“For Honda to pick me is an amazing opportunity,” said Hahn. “It is a confidence booster knowing I have such great support from Team Honda Muscle Milk.”

“We have known Tommy for a very long time, and we are excited to have him back on the team for the 2012 Motocross series,” said Team Manager Erik Kehoe. “He is naturally talented and we believe he possesses all the tools needed to run at the front of the pack.”

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to http://www.powersports.honda.com.

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (May 3, 2012) – MX Sports Pro Racing and Alli Sports, a division of NBC Sports, have announced the broadcast schedule for the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, set to commence on Saturday, May 19, with the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Sacramento, Calif. Featuring a total of 82 hours of competition from the Nationals, both NBC Sports and FUEL TV will combine to showcase live coverage at all 12 rounds of Lucas Oil Motocross.

“We’re proud to announce that the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship has a home with one of the biggest names is sports broadcasting,” said Mark Carter, General Manager of Motocross, Alli Sports. “NBC Sports’ programming will provide the most complete coverage the series has ever seen, with virtually the entire series broadcasts based around the network. Combine that with our continued relationship with FUEL TV and we’re looking forward to the most comprehensive broadcast package that Lucas Oil Motocross has ever had.”

In addition to its coverage of each round of the Nationals NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) will present exclusive programming beyond the motos, including a pre-season preview show, mid-season recap, weekly highlight shows following each round, and a post-season recap to close out the 2012 package. NBC will showcase three rounds with live network coverage at the Red Bull Budds Creek National, Red Bull RedBud National, and Red Bull Unadilla National.

FUEL TV became an integral partner of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship last season, as the exclusive broadcast provider of the opening motos at all 12 rounds. For 2012, FUEL TV returns in the same role, bringing live coverage of all first motos to any enthusiasts unable to make it to the Nationals in person. At the Red Bull Budds Creek National on Saturday, June 16, FUEL TV will debut its first live second moto broadcast with the 250 Class. In addition to the FUEL TV broadcasts, first motos will once again be streaming live online at AlliSports.com.

“We’ve worked diligently since 2009 to elevate the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship to new heights, and with this new and improved broadcast schedule, our goals are being met.,” said MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs. “We appreciate the continued support for Lucas Oil Motocross and the opportunity to grow the series and build even more prestige by having a broadcast home with NBC Sports.”

In the booth, the longtime tandem of veteran announcer Jason Weigandt and three-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion Jeff Emig, will once again team up to bring event play-by-play and analysis to the viewers at home. Weigandt’s vast knowledge of the sport meshes seamlessly with the years of competitive experience Emig possesses to make them one of the most well-rounded broadcast partnerships in all of motorsports. On the track, Georgia Alberston will provide the latest breaking news from the pits and the starting gate, while also interviewing riders before and after they hit the track. NBC Sports’ and BMX veteran Jamie Bestwick returns as well, reporting from the field at select rounds.

2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Broadcast Schedule

MORGANTOWN, WV – September 16, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – This weekend in France will mark the annual FIM Motocross of Nations (MXON), a global motocross competition in which respective countries select three-rider lineups to compete for the Peter Chamberlain Trophy. Since 2005, the trophy has been held by Team USA, which means the fastest riders from the rest of the world will be doing their best to beat the Americans. MX Sports Pro Racing and Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, wish good luck not only to Team USA, but all of the AMA-based riders entered in this weekend’s contest, as well as their counterparts on the Youthstream-organized FIM World Championship tour.

Both 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Champions – Ryan Villopoto (450 Class) and Dean Wilson (250 Class) – will be competing in France, albeit representing different countries. The Monster Energy Kawasaki-backed Villopoto will anchor Team USA’s bid, alongside Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett. Wilson, who was born in Scotland, will represent Great Britain for the second consecutive year, aboard a Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki of his own. He will be joined by former AMA contender Tommy Searle, as well as Brad Anderson. The British last won this event in 1994, when they upset the Americans and ended a record 13-year winning streak.

Villopoto has represented Team USA on three occasions (2006-2008), and the Americans were victorious each time. In fact, his dominance aboard a 250cc machine at the 2007 MXON is considered one of the single-greatest performances in motocross history. However, after suffering long-term injuries in both the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Villopoto, now a four-time AMA Pro Motocross Champion, was not available to represent the United States. During that time, Ryan Dungey assumed the vacancy, and helped maintain the US winning streak that started back in 2005, with the trio of Ricky Carmichael, Kevin Windham, and Ivan Tedesco. In both cases, Dungey was the individual overall winner of the MX1 class, and has been slotted there for a third year by Team USA Manager Roger DeCoster. Villopoto, who is also this year’s AMA Supercross Champion, will represent Team USA in the MX3 class, an open-displacement category.

Ryan Dungey (1) and Ryan Villopoto (2) will lead Team USA’s quest for a seventh consecutive Motocross of Nations victory Courtesy VitalMX.com

As for Baggett, the second-year rider has never even been to Europe prior to this trip, let alone race in the prestigious Motocross of Nations. However, on the heels of a third-place effort in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross 250 Class Championship, in which he garnered a series-leading five wins, Baggett was ready and willing to take the assignment as Team USA’s MX2 rider as they attempt to win seven in-a-row.

Other AMA-based riders participating this weekend for their home nations are highlighted by Australian veterans Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe, each of whom won rounds in the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, and finished third and fourth, respectively, in the final 450 Class standings. Additionally, Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin, who joined the AMA tour this year after winning two FIM MX2 World Championships, will ride for the home French team, which also includes former AMA-standout Christophe Pourcel, and Grand Prix race winner Gautier Paulin. Both the Australian and French teams have the depth to challenge Team USA this weekend, and potentially bring the winning streak to an end.

South Africa’s Tyla Rattray and Gareth Swanepoel both hope to get their homeland in contention for at least a podium finish, coming off of career-best seasons in the U.S., respectively. Rockstar Energy/Valli Motorsports Yamaha’s Jimmy Albertson and Washington-based privateer Tommy Weeck will both compete for Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory.

Also on the grid will be Sweden’s Fredrik Noren, a rider trying to build a name for himself on the American Motocross tour. Noren competed on the privateer MX Heaven team, and reached the top 20 several times in his first season in the highly-competitive Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Awaiting all of the AMA-based riders on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean is an incredible and diverse lineup of talent, led by Italy’s Antonio Cairoli, one of the fastest Grand Prix riders of all time. Also competing will be German prodigy Ken Roczen, who recently became his nation’s first FIM World Motocross Champion in over 40 years. Put them all together on one starting gate, and it should be an amazing weekend of motocross competition and camaraderie.

Fans all over the world can watch the event live online at http://www.mx-life.tv, with qualifying set to take place on Saturday afternoon. Final motos of the 2011 Motocross of Nations begin Sunday afternoon, at 12 noon in France.

For more information on the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.

For media information about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please contact Media Manager Brandon Short via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com or by phone at 949-365-5750.

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. The industry leader in off road powersport 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, 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 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, King of Wake series, and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour. Alli TV Productions 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. Visit www.allisports.com.

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 AMA Pro Motocross Championship.” Visit www.LucasOil.com.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.

####

AURORA, Ill. – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that GEICO Honda’s Kevin Windham, 33, of Centerville, Miss., will compete at this year’s inaugural Monster Energy Cup race set to take place October 15 from Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

“I don’t know anyone who would not put it all on the line for a million dollars,” said Windham. That’s a payday that will entice all the riders.”

After wrapping up his 17th Monster Energy Supercross season, Windham has since earned one Western Regional Supercross Lites class championship along with finishing runner-up three times in the Supercross class. Throughout his Supercross class career, Windham has 18 wins and an additional 56 podium finishes. He’s looking to add the Monster Energy Cup championship to his resume and is excited to see what track designers Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath create.

“We had a pretty exciting season in 2011, so it I think it’s going to be good no matter what (Ricky) Carmichael and (Jeremy) McGrath throw at us,” said Windham. “The competitiveness of the racing is at a whole new level. Carmichael and McGrath are two of the best riders the sport has ever seen, and it will be fun to ride a track that they design. Three shorter motos will for sure keep the racing tight and interesting. That will make it very difficult to sweep the night.”

Throughout the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross season, Windham, who was selected as the “Fan Favorite” by the industry and fans, earned 12 top-10 finishes, with a season-best finish of second coming from Seattle’s Qwest Field.

The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence, making it unlike any other stadium race in the world. This track will be the perfect blend of supercross and motocross combined and created into the ultimate battleground. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and for the “first time ever” $1 Million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.

In a post from Racer X’s Steve Matthes, it is apparent that Ryan Dungey wants out of Rockstar Makita Suzuki. Matthes spoke with Suzuki’s team manager Mike Webb to get the lowdown.

Dungey is the top free agent heading into 2012. Could 2011 be Dungey’s last year with Suzuki?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson

“He won a bunch of titles, the yellow crew brought him up throughout amateurs and everything seems like a natural fit to continue right? Well, I guess not. I spoke to Suzuki team manager Mike Webb and he wouldn’t give much up to me on the record other than we’ll see how everything goes. He did indicate to me though (without saying so) that Dungey wants out and they’ve in effect lost him for next year.

I think it just boils down to the fact he wants to work with his old team manager Roger DeCoster again (and to a lesser extent old motor guy Ian Harrison as well) and he’ll go to the unproven (in the USA big bike class) KTM to get that combination back.”

Despite Blake Baggett winning 3 rounds he is still not the points leader as he has had a few terrible races.

Where is Ryan Sipes? Injuries & crashes have held him back.

The consistency of Dean Wilson and Tyla Rattray have kept them out front.

Fiolek looks great with a 1-1 finish last week.

Reed leads in points but Dungey is pushing hard with an Overall at Thunder Valley.

These are just a few through this season, keep watching and reading to see more excitement!

Ryab Dungey gets his first overall win at Thunder Valley!

Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki) grabbed his first overall of the year with a second and a first in his two motos. He came from behind each time, passing all but Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki) in the first moto.

450 Overall
1. Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) 2-1
2. Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) 1-2
3. Chad Reed (Honda) 3-3
4. Kevin Windham (Honda) 4-4
5. Andrew Short (KTM) 7-8
6. Tommy Hahn (Yamaha) 11-5
7. Brett Metcalfe (Suzuki) 9-7
8. Christian Craig (Honda) 6-15
9. Jake Canada (Kawasaki) 10-13
10. Justin Brayton (Yamaha) 14-10
11. Nick Wey (Yamaha) 13-11
12. Jimmy Albertson (Honda) 12-12
13. Ricky Dietrich (Yamaha) 8-17
14. Mike Alessi (KTM) 5-37
15. Davi Millsaps (Yamaha) 24-6
16. Ben LaMay (Yamaha) 15-14
17. Michael Byrne (Suzuki) 22-9
18. Jake Weimer (Kawasaki) 19-16
19. Travis Sewell (Yamaha) 17-20
20. Tye Hames (Honda) 16-31
21. Fredrik Noren (Honda) 21-18
22. Vince Friese (Yamaha) 18-34
23. Kevin Rookstool (KTM) 23-19
24. Shane Sewell (Yamaha) 20-23
25. Dean Porter (Suzuki) 25-22
26. Vgency Mikhaylov (Suzuki) 30-21
27. Robert Fitch Jr. (Honda) 27-24
28. Tyler Bright (Honda) 26-25
29. Travis Stichter (Kawasaki) 28-27
30. Dillon Huddleston (Kawasaki) 31-26
31. Michael Stryker (KTM) 33-29
32. Michael Giese (Yamaha) 32-30
33. Buddi Bruner (Kawasaki) 35-28
34. Tony Gallo (Yamaha) 29-36
35. Weston Peick (Kawasaki) 34-32
36. Heath Harrison (Honda) 39-33
37. Kyle Chisholm (Yamaha) 38-35
38. Josh Grant (Honda) 36-38
39. Kyle Partridge (Yamaha) 37-39
40. Calle Aspegren (Honda) 40-40

Ryan Villopoto took the first moto win in convincing fashion. He and Ryan Dungey both gained points on Chad Reed in the title chase.

Justin Barcia (number 17, GEICO Honda) led a handful of laps in the first 250 moto, before being gobbled up by the pack.

250 Overall
1. Blake Baggett (Kawasaki) 1-1
2. Dean Wilson (Kawasaki) 2-2
3. Eli Tomac (Honda) 3-3
4. Darryn Durham (Honda) 4-6
5. Tyla Rattray (Kawasaki) 5-5
6. Ryan Sipes (Yamaha) 15-4
7. Malcolm Stewart (Suzuki) 13-7
8. Travis Baker (Honda) 10-10
9. Justin Barcia (Honda) 9-12
10. Alex Martin (Honda) 11-3
11. Nick Paluzzi (Suzuki) 14-11
12. Cole Seely (Honda) 8-17
13. Nico Izzi (Honda) 12-15
14. Gareth Swanepoel (Yamaha) 6-21
15. Broc Tickle (Kawasaki) 7-35
16. Kyle Cunningham (Yamaha) 40-8
17. Martin Davalos (Suzuki) 36-9
18. Matt Lemoine (Kawasaki) 17-14
19. Scott Champion (Honda) 19-16
20. Gannon Audette (Yamaha) 16-33
21. Hunter Clements (Honda) 31-18
22. Ricky Renner (KTM) 18-23
23. Les Smith (Suzuki) 21-19
24. Dakota Tedder (Kawasaki) 24-20
25. Austin Howell (Suzuki) 20-22
26. Killy Rusk (KTM) 23-25
27. Justin Sipes (Kawasaki) 27-24
28. Sean Lipanovich (Suzuki) 26-27
29. Johnny Moore (Honda) 30-26
30. Bryce Vallee (Kawasaki) 28-30
31. Lance Vincent (Honda) 22-36
32. Tevin Tapia (KTM) 25-34
33. Levi Kilbarger (Honda) 32-28
34. Joshua Clark (Honda) 29-32
35. Sean Hackley Jr. (Kawasaki) 35-29
36. Alexander Millican (Yamaha) 37-21
37. Chad Gores (Honda) 34-37
38. Joey Rossi (Yamaha) 33-38
39. Taylor Futrell (Honda) 38-39
40. Shawn Rife (Honda) 39-40

Blake Baggett (1-1) and Dean Wilson (2-2) made it a Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki 1-2, and Dean took over the Lites class points lead again.

Ashley Fiolek (American Honda Racing) holeshot both motos, but Jessica Patterson (DNA Shred Stix / Star Racing / Yamaha) came through with both moto wins. Ashley still hangs onto the series points lead and the red plate that goes with it.

WMX Overall
1. Jessica Patterson (Yamaha) 1-1
2. Ashley Fiolek (Honda) 2-2
3. Tarah Gieger (Honda) 5-3
4. Sara Price (Kawasaki) 4-4
5. Jacqueline Strong (KTM) 6-6
6. Lindsey Palmer (Honda) 8-7
7. Alexa Pearson (KTM) 7-10
8. Kasie Creson (Honda) 9-9
9. Marissa Markelon (Yamaha) 12-8
10. Vicki Golden (Kawasaki) 3-19
11. Elizabeth Bash (KTM) 10-11
12. Ashley Boham (Kawasaki) 13-12
13. Sayaka Kaneshiro (Suzuki) 28-5
14. Hailey Larson (Honda) 11-15
15. Kim Irmgartz (Kawasaki) 14-14
16. Sade Allender (Kawasaki) 17-16
17. Jackie Ives (Yamaha) 21-13
18. Ashliegh Hall (Kawasaki) 16-20
19. Chistina Reed (Yamaha) 15-22
20. Alyssa Fitch (Honda) 27-17

Tarah Gieger (number three, Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda) used a 5-3 score for third overall.

450 Point Standings
1. Chad Reed 223
2. Ryan Villopoto 215
3. Ryan Dungey 202
4. Kevin Windham 148
5. Davi Millsaps 145
6. Brett Metcalfe 144
7. Ricky Dietrich 109
8. Andrew Short 102
9. Jake Weimer 100
10. Christian Craig 97

250 Point Standings
1. Dean Wilson 214
2. Tyla Rattray 206
3. Blake Baggett 194
4. Eli Tomac 176
5. Justin Barcia 137
6. Kyle Cunningham 127
7. Broc Tickle 113
8. Gareth Swanepoel 106
9. Darryn Durham 94
10. Cole Seely 89

WMX Points
1. Ashley Fiolek 135
2. Jessica Patterson 133
3. Tarah Gieger 108
4. Sara Price 79
5. Jacqueline Strong 78
6. Kasie Creson 72
7. Marissa Markelon 69
8. Alexa Pearson 67
9. Mariana Balbi 66
10. Vicki Golden 59

Lucas Oil Troy Lee Designs Honda rider Christain Craig is turning heads with his strong 450 rides early in Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocros. He led a big portion of the first moto at round two atFreestone, and sits tenth in points in a stacked class. And this is only the 19-year-old’s first full season as a pro! We talked to him today to get his take on the season.

Racer X Online: It sure looks like a good season so far outdoors. Do you feel like it is?
Christian Craig: Oh yeah, it has been good so far outdoors. Supercross obviously didn’t go very well, but this is going good, and I’m happy with every finish so far, except for that last moto in the mud. I’m happy with everything so far.

Why ride the 450 in the first place?
The team needed someone to ride a 450, and they were looking for someone to ride it. So they asked me if I would, and I said yes, and I think I’ve made a great decision. I’m happy I’m doing it.

You did ride a 450 as a pro before, right?
Yeah, I rode the last few nationals in ’09 with Joe Gibbs. The first few races didn’t go that well, but at Southwick I think I got an eighth, and then I got another eighth at Steel City. I mean, I ride the 450 pretty well, I think, and hopefully it only gets better for here.

Craig went 9-21 for 15th overall at High Point.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson

Then you had a big crash and broke your back. You missed the entire 2010 season. Where you at one point not even sure you could get back on a bike?
Yeah, I couldn’t even think about riding a bike for a few months. Once I was able to get back on my feet and start walking, and after I did that I started to think it was possible to get back on a dirt bike, and here I am now! So I’m pretty lucky, for sure.

And the team stuck with you.
Yeah, Troy Lee and everyone on the team stuck by me the whole time. I had really only been testing with them for a week, I had basically just signed with them when I got hurt. So that’s a cool thing that Troy did for me, and I can’t thank them enough. They’re really one of the best teams out there, I think. I couldn’t be happier with the bike and everyone over here.

How much did that injury set you back?
I felt good right away. I couldn’t do a lot of laps, but I felt like I didn’t lose much speed even though I had been off for a year. I mean, I was maybe a little bit slower, but I wasn’t that far off. Mainly I just had to work on my cardio.

I know supercross didn’t go well for you. First two rounds were tough and then you tore your patella tendon at round three. Before the injury, did you at least feel like you were riding well?
Yeah, I felt like I was putting myself in good positions, getting good starts. But I felt like I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I crashed in Anaheim and Phoenix, and then in LA, me and Tyla (Rattray) got into it and I crashed and hurt my knee. It was just an experience, really, I wasn’t expecting to win or anything, I was just trying to get my feet wet with a year of supercross, riding the 250 class, everything like that. Hopefully that experience I did get will pay off next year.

Craig has proven to be a top-ten threat in his first full season outdoors.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson

So take me through Freestone. You’re leading the first moto, and then you started pulling away! Where you expecting someone to come up on you?
(Laughs) At first I was like waiting for someone to come up next to me, but I didn’t hear anybody! I didn’t look back once, I just focused on riding the track, and that’s what helped me out, I never really thought about who was behind me. It was definitely fun to be up front like that, and hopefully I can have that feeling again over the next few races.

How important was it to back that up with another top-ten in moto two? I’m sure people were thinking that you had just sprinted those first 20 minutes of the first moto, and you’d have nothing left for moto two.
Yeah that was huge to back it up with an eighth, but, I really didn’t have that much left in the tank after the first moto! I salvaged a good finish, so I was happy with the whole day, for sure.

I’ve talked to Ricky Dietrich, who I know you train with during the week, and I know Ryno (Ryan Hughes) has been working you guys pretty hard.
Yeah we’ve been training in the gym and on the bike and Ryno will have us do starts and do motos and just keep pushing each other. We go to the same tracks and we work on beating each other. I think that makes us both better, and Ricky and I, I think we’re both going to keep getting better and not just stay in the same place.

Craig is hoping to keep his good start to the season going at Budds Creek.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson

Finally, your dad was a pretty darned good racer in his own right [Note: Mike Craig is a former factory Kawasaki and factory Yamaha rider]. What’s his involvement in your racing?
I do my own thing, he kind of sits back and lets me do my own thing. I think that’s the smartest thing, he doesn’t try to get involved too much, but he will watch the races at home, and then he’ll call me on Monday and give me the talk. So he’s still involved and he’ll let me know how I did and what he thinks. But he doesn’t go to the races.

Has he put it out there yet that he won a 250 supercross and ran up front at a lot of nationals? Is he telling you yet where you’re going to need to finish to top him?
(Laughs) No, not yet, but maybe we’ll get into that in a coupe of years.

http://www.vurbmoto.com/theatre/1563/vurb-voice-over-high-point/

Beginning this weekend at the season-opening Rockstar Energy Hangtown National, the Legends and Heroes tour will be on site throughout the summer at all 12 rounds of the championship. Many of the most celebrated machines from each decade of competition since the inaugural 1972 season will be present, looking as if they were straight off the showroom floor.

“With the 40th year of American Motocross now upon us, it’s very fitting that the Legends and Heroes of Motocross tour is front and center throughout the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship,” said MX Sports Pro Racing Vice President Davey Coombs. “As a motocross enthusiast all my life, I could spend hours checking out all of the classic bikes and retro gear, and it’s all so well set-up and displayed that my kids, head straight to the Legends and Heroes rig every time just to see all of the trick stuff from yesteryear. What the Legends and Heroes team has built over the years is a vital reminder of the reasons we all got involved in this great sport in the first place.”

This weekend’s display at Hangtown will present the brand new West Coast Moto 2 museum – one of two mobile moto museums that will travel the entire motocross season. Designed by managing partner Mike Owens of Southern California, the Moto 2 museum is a true walk-through timeline display of the coolest motocross machines and legacy of the champions that helped build the popularity of the sport.

As an added bonus, Husqvarna legend Gunnar Lindstrum, along with 1972 AMA 500cc National Champion and 1982 FIM 500cc World Champion Brad Lackey, will be on hand to meet with the fans and launch this new venture.

The 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship kicks off tomorrow, May 21, at the Rockstar Energy Hangtown National. Gates drop at 4 p.m. EST.

Tickets for the upcoming Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship are on sale now at www.allisports.com. Special discounts and incentives are available for advance ticket purchasers.

For more information on the 2011 tour, please log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.

For media information about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please contact Media Manager Brandon Short via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com or by phone at 949-365-5750.

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. The industry leader in off road powersport 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, 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 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, , King of Wake series, and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour. Alli TV Productions 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. Visit www.allisports.com.

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 AMA Pro Motocross Championship.” Visit www.LucasOil.com.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.

The Legends and Heroes
The Legends & Heroes Motocross Tour is a professional historical display and time-line of Americas greatest motorsport. The tour includes the machines and the champs of Motocross. The project was conceived by a dedicated group of Motocross Enthusiasts who, over the years, have discovered the value of the rich 40+ years of Motocross legacy and its impact on the American motorsports history. “The dedication and passion of the sport has brought the Legends & Heroes Motocross Tour to the next level of sharing this legacy, the history of the machines and men, as well as the women of Motocross. The history of the Classic Iron and its’ champions is a dynamic model ever changing. We see this rich history as a great learning lab for all ages” according to Alex Moroz the tours General Managing Partner. The Moto Museums will tour all 12 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship events for 2011. www.legendsandheroestour.org

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For the last two seasons, KTM has given select fans at the nationals a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the races unlike ever before through its Fan Experience Program in conjunction with FMF. For 2011, the program returns and serves as the exclusive place where KTM owners, dealers and guests can receive special first-class treatment at three rounds of the championship.

“KTM is excited to continue our partnership with MX Sports and Alli for the 2011 season,” said KTM North America, Inc. President Jon-Erik Burleson. “2010 was an amazing year with the release of our new generation motocross models and we are going to continue to build on that momentum in 2011 with MX Sports, Alli and our new motocross (racing) team headed up by Roger DeCoster. KTM has a huge presence in the European motocross community and it has been a strategic focus of ours over the past three years to continue to build KTM’s motocross presence in North America through our collaboration with MX Sports. One of our cornerstone events to interact with KTM owners has been the KTM/FMF Motocross Fan Experience Program which gives KTM customers VIP treatment at three of the national motocross races.”

As the Official Manufacturer Partner of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, KTM will take its support of the sport to new heights in 2011. As the brand continues to build its on-track identity through the world’s most elite motocross competition – headlined by star riders Andrew Short, Mike Alessi and European transplant Marvin Musquin – it’s presence within the industry and amongst enthusiasts is sure to grow tremendously as well, thanks to the brand’s initiatives.

For any enthusiasts interested in being a part of the KTM/FMF Motocross Fan Experience in 2011, contact KTM USA directly at motocross@ktmusa.com.

Tickets for the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship are on sale at www.allisports.com, Special discounts and incentives are available for advance ticket purchasers.

For more information on the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.

About the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is the world’s most prestigious motocross series. The Series is managed and produced by MX Sports Pro Racing, whose mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the promotion of professional championship racing events nationwide.

The series is also produced in conjunction with Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, a global business that encompasses national and international action sports events, multimedia production and a consumer-based lifestyle brand. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a vast network of athletes, fans, brands and properties.

The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America. AMA Pro Racing operates a full schedule of events and championships across every spectrum of motorcycle competition.

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With the opening round of the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship coming up next month, an all-new Facebook page with interactive stories, giveaways and contests is up-Facebook.com/AmericanMotocross. American Motocross serves as the new official Facebook page of the tour, as the previous page, Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Series, has moved under the American Motocross banner.

“Like” the new American Motocross page now, and you’ll have easy access to series updates, news and info, as well as cool photos, video and exciting new Facebook contests with series swag up for grabs. It’s a great way to stay in touch with the best riders, racing and races in the sport.

The 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship kicks off on Saturday, May 21 with the Rockstar Energy Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova, Calif.

Tickets for the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship are on sale at www.allisports.com. Special pre-season discounts and incentives are available for advance ticket purchasers.

For more information on the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.

About the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is the world’s most prestigious motocross series. The Series is managed and produced by MX Sports Pro Racing, whose mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the promotion of professional championship racing events nationwide.

The series is also produced in conjunction with Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, a global business that encompasses national and international action sports events, multimedia production and a consumer-based lifestyle brand. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a vast network of athletes, fans, brands and properties.

The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America. AMA Pro Racing operates a full schedule of events and championships across every spectrum of motorcycle competition.

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Since capturing the 2008 AMA Motocross Championship with just the third perfect season in the sport’s history, Stewart shifted his focus primarily to AMA Supercross after joining the San Manuel Yamaha team. During his absence, the entire landscape of American motocross has shifted, with live national television coverage, worldwide internet coverage, and a deeper, more talented field of riders highlighted by more international stars than ever before.

And to make the most anticipated return in American motocross history even more exciting, all the drama and action from New York will unfold live on NBC Sports with coverage of the final 450 Class moto beginning at 3 p.m. ET.

The last time James Stewart competed in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in 2008, he won his first premier class title after completing just the third perfect season in history.
Courtesy Carl Stone

With millions of motocross fans from around the globe yearning for his return (and an industry-wide curiosity about how he’ll fare), in addition to the opportunity to be a part of the sport’s continued growth, the world’s most popular motocross athlete couldn’t resist the chance to come back to his roots. With the rise of 450 Class rookie and reigning AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Dungey, Stewart will look to end his former prodigy’s stranglehold on the premier class by competing at the final four rounds of the 2010 season: Unadilla, Southwick, Steel City, and Pala.

“We couldn’t be happier to have James Stewart return to American motocross,” said MX Sports Pro Racing Vice President Davey Coombs. “James is clearly the biggest star in our sport, and ever since he made history en route to the 2008 title, we’ve all been waiting for this day to come. The sport of motocross and this series in particular has experienced tremendous growth in the year and a half James has been off the tour, and with his return, it will reach new levels that we could have only dreamed of.”

“My goal is to do the best I can in the motocross nationals,” said Stewart, whose last competitive motocross competition was the 2008 Motocross of Nations. “While I haven’t had a lot of time to test and train, I committed to running the last four races of the series, and I feel I need to do this-for myself as a rider, for my team, my sponsors, and my fans. I’m looking forward to racing in Unadilla.”

Stewart’s return to the nationals will also mark his debut outdoors for the San Manuel Yamaha team. He has not competed since bowing out of the 2010 AMA Supercross season with a broken wrist.
Courtesy Steve Cox

Stewart’s San Manuel Yamaha Team Manager Larry Brooks is also supportive of his rider’s return and his team’s foray into the outdoors.

“James’ supercross season was cut short this year, and this is a perfect opportunity for him to get back on the track and race,” said Brooks. “We owe it to him to support him, as much as we do to the sponsors and fans that support our team and the series. We look forward to racing the remainder of the motocross nationals.”

With Dungey leading the way aboard his Rockstar/Makita Suzuki with a seven-race winning streak, Stewart will surely have his fair share of challengers at Unadilla, including Honda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short, GEICO Powersports Honda’s Brett Metcalfe, Jagermeister KTM’s Mike Alessi, and Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda’s Ben Townley. There will also be some added competition, as Belgian motocross star Clement Desalle returns to the AMA Motocross circuit for a cameo appearance under the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki tent. Desalle is currently ranked second in the Europe-based FIM Grand Prix series.

For tickets and fan and racing information on the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.

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