Motorcycle Racing

MotoGP RACE REPORT: GRAND PRIX OF FRANCE

FANS CAN SEE ONE OF STONER'S LAST RIDES IN AUGUST AT IMS

Red Bull Indianapolis GP fans can see one of the final races of the illustrious motorcycle racing career of two-time MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner on Aug. 17-19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as Stoner announced May 17 that he will retire after the 2012 season.

GEICO Suzuki rider Cardenas earns pole for 71st annual Daytona 200

around the 3.5-mile road course at Daytona International Speedway in a blistering 1:49.560 seconds Friday afternoon to secure the pole for the prestigious 71st annual Daytona 200.

For his efforts, Cardenas was awarded a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch, the coveted timepiece traditionally presented to the polesitter of this race.

"I almost won the Rolex in 2010 but Danny (Eslick) managed to get me by a fraction of a second right at the end of qualifying," Cardenas said. "So it's especially satisfying to finish the job this time.

"Of course, this is just qualifying and being on the pole is not worth any championship points so we need to carry this momentum into race day and have a strong showing. Then I will be satisfied. But certainly, this is a great start for the GEICO team."

Cardenas and his Team Hammer crew worked hard to find the proper balance between rider and machine during Thursday's practice session. The extra effort paid dividends Friday as Cardenas was second quickest in the morning session (1:49.775 lap time) before grabbing the pole in the final qualifying round.

Cardenas a preseason favorite for more Daytona SportBike glory

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.  -- The most successful rider in Daytona SportBike class history -- Martin Cardenas -- will be racing for more records and another championship aboard the GEICO Suzuki beginning at this weekend's Daytona 200 at Daytona International Speedway.

Cardenas secured the Daytona SportBike title in 2010 by winning nine of the 18 races on the schedule before moving to Superbike last season. He did well on the bigger motorcycles also, taking a rare rookie victory in three podium finishes and being named the SPEEDTV.com AMA Pro Road Racing Rookie of the Year.

But now he's back in the class where he's won a record 16 times, looking for more trophies as part of a superstar assault from Chris Ulrich Racing and Team Hammer.

"I'm excited to get started," Cardenas said from his home in Medellin, Columbia. "We recently tested the GEICO Suzuki and it felt fantastic to get back on the bike and work with my new crew. We tested some new parts for the bike and I believe we are ready for the 200."

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 5) – Every racing series has that one stop on tour which is a little outside the normal. With its shifting sands and lengthy layout, this Saturday's race at Daytona International Speedway certainly is the wildcard for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series.

"Daytona is as unique as it gets," said GEICO Honda's Supercross rider Kevin Windham. "I've been fortunate enough to win there. It was a mud race and one of the toughest races of my life, but we got the 'W.'

"It's always one of the toughest races of your life. The track is nasty, it's ever-changing and the laps are a lot longer than a regular Supercross race. It beats you up pretty bad."

Windham is coming off his second fourth-place result of the season and is hoping the change up on Saturday will equate to his first podium finish of the season.

SUPERCROSS POINTS LEADER BARCIA LOOKING TO ADD TO HIS LITES EAST TALLY

ATLANTA (Feb. 21) – With the first race – and win – under his belt, GEICO Honda's Justin Barcia is headed into this weekend's Monster Energy AMA Supercross Lites East race at the Georgia Dome relaxed and confident.

"It was good to get the first race out of the way, especially with a win," Barcia said. "You always have those jitters coming into the season but once you get out there and ride it all goes away. Now it just feels like business as usual.

"Georgia is home and I love the vibe of Atlanta. The fans will be there, you know that for sure, and the building will be loud. I'm ready."

With the win last week, Barcia, the defending Lites East champion, assumes the early points lead, but knows going wire-to-wire to repeat as champ is going to be his toughest challenge yet.

San Diego Supercross race a welcome stop for front-running GEICO Honda team

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 6) – GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac will be gunning for his fourth straight Monster Energy AMA Supercross Lites West victory this Saturday in the same place --Qualcomm Stadium -- where he won his first Supercross race a year ago.

"I can't wait to get to San Diego," Tomac said. "There will definitely be a good vibe going. I got my first Supercross win there last year and this year we're coming in off the turkey (three wins in a row).

"Plus, the Chargers are my favorite NFL team and we'll be riding in their stadium. How cool is that?"

During his three-race win streak, Tomac has built a 22-point lead over second-place Dean Wilson. Tomac said he believes the football stadium track layout will suit his style and that he's hoping for another solid night before the two-month break in the Lites West schedule.

"It'll be cool to have the longer lanes and the longer whoops (section) that you typically get in a football stadium," Tomac said. "We actually had a pretty long section of whoops in Anaheim (on Feb. 4) so that kind of got us ready for what we'll most likely see in San Diego.

THE POMONA HALF-MILE IS BACK BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE

Calistoga, Calif…The racing will definitely be fast and furious when the Calistoga Half-Mile roars into action Saturday, October 1st at the Napa County Fairgrounds.

The next to the last race in the 2011 AMA Pro Flat Track Series, a lot will be on the line when America’s top racers take to the track in an all out battle for points and glory.

Last year at the inaugural Calistoga Half-Mile, Steven Bonsey of Salinas, Calif., earned top honors in the Grand National Twins Main, with Sammy Halbert coming in 2nd, followed by Jake Johnson, Chris Carr and Jared Mees. In the Pro Singles Main, Brad Baker took first place. This year, all the top riders are planning a different scenario.

American Motocross to be Well-Represented at
2011 Motocross of Nations This Weekend
MX Sports Pro Racing and Alli Sports Offer Well Wishes to Competitors

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (September 16, 2011) - 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 Dominates to Take Second Win of the Season at Unadilla

Dean Wilson Breaks Through for First 250 Class Win

NEW BERLIN, N.Y. (August 13, 2011) - Following a break from competition over the past two weekends, the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship returned to action on Saturday for its ninth round of the season. The Rockstar Energy Unadilla National hosted a tremendous crowd at the Unadilla Valley Sports Center, as Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., grabbed his second win of the season to extend his lead in the 450 Class standings. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson, of Scotland, helped seal a perfect day for Kawasaki, sweeping both motos for his first victory of the summer.

GEICO's Eslick earns front row spot at U.S. Grand Prix in Laguna Seca

MONTEREY, Calif. (July 23) -- Championship points leader Danny Eslick powered his GEICO Suzuki GSX-R around the Laguna Seca race course in 1:28.687 Saturday to earn a front row spot in Sunday's AMA Pro Daytona SportBike race at the seventh annual Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix.

Eslick's time positioned him third on the grid and puts him alongside championship rivals Jason DiSalvo (1:28.449) and Josh Herrin (1:28.650). With three races left this season, Eslick leads Herrin by 15 points and pole-sitter DiSalvo by 40 points.

A full evening of 130 mph wheel-to-wheel combat, high speed skills and sheer grit await race fans when the SACRAMENTO MILE swings into action at the Cal Expo Center, Saturday evening July 30th in Sacramento, Calif.

Sacramento, Calif…When the Sacramento Mile thunders into action, Saturday, July 30 at Cal Expo, it will mark the last time that Sacramento fans will see the legendary Chris Carr tackle the famed mile.

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Notes:
Spring Creek Motocross National

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.  - After a week break, the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship returns to action this weekend from Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minn. The seventh round of the season will serve as the next chapter of the ongoing battle for the coveted national title at stake in all three classes of competition - the 450 Class, 250 Class and WMX Class.

Coming off his fourth victory of the season at the previous stop from RedBud, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing's Chad Reed leads the way in the 450 Class. Behind him, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto and Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey look to close the gap, and add to their respective win totals.

In the 250 Class, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki trio of Dean Wilson, the current class points leader, Blake Baggett and Tyla Rattray, will aim to keep the team's undefeated streak intact. Meanwhile, the WMX Class showdown between American Honda's Ashley Fiolek and DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha's Jessica Patterson will continue to unfold.

REPAVING OF INFIELD SECTION OF IMS ROAD COURSE COMPLETED

World's best riders to race on new surface Aug. 26-28 during Red Bull Indianapolis GP

INDIANAPOLIS,  - The repaving of the infield section of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course is complete, as the smooth, new surface awaits the world's best motorcycle racers at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race Aug. 26-28.

Crews repaved 1.5 miles of the circuit from Turn 5 through Turn 16. The existing asphalt was ground and then repaved with fresh asphalt to create a surface consistent with the other sections of the course.

GEICO Honda team adds up-and-coming rider Vincent

WHARTON, Texas (May 27) -- The powerful GEICO Honda motorcycle team has added 18-year-old rider Lance Vincent to its roster. Vincent already has joined the championship-winning organization and will compete at this weekend's Freestone National in Texas.

"I can't wipe the smile off my face," Vincent said. "We had just finished putting a bike together to ride in the Lucas Oil Motocross Series and about an hour after we were done assembling that bike I got the call from the GEICO Honda team. What an incredible opportunity. Of course I jumped at the chance."

Reed Makes It Two-in-a-Row After Dungey Experiences Heartbreak at Freestone Raceway
Tyla Rattray Races to 250 Class Victory

WORTHAM, Texas (May 28, 2011) - The second round of the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship took place Saturday afternoon at the Rockstar Energy Freestone National from Freestone Raceway. Coming off an opening-round win one week ago, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing's Chad Reed, of Australia, swept the day's motos to grab his second straight win of the season and open up an early advantage in the 450 Class standings. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Tyla Rattray, of South Africa, took the overall win.

Dungey and Villopoto Lead Star-Studded Field into Season-Opening Rockstar Energy Hangtown National
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. 

After Strong Debut Season, Rockstar Energy Returns in Support of 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship

Brand Also Set to Bring Back Rockstar Fast Lap Competition

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 11, 2011) - When Ryan Dungey secured the 450 Class title in last season's Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, it brought a fitting conclusion to a groundbreaking year for the Rockstar Energy brand - which made its foray into series sponsorship for the first time in 2010. After a successful debut as a major supporter of American Motocross, MX Sports Pro Racing and Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, announce that Rockstar Energy will reprise its role in the championship for 2011, with the unique and popular Fast Lap competition headlining the brand's efforts.

As one of the most recognizable names in the industry, Rockstar Energy and its trademark yellow star can be seen on the sides of riders' helmets and race rigs throughout the paddock. Whether fans have a can in their hand, or one of the Rockstar-sponsored teams is standing on the podium, the energy drink's stalwart presence can be felt both on and off the track.

Popular Amateur Day Racing Program Supports
2011 Lucas Oil Motocross Championship

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (April 25, 2011) - The core of motocross in America has long been rooted in the strong amateur racing scene featuring the future stars of the sport. As American Motocross enters its 40th year of world-class competition, MX Sports Pro Racing and the National Promoters Group (NPG) announce the 2011 Amateur Days schedule that will run in conjunction with each round of this summer's Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

For 12 weeks, the world's best riders engage in battle on the track for over 60 minutes across two grueling motos each Saturday afternoon, but before and after the pros take to the track, amateurs and enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels will have their chance to be a part of the outdoor nationals. Whether it's racing bar-to-bar, or just enjoying a Sunday ride on the track, motocross lovers from all over the country can be a part of American Motocross through the Amateur Day Program and, in some cases, will even have the chance to compete on the same hallowed ground as the stars of the sport.

Popular Amateur Day Racing Program Supports
2011 Lucas Oil Motocross Championship

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (April 22, 2011) - The core of motocross in America has long been rooted in the strong amateur racing scene featuring the future stars of the sport. As American Motocross enters its 40th year of world-class competition, MX Sports Pro Racing and the National Promoters Group (NPG) announce the 2011 Amateur Days schedule that will run in conjunction with each round of this summer's Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

For 12 weeks, the world's best riders engage in battle on the track for over 60 minutes across two grueling motos each Saturday afternoon, but before and after the pros take to the track, amateurs and enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels will have their chance to be a part of the outdoor nationals. Whether it's racing bar-to-bar, or just enjoying a Sunday ride on the track, motocross lovers from all over the country can be a part of American Motocross through the Amateur Day Program and, in some cases, will even have the chance to compete on the same hallowed ground as the stars of the sport.

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Welcomes Oakley as Major Series Sponsor for 2011 and Beyond

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (April 6, 2011) - MX Sports Pro Racing has announced that Oakley, one of the most iconic brands in the sports world, has made a multi-year commitment to become a major series sponsor of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, which is produced by MX Sports Pro Racing and its strategic partner Alli Sports. The announcement comes as the series celebrates its 40th year as the most prestigious motocross championship in the world.

CZAIA & GALLAGHER TO PARTNER WITH CROZIER MOTORSPORTS

Bradenton, Fla…Well-known Florida personal injury and accident attorneys Czaia & Gallagher–HurtbyAccident.com are pleased to announce a partnership with Crozier Motorsports for the upcoming Daytona 200, March 10-12 at Daytona International Speedway.

RYAN KERR SIGNS WITH EBC BRAKES

Johnstown, Ohio...AMA Pro Supersport rider Ryan Kerr is pleased to announce that he has signed an agreement with EBC Brakes for the 2011 season.

“We are really pleased to welcome Ryan Kerr to the 2011 EBC Brakes Roadrace Support Program,” says EBC Brakes’ US Tech and Racing representative Garry Gallagher. “We are really excited to have a young, aggressive racer like Ryan running our Extreme Pro US Made, Sintered Ceramic Roadrace Compound Pads at the AMA Nationals.”

Stoffer rounding into shape as season draws to a close

POMONA, Calif. -- Two times in the last three national events, as tension over the 2010 title chase has intensified, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Karen Stoffer has butted into the equation on her GEICO Powersports Suzuki and done her best to spoil the plans of the few remaining championship contenders.

Stoffer qualified a lofty third in the ultra-competitive class in both Dallas and Las Vegas, announcing to her peers that she's back in the mix to win any race she enters. It took her crew a lot of old-fashioned hard work to get to this point, but Stoffer is pleased to once again be a threat.

Coloradoan Aaron wins Denver GEICO Powersports Endurocross race

Aaron took the title of the GEICO Powersports Endurocross Series event Saturday night at Denver's National Western Complex.



It was the first victory of the year for the Bailey, Colo., resident and also marked the first time all season that someone other than reigning champion Taddy Blazusiak took home a trophy. The hard-fought win keeps Aaron alive in the 2010 championship chase with one race left on the schedule.

BOGLE ADDED TO TALENT-LADEN GEIGO POWERSPORTS HONDA TEAM

CORONA, Calif. (Oct. 22) – Continuing its tradition of signing some of motocross' top rising talent, the owners of the powerful GEICO Powersports Honda team announced it will be bringing 15-year-old Justin Bogle into the fold in 2011.

STOFFER READY FOR TREATS, NOT TRICKS, IN LAS VEGAS

LAS VEGAS - Some four hours north of the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Karen Stoffer lives a pretty quiet life in the quaint little town on Minden, Nev. But get the girl out of her country surroundings and she transforms into a living-on-the-edge daredevil, routinely drag racing her powerful GEICO Powersports Suzuki down the quarter-mile in 6.8 seconds at speeds nearing 200 mph.

Canard helps Team USA win prestigious Motocross des Nations

DENVER (Sept. 26) -- With roars of U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A rolling across Thunder Valley, GEICO Powersports Honda rider Trey Canard and Team USA stablemates Ryan Dungey and Andrew Short ascended the podium of the 64th FIM Motocross des Nations as 2010 champions.

RYAN KERR READY FOR A FUN WEEKEND OF RACING

AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK

Johnstown, Ohio…Ready for a fun weekend of racing, Ryan Kerr and the Ryan Kerr Racing crew head for the Superbike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., September 24-26.

GEICO Powersports team members Windham, LaRocco collect post-season honors

The 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships season might be over but the accolades for the GEICO Powersports Honda team keep rolling in.

Stoffer working hard to climb up championship standings

Karen Stoffer is higher in the Full Throttle championship points standings then she's been since mid May, but the rider of the GEICO Powersports Suzuki says she wants to feel more like she's earned her position than had it given to her by the playoff rules.

Canard Completes 250 Class Championship at Pala
Dungey Caps Historic Rookie Season with 10th Win

PALA, CA: The 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship came to an exciting conclusion on Saturday, returning to San Diego County for the first time in 28 years with the inaugural Pala Motocross National from Pala Raceway. After a dominant second half of the season, GEICO Powersports Honda's Trey Canard, of Shawnee, Okla., secured his first career motocross championship in the 250 Class with a third-place finish on the day. In the premier 450 Class, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., etched his name in the record books with his 10th overall win of his rookie season.

GEICO Powersports Endurocross team enters weekend with two major players

The GEICO Powersports AMA Endurocross Series heads to another new venue for its Sept. 11 event, and Team GEICO Powersports owner JT Bennett can't wait to see how his riders tackle the Comcast Arena layout.

Lucas Oil Rider Arana aims to regain top stop ASAP

Since missing out on the No. 1 spot for the NHRA's Countdown to the Championship in Pro Stock Motorcycle by just a few points, defending class champion Hector Arana has been a man of singular focus -- getting his Lucas Oil Buell ready for the postseason.

Canard oh-so-close to lead as Motorcross tour returns to Pittsburgh area

The 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship schedule is winding down, but the GEICO Powersports Honda riders are still in the hunt for some very important spots in the final championship standings, including the overall 250cc title.

MotoGP RACE REPORT: RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP
Pedrosa beats heat for victory; American Spies finishes career-best second

Spaniard Dani Pedrosa spoiled the American riders’ party on a hot day Aug. 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, winning the 2010 Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race for the first time at the Speedway’s 2.621-mile road course.

MotoGP RETURNING TO INDIANAPOLIS IN 2011; EVENT SET FOR AUG. 26-28

 The Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP motorcycle race, featuring the intense action and over-the-top personalities of the MotoGP World Championship, will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August 2011.

The fourth annual MotoGP event at the “Racing Capital of the World” is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28.

2009 MotoGP RACE WINNER: Jorge Lorenzo, by 9.435 seconds over Alex De Angelis

2009 MotoGP POLE WINNER: Dani Pedrosa, 1 minute, 39.730 seconds