorcycles are now set to add another benchmark to their impressive timeline of innovations. Being one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers, and the first company to ever produce a purpose-built offroad bike, Husqvarna Motorcycles have always been a great advocate of 2-stroke technology.

From Rolf Tibblin’s first Motocross European Championship in 1959 to the golden age of motocross during the 60s and the 70s, Husqvarna has remained a dominant force in the segment of high-performance 2-stroke offroad motorcycles. With their new generation of fuel-injected 2-strokes arriving soon, Husqvarna Motorcycles will proudly start a new chapter in their history of pioneering innovation and forward-thinking development.

This revolutionary new technology will go into production in June. Additional information about Husqvarna’s MY18 2-stroke enduro models will be released on May 30, 2017.

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ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM’S QUINTANILLA & RENET SET FOR FINAL STAGE BATTLE AT DESERT CHALLENGE

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles

The stage results continue to reflect the specific nature of this race where those first out in each stage have a tactical disadvantage to those who hold their race craft cards close to their chests. In short, going into the final stage, it is the riders who start slightly back in the order who have the biggest advantage.  

The rally draws to a close on Thursday with the fifth stage, the Abu Dhabi Aviation (timed special of 234.01 km), and the prospects are quite favourable for both Husqvarna factory riders. Quintanilla of Chile will leave at sixth place in the new starting order of three-minute intervals between the riders. He goes into the stage with just a 1:30.4 deficit to the present overall leader Paolo Gonçalves, whose job it will be to start the navigation and open the tracks. Renet has a more difficult task. He starts behind the leader, however he is also only 1.10.5 minutes off the front pace.

There is a lot at stake for Quintanilla as he is looking for a strong result to launch his bid to retain his 2016 world championship title.  But it will not be easy. In principle the rally is wide open going into the final stage as the group of five lead riders are all within a 1.30-minute margin of the current leader. They are all capable of taking the trophy and the valuable championship points. 

Quintanilla’s biggest rivals in the dash for the line will be British rider Sam Sunderland and Austrian Matthias Walkner. They finished 1-2 in the Dakar Rally in January and are both showing excellent form. But Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s French rider Renet has taken a major leap forward at this event. The former enduro world champion was seventh at the Dakar Rally 2017 and has finished 1-2 in two of the stages here in Abu Dhabi. 

Pablo Quintanilla: “We knew from the beginning that this was going to be a day for losing time because I had to start in front. But now I have started to play a bit with the strategy for tomorrow, and to take advantage of it because now I have a good starting position. I have the chance to recover some time and that’s good for me. We’ll see tomorrow if this works for me. At the moment everything is going well. The bike is really good and I am very happy with it.”

Pela Renet: “I’m very happy with the stage, with my riding and with the feeling on the bike. But today was just like every day in this rally. It’s an advantage if you start behind and if you start in front, its difficult.”

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is the opening round of the FIM Cross-Countries Rally Championship and round two follows in two weeks time in Qatar. 

Results
Stage 4 – ADNOC Special: 250.25 kms

1. Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 3:38.15 h

2. Pela Renet (FRA), Husqvarna + 2.34 min

3. Paolo Gonçalves (POR), Honda + 5.34 

4. Matthias Walkner (AUT), + 8.41 

6. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Husqvarna + 6:01 

Overall Standings (after four of five stages)

1. Gonçalves 15:32.56.8 h 

2. Walkner + 33.8 sec

3. Renet + 1:10.5 min

4. Sunderland +1:15.7 

5. Quintanilla + 1.30.40

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