America’s Ryan Dungey, Blake Baggett and Justin Barcia will race the world at 2012 FIM Motocross of Nations

PICKERINGTON, OH – August 11, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased to announce the members of the U.S. team that will compete at the FIM Motocross of Nations Sept. 30-31 in Lommel, Belgium. The 2012 team will include Red Bull/KTM’s Ryan Dungey, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett and GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia.

Perennial U.S. Team Manager and Motorcycle Hall of Famer Roger DeCoster will manage the team in its hunt for a record 23rd Motocross of Nations Championship.

“We will have Ryan in MX1. Blake, who has excellent support for the 250cc bike from Mitch [Payton], will be our MX2 rider, and Barcia will be our open class rider,” DeCoster said. “This is a great team. They have proven that they are solid riders, especially in the sand, and the Lommel track is a very deep sand track.”

Riders in the Motocross of Nations compete in either the MX1, which features 450cc bikes; the MX2 class, which includes 250cc motorcycles; or the open class.

Dungey, who returns for his fourth time to the Motocross of Nations, said he is thrilled for the opportunity.

“It’s a pleasure, and it’s an honor to represent my country at the Motocross of Nations,” said Dungey, who is leading the points for the 450cc Lucas Oil AMA Pro Racing Motocross Championship. “Blake has a year of experience [at the Motocross of Nations] and although it’s Barcia’s first year we do a great job of welcoming everybody. We’re not racing against each other. We are racing with each other for one goal, and that’s to win the Motocross of Nations. With Roger and the rest of the organizational team behind us, we have excellent support and all the support we need to win.”

Baggett said he’s confident in the U.S. team’s chances to win the title.

“I’m excited to go to Belgium and race,” said Baggett, who is leading the points in the 250cc class in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Racing Motocross Championship. “It will be cool and a life experience for sure. The atmosphere of this race is really big and crazy, but the best advice is what I got last year, just ride to your potential, race the track and don’t worry about the thousands of European fans and the competition you’ve never raced before. If we ride the best that we can, there should be no problems of winning it. We’ll just go over there and bring the trophy home.”

Barcia, who is stepping up to the 450cc bike to compete in the open class, said he is ready for the challenge and thrilled to be on the 2012 team.

“It’s a little bit shocking, really. It’s awesome,” said Barcia, who is currently second behind Baggett in the 250cc class championship standings. “I’ve always dreamed of racing for the U.S. at the Motocross of Nations, and it’s incredible. I’m speechless. To be picked for that team is just mind blowing. I’ll be riding a 450, and that will be exciting. I practice on the 450 a lot, and I ride the sand really well. I’ve matured a lot in the past year, and I’m ready.”

AMA Director of Supercross and AMA Pro Racing Relations Kevin Crowther said that the 2012 team is stacked from top to bottom.

“The AMA has an enormous amount of industry, fan and racer support for this effort,” Crowther said. “We are bringing an extremely talented team to Belgium, both in terms of the riders and the support crew behind the scenes. In addition to the on-bike talent, exceptional leaders such as Roger DeCoster, Mitch Payton, Chris Onstott, Jeff Canfield and Doc Bodner, and many more, really step up as part of the operational backbone for this event.”

For Belgium native DeCoster, the 2012 Motocross of Nations will be a homecoming in more ways than one. Lommel is the same track where the U.S. team, also managed by DeCoster, won its first Motocross of Nations title in 1981.

“That’s where we won the first time, 31 years ago,” DeCoster said. “That first team [of Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, Johnny O'Mara and Chuck Sun] was one of the youngest in history, and we are returning with another extremely young team. This will be a great Motocross of Nations. Being on the same track where we won the first time makes it very special.”

The Motocross of Nations is one of the most high-profile motorsport events in the world. It features national teams competing for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning country. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time.

The United States is the reigning champion of the Motocross of Nations, winning in 2011 when the event was held in Saint D’Angely, France. The United States is also the all-time leader in Motocross of Nations overall victories with 22. Great Britain is second with 16.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit  www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

####

Red Bull / KTM Team to Reunite at Seattle Supercross

MURRIETA, CA – April 20, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Red Bull/KTM Team is excited to announce that all three riders will reunite at the Seattle Supercross this weekend as team rider Marvin Musquin returns to the West Supercross Lites Series joined by Ken Roczen and Ryan Dungey in the Supercross class.

The French rider, Marvin Musquin will continue his campaign toward a top three position in the overall point standings in the West Supercross Lites class while East Supercross Lites rider Ken Roczen will step up to the Supercross class aboard the KTM 350 SX-F.

In one of the most anticipated returns of the season, both riders will be joined by Ryan Dungey who will make his return to the Supercross class after sitting out the past six weeks healing from a broken collarbone. Dungey has been riding Motocross in preparation for his return to racing and after easing his way back has built up the confidence to make his return to the series this weekend.

“It will be great to have the whole team together in Seattle,” says Red Bull/KTM Team Manager Roger DeCoster. “There is always a great atmosphere amongst the team and sponsors when all three riders are together and we look forward to producing solid results this weekend.”

Look for all three riders under the Red Bull/KTM tent on Saturday, April 21^st at Qwest Field.

####

Dungey Earns First-Ever Supercross Podium for KTM

ANAHEIM, CA – January 8, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Red Bull/KTM Factory Team rider Ryan Dungey finished 3rd overall at the opening round of the AMA Supercross Series effectively earning KTM’s first-ever U.S. Supercross class podium finish.

Dungey looked impressive from the start of the first practice session on his newly released KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition race machine. He qualified third fastest from practice and was placed in the second heat.

Heat Race
He nearly nailed the holeshot once the gate dropped for his eight-lap heat but was cut off as the riders rounded the first corner and dropped back to 3rd. He quickly passed Brett Metcalfe to move into 2nd behind Andrew Short at the end of the first lap. Dungey, Short and a hard-charging James Stewart soon found themselves in a three-way battle for the lead. Stewart made the pass to take over the lead position while Dungey and Short battled it out for 2nd place. Dungey was able to make the pass on the final lap to earn 2nd overall in the heat.

Main Event
At the start of the main event, Dungey leaped out front early to earn another good start on his KTM. He rounded the first corner in 5th position and passed Mike Alessi for 4th within the first few turns. He continued his forward momentum making a clean inside pass on Ivan Tedesco on the third lap of the race to move into podium position. Out front, Ryan Villopoto led the way while Chad Reed sat in the runner-up position and Dungey sat approximately 5 seconds back in 3rd.

Dungey spent the first half of the race closing the gap on Reed, turning lap times nearly a full second faster. On the ninth lap Dungey made a mistake and tucked the front end causing him to crash. He quickly recovered but lost his position to Stewart. On lap twelve, Stewart made a slight mistake that Dungey capitalized on and moved his KTM back into 3rd. On the next lap, Reed crashed which allowed Dungey and Stewart to close on him. The three riders then began a battle for 2nd place that ran for the next four laps.

The crowd was on their feet as the three battled it out swapping positions. On the sixteenth lap, Stewart crashed, marking one crash for each of them. Stewart’s crash cost him a lot of time and he recovered in 6th position allowing Reed and Dungey to pull away. Dungey continued to pressure Reed for the remaining laps eventually crossing the line in 3rd just a bike length behind Reed.

Dungey’s podium finish marked the first for the KTM brand in its U.S. Supercross racing history. It also marked the first podium for the new KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. “My bike ran flawlessly tonight,” remarked Dungey after the race. “I would have definitely liked to pass Chad and take 2nd tonight, but I am happy to earn KTM its first podium. I can’t thank the team enough for all they have done for me in the development of this new bike.”

Red Bull/KTM Factory Team Manager Roger DeCoster commented, “The entire team is excited for the podium finish but we also know that 2nd place was within our reach tonight. We were happy with Ryan’s performance but we know we have some areas that need work and we will begin to correct them immediately this week. We hope to continue this success into next week and improve our position on the podium.”

Next Event: Phoenix/AZ – January 14, 2012

Results Supercross Anaheim 1

1. Ryan Villopoto (USA), Kawasaki, 21:19.553 min (20 laps)
2. Chad Reed (USA), Honda, +12.223 sec
3. Ryan Dungey (USA), KTM, +13.577
4. Justin Brayton (USA), Honda, +30.470
5. Jake Weimer (USA), Kawasaki, +31.416

Supercross Standings after 1 of 17 rounds   

1. Villopoto, 25 points
2. Reed, 22
3. Dungey, 20
4. Brayton, 18
5. Weimer, 16

####

AMA Visa Card Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Presented by KTM, Inducts Five Motorcycling Greats

LAS VEGAS, NV – November 19, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Five outstanding motorcyclists took their place in history Friday, Nov. 18, at the 2011 AMA Visa Card from Capital One Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, held here at the Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa.

Hosted by actor and motorcyclist Perry King, the event kicked off the AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend. It honored the Hall of Fame Class of 2011: magazine editor Phil Schilling, motocross promoter Stu Peters, industry leader Fred Fox, motorcycling pioneer Norbert Schickel and roadracing champion Doug Polen.

In addition to the class of 2011, the induction ceremony recognized the outstanding careers of two existing Hall of Fame Legends: world champion racing icons Roger DeCoster and Kenny Roberts.

Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which raises money to support the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, welcomed a sold-out crowd to the induction ceremony and voiced appreciation for their support.

“The vision of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony is only possible with partnership,” Heininger said. “You need only to look around this room tonight and see the realization of this vision. I’m honored to be a part of this effort.”

The 2011 inductees were honored with videos chronicling their careers, Hall of Fame rings and induction speeches. In addition to the honorees, several luminaries from the world of motorcycling participated in the ceremony. These included motocross superstar and 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Bob “Hurricane” Hannah; roadracer and Hall of Famer Jody Nicholas; journalist and Hall of Famer Gunnar Lindstorm; roadracer and Hall of Famer Don Emde; promoter and Hall of Famer Gavin Trippe; and industry leader, motocrosser and Hall of Famer Mark Blackwell; among others.

“What an evening this has been,” said King, as he closed out the program. “Gathered in this room tonight with our heroes and legends, we are reminded that events like this don’t occur often enough. With well over 400 members, today’s Hall of Fame is a Who’s Who of men and women who have thrilled us, inspired us and, in many cases, brought a tear to our eye with ground-breaking achievements that have forever altered the world of motorcycling.”

Phil Schilling

Phil Schilling was one of motorcycling’s most accomplished journalists and an expert race tuner who set the early mark for Ducati motorcycle’s on-track success in America.

Schilling was teaching at the University of Wisconsin when Hall of Famer Cook Neilson asked him to become managing editor of Cycle Magazine. Schilling and Neilson developed Cycle Magazine into the gold standard of motorcycle periodicals in the 1970s. Schilling and Neilson were not just successful at the editor’s desk. In 1977, they entered a Ducati in the Daytona 200 and gave Ducati its first AMA Superbike win in the United States.

Schilling was joined on stage by Neilson, who read Schilling’s comments on his behalf.

“Thank you to the American Motorcyclist Association for this tremendous honor and to all those who nominated me, wrote letters on my behalf, and voted for me,” Neilson read. “I am humbled and proud beyond words to be in the company of so many of motorcycling’s great talents and industry leaders and my fellow Hall of Fame classmates.

“I have been fortunate in my life to do exciting work that I love alongside people I love and admire. Cook’s and my success at Cycle Magazine and on the racetrack was due in large part to the talent and hard work of an army of people, who share in this honor and deserve our gratitude.”

Stu Peters

Stu Peters is one of the most prolific and enduring motocross promoters in the history of the sport in America. Peters’ company, the Continental Motosport Club (CMC), has been promoting motocross races since 1968.

Although Peters has expanded beyond his Southern California base, his early start and subsequent success in what became a hotbed of motocross competition in the 1970s, 1980s and beyond, established his presence in the national consciousness of American motocross.

Peters, who raced motocross professionally in Europe in the 1950s, was already actively running local events when the AMA approached him to promote two rounds of the 1970 Trans-AMA Series, which became the sport’s first national championship series in the United States sanctioned by the AMA and recognized by the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme), the world governing body for motorcycle sport.

Today, CMC Racing has grown into one of the largest motocross racing organizations in the country.

“Most of all, I’d like to thank my family for holding up the fort,” Peters said. “I also thank the Hall of Fame for honoring me with this great award for doing something I loved to do and would have done anyway.”

Fred Fox

Parts Unlimited founder Fred Fox built a small business into the largest aftermarket motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle and personal watercraft accessory distributorship in the world.

Fox founded Parts Unlimited Distributing in 1967 to distribute motorcycle parts and accessories to dealers. Today his umbrella company, LeMans Corp., is based in Janesville, Wisc., and it employs more than 1,000 people in operations spread across the U.S. and in Europe. Parts Unlimited serves the “metric” side of motorcycling, while Drag Specialties serves the American V-twin industry. The company’s own brands include Thor Motocross, Moose Off-Road, Icon and Z1R Helmets.

Fox elevated motorcycling and the sport of motorcycle racing nationally by creating a state-of-the-art distribution system that got parts to dealers quickly and by sponsoring motorcycle racing series as well as amateur and professional racers. His sponsorship dollars also supported various races and series to help grow the sport.

“I’m honored to be here,” Fox said. “This business means so much to me. I’m still enjoying working every day. I still go in early and leave late, but it’s the employees who do all the hard work. I really enjoy this industry. It’s been good to me.”

Norbert Schickel

Norbert Schickel was an innovative designer and builder in the early years of American motorcycle manufacturing. As the founder of Schickel Motor Co., Schickel was part of the motorcycle design boom that occurred in the United States between 1905 and 1915.

Schickel unveiled his first motorcycle at the 1911 Chicago Motorcycle Show, and Schickel Motor Co. began producing motorcycles in 1912 in Stamford, Conn. The company sold more than 1,000 motorcycles.

Schickel’s vision and designs were evident in his two-cycle motorcycles that he developed. He also helped popularize the twist grip control and had a patented “spring fork front suspension” and “fly wheel magneto.”

Ken Anderson, Schickel’s grandson, accepted the Hall of Fame honor on his grandfather’s behalf.

“If Norbert Schickel were here today he would be thrilled by his selection and would take great pride in knowing that his designs and innovations were worthy of Hall of Fame recognition,” Anderson said. “It is a great honor for me to represent my grandfather here tonight. Norbert Schickel’s selection to the Class of 2011 is a dream come true for our family and attending his induction is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to celebrate his achievements.”

Doug Polen

Doug Polen was a dominant national and world champion roadracer in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Polen had a series of strong winning performances in motorcycle roadracing in the United States and abroad, including winning 45 of 51 Suzuki Championship Series events in 1991 and earning the World Superbike title by 150 points. He was the Suzuki GSX-R National Cup champion in 1986, Japan Formula 1 and Formula 3 National Champion in 1989, AMA Pro Twins National Champion in 1991, World Superbike Champion in 1992 and 1993, AMA Superbike Champion in 1993, and World Endurance Champion in 1997 and 1998.

“Being recognized with so many iconic people is touching, and to see my career made permanent as part of the Hall of Fame is really something,” Polen said. “I’ll always have that. I’m truly honored to be inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

Hall of Fame Legend Roger DeCoster

Roger DeCoster’s name is practically synonymous with the sport of motocross, and he is generally recognized as the best-known MX racer in the first 50 years of the sport.

When DeCoster was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999, his racing accomplishments were simply remarkable: five 500cc Motocross World Championships, numerous 500cc Motocross Grand Prix victories and four Trans-AMA Motocross Championships.

He also was a member of six winning Belgium Motocross des Nations teams, was a Gold Medalist in the International Six Day Trial (Enduro) and earned numerous national championships in his native Belgium, including a national Trials title.

DeCoster continued to find success after his racing career. He was the manager of the first U.S. team to win the Motocross des Nations in 1981, and managed many U.S. teams at the prestigious event over the years to the present day.

Today, DeCoster is in charge of KTM’s Supercross and motocross efforts in the United States. His stature is such in the world of motocross that he is often simply referred to as “The Man.”

“I have to thank America for welcoming me,” DeCoster said. “First was Bud and Dave Ekins. I met them in Germany in 1964, and it was the beginning of a great journey in America. We have come a long way from when I was inducted in 1999 in the AMA parking lot under an E-Z Up. This is a fantastic event.”

Hall of Fame Legend Kenny Roberts

Perhaps more than any other competitor, Kenny Roberts has put his stamp of dominance on American and World roadracing, both as an AMA National Champion, a Grand Prix World Champion and then as a Grand Prix team owner.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements on both the American and world racing circuits, Roberts, who was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998, was honored as a 2011 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend.

“King Kenny” Roberts won his first-ever AMA Grand National race in 1972 and went on to win 33 AMA Nationals in dirt-track and roadracing, including the prestigious Daytona 200 three times.

A two-time AMA Grand National Champion, Roberts moved to the world stage and became the first-ever American to win a 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship in 1978. In the following years Roberts dominated the World Grand Prix circuit, and by the end of 1980, he had captured three consecutive World 500 Grand Prix titles.

Retiring from full-time racing at the end of the 1983 season, he formed his own World 500 Grand Prix team. In 1990, Team Roberts’ rider and future Hall of Famer Wayne Rainey won the World 500 Grand Prix title, and teammate John Kocinski took the World 250 Championship — bringing the team a rare 500 and 250 championship season.

“I have to thank the AMA,” Roberts said. “I did what I did, and that’s what we do. We ride motorcycles. I do this because I’m a motorcycle person, and this room is full of motorcycle people. To honor me like this in front of motorcycle people is very important to me.”

Sponsors

The title sponsor of the induction ceremony was AMA Visa Card from Capital One. KTM was the presenting sponsor. Zero Motorcycles was the official Motorcycle Hall of Fame ring sponsor.

Other sponsors included Yamaha Motor Co., Mecum Auctions, Chet Burks Production, Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing, Greg Owen, Motion Pro Inc., Ack Technologies and Top 1 Oil, The Owen Collection, AeroStich/Rider Wearhouse, Don Rosene and the Motorcycle Shop, EBC Brakes USA Inc., Fluidyne PowerSports, Perry King, Metl-Span LLC, Moto Museum, Rytec Corp., SubZero Constructors, Melbourne J. “Mike” and Margaret Wilson, Dealernews, Don Emde Inc., Dunlop Tires, Early Years Motocross Museum, Glen Helen Raceway, Heininger Family, Hi-Torque Publications, Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Matrix Concepts, Metl-Span LLC, Michelin Two Wheel, Motorcycle Industry Council, Motorsport Aftermarket Group, Nature’s Best, Parts Unlimited/Alpinestars, Pro Circuit, Racer X Illustrated, Saddlemen, Sidewinders Motorcycle Club, Yoshimura Racing, American Suzuki Motor Corp., Angle Ironworks Inc., David Backer LTD, BadCo Racing, Mark Blackwell, Brad Boyle Motorsports, Jamison Door Company, Missouri Mudders Motorcycle Club of St. Louis, The Penton Family, Ron and Lisa Ribolzi, Sidewinders MC Club, SubZero Constructors, Allied Federal, Avis-Budget Group., Carden Fire Sprinkler, Catalina Material Handling.

AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend

The AMA Visa Card Legends & Champions Weekend is a three-day celebration of motorcycling’s greats held at Las Vegas’ Red Rock. In addition to the AMA Visa Card Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, presented by KTM, the celebration includes the 2011 AMA Visa Card Racing Championship Banquet, and the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Concours d’Elegance bike show, which features some of the country’s most-stunning original and immaculately restored classic motorcycles.

The Concours d’Elegance is Saturday, Nov. 19, and the racing banquet is Sunday, Nov. 20, also at the Red Rock.

In addition, the weekend features the final round of the GEICO AMA Racing EnduroCross Championship Series on Saturday evening at the Orleans Arena.

About the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation

Founded in 1990 by the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Hall of Fame’s three major exhibition halls feature the machines and memorabilia of those who have contributed notably to the sport. The Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to motorcycling, including those known for their contributions to road riding, off-road riding and all categories of racing, as well as those who have excelled in business, history, design and engineering. More information can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.

Contact: James HolterPhone: (614) 856-1900, ext. 1280E-mail: jholter@ama-cycle.org

SOURCE: American Motorcyclist Association

####

Ryan Dungey to Make KTM Debut at the Monster Energy Cup Saturday Night

MURRIETA, CA – October 13, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – KTM Motorsports announced today that 2010 Supercross class champion Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., will make his Red Bull/KTM debut this Saturday night at inaugural Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

“After testing the new KTM over the past two weeks, I am feeling confident enough to compete and am really eager to see where I stack up against the competition,” mentioned Dungey. “It’s a last minute decision to race this event but the team is behind me 100% and I am excited to make my debut on the bike.”

On October 1, it was made official that Dungey will compete aboard the KTM 450 SX-F motorcycle as part of a two-year agreement after five years under the Factory Suzuki tent. Dungey, 21, will ride under the guidance of legendary team manager Roger DeCoster, who brought Dungey into the professional ranks in 2007.

“To my surprise, Ryan was eager to race the Monster Cup,” commented Red Bull/KTM Factory Team Manager Roger DeCoster. “We didn’t expect him to race after only two weeks on the bike, but he will use the event to help gauge where he stands speed-wise against the competition. It will also give the team a racing opportunity to test different set-ups with the bike prior to the opening round of the Supercross. Ryan can then take this experience to prepare his training regime this winter.”

Dungey has won every major AMA Supercross/Motocross championship and became the first rider to win the coveted Supercross class and 450cc Motocross class championship as a rookie in 2010. In the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross championship, Dungey earned one win and 12 podium finishes en route to third place overall. He has a career seven Supercross class wins and 17 podium finishes.

“I’m looking forward to riding for the new Red Bull/KTM team and working again with Roger. I am excited to start something new and am ready for the challenge. I like the way that KTM has backed Roger since he made the switch last year and I appreciate KTM’s goal of working hard to develop their race team to earn championships. I am making this switch to win races and work toward getting that championship for KTM.”

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.

####

New Website Launched for Grand Prix Motocross

LOS ANGELES, CA – August 22, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In only its first week of operation, the new website www.GrandPrixMX.com is already reaching new customers around the globe for the book Grand Prix Motocross.

Published in 2007, Grand Prix Motocross chronicles the 1972 World Championship Motocross season with more than 300 large-format black and white photographs.

The new website features a gallery of selected images from the book, the table of contents and a sample chapter to demonstrate the writing style and the format used for moto by moto results.

With more than 240 pages, the book includes reports from five 250cc Grands Prix, six reports from the 500cc World Championship and a report from the 1972 Trophee des Nations.

In addition to photos of the racing action, many of the images are environmental portraits of the star riders of the day, such as Roger DeCoster, Joel Robert, Ake Jonsson, Paul Fredrichs and many others. The exotic, hand-built factory works bikes are revealed in close-up photography from the paddock and race shops.

Through the website www.GrandPrixMX.com purchases of Grand Prix Motocross can be processed by PayPal and copies are shipped to the USA and worldwide in custom-built protective packaging.

Terry Pratt
Grand Prix Motocross
Postal Box 10360
Westminster, CA 92685
714/897-8265
info@grandprixmx.com

####

KTM Steps-Up to Become Series Sponsor for 2011 Lucas Oil Motocross Championship

MORGANTOWN, WV – April 20, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – MX Sports Pro Racing and Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, have announced that KTM will become a series sponsor of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Nationals. The 40th anniversary of American Motocross kicks off with the Hangtown Motocross Classic on Saturday, May 22 from Rancho Cordova, Calif.

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.

####

US Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team – The Video

MURRIETA, CA – January 13, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Roger DeCoster and his hand-picked team are featured in this video with insight from DeCoster on each rider as well as what each rider expects this season.

SOURCE: KTM – North America Inc.

####

Stefan Everts and Roger DeCoster Meet at KTM Headquarters

Everts Signs 3-Year Contract

MATTIGHOFEM, AUSTRIA – October 16, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – KTM Motorsports is proud to announce that Stefan Everts has signed another 3-year contract to manage the Red Bull/KTM Factory Team. Everts meet with Roger DeCoster, one of most iconic managerial figures in the motocross community and now the U.S. Red Bull/KTM Factory Team Manager, at the company headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria to plan for the 2011 season and beyond.

Everts and DeCoster, two of the most respected figures in Motocross Sports Management, along with KTM CEO Stefan Pierer and KTM Racing Boss Pit Beirer met to lay the groundwork for what will undoubtedly be a successful year for KTM. The company went into 2010 with the intention of gaining a stronghold on the MX1 and MX2 classes and came away with 2 World Championships. KTM Racing’s task for 2011 is to further secure their dominance on the track while laying the foundation for similar performances in U.S. competition in the AMA Supercross and Motocross Series.

Everts, one of the most distinguished riders in the sport of motocross and a 10X World Champion, has enjoyed success both with the Red Bull/KTM Factory Racing Team and for his input and consultation with KTM’s Research and Development Department in the development of the KTM 350 SX-F. A huge success in its launch year, the revolutionary new bike shunned the critics from the first time that KTM’s Tony Cairoli and newly crowned MX1 World Champion rode to victory on its very first track appearance in early 2010.

Roger DeCoster, Belgian born but long time resident of the USA, is also a multi-time World Championship title holder who moved on from his success as a racer to a highly respected Team Manager in the U.S. Most recently, DeCoster managed the victorious MXoN Team in what is considered to be the Olympics of motocross racing. DeCoster was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame America in 1994, only the seventh motorcyclist to have been awarded the honor. The 5X Motocross World Champion and Trans-AMA Champion was also inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

Pit Beirer: “We are naturally delighted to welcome both Stefan and Roger to Mattighofen and of course to have signed Stefan for another three years. With him and Roger onboard for the new US teams, we can now move forward with some major plans for KTM Racing. There will be many challenges, including maintaining our dominance here in Europe while establishing the team as a force in the USA, but with Roger and Stefan we have the right people. Both are hugely experienced and highly respected.”

SOURCE: KTM Racing

####

KTM signs American Andrew Short for US factory team 2011

KTM, the brand that dominated the 2010 MX World Championships has announced at its headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria that it has secured the services of American racer Andrew Short for the Red Bull KTM factory team to compete in the USA from the 2011 season.

October 6, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Short, who raced with the winning team to secure the MX of Nations title for the USA this month in Thunder Valley, Colorado will be part of the team lineup under the guiding hand of one of the sports most distinguished team managers, Roger DeCoster. DeCoster was also the man behind the USA’s successful title at the MXoN. Short’s selection to represent the USA at the MXoN underlines his status as one of the finest riders of his nation.

While selection for Team USA was an obvious highlight for Andrew in 2010, he also finished third overall in the AMA Nationals and came back after injury to finish strongly in the SX competition, including being on the podium a number of times.

Andrew (Shorty) Short will ride for KTM in the SX and MX Open class competition in the USA and will be a factory teammate to KTM’s Mike Alessi and MX2 world champion Marvin Musquin in the national MX competition. In addition, Ken Roczen, also new to the Red Bull KTM factory team in 2011, will, like Musquin, compete in the Supercross. After the SX, the young German rider Roczen will return to Europe to ride for the KTM factory team in the World Championship GP series.

Pit Beirer, head of KTM Racing: “With Andrew, Mike, Marvin and Ken we have a solid lineup for our first year as a full factory racing team in USA competition. Under the guiding hand of Roger DeCoster, one of the most experienced and respected figures in the sport, we expect that this team will lay the groundwork for emulating the success we now enjoy in Europe.”

Roger DeCoster: “I have known Andrew for many years and of course we had closer contact this year when preparing and racing for the MXoN. I am looking forward to working with him and the other KTM riders as we begin testing and preparing for the coming season. We now have a strong team and one with real potential.”

Born in Tulsa Oklahoma but resident in Smithville Texas, Andrew Short began riding (and racing) at just 5-years-old. He is married and has a daughter. He is a high achiever who believes that “You’re only as good as your last race”. In September Andrew also recently featured on the cover of Racer X magazine.

SOURCE: KTM-North America Inc.

####