MC/ATV News

MC/ATV News

www.motorsports-network.com

Motorcycle / ATV News

Page 15 | Page 14 | Page 13 | Page 12 | Page 11 | Page 10  | Page 9 | Page 8 | Motorcycle Index (Newest Items At Top)

1. AMA PRO RACING ANNOUNCES IVAN TEDESCO TO JOIN TEAM USA IN ENGLAND
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (September 14, 2006) -- The recent injury to AMA Team USA captain Ricky Carmichael and the uncertainty for him to be able to compete in next week's Motocross of Nations event at Matterly Basin, Winchester, England, has led the team to select an alternate for the squad, in case Carmichael can't ride. After careful consideration and logistical obstacles to consider, AMA Team USA has decided to send Makita Suzuki rider Ivan Tedesco, a member of last year's winning team, along as a possible substitute. The team's other two members -- Team Kawasaki's James Stewart and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto -- are confirmed to participate.

Tedesco, the 2005 AMA Motocross Lites Champion and 2005 West Region Supercross Champion, finished fourth in the 2006 Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series before sitting out much of the summer with an injury. He has since begun training heavily for the 2007 season and will now assume the role as alternate. Tedesco will be prepared to compete if Carmichael is not physically able to race.

“I am working very hard to be able to compete at the Motocross of Nations event next week, but I feel that the best decision that we have is to send Ivan in case I am not able to ride," said Carmichael this morning. "Ivan has experience at this event and will have the full support staff from Makita Suzuki on hand to make sure that the bikes are ready for both of us. This will be a race time decision and Ivan will be prepared either way.”

”This is a great honor for me," said Tedesco after accepting the role. "I love this event and will be prepared to back up Ricky Carmichael in case his injury keeps him from racing. I have been working very hard these past few weeks and look forward to the challenge. Like everyone I hope that Ricky is ready to go but want you to know that I will do my best if the opportunity arises.”

"This is a situation similar to 1982, when Donnie Hansen, the AMA Supercross and 250 Motocross Champion, got hurt right before the race," explained AMA Pro Racing's Steve Whitelock. "The bikes were already in Europe, the mechanics were already there, and we needed a substitute to step right in and ride Donnie's Hondas. That rider turned out to be David Bailey.”

"With the bikes already there, Carmichael still a question mark, and Ivan familiar with both the equipment and the team, he is our best option at this late moment," added Whitelock. "Ivan can and will do the job, if he's asked to race as he is already going."

- Top Of Page -

2. The Fastest Motorcycle Ride in the World
What does 350.884 MPH on two wheels feel like? World-record setting speed, for one. Two Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductees teamed up last week and set the new absolute motorcycle land-speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during the AMA/FIM International Motorcycle Speed Trials by BUB.

Chris Carr, who was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2004, piloted BUB’s No.7 streamliner to the record by running a two pass 350.884 MPH average. The streamliner was built by Denis Manning, who will be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame this October. The legendary run by Carr will place him in the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest motorcycle ride ever.

Speed freaks can check out the No. 7 streamliner at the Charity Newsies Dirt Track race in Columbus, Ohio on September 23. Afterward the streamliner heads for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio where it will remain on display through October 7.

In addition to the No. 7 streamliner, Denis Manning will be at the Museum for the Hall of Fame ceremonies the weekend of October 6 and 7. Chris Carr is expected to find room in his heavy travel schedule to join Manning for the ceremonies. All Hall of Fame events are open to the public, allowing fans the opportunity to meet the designer and driver of the fastest machine on two wheels.  (for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum)

- Top Of Page -

3. 32ND ANNUAL AMA PRO RACING CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET RETURNS TO THE RIO
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (September 14, 2006) -- The 32nd Annual AMA Pro Racing Championship Banquet returns to The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006. The star-studded event held each year concludes AMA Pro Racing’s championship season and honors the leading riders who have competed in AMA Supercross, Motocross, Superbike, Flat Track, Supermoto and Hillclimb.

The highlight of the banquet each year is announcing the AMA Pro Racing SPEED Athlete of the Year recipient. Last year Ricky Carmichael became the first rider in AMA history to win the Athlete of the Year Award for the fourth time. Television personalities/motorsports commentators Jamie Little and Todd Harris are scheduled to host this year’s banquet.

“We’re excited about Jamie and Todd and bringing the banquet back to The Rio,” said Kerry Graeber, AMA Pro Racing’s Vice President and Director of Communications. “Once again, the weekend is going to be a major invasion of Las Vegas by AMA stars, fans and industry leaders. We’re also happy to have the AMA Sports Banquet on the Friday before the Pro Banquet. It promises to be a fun-filled weekend for anyone who loves motorcycle racing.”

The AMA Pro Racing Championship Banquet at The Rio gives fans the opportunity to see their favorite riders in a more relaxed setting than a race weekend. The banquet has also been noted for its eye-catching multimedia presentation. That tradition will continue this year.

In addition to the 32nd Annual AMA Pro Racing Championship Banquet, the Rio will also host the 4th Annual AMA Sports Banquet on Friday, Nov. 17. In between, fans will have the opportunity to watch the exciting Maxxis EnduroCross at the Orleans Arena. AMA Supercross great Jeremy McGrath has announced that he will race in this year’s race.

The public is welcome to attend the banquet. Tickets are $125 which includes admission, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. For ticket information visit www.amaproracing.com/banquet or call (614) 856-1900, ext. 1232.

- Top Of Page -

4. Pirelli Motorcycle Tire will be accepting resumes from MX and off-road racers for the 2007 racing season
September 20 through November 1st. Please send a resume and racing history to: 100 Pirelli Drive, Rome, GA 30162, Attention: Josh Whitmire.

Pirelli Motorcycle Tire has won 46 World MX championships in the last 22 years. In 2007, Pirelli has set more records and placed on more podiums in North America than in any other time in the company’s history. These new achievements have been in every type of racing from motocross to drag racing to road racing. Pirelli has a whole new line of Scorpion MX race tires, providing traction in every type of dirt, mud and sand, giving its riders a controlling edge. Power is nothing without control.

- Top Of Page -

5. HARLEY-DAVIDSON TOMAHAWK 2006 OPEN HOUSE EVENTS ANNOUNCED
25th Anniversary Event Highlights Include Fall Ride, Plant Tours and Demo Rides
MILWAUKEE (Sept. 13, 2006) – The Harley-Davidson Motor Company will host the 2006 Tomahawk Open House and Fall Ride activities on September 14 - 17, 2006 at its Tomahawk Operations in Tomahawk, Wis.

Tours of both Tomahawk Harley-Davidson facilities will be offered from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sept. 15 - 16. There will also be a new motorcycle display and Bubba Blackwell will perform free motorcycle stunt shows at the Kaphaem plant at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on those days. Harley-Davidson merchandise will be sold at both plants. Proceeds of those sales support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which is a significant component on the Tomahawk events.

2007 Harley-Davidson motorcycle demo rides will be available 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Sara Park on Sept. 14 – 16, and 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 17, to those with a valid motorcycle license and appropriate riding gear. The event is also a Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) pin stop and includes food vendors and commemorative merchandise sales. Other events at Sara Park include the Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum, MDA fundraisers, live entertainment and music, Wisconsin State Patrol motorcycle demonstrations, children’s attractions and fashion shows.

The Thunder Parade on Friday will begin with the dedication of the new Tomahawk School Complex gymnasium floor donated by the Harley-Davidson Foundation. Line-up for the Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Tomahawk High School parking lot. The parade travels 18 miles of beautiful Northwoods scenery before ending in downtown Tomahawk.

“The Open House and Fall Ride is an excellent opportunity for our customers and riders to come and see our facilities and enjoy our area,” said Mike Heerhold, General Manager of Harley-Davidson Tomahawk Operations. “We welcome everyone as Harley enthusiasts come to meet friends, enjoy the ride and the fall colors in Wisconsin, and support MDA.”  Tomahawk’s Downtown Street Dances offer enthusiasts the chance to look at the motorcycles, as well as enjoy food, vendor displays, and live bands under the stars.

- Top Of Page -

Here we go again ...
6. Indian® Motorcycle Announces $30 million Capital Increase
Kings Mountain, NC (September 13, 2006) – Indian® Motorcycle is pleased to announce that it has successfully executed a capital increase of $30 million in order to fund its re-launch of the company and implement its business plan developed over the last 2 years.

This follows the recent announcement that Indian® will close on the purchase of a factory near Charlotte, North Carolina, where its world headquarters is now located. The site, located in Cleveland County, 35 miles west of downtown Charlotte, includes 11 acres of property and a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility which is expandable to 125,000 square feet. This same announcement also described the hiring of industry veteran, Geoff Burgess, to the position of Vice President of Product Development and Engineering.

“This capital increase is a clear demonstration of our significant commitment to the successful future of Indian Motorcycle. It ensures that the Company has the proper financial foundation” said Indian Chairman, Stephen Julius. “However, the success of Indian Motorcycle will not be based on capital alone. Recruiting a world-class management team and following the appropriate business strategy are paramount”, added Mr. Julius.

In this context, the company also announced that it is formally seeking to hire a seasoned motorcycle executive as General Manager for the company. This executive will assume the role of David Wright, formerly President of the Company, who resigned on August 25, 2006. Steve Heese has taken over as President while Stephen Julius remains executive Chairman of the company. Mr. Heese is a long time investor and partner with Stellican Limited, and currently serves as President of another Stellican Investment, Chris-Craft Corporation.

“We wish David every success in his new venture and thank him for his contribution to the company” commented Mr. Julius who stressed that there would be absolutely no change to the direction and plans for the company following Mr. Wright’s departure. Mr. Julius has a successful track record of re-launching iconic brands through his London firm, Stellican Limited, including Chris-Craft boats of which Mr. Julius is also Chairman.

- Top Of Page -

7. RYAN VILLOPOTO: 2006 AMA MOTOCROSS LITES CHAMPION
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (September 13, 2006) -- Ryan Villopoto captured the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Lites Championship with a convincing 1-1 victory in the final round of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF Sunday at Glen Helen Raceway Park near San Bernardino, Calif.

Sunday’s victory was the sixth of the year for Villopoto, the 18-year-old from Poulsbo, Wash., who rides for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team.  Villopoto won the title in his first full season in the championship. He was the 2005 AMA Sports Horizon Award winner, signifying the top amateur in the country.Villopoto earned the championship after a season-long battle with Red Bull KTM rider Mike Alessi. The title was not decided until the final round of the year. Villopoto admitted he had high expectations for himself at the start of the 2006 AMA Motocross season: “I came in expecting to win the championship,” he said. “I guess everyone comes in thinking that way. It just happened to work out for me.”

Villopoto said he enjoyed his rivalry with Alessi this season. He thinks that one of the best runs between them was at the last round. “At Glen Helen we had the best race going on,” Villopoto said. “Everything was clean between both of us and it made for good racing.” Winning the championship at such a young age has some pundits already comparing Villopoto to AMA Toyota Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael. Villopoto loves to hear that kind of talk. “I think it would be cool if I do some of the things Ricky has done over his career,” Villopoto admits. “I mean I’m sure anyone who races would love to follow in his footsteps.”

It was a rollercoaster ride for Villopoto during 2006. He trailed, then led and later trailed again in the standings, but he said he’s grateful that he ended up on top. “I got off to a pretty decent start with a fifth at Hangtown and the win at Mt. Morris,” Villopoto said. “Then I had some bike problems at two of the rounds that set us back. Then Mike had some bike problems at Binghamton that helped me out. The back and forth in the championship didn’t bother me. I thought it was good for the fans.”

Villopoto will now turn his attention to the Motocross of Nations where he’s set to be partnered with Carmichael and James Stewart representing Team USA. However, Carmichael injured his shoulder at Glen Helen on Sunday and is currently questionable for the MXoN. If Carmichael is unable to ride an alternate will be named.  Villopoto is also planning to return with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki in the Motocross Lites class again next year to defend his championship.

Villopoto’s championship marked the 10th AMA Motocross Lites (formerly 125) title for Kawasaki. The manufacturer has won a remarkable eight of the last ten AMA Motocross Lites Championships.

- Top Of Page -

8. AMA MOTOCROSS/SUPERCROSS RULES COMMITTEE MEETING HELD
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (September 8, 2006) – The inaugural meeting of the AMA Motocross/Supercross Rules Committee was held in Irvine, Calif., on Thursday, Sept. 7.
AMA CEO Patti DiPietro chaired the meeting and commented on the progress made by the group: “Similar to the initial strides made by the Road Racing Rules Committee which held its first meeting in July, I’m encouraged by the outcome of yesterday’s Motocross/Supercross meeting. Every member participated enthusiastically and we discussed a variety of important issues facing the AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross Championships.”

DiPietro added that while the primary purpose of the newly-formed rules committees is to develop technical rules, each committee is also empowered to act in an advisory role, as well. “We intend to use the individual and collective expertise of the committee members to help AMA Racing staff manage each of our series,” said DiPietro.

Members of the committee attending the meeting included Carrie Coombs of Racer Productions, Inc., (representing the NPG), Kevin Crowther of AMA Pro Racing, Roger DeCoster of American Suzuki Motor Corp., Donnie Emler of FMF Racing, Mike Fisher of Kawasaki Motor Corp., Todd Jendro of Live Nation, Keith McCarty of Yamaha Motor Corp., Kurt Nicoll of KTM North America, Inc., Mitch Payton of Pro Circuit Racing and J.C. Waterhouse of Factory Connection Racing. Chuck Miller of Honda Motor Co., was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Additionally, AMA and AMA Pro Racing staff members who attended included DiPietro, Kerry Graeber, Ken Rogers and Steve Whitelock. AMA Board of Directors member Arthur More and AMA attorney Timothy Owens were also in attendance.

Rules Committees have been formed for each discipline of AMA Championship racing and are part of a new process for developing technical rules. The AMA Road Racing Rules Committee held its second meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6th. First meetings for AMA Supermoto and AMA Flat Track will be held at AMA headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio during the week of Sept. 11th.

Once a rule is decided upon by a rules committee, it is elevated through the AMA Racing Committee to the AMA Board of Directors for ratification. The board of directors can either approve the rule as is or send it back to the rules committee with comment. The board is empowered to either approve or deny the rule but not change it. Additionally, it was recently announced that anyone holding an AMA Pro Racing credential can submit a rule proposal on-line at www.amaproracing.com/rulebook. Rules submitted on-line will be reviewed and voted on by the respective rules committee. The next meeting of the Motocross/Supercross Rules Committee is scheduled for January.

- Top Of Page -

9. AMA PRO RACING LAUNCHES MOBILE PHONE DOWNLOADS FOR RACE FANS
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (September 8, 2006) – AMA Pro Racing announced today that it has launched AMA Pro Mobile, a comprehensive menu of mobile phone content options that will provide fans easy cell phone access to information about the AMA championships, including text message alerts with up-to-the-minute race results.

Fans will be able to download race images and signup for text alerts from the AMA Pro Mobile storefront at http://www.amamotocross.com/article.php?&sc=1239&aid=8696. The AMA Pro Mobile storefront is powered by Digital Orchid, the leading provider in the development and distribution of real-time wireless applications for major sports and entertainment brands, giving motorcycle enthusiasts the ability to stay current on the latest news from their favorite sport.

“The AMA Pro Mobile launch is a milestone for fans of AMA racing and the motorcycle community” said John C. Farris, Jr., Vice-President of Commercial Development for AMA Pro Racing. “Fans of AMA Motocross, Superbike, Flat Track and Supermoto will now have 24/7 access via their cell phone to AMA racing results, images and other exciting unique AMA content under development.”

The SMS text message race results will be available starting with the Sept. 10, AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF season finale at Glen Helen Raceway, and will also be available for the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited finale at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship finale on Sept. 23 at Scioto Downs, and the remaining two rounds of the AMA Supermoto Championship presented by Parts Unlimited.

“With AMA Pro Mobile, fans will have access to a wealth of racing content and information anywhere, anytime through their mobile phones,” said Daniel Daou, CEO of Digital Orchid. “We are thrilled to be working with AMA Pro Racing, and to provide this service to motorcycle fans through any wireless provider, on any cell phone.”

About Digital Orchid - Digital Orchid, a San Diego based company, uses its patented and patent-pending technology to distribute wireless brand applications to mobile devices in the global community. The Company represents over 65 major sports, entertainment, gaming, and media brands around the world including AMA Motocross, NASCAR, and ESPN.

- Top Of Page -

10. JAKE JOHNSON: 2006 AMA GRAND NATIONAL SINGLES CHAMPION
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (September 8, 2006) – Jake Johnson will go down in the record books as the first Ford Quality Checked Grand National Singles Champion. Johnson, the 22-year-old American Suzuki rider from Franklinville, N.J., overcame a first-turn crash to finish ninth at the final round in Springfield, Ill., on Sept. 2 to secure the title.

The Grand National Singles Championship is a new AMA National Championship instituted this year that features single-cylinder Grand National racing motorcycles racing on short track and TT circuits. The Grand National Twins feature Twin cylinder racing machines on the bigger half-mile and mile flat tracks. That championship will conclude on Sept. 23 in Columbus, Ohio.

This marks the first national title for Johnson. He won the series with a string of consistent top-10 finishes including a victory at the historic Castle Rock TT National in August. “I don’t think it’s set in yet,” Johnson said of his accomplishment. “It definitely feels good. It was a goal of mine since I started racing.” The championship battle came down to the final event. Johnson said he may have sprouted a few gray hairs at the Springfield Finale.

“It was one of the most stressful days I’ve ever gone through I’m pretty sure,” Johnson laughs. “Joe Kopp was fast all day long in practice so that didn’t make me feel too confident. Unfortunately for him he had a few bad starts and missed the main so that took a little pressure off, but it also reminded me just how weird things can get at a short track race.”

And weird it got in the final. Johnson’s entire season flashed before his eyes when he was caught up in a first-lap, first-turn crash. “Jimmy Wood and Sam Halbert went down in front of me and I hit them and went over the handlebars,” Johnson said. “While this was all going on I just had to laugh. I couldn’t believe it was happening to me.” Fortunately Johnson’s bike wasn’t damaged too badly and he was able to make the restart and cruise to the finish for the championship.

Johnson was near the top of the standings all season. He was second in the points chase to Bryan Smith after the opening two rounds in Daytona in March. He then trailed Joe Kopp in the standings after the Springfield TT over Memorial Day weekend. Johnson finally broke through to the series lead after winning at Castle Rock in August. He held the lead the rest of the way.

Johnson said his victory as Castle Rock was a major milestone. “I had my doubts about how I’d do at that race since there are so many fast local riders who race Castle Rock all the time,” Johnson admitted. “The track was also supposed to be pretty slippery and I usually don’t do too well on those kinds of tracks since I have sort of a snappy throttle hand. But it turned out to be a real good night for me.” Johnson rode a Suzuki RMZ450-based machine tuned by Ronnie Brown. He split time between a Suzuki with a flat track frame and one with the stock frame.

- Top Of Page -

11. AMA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF WOMEN & MOTORCYCLING CONFERENCE DVD
PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that "A World of Adventure" -- an AMA-licensed video documenting the 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell -- has been released by Solitude Ranch Communications of Emigrant, Montana.

The 2006 AMA/FIM International Women & Motorcycling Conference presented by Harley-Davidson & Buell, which was held June 30 through July 3 in Athens, Georgia, drew 915 attendees from the U.S. and seven other countries. The 23-minute DVD is divided into five segments encompassing the major aspects of the conference: Overview, People, Demo Rides, Riding Skills and Vendors.

"The AMA is thrilled with the success of this year's women and motorcycling conference, and we're equally pleased with 'A World of Adventure,'" said Patricia DiPietro, AMA Chief Executive Officer. "This DVD is a great memento for those who attended the conference, as well as a fitting tribute to women's important role in the American motorcycling community."

"We had so much footage to go through from the conference, it took six weeks to put the finishing touches on the production," says Genevieve Schmitt, president of Solitude Ranch Communications and Women Riders Now. "I believe the result was worth the wait, and I'm confident that viewers will agree." Credit-card orders for "A World of Adventure," which is priced at $15 plus $5 shipping and handling, can be placed online at WomenRidersNow.com or by calling (406) 333-4491. Mail orders, accompanied by a check payable to Solitude Ranch Communications, can be sent to P.O. Box 435, Emigrant, MT 59027.

- Top Of Page -

12. BUELL ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF NEW MOTO-ST ENDURANCE SERIES
SuperSport Twins Class Presented by Buell as well as Contingency for all Classes
EAST TROY, Wis. (September 7, 2006) – Buell Motorcycle Company recently announced support for the new MOTO-ST endurance racing series, which will begin with the 8-Hours at Daytona on October 21, 2006. Buell will be the presenting sponsor of the MOTO-ST SuperSport Twins (SST) class and will offer $10,000 of contingency support to privateer Buell racers aboard XB and XBRR model motorcycles at the inaugural Daytona event. The Buell contingency bolsters the $100,000 total event purse recently announced by MOTO-ST.

“We’re really excited about the MOTO-ST endurance series and we’re proud to support the privateer Buell racers who will step up to the challenge,” said Erik Buell, Chairman and Chief Technical Officer of Buell Motorcycle Company. “Endurance racing is a true test of man and machine and the sights and sounds of all those V-Twins thundering around the high banks of Daytona for eight hours is going to be awesome.”

Buell will award Buell racers in the SuperSport Twins class with $2,000 to win; $1,000 for second; $750 for third; $500 for fourth; and $350 for fifth. Buell racers in the GrandSport Twins and Sport Twins class will receive $1,000 to win; $750 for second; $500 for third; $300 for fourth and $200 for fifth. Complete details of the $700,000-plus 2006 Buell contingency program, including the racer registration form, are available at www.buell.com in the Racing Support Section. MOTO-ST is organized by Professional Motorsports Productions of Toronto, Ontario, Canada and is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) of Pickerington, Ohio. The Grand American Road Racing Association, based in Daytona Beach, Fla., provides the series with administrative and commercial support. The MOTO-ST advisory board features some of the most respected individuals in the world of motorsports, including AMA Hall of Fame members, respected motorcycle racing journalists and renowned officials from various forms of road racing. Learn more about MOTO-ST at www.moto-st.com.

- Top Of Page -

13. AMA TOYOTA MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP CONCLUDES AT GLEN HELEN
Motocross Lites Championship to be decided (Sept 5th, 2006)
PICKERINGTON, Ohio (August 30, 2006) The 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF will come to an exciting conclusion this Sunday, Sept. 10 at the Giant RV Glen Helen National at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif.  The biggest story at Glen Helen this weekend will be the battle for the AMA Motocross Lites Championship. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., is on the verge of winning the title in his first full season of professional racing. Villopoto leads Victorville, California's Mike Alessi by 29 points going into the final round. Alessi, who rides for Red Bull KTM, still has a shot at winning the Lites championship, but he'll need a little luck on his side to do so.

Last year Glen Helen was the site of a dramatic last round. Like Villopoto, Ivan Tedesco looked to have a lock on what was then called the 125 title. But a crash in the first moto left him with no points and the championship was again up for grabs. Tedesco recovered to finish ahead of Alessi to clinch the championship, but not without a lot of drama.  Villopoto is hoping to avoid the nerve-wracking path that Tedesco took to the championship last year. Im going into Glen Helen hoping to ride like I have all season. I want to go into the race and have a real solid first moto, and not end up like Ivan last year,? said Villopoto, who has won five events this year. I'd like to gain enough points the first moto so in the second moto I can just race to race ? and not race for the championship,? he added. If Villopoto wins or finishes second in the first moto at Glen Helen he will clinch the championship. Villopoto has history on his side at Glen Helen. Kawasaki riders have won seven of the last nine AMA Motocross Lites titles at the challenging track, including the last four. Makita Suzuki's Broc Hepler has been on a tear in the class winning the last three events. That's the longest winning streak in the highly competitive series in two years. If Ricky Carmichael can win the premier class on Sunday, Hepler would like to give Suzuki yet another sweep of both classes.

In the Motocross class Carmichael has already clinched the championship. But there is ample reason for fans to come to the race. It could be their last opportunity to watch Carmichael race motocross in Southern California. The newly crowned champ announced earlier this year that he will retire from full-time competition after this season. Carmichael is looking to win his sixth AMA Motocross at Glen Helen. The Floridian has won every Glen Helen event since 2000, with the exception of 2001, when Tim Ferry took the victory. He also earned three wins in the 125 class there in the late 1990s. ?Glen Helen is always a challenge,? said Carmichael, who had a spectacular crash at the circuit in 2001. ?There have been times that I haven't had the best luck at that track, but I've also had some really good races there and I'd like to go out on a winning note.

Carmichael will also use the race as preparation for the upcoming Motocross of Nations in England, where he will team with James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto to try to make Team USA the all-time wins leader in MXoN history. The battle for second in the Motocross championship will be settled this weekend. Kevin Windham leads fellow Honda rider Davi Millsaps by 13 points coming into Glen Helen. Upgrades abound at Glen Helen this year. Bud Feldkamp and his crew have invested more than $300,000 in track improvements into the popular Southern California facility. As part of the recently completed renovations to Glen Helen Raceway, this year's race track utilizes the facility's elevation, giving fans the ultimate viewing perspective. For the first time in history, the track will traverse the hill behind the scoring tower and race to the top of the ridge dubbed Mt. Whitney.

Glen Helen will be televised on OLN. The Motocross class will first air on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 4:30 p.m. Eastern. Motocross Lites will broadcast on Monday, Sept. 18 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. For more information on the Giant RV Glen Helen National call (909) 880-1733 or visit the website www.glenhelen.com.

WHAT: The Giant RV Glen Helen National, the final round of the 2006 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF.
WHERE: Glen Helen Raceway in Devore, Calif., take the Devore exit off I-215 just north of San Bernardino and follow signs.
WHEN: Sept. 9-10, 2006
SCHEDULE: Saturday (Sept. 9) - Pro practice, 1:00-3:25 p.m.., Pre-qualifiers 4:00 p.m.; Sunday (Sept. 10) - Practice, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Qualifying, 10:45 a.m. Opening Ceremonies, 12:30 p.m. Final events start at 1:00 p.m. with two 30-minute, plus two lap motos for each class.
2005 WINNERS: AMA Motocross: Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki). AMA Motocross Lites: Grant Langston (Kawasaki)
TICKETS: Yamaha Dealers sell Sunday Only Tickets with Pits Passes 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for a $3 off discount. General admission tickets are available for Wednesday through Sunday for as little as $40.00 and kids 6-12 years of age are $25. Sunday only tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for kids 6-12. All kids six years of age and under are free. Pit passes for Saturday from Noon-5:00 p.m. are $10, and pit passes for Sunday from 9:00-Noon. Sunday grandstand seating is available for $10.00.

- Top Of Page -

14. SCREAMIN' EAGLE WRECKING CREW SWEEPS THE TOP FOUR POSITIONS AT HISTORIC SPRINGFIELD MILE
Bryan Smith Takes First Victory of the Season
SPRINGFIELD (Sept. 5, 2006) – Bryan Smith led the Screamin' Eagle Wrecking Crew Sunday with his first victory of the 2006 AMA Flat Track season. Smith rode his Pat Moroney's Harley-Davidson entry to the win at the historic Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  "This is a dream come true and it probably won't sink in for a few days," Smith said. "I first came to the Springfield Mile when I was about six years old. I watched Scott Parker running around and I knew right then that I wanted to win this event."   It was the third podium finish for Smith, who said the win was long overdue.  "The team has done some great things this season, we just have not had any breaks," Smith said. "The team has worked so well together and that's what makes the win so special. They worked all year for this."  Wrecking Crew teammate and Screamin' Eagle factory rider Kenny Coolbeth finished third. The podium finish for Coolbeth, however, did more than give him a chance to stand on the box. The third-place finish put him in first place of the championship standings with just one race left on the schedule.  "I went in there thinking I had to win this race to give myself a chance at going for the championship title at the season finale," Coolbeth said. "But Carr finished in 17th and that really made a difference in the points. Chris Carr is one of the best riders out there and he is one of the most competitive people out there, so I know he'll be tough in Columbus (Ohio, last race of the season). I'm already anxious for that race."

As if that wasn't enough, the entire Screamin' Eagle Wrecking Crew finished in the top four positions. Veteran rider Rich King was second, followed by Coolbeth and Jared Mees in third and fourth, respectively.  "The Springfield Mile one of the most historic and prestigious events and for the Wrecking Crew to finish in the top four positions is incredible," Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso said. "This is the second consecutive race that the team has swept the podium, but to do that at Springfield is one for the record books. The fact that Bryan earned his first win of the season and Kenny took over the top spot in the standings is just going to make the season finale even more exciting." 

Coolbeth sits in the No. 1 position of the point standings, bumping Chris Carr and the Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson out of the top spot. Coolbeth has 135 points while Mees and the Texter Harley-Davidson team are second with 126 points. Carr is third with 125 points. Smith and the Pat Moroney's Harley-Davidson team are fourth with 119 points while King is fifth with 110 points.  "The last race is going to be really exciting because there are three riders within 11 points of each other," Coolbeth said. "I just have to be mentally prepared for the last race because it's going to be a battle."

The Wrecking Crew also did some damage in the heat races at Sunday's event promoted by the Illinois Motorcycle Dealer Association. Smith and Coolbeth won their heat races while King and Mees finished second and fourth, respectively.

Springfield, Ill., Screamin' Eagle Wrecking Crew Race Summary
Main Event Finish Heat Finish Qualifying
Bryan Smith 1st 1st 2nd
Rich King 2nd 2nd 7th
Kenny Coolbeth 3rd 1st 3rd
Jared Mees 4th 4th 14th

AMA Top 10 Point standings: Flat Track
(Following nine of 10 events. Number of wins in parenthesis)
1. Kenny Coolbeth, Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson (2) 135
2. Jared Mees, Texter HD/ Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson (1) 126
3. Chris Carr, Quality Pre-Owned Ford Harley-Davidson (2) 125
4. Bryan Smith, Pat Moroney's/Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 119
5. Rich King, Screamin' Eagle Harley-Davidson 110
6. Joe Kopp, Latus Harley-Davidson (1) 97
7. Glen Schnabel, Harley-Davidson 89
8. Jake Johnson, Suzuki 77
9. Mike Hacker, Doc's Harley-Davidson (1) 68
10. Johnny Murphree, Coziahr Harley-Davidson 65

There is just one race remaining this AMA Flat Track season. The finale will be held at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, on Sept. 23.

- Top Of Page -