|
May 9, 2008
 McGill, Ballance, Borich Set for Ohio GNCC Showdown Deep field of ATV contenders hits the Buckeye State Rarely do three different racers each feel like the man to beat halfway through a championship season, but that's the story for the 2008 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series. Heading into this weekend's Wiseco John Penton GNCC in Southern Ohio, FRE KTM's Adam McGill, Yamaha's Bill Ballance and Rockstar/Yoshimura Suzuki's Chris Borich each feel like they can seize control of the GNCC Title. Ballance and Borich draw confidence from their past dominance and 1-2 finish at the previous GNCC at Loretta Lynn's. Ballance won the race to put himself back on track, with Borich a close second. McGill, though, already owns three wins this year and feels that he would have triumphed again at Loretta's if his engine hadn't quit on the last lap. "I feel like I gave it right away," says McGill. "I had a line picked out and I knew I could make the pass (on Ballance), because I had passed him there before. I just feel bad like I let everyone down. And you know why I'm bummed? Millfield is my local track, and I wanted to come in with a four-race win streak so I could say it's the drive for five. It's my local race and I'm going to have so many people there. I can't wait." Ballance believes McGill will be right in the title hunt all year, but he doesn't expect a runaway. "I think it's going to be just like it was with me and Chris, but now we'll have a third guy in there with Adam," says Ballance. "He’s riding well. After winning eight titles, it's not winning that keeps it going anymore, it's those battles." Borich opened the year with a win but missed the podium for the next three races. "People were asking what was wrong, but there is nothing wrong," said Borich. "They were just muddy races and anything can happen. Once we get out on dry tracks, I think I can start clicking off some more wins." All three stars expect a win this weekend in Ohio, but a deep field of contenders will pressure them at every turn. Team Excell Motorsports Bryan Cook sits second in points after scoring three podiums this year, and the North Carolina veteran has finished strong even when he starts at the back of the pack. The GT Thunder Yamaha tandemn of rookie Brandon Sommers and veteran Johnny Gallagher hail from the area and expect big finishes. Sommers phenomenal rookie season includes two podium finishes, while Gallagher expects to be in the hunt this weekend, especially if it rains, which is a strong possibility. McGill's KTM teammate Taylor Kiser would be right in the points battle if not for two moments of bad luck; a broken chain at one round, and the same electrical troubles that struck McGill last weekend. Veteran privateer riders Matt Smiley (Safari Motorsports) and William Yokley (National Guard) are also podium players this year, but both yearn for a win. Also, the new Can-Am DS450 effort looks to rebound, with Chris Bithell and Chris Jenks (Warnert Racing) and Duane Johnson and Brent Sturdivant (LTERacing.com) looking for their first podiums of the season. The John Penton GNCC features a full weekend of racing. Saturday's ATV show begins at 8 a.m. with a one-hour youth race, and continues at 10 a.m. with the morning race. Yamaha's Traci Cecco and Tom Clark Motorsports' Angel Atwell are locked in a battle for the Women's Championship and have won every morning race overall this season. In addition, the fast guns of the 4x4 and utility divisions will battle at the same time. Sunday's bike battle features Red Bull KTM's David Knight and the best off-road motorcycle racers in the world. May 9, 2008
 NATIONAL ATV MOTOCROSS SERIES UNVEILS "ITP TIRES GRAND SLAM" CHAMPIONSHIP Riders contesting the ITP Tires/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited will have a little something extra to shoot for this season as the ATV Promoters Group (ATVPG) unveils the ITP Tires Grand Slam Series. This four-race championship within the National Motocross Championship will award custom Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to the top-three overall finishers along with an extra "Grand" ($1,000) to the Pro winner at each event. To be eligible, riders must compete in all four remaining Showcase Events with "First Base" at High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pa. (May 24-25); "Second Base" at Unadilla Valley Sports in New Berlin, N.Y. (June 7-8); "Third Base" at RedBud in Buchanan, Mich. (July 26-27); and the "Home Run" at Loretta Lynn's Dirt Days in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. (Aug. 9-10). "We are excited to offer this addition to the 2008 racing season," said Sam Gammon, ATVPG Director. "The ITP Tires Grand Slam will make it possible for riders to earn a little something extra this season, while also providing a second chance for riders who were either unable to compete in our earlier rounds or had a rough start to their racing season." "ITP Tires is pleased to partner with the ATVA on this meaningful and exciting program," said Craig Peterson of ITP Tires. "This program will give significant rewards and accolades for riders who participate in the most prestigious events this season. We're thrilled to be a part of it." Riders must compete in all four races in order to be eligible for the Grand Slam. The final awards will be presented following Loretta Lynn's Dirt Days. The overall top three in each of the 34 classes from Pro to Youth will earn custom ITP Grand Slam medals. May 9, 2008 ATVPG EXTENDS RACE LENGTH FOR PRO-AM PRODUCTION RIDERS The ATV Promoters Group (ATVPG) announced today that races in its Pro-Am Production Class of the ITP Tires/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited will be extended to eight laps. The extended race length will be instituted at this weekend's Concept Haulers ATV Showdown at Sunset Ridge and will be in place for the remaining races on this year's tour. The move is being made to allow Pro-Am Production riders an easier transition into the Pro Class. Pro-Am Production is the top Amateur class in the Series. "Several interested stakeholders approached us with this idea, and we thought it was a reasonable request," said Sam Gammon, Director of the ATVPG. "Our 32 classes are designed to allow a unique ladder system on which riders can gain experience as they ultimately move up to the Pros. By extending the race distance in our Pro-Am Production Class, we will give those riders a better springboard to on which to advance to the Pro ranks." The next race for the ITP Tires/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited, the Concept Haulers ATV Showdown, is scheduled for this weekend at Sunset Ridge MX in Walnut, Ill. May 07, 2008
ATV RIDERCOURSE ADDED TO ATV MOTOCROSS SHOWCASE EVENTS The ATV Promoters Group (ATVPG) and ATV Safety Institute (ASI) announced today that the Nation's premier rider instruction course, ATV RiderCourse, will be offered at the four remaining Showcase Events on the ITP Tires/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited tour. ATV RiderCourse offers participants a hands-on experience to learn the basics of ATV safety and riding techniques. It represents the optimum starting point for all riders to learn how to ride ATVs safely and responsibly. While the ATV RiderCourse itself is fun, it is the actual application of the safety information and skills learned that makes ATV riding even more rewarding. Along with RiderCourse, the Showcase Events feature outdoor themed displays from many different sponsors and vendors, test rides from Can-Am, and many other entertainment opportunities. All Showcase Events are held on ATV Motocross racing weekends, which showcase the top Pro, Pro-Am, Amateur, Women's and Youth riders in the nation. RiderCourse events will be offered at the following races: High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pa. (May 24-25); Unadilla Valley Sports in New Berlin, N.Y. (June 7-8); RedBud in Buchanan, Mich. (July 26-27); and Loretta Lynn's Dirt Days in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. (Aug. 9-10). Two classes will be held the Saturday of each event, at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. “We are excited to have the ATV RiderCourse as part of the Showcase Events,” said ATVPG Director Sam Gammon. “These safety courses will offer a unique setting to learn the basics of ATV operation, surrounded by professional and amateur motocross racing, which demonstrate just how far you can go as an ATV rider.” Cathy Tharp, Director of Communications for Discover Today’s ATV and licensed ASI Instructor said: “ASI is firmly committed to promoting ATV safety through its rider training programs and educating the American public about our Golden Rules of riding. We're thrilled to have such a wonderful opportunity to spread our messages to such a broad audience through the Showcase events – as part of America's largest ATV Motocross Series.” RiderCourse students will receive free weekend pass, as well as an ASI Completion Card following completion of the course. The course cost is $125 for adults and $75 for children ages 15 and younger. Students may be eligible for free training and incentives if a new ATV has been purchased. For more information, or to enroll, please call (800) 887-2887 or visit www.atvsafety.org. About The ATV Safety Institute Discover Today’s ATV is the communications service bureau, and ASI is a not-for-profit division, of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA). SVIA is a not-for-profit trade association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Bush Hog, Crossrunner, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin and Yamaha. It was formed in 1983 to promote the safe and responsible use of ATVs through rider training programs, public awareness campaigns and state legislation, and serves as a resource for ATV research, statistics and vehicle standards. About the ITP/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited The AMA ITP/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited is the nation’s premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, and competes at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 11-round series features the Nation's best racers, teams and sponsors, and is America’s largest and longest-running ATV National Motocross series with more than 20 years of competition. The series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while keeping close to the grassroots fun that makes people love to go to the races. Series sponsors include title sponsors ITP Tires and Moose Racing, and presenting sponsor Parts Unlimited. Premiere and Feature sponsors include Can Am, Amsoil, ATV Sport Magazine, Quad Magazine, Moto Tees, Maxxis Tires, and FMF. Associate sponsors include Fox Shox, Gatorade, HinsonRacing, Custom Axis, and H-Bomb. Media partners include ATV Insider and ATVRiders.com. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com. About the ATV Association (ATVA) The ATV Association (“ATVA”) is the official sanctioning body of the amateur division of the ATVA ITP/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited. The 9,000-member ATVA is a sister organization of the 260,000 member American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). ATV racing has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, and continues to gain momentum and support, outselling off-road motorcycles annually. Each ATVA round attracts hundreds of racers who compete for bragging rights to one of 31 amateur national titles. For more information, please visit www.atvaonline.com. About the ATV Promoters Group (ATVPG) The ATVPG is composed of the individual promoters that host the AMA ITP/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championships, presented by Parts Unlimited. The goal of the ATVPG is to raise awareness of ATV motocross through the production of professional and amateur championship racing events. For more information on the ATVPG and the ATV National events they produce, please visit www.atvmotocross.com. May 7, 2008
 Matt Whites comes out on top at Round #2 of the PAMX Series For Round #2 of the American Suzuki Regional MX Championship series, riders and their crew headed to North West Pennsylvania. In the small town of Sugar Grove lies Mapleshade raceway. A large rain system would push through beginning Friday night into Saturday afternoon, causing the cancelation of Saturday's practice. Despite conditions, riders made the best of the situation, hanging out with new and old friends. As the rain pushed out early Sunday morning, the crew began extensive work on the track. Although the decision was made to shorten the track, the crew got every extra length they could by cutting new lines into the spectator grass area. Kyle Dammann, Cernics Suzuki Rider, entered the weekend with one win already under his belt. With a win already in wet condition, he was a favorite for a repeat win. With a two moto format and nearly a full gate, the spectators quickly filled the fences as the Pro-Am riders took to the line. When the gate dropped, the riders charged the long holeshot and swept into the sharp left hand turn. Joe Bruening would take an early lead on his ATV Fourplay Yamaha. Joe would hold his lead and take a moto one win. Team Hetrick Kawasaki rider, Bobby Ross would hold off Matt White for the number two spot. Tony Lucarelli would hold onto the fourth spot, while Kyle Dammann would finish out the top five. As the second moto rolled around, the track had developed into a true test of endurance. Although only a few jumps were left on the cut down track, braking bumps and ruts would take every ounce of energy for riders to muscle through. When the gate dropped in the final moto of the Pro-Am class, it would be the #41 machine of Tony Lucarelli grabbing the holeshot. On lap two, Matt White would make a charge up the grass hill from third place to take over the lead. Soon after, Bobby Ross would slip by Lucarelli into the second place position. Bruening would then begin to apply pressure to Lucarelli, but it would not be enough to overtake the position. Back out front, Ross was trying every angle to slip by White to take the moto win and overall. His push would not be enough to get by White as they crossed the finish line. White would take the moto win and overall. Ross's 2-2 moto finishes secured him second place overall while Bruening would wrap up the podium with his 1-4 finishes. Lucarelli would walk away with a 4th overall with Kyle Dammann rounding out the top five. In the 450A class, Kawasaki ride, Billy Cottage was on a mission and with no words proved why he is on a factory backed ride for 2008. Although he had a small mishap in the Pro-Am class, he bounced back and took two moto wins and the overall. Kyle Dammann would take second place with two second place finishes, while Trevor Borger snagged the final spot on the podium with his 3-3 finishes.  May 4, 2008
ATVA Regional Series Announces Track Change The American Suzuki Regional Championship series announces a track change for round #3. The race previously scheduled at Roaring Knob on May 10-11 will be moved to R & D Raceway. The new track is located in Bentleyville, PA. A one mile, well groomed, R & D Raceway is excited to hoast Round #3 of the ATVA Regional series. Directions to R & D: From the North or West I-79 South to I-70 East to Exit 32A. Take Rt. 917 North and follow race signs. From the South I-79 North to I-70 East to Exit 32A. Take Rt. 917 North and follow race signs. From the East Rt. 219 South to I-70/I-76 West to I-70 West to Exit 32A. Take Rt. 917 North and follow race signs. Address: 1054 Rt. 917 Bentleyville, PA 15314 May 1st, 2008
 POWERSPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. SUSPENDS OPERATIONS AND CANCELS 2008 WPSA ATV RACING SCHEDULE The Official Press Release PowerSports Entertainment, Inc. announced today that it is has suspended corporate operations and as a result the WPSA 2008 PowerSports ATV Tour race schedule is now canceled. "All of us here at the WPSA regret that we have no choice but to suspend operations and cancel the ATV tour at this time," said Rick Murphy, CEO of PowerSports Entertainment Inc. “We have been working diligently for many months to fundamentally improve our business model and acquire financing that would allow us to move forward, but we were not able to consummate the contemplated transactions and we foresee no significant increases in sponsorship or event revenue that would gap the projected deficits” added Murphy. “While the company is considering a variety of options, none of these options would happen quickly enough to justify running the WPSA Championship ATV Tour according to our established standards and we believe that it is best to cancel the 2008 ATV season rather than attempt a watered down version,” said Scott O’Malley, President of PEI. Adding, “We are attempting to find remedies that would allow us to resume operations, but at this time we have no firm solutions. Hopefully we will be successful in our endeavors.” “On behalf of Rick, Scott, Tes, myself, the WPSA staff, our volunteers and everyone else who worked their tails off to make the last two seasons happen, we offer our heartfelt thank you to the sponsors, our TV production company, the track owners & their local crews, the team owners, and all of our racers, parents and families who supported us so strongly,” said Kent Lungstrom, EVP of PEI. “It deeply saddens all of us that we are not in a position to continue at this time and we regret that we have to shutter such a great series after much too short a run.” PEI may issue public announcements from time to time in the future as conditions warrant. Canceled 2008 PowerSports ATV Tour dates: May 17‐18 Jack Link’s ATV Championship Taylorsville, Illinois June 14‐15 Amsoil Wildcat Open Championship Rossville, Indiana June 28‐29 GBC Mid‐Atlantic Open Richmond, Virginia (PRO Doubleheader) July 19 ‐20 ProTaper/MSR/QuadBoss ATV Open Oak Hill Raceway; Decatur, Texas Aug 2‐3 10,000 Lakes ATV Championship Quadna Mtn. Park; Hill City, Minnesota Aug 16‐17 Northeastern Open Championship Hemonds Moto‐X Park; Minot, Maine Aug 24‐25 Grand Championship Nationals Field Of Dreams; Boswell, Pennsylvania April 16, 2008
WPSA RESCHEDULES ITS FIRST RACE FOR 2008 ATV SEASON The WSPA announced today that it is postponing the first race of the 2008 PowerSports ATV Tour. The ProTaper/MSR/QuadBoss ATV Open Championship originally scheduled for May 3-4 is being moved to July. The Jack Link’s ATV Open Championship in Taylorville, Illinois will open the season in its originally scheduled date of May 17-18. "WPSA has accomplished amazing things with limited resources while growing two top shelf professional racing properties which attract millions of fans on TV," said Rick Murphy, CEO of PowerSports Entertainment Inc. "We have been working for months to fundamentally improve our business and this effort demands our full attention until completion. Moving the Texas race into a July slot will allow us the extra time we need to accomplish our objectives before the opening race in Taylorville," added Murphy. "Our goal is to further improve professional ATV and Snocross racing using all the resources available to us,” said Scott O’Malley, President of PEI. Adding, "We expect to finally be in a position to aggressively grow our championship racing programs. Working within an improved business environment will allow us to be better at everything we do, across the board." "The business development work is complex and time consuming. We need to get that behind us so we can focus on the upcoming season without distraction," said Kent Lungstrom, EVP of PEI. "We are excited about the future of ATV and Snocross racing as an end result of our efforts. Improving fan awareness and attendance at our festival oriented ATV racing events is priority as we move forward, while we continue to deliver top quality TV programming and enjoy ratings increases as we have in the last few years," he added. Revised 2008 PowerSports ATV Tour Schedule: May 17‐18 Jack Link’s ATV Championship Taylorsville, Illinois June 14‐15 Amsoil Wildcat Open Championship Rossville, Indiana (PRO Doubleheader) June 28‐29 Kenda Nationals Richmond, Virginia (PRO Doubleheader) July ProTaper/MSR/QuadBoss ATV Open Oak Hill Raceway; Decatur, Texas Aug 2‐3 10,000 Lakes ATV Championship Quadna Mtn. Park; Hill City, Minnesota Aug 16‐17 Northeastern Open Championship Hemonds Moto‐X Park; Minot, Maine Aug 24‐25 Grand Championship Nationals Field Of Dreams; Boswell, Pennsylvania March 14, 2008
 Maxxis Sweeps Top 8 at Maxxis General; McGill Takes Top Spot With surging winner Adam McGill leading the pack, Maxxis swept the top eight spots and took nine of the top ten at the GNCC Maxxis General. McGill crossed the finish line six minutes ahead of the next racer, fellow Maxxis and Team FRE KTM rider Taylor Kiser. The race was held March 8 in Washington, Georgia. "It feels great," McGill told gnccracing.com. "This is the machine I wanted to race the first time I saw it. I was a little worried on the last lap, because I've been there before and it hasn’t worked out." Pro rookie Brandon Sommers took third place, with Bryan Cook in fourth and Ryan Lane in fifth. Matt Smiley, Jarrod McClure and Johnny Gallagher nailed the sixth, seventh and eighth place spots, and David Crane rounded out the top ten for Maxxis. Both defending champ Bill Ballance and Chris Borich, winner of the opening GNCC round a week earlier, were unable to finish due to mechanical problems. Maxxis' winning streak also extended to the morning race with an overall victory for Traci Cecco. Maxxis congratulates Adam McGill and Traci Cecco and thanks all of its sponsored riders for their fine performances. About Maxxis International Maxxis International is a producer of high quality automotive, light truck, motorcycle, ATV, bicycle, lawn & garden and industrial tires. Maxxis has delivered quality tires to original equipment and aftermarket customers for over 40 years. For more information on Maxxis and Maxxis products, please visit www.maxxis.com. March 12, 2008
 Hinson Clutch Components BTL Series Slipper Clutch Dominates Glen Helen National MX Podium. Hinson Clutch Components would like to congratulate Dustin Wimmer, & Chad Wienen, aboard their Factory Suzuki LT-R450's, and Josh Creamer aboard his Factory Kawasaki KFX450R for dominating the podium at the opening round of the AMA National ATV MX Series with our BTL Series Slipper Clutches. With Hinson Clutch Components Billetproof¨ clutches used by most the top pros since 1992, this marks the first time in history that slipper clutches have swept the podium! BTL (Back Torque Limiter) Series Slipper Clutch Inner Hub/Pressure Plate Kit -MotoGP developed slipper clutch technology -Fully adjustable slip range -Better braking control -Less kick back under braking (MX) -Easier to slide in to corners -Simple installation -No special tools needed -Improves clutch performance and life -Precision machined from billet T-6 aircraft quality aluminum to aerospace tolerances, and Akadized for five times the wear resistance to stock* (*with proper maintenance) -Allows clutch assembly to spin more true creating less heat when clutch is disengaged -When used with Hinson Clutch Components clutch basket helps eliminate clutch chatter Hinson Clutch Components is the premier and original manufacturer of high performance clutches & components, providing to all major factory race teams, including Team Yoshimura Suzuki, & Team Monster Kawasaki. Through this commitment they are proud to have won over 150, National & World, ATV, Supercross, Motocross, Supermoto and Off-Road Championships. For more info contact www.hinsonracing.com March 12, 2008
American Suzuki ATV Regional Series cancels opening round The PAMX Association regrets to say that we will be forced to cancel our opening round at Sleepy Hollow this weekend. A forecasted rain system arriving Friday morning coupled with an already moist track, dramatically decreases desirable racing conditions. The round will be rescheduled to a later date. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please check back frequently for updates. |
