Maloof Money Cup, Presented by Monster Energy

Monster’s PLG Takes Top Slot in Richest Vert Event Ever!

Monster’s Greg Lutzka in Finals of Best Street Competition in History!

Tune in Sunday, July 20th on CBS Sports

12 Noon Pacific, 3 PM Eastern to Catch all the Action



For Immediate Release

( Corona , CA , July 14, 2008) – The fabled Maloof Brothers brought some of their magic to the world of skateboarding over this past weekend with the inaugural Maloof Money Cup, Presented by Monster Energy. An electric atmosphere and sold out stadium was the setting for an unprecedented line-up of skating talent to made history a t the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa , CA .

They proved that the death of vert has been greatly exaggerated as with a unique format designed by World Cup Skateboarding’s Don Bostick combining a mandatory eight wall session with jam formats, Monster’s Pierre Luc Gagnon rode the one-of-a-kind vert ramp to first place and a $75,000 first prize, plus a brand new Ford Fusion. Shaun White and Bucky Lasek, respectively, rounded out the podium. Monster riders Jake Brown finished 15th with a gutsy, go-for-broke approach which had the crowd pumped with some massive tricks and unique transfers, but didn’t play to the format. And Monster’s Jean Postec posted an impressive 18th looking smooth.


Monster Energy`s PLG


Monster Energy`s Jake Brown

Without question, however, the centerpiece of the event was the first ever, purpose-built concrete competition skate course, designed with the help of Monster’s Rob Dyrdek. Featuring a who’s who of -legends who rarely -if ever- go to contests, Monster’s Greg Lutzka battled his way into the finals, but was slowed by a knee injury in the early part of penultimate session. He battled on, and earned himself a ninth place finish.


Monster Energy`s Greg Lutzka

Ultimately taking the street course victory was Paul Rodriquez, followed very closely by 14-year-old Nyjah Houston followed by Chris Cole, Ryan Scheckler, Darrell Stanton, Jereme Rogers, Terry Kennedy, Andrew Reynolds and Denni Rusentiz. Lost Energy’s Adam Dyet also made the finals and finished 11th . This represents a line-up of street skaters never seen together before in the history of competitive skating.

Tune in to catch it all on CBS Sports, Sunday, July 20th , 12 noon Pacific and 3 pm Eastern.

For further information go to maloofmoneycup.com.

Monster Energy’s International Motorsports Competition Recap 7/7/08

Monster/Yamaha’s Philippaerts 3rd in Sweden, extends MX1 lead

Teammate Coppins sketches but holds onto 10th o/a @ Uddevalla

Monster/CAS Honda’s Mackenzie & Boniface both make top ten




CORONA, Calif., (July 7, 2008) – Monster Energy’s international motorsports competitors were limited to one event this past weekend; the Grand Prix of Sweden at the Uddevalla circuit, round nine of the 2008 MXGP Championships.


In Sweden Monster Energy/Yamaha’s David Philippaerts raced well enough to make the podium through the light but consistent rains at Uddevalla (his sixth podium in nine events), placing 3rd overall in the premier MX1 division. Monster Energy-backed teammate Josh Coppins wouldn’t be able to capitalize on his 1st place overall MX1 finish the previous weekend in Germany and had to settle for a 10th overall in Sweden.


Philippaerts, 24, overcame a poor start in the first moto and was able to avoid trouble in the first turn to place 4th behind rival Steve Ramon. The second race was much of the same for the Monster Energy-back Philippaerts as he rode a strong and consistent race on his Yamaha YZ450F back to the 4th position (4-4 3rd o/a).



“I am very happy to be back on the podium,” said Philippaerts, who extended his MX1 class lead over Ramon to 12 points. “Physically I have had some problems, with my hand and my rib, but I am getting better and chose to ride a smart race today. The ground behind the gate was very soft and I lost time with my starts; I had to close the gas at the start of the first moto because I did not want to crash but afterwards I could make some good laps. I tried in both races to pass Steve but there was only really one line. It was a good GP for the championship and now I hope I can start training normally again because it has been a hard couple of weeks since the GP of France.”


Coppins had a rough go of it in the first moto when he crashed with Loic Leonce on the first lap, racing back from the rear of the pack to 13th place in the 35 minute plus two lap moto. Another wreck in the second moto had him charging from close to the back again, but proved his meddle as caught and passed fellow Monster Energy racer Billy Mackenzie for 5th place on the last lap (12-5 for 10th o/a).


Said Coppins: “I was around 11th in the first race when Leonce made a mistake in front of me and I went into the back of him. I restarted more or less last and came back to 13th. It was a tough race, really hard to pass and very tricky with just one single fast line. In the second moto I made a better start but I went a little wide and into the soft mud where they had scraped the mud across the holes. I went down on the fourth corner trying to make a pass and get to the front too fast. I made my way to fifth purely on determination. I am pretty disappointed overall because my riding was good enough to be at the front end of the field. I knew the starts would be difficult with the soft gravel behind the gate; you need a little bit of luck and just have to drop the clutch and go for it, there is no real technique. I lost some points today and need to keep focusing on my riding not the championship; today I was thinking too much about winning instead of trying to have a good GP.”


For the Monster Energy-backed CAS Honda team it was another week of coming back from injury for Billy Mackenzie , while Steve Boniface stepped it up and led much of the first moto over eventual race winner Jon Barragan. Boniface would hold onto 6th place overall, which would help keep him in the top ten on the day (9th o/a).


Mackenzie faired a bit better, finishing 5th though still nursing an upper body injury. His 29 points at Uddevalla moved him back into the top ten in the MXGP standings (9th ) with 205 points.


“I’m happy with my results today,” said Mackenzie after the race. “I made a few mistakes but it’s getting better since my injury in France and I’m looking to improve next time.”


Added Boniface: “I was very happy with my first race, but a little disappointed to crash in the second (race).”


Next up for the Monster Energy/Yamaha and Monster Energy/CAS Honda teams on the MXGP circuit is the July 20th running of the South African Grand Prix.


Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MotoGP, MXGP, British Superbikes, rally, rock crawling, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Everybody in Europe ’s really starting to dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com .

Vans Warped Tour '08 Pomona California

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS9nSDYjvek&fmt=18

Capes Update!

Capes here giving you a update on what's been going on up here. I have been pushing my ramp gap back and practicing for 400' I have been up at Toe's MX Park in Royal City and planning on setting a unofficial Distance record I almost did it last weekend but my bike started leaking oil out of the top of my head gasket so I had to shut it down with a 280 ramp gap and went 303 ft. My main focus is to be the first person to make 400 ft on a dirtbike.. I'll keep you posted. Keep livin it Monster Style!!



Take Care,

Capes

TJ Lavin - Soldier : a tribute to Stephen Murray

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=862Upwy-qYo&fmt=18

Chris MacClugage Race Update Myrtle Beach

Hi

Chris raced Saturday Ski GP, Sunday Pro Am stock and Ski GP.

He Won all his 6 races easily lapping most of the field. He raced really well. He was out standing all weekend.

He is also in the local news paper.

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/724/gallery/479434-a479462-t2.html

Rachel MacClugage

Monster Energy’s “Pour It On” Campaign Benefits The Asterisk Medical Unit With 6K @ Glen Helen & Hangtown

Fans kick in a buck a can for the normally free Monster Energy product being sampled and Monster fronts the money to Asterisk in win/win deal!


CORONA, Calif., (June 5, 2008) – Motocross fans at California’s Glen Helen (San Bernardino) and Hangtown (Prairie City) rounds of the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship the past two weekends were happy to pay for the normally free Monster Energy product at the MX Nationals events as 100-percent of the dollar-per-can promotion went to benefit the Asterisk Mobile Medical Center.

The joint deal dubbed “Pour It On” was struck between officials at Monster Energy and Asterisk, makers of state-of-the-art Knee Protection Systems and other protective gear for motocross racers. Figuring that the Corona, Calif.-based Hansen Beverage Co., maker of Monster Energy, already has solid foothold in the Los Angeles market, it was though that motocross fans wouldn’t have a problem kicking in a buck for the sample can they normally receive for free – especially considering all of the proceeds were going to the Asterisk Mobile Medical Center, its staff and supplies.

“Monster Energy continues to step up in their support of the motocross community,” said Asterisk’s Tom Carson. “They came to us with this opportunity to help support the Asterisk Mobile Medical Center and we are very fortunate to work with them.”

All totaled, Monster Energy’s promotion brought in $6,233 ($2,520 at Glen Helen and $3,713 at Hangtown) for the non-profit operation that offers vital at-track medical assistance to the racers.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, SX, Trophy Trucks, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rocking’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Everyone at the MX Nationals is diggin’ ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com .

Tucker Hibbert Returns to Motocross Action This Weekend in Texas

Tucker Hibbert Returns to Motocross Action This Weekend in Texas
Thief River Falls, Minn. (June 2, 2008) - Monster Energy backed Tucker Hibbert will begin his 2008 motocross season at round three of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Toyota Motocross Lites Championship in Wortham, Texas June 7-8. This marks Hibbert’s first motocross event since winning the Canadian MotoSport Racing Club (CMRC) Monster Energy National’s East/West Shootout in Ontario last September.
This winter, Hibbert took time off the bike to focus his efforts on his other racing forte, snocross. He had another dominating season and was named “Racer of the Year” for the second time by SnowWeek Magazine. At ESPN’s Winter X Games 12, he won his third gold medal to add medal number seven to his collection. He was the winningest rider on the national tour and despite missing one full event, he won his fourth end-of-the-year pro points championship.
Hibbert will compete as a privateer in seven AMA Motocross Lites events and two CMRC MX2 events. Rather than running the entire series in either the United States or Canada, he chose a limited schedule focused on helping him become a better competitor and athlete.
Check out www.tucker-hibbert.com for his complete schedule along with race reports, photos, videos and newsletters written by Hibbert himself.

Hibbert At-A-Glance:
First appearance at Freestone County Raceway
Four Career Motocross Lites Top-15 finishes

Tucker Hibbert – #87
“I’m really pumped to be back on the bike. I had another great winter in snocross but am ready to be racing motorcycles again. Being a duel-sport athlete has put me in a lot of different situations and I believe it’s helped me become a better all-around athlete. I have a lot of confidence heading into this summer and am focused on consistently placing in the top-ten in the U.S. and to win in Canada.”

Facts Facts:
• The only athlete in the world to competitively race both motorcycles and snowmobiles at a premiere level.
• Competing as a privateer in seven AMA Toyota Motocross Lites Championship events and two CMRC Monster Energy MX2 Nationals this summer.
• Four-time National Snocross Pro Points Champion and seven-time ESPN’s Winter X Games medalist.
• One of Monster Energy’s first-ever sponsored athletes.

Resources: www.tucker-hibbert.com • www.monsterenergy.com
www.amamotocross.com • www.cmrcracing.com

Monster Energy’s Jason Lawrence Wins First AMA Lites Class Moto Of ’08 Outdoor National Season

Lawrence (Yamaha of Troy) makes the overall Lites podium with a 1-5 finish at Glen Helen (San Bernardino, Calif.) AMA Toyota MX Championship

CORONA, Calif., (May 26, 2008) – Monster Energy’s Jason Lawrence (Yamaha of Troy) – the reigning WSX Monster Energy Supercross champion - opened the 2008 Outdoor National motocross season right where he left off the supercross season, winning the first AMA Lites class moto at the Glen Helen opener of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship in San Bernardino, Calif.

Lawrence then brought his YZ250F home in 5th place in the second moto to take a podium 3rd place overall position to begin the 2008 outdoor season.

Putting up the opening moto’s fastest lap time (2:43.412), Lawrence led the 14-lap contest wire-to-wire in taking the victory. “That rocked,” said the fired-up Lawrence of his first moto win. “Can’t start the season out much better than that. Gives me the confidence I’ll be able to hit up all summer long!”

In the second moto Lawrence didn’t pull as good of a start, but made it up to 5th by the end of the first lap. Maintaining 5th for some time, Lawrence was passed by fellow supercross Lites champ, Trey Canard, midway through the contest and the two SX champions aligned on what would be one of the better races within-a-race at Glen Helen. Ultimately Lawrence would get the better of Canard, passing him on lap 12 of the 14-lap contest – and making it stick – to take 5th overall and preserve the podium finish.

Next up for the Monster Energy Supercross Western Lites champion is the June 1st Hangtown MX National at Prairie City SVRA (Calif.), round two of the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it Monster Energy Supercross, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Jason Lawrence digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

MONSTER ARMY TEARS IT UP AT CORR IN PRIMM, NV

Monster Energy takes a trip down to CORR to check out all the action from the Monster Army riders, Rick Huseman, Jeremy McGrath, Rodrigo Ampudia, Johnny Greaves, and Travis Coyne.

Congratulations to both Johnny Greaves and Rick Huseman for winning first in the Pro-4 Main Event



Want to become a member of the Monster Army?
Apply at www.monsterarmy.com or www.monsterenergy.com

MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI’S HACKING FINISHES WITH SEASON-BEST THIRD IN SONOMA

Sonoma, Calif. (May 18, 2008) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jamie Hacking rode an inspired race to finish with his first podium of the season in third during the fourth round of the AMA Superbike series at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Attack Kawasaki’s Steve Rapp used his great start to also finish on the podium in the AMA Formula Xtreme race.

Kawasaki Under the Kawasaki Tent

Getting There
After consistently improving his time in qualifying and practice, Hacking had the confidence he needed to put his Kawasaki ZX-10R on the podium. Starting fifth, Hacking stayed close to the front pack and was able to pass for third on lap 12.

“We were able to try a few things at the test last week and they seem to be pointing us in the right direction,” said Hacking. “We knew we would be up here, but didn’t know how soon. I’m really happy to be able to do this for Kawasaki and the team.”

Moving in the Right Direction
After qualifying second, Rapp got a great jump off the start to lead the pack through the first lap. He remained right on the tail of the riders who had gone by and rode smart to finish with his second podium of the season in third.

“I felt good at the beginning of the race,” said Rapp. “We made a change before the race and the bike felt pretty good. I knew Chaz (Davies) would be right there. I could see him in a few corners. I just tried to stay steady.”

For the Team
Getting a good finish is the pay off of hard work by the rider and especially the team that supports the every move of the rider.

“I really wanted to get a podium for the team,” said Rapp. “They worked really hard and deserve to be up there.”

Riding Hard
Davies started on the front row and was battling hard with his teammate the majority of the race, but pulled off on the 15th lap, finishing 27th.

“The race was going pretty good,” said Chaz. “I was staying right on Steve (Rapp) and thought that I might be able to pass him. Unfortunately we had some sort of issue that gave out of the bike, but looking forward to Sunday’s race.”

Hot Days
When the race started, the temperature was a hot 95 degrees. With temperatures breaking records all week, this was considered the coolest day so far this weekend.

Celebrate
Last year, Hackings first podium was over halfway through the season. The 2008 season brought a podium finish at only the fourth round.

“It’s been awhile since I’ve been up here, but I know we have a great bike that deserves to be on the podium,” said Hacking. “I know we will keep making improvements and it won’t be the last time we are up here.”


AMA Superbike Series
Infineon Raceway – Sonoma, Calif.
May 17, 2008

AMA Formula Xtreme Results
1. Jake P. Zemke, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda
2. Josh Hayes, Gulfport, Miss., Honda
3. STEVE RAPP, MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIF., ATTACK KAWASAKI
4. Cory West, Eureka Springs, Ark., Suzuki
5. Larry Pegram, Pataskala, Ohio, Ducati
6. Danny C. Eslick, Broken Arrow, Okla., Suzuki
7. NICKY MOORE, RIVERBANK, CALIF., KAWASAKI
8. Garrett Carter, Royal Oak, Mich., Suzuki
9. FERNANDO AMANTINI, CARACAS, VENEZUELA, KAWASAKI
10. Brian Parriott, Calistoga, Calif., BMW

AMA Formula Xtreme Points Standings
1. Jake Zemke, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 132
2. STEVE RAPP, MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIF., ATTACK KAWASAKI, 114
3. Larry Pegram, Pataskala, Ohio, Ducati, 111
4. CHAZ DAVIES, KNIGHTON, UK, ATTACK KAWASAKI, 95
5. Josh Hayes, Gulfport, Miss., Honda, 89
6. Martin Cardenas, Medellin, Colombia, Suzuki, 84
7. FERNANDO AMANTINI, CARACAS, VENEZUELA, KAWASAKI, 84
8. Danny Eslick, Broken Arrow, Okla., Suzuki, 80
9. Aaron Gobert, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 65
10. Garrett Carter, Royal Oak, Mich., Suzuki, 65

AMA Superbike Class
1. Ben Spies, Longview, Texas, Suzuki
2. Matthew Mladin, Henderson, Nev., Suzuki
3. JAMIE HACKING, DENVER, N.C., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
4. Eric Bostrom, Malibu, Calif., Yamaha
5. Aaron Yates, Milledgeville, Ga., Suzuki
6. Neil Hodgson, Isle of Man, UK, Honda
7. Jason Disalvo, Stafford, N.Y., Yamaha
8. Matt Lynn, Ball Ground, Ga., Honda
9. Geoff May, Gainesville, Ga., Suzuki
10. Miguel Duhamel, Las Vegas, Nev., Honda

AMA Superbike Points Standings
1. Matthew Mladin, Henderson, Nev., Suzuki, 210
2. Ben Spies, Longview, Texas, Suzuki, 196
3. Jason Disalvo, Stafford, N.Y., Yamaha, 161
4. Neil Hodgson, Isle of Man, UK, Honda, 155
5. Tommy Hayden, Owensboro, Ky., Suzuki, 143
6. JAMIE HACKING, DENVER, N.C., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 141
7. Eric Bostrom, Malibu, Calif., Yamaha, 133
8. Matt Lynn, Ball Ground, Ga., Honda, 118
9. Miguel Duhamel, Las Vegas, Nev., Honda, 112
10. Aaron Yates, Milledgeville, Ga., Suzuki, 106

# # #

5 Minutes with Monster Energy/Kawasaki Rider Tim Ferry

By Eric Johnson

Tim Ferry stood alone, bottle of water in hand, watching Chad Reed and younger riders Ryan Villopoto, Austin Stroupe, Davi Millsaps, Ryan Dungey and others celebrate the end of the 2008 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series at a massive party thrown by Monster Energy in an opulent suite inside the Palms. Everyone present was having a good time, letting their hair down in knowing the latest stadium motocross season was now simply a thing for the history books. Through the massive glass windows of the room, the view of The Strip of Las Vegas was simply beyond belief; Ferry (well, all of us) watched the sky become lighter and the sun ever so steadily begin to cast its light over the city that never sleeps, a sort of duel of illumination between billions of neon lights and the biggest and baddest representative of our solar system.



"I can't wait for the Nationals to start," answered Ferry, 33, when I asked if he was ready to begin the 17th AMA National Championship of his astonishingly long career. "I mean, I guess I have things figured out now. I get more of a rush on the bike while I'm racing now than I ever have. I'm really ready to get going."

Quite a statement from the Monster Energy rider who has experienced every single home run, strike out, and curve ball the sport of motocross could possible conjure up and chuck at someone. The wildest thing about it all is that Tim Ferry just seems to be getting better and better. Last July, he won his first AMA National since Glen Helen in 2001, and now, heading into the 2008 campaign, he is considered a title favorite by many railbirds. With the curtain-raising Glen Helen National set to run on Sunday, May 25, we hooked up with Ferry to get inside his head and see just what's up for the summer of 2008.



Tim, what are you up to today?



I'm just doing some riding and trying to get re-adjusted to my motocross bike. The bike is so much different than my supercross bike that it takes a week or two on the outdoor bike to begin feeling comfortable. It's going good though and I feel like I'm getting in my groove now.



How much have you been riding?



Well, I did all my testing on the bike so I've already put in that time, and since Vegas, I've been doing as many motos as possible. I've done at least seven or eight motos in the last week. I'll also do some sprint motos here and there. The main thing is to just be on the bike. In fact, I actually feel more prepared this year than last year. We have a big break between Vegas and Glen Helen, and like I said, I was able to get all my testing done early. Also, last year, I was trying to nail down third in the supercross series (note: which he did), so I didn't even ride my outdoor bike until the season began.



For the first time in four years, the AMA National Motocross Championship will open up at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California. Are you good with that?



Actually, I'm okay with that for a few reasons. The main reason is that Kawasaki is right there in Southern California and I'm there all of the time. For that reason, Glen Helen is an easy first race to do. Another reason is that Glen Helen is the toughest track on the circuit and having the last race of the year there can be tough.



Do you like the Glen Helen circuit?



I don't really like it actually. It's the funnest track to ride on in practice, but by the second moto, it's so rough and dry and dusty. It's in the desert so it can get really bad. Also, later in the day there is the sun and it gets so bright that you can't see on the hills. Glen Helen is not one of my favorites.



A week later, round two of the series — The Hangtown Motocross Classic — will take place at the track in Rancho Cordova, California. What do you think of that place?



Actually, Hangtown is pretty good. They make a big effort to make the track better there by bringing in a lot of dirt. I enjoy Hangtown; it's a good track.



Of the 12 tracks on the AMA National Championship tour, which are your favorites?



I really like Budds Creek a lot. I've always enjoyed racing there. I like all the hills and have a lot of fun on the track. I also really like Red Bud. It has all the options: sand, rutted turns, whoops — everything. Budds Creek and Red Budd are two of my tracks.



Along with High Point Raceway (June 15) and Steel City (August 31), Red Bud is a round of the Monster Triple Crown of Motocross. Would you be stoked to win the Triple Crown?



Yeah, obviously, it would be great. In fact, I want to win the first round at High Point so nobody else can win it (laughs). But, yeah, it would be great to win the money and it would be great to win it because Monster Energy is a personal sponsor of mine. It would mean a lot to me to win it.



Okay, not only have we not seen much of James Stewart, but now the word on the street is that he's signed to Yamaha in one way, shape or form. With you guys being teammates, has James' absence in 2008 had an effect on you and the team?



You know, we ride on the same team and this issue comes up a lot. I hear a lot of, "How close do you and James work together?" The last time I saw James was at the Seattle Supercross. That's one of the only times I've seen him all year. All I know is that the team has my bikes ready. I have no clue what he's been doing. I can only assume I'll see him at Glen Helen and he'll come out swinging.



So you think James will be at the opening round at Glen Helen?



I would imagine he will be there. He'll be right there too. He's one of those guys that can take a lot of time off and be fast right away because he has so much talent. The bikes are super-good too; I know that as I've been testing them.



Tim, can you win the championship?



You know, I think I can. For me, I need to be consistent and be on the podium every weekend — that and to stay out of trouble. I really think four or five guys are capable of winning races this season. I think this season will be very similar to last season which came down to the very end, and it sounds like both Kevin Windham and Chad Reed will not be racing the series.



Who do you think can win races?



Davi Millsaps and Andrew Short. Mike Alessi came on strong at the end of the series last year. Ben Townley is a big question. Nobody has seen him race the big
Honda before. He's a mystery but I'm expecting him to come out and be in the top three. He takes stuff seriously.



While we were at that party in the Palms in Las Vegas, you mentioned that you've never felt better and this might be your year…



I think it definitely could be. I'm coming off a really good season. Last year I won races and motos and I have not done that in SO long. I didn't think that would ever happen again. Being on the Monster Energy/Kawasaki team rejuvenated me. I'm 33 years old and I still have stuff to prove. I mean, your goals change from when you're 19 or 20 years old. I'm very competitive. This sport has always been a challenge for me because I've always had to work at it. It's what keeps me going. To get up and work and try to have that pay off is what it's all about. When you put in the work and the results come, it means everything. I have more of a focus on why I do this now. I know what my goals are. As a kid, I raced because it was fun and bikes were cool. Now, it's much more about the challenge. I like that I've been able to change styles. I'm not an older guy that jumps straight up and down. I'm always evolving.



What's the masterplan for Glen Helen?



I'd be very pleased to come out in the top three. I'll know a lot more about where I'm at after that race. Josh Hill, Ben Townley and Broc Hepler are all unknowns in the class. If I can get on the podium, I'll score a bunch of points and be ready for the battle.

ZOO YORK'S AM GETTING PAID 2008 // JULY 18TH - 20TH

The Zoo York Institute is proud to announce that from July 18-20, 2008, the fourth annual Zoo York AM Getting Paid (AGP) contest will be held at South Parc Skatepark located on the outskirts of Montreal, Canada, in the town of Brossard. Widely recognized as one of today’s most prestigious international skateboarding competitions that caters to amateurs only, this year’s contest carries a hefty prize purse of $10,000 USD.

Established in 2004 by Zoo York, the annual AM Getting Paid contest is extremely important as it provides tomorrow’s pros with much needed support, experience and exposure within the global skateboarding community. AGP always brings out all the rippers and this year will certainly be no exception. Zoo's am team will roll deep at this year's event with Brandon Westgate, Matt Miller, Ron Deily, Anthony Shetler, Eli Reed, and Chaz Ortiz slated to compete.

Registration is now open and, with only 150 spots available, interested skaters are strongly encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this summer's AGP action. For more info and to register for this year’s event, visit: www.amgettingpaid.com.

AM Getting Paid 2008 is presented by Zoo York with additional support from Monster Energy, Fallen Footwear, Underworld Skateshop, SBC Media, and a bevy of other top industry brands.

South Parc Skatepark is located at 8100 Taschereau in Brossard, Quebec, Canada. For directions and park info, check out: www.south-parc.com.

Monster Energy’s Shawn Watson Takes 1st Place @ The Carnival – Wakeboarding’s Marquee Rail Event

Watson leads a strong contingent of Monster Energy-backed athletes that descend upon Orlando and take it to the world’s best rail riders

CORONA, Calif., (May 12, 2008) – Monster Energy’s Shawn Watson was crowned king of the rails this past weekend at the Carnival, the nation’s premier wakeboarding rail event held at the Projects on the outskirts of Orlando.

Watson showcased his best stuff all weekend long in taking the Carnival win – arguably the biggest rail win of his career. “To win the Carnival is huge,” said Watson. “We had a bunch of guys from Monster there competing and all had each other’s backs. The competition level was insane. I was fortunate to have won because there were ten guys that were killing it all weekend.”



In the opening round Watson got by fellow Monster Energy wakeboarder Kevin Henshaw, then topped Aaron Rathy and edged Keith Lidberg in a close match. In the finals Watson was pitted against defending Carnival champ, Parks Bonifay. Again Watson stepped up and laid down a colossal finals run that included a switch toeside 270 to back lip slide/270 off the Fox transfer box. Watson then nose pressed the entire Hyperlite A-frame, giving him the win over Bonifay.

“Watson has a solid, consistent run with a lot of variety,” added Tony Smith, on of the event’s judges.

Other Monster Energy wakeboarders competing at the Carnival included: Daniel Watkins, Shane Bonifay and Danny Harf.

This weekend (May 16-18) is the first Wakeboarding Pro Tour stop of the season, opening in Acworth, Ga. Monster Energy athletes will be out in full force, including: Watson, Harf, Bonifay, Henshaw, Jimmy LaRiche (Jr. Men) and Melissa Marquardt.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it wakeboards jibbing, bonking, hucking and schralping across rails, snowmobile distance jumping, enduro, hare scrambles, MX, road racing, supermoto, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Everybody at the big wakeboarding events are diggin’ ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

MA rider Johnson to Debut New Chassis at Bristol; Will Attend Prestigious Medal of Honor Dinner

by Susie Arnold, Bernstein Racing

BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Tommy Johnson, Jr., driver of the Monster Energy Funny Car, hails Bristol Dragway as one of his favorite tracks on the 24-event NHRA tour.

“I just love this facility,” said Johnson, “plus Bristol, before it was renovated into the premiere facility it is now, was the site of my first alcohol Funny Car win in 1987.”

Johnson, who was in the final four at Phoenix in February, acknowledges that the start of the 2008 season has been much slower than expected.

“NHRA has mandated a rule change on our Funny Car chassis that will come into effect by the July Denver event,” said Johnson. “We have tested this new-style chassis twice, most recently after the last event in St. Louis. In both tests, this chassis has performed better. Since this Hadman-built chassis is showing so much promise, we plan to run it at Bristol.

“At the St. Louis event we ran one of our best elapsed times this season,” said Johnson, “Our team has been working around the clock to make more performance strides.”

Nitro (Top Fuel and Funny Car) qualifying begins Friday, May 16 at 4:30 p.m. followed by a second session at 7 p.m. There are two qualifying sessions Saturday 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., with eliminations scheduled to begin at noon Sunday.

Monster Mentions: Johnson to attend Medal of Honor dinner. Tommy Johnson will accompany wife Melanie Troxel to the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation banquet, Thursday, May 15 at the grand ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta as guests of one of Troxel’s car owners Roger Burgess. Brian Williams, anchor of NBC nightly news and emcee of the dinner will pay respect to 25 Medal of Honor recipients. Also receiving tributes will be former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn and Kimberly Dozier, the CBS correspondent who was so badly wounded in Iraq on Memorial Day, 2006. Dozier has written a book, Breathing the Fire.

“It is quite an honor to have an opportunity to attend this dinner,” said Johnson. “I’m looking forward to being in the company of some of our country’s real heroes.”

O’REILLY THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS
TELEVISION ADVISORY

Qualifying – May 17 – ESPN2
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. ET

NHRA Race Day – May 18 – ESPN2
11-11:30 a.m. ET

Eliminations – May 18 – ESPN2
6:30 – 10 p.m. ET

Monster Energy’s MacClugage & Warner Sweep APBA Opener On Their Monster/Kawasaki Water Craft

MacClugage (1-2) and Warner (6-1) are best in Pro Am Open race at the American Power Boat Association’s National Tour opener in Parker, Ariz.

CORONA, Calif., (May 7, 2008) – Monster Energy/Kawasaki personal water craft racers Chris MacClugage and Craig Warner got off to a dynamite start recently on the American Power Boat Association’s (APBA) National Tour, both winning main events in the two-day APBA season opener in Parker, Ariz.

Both MacClugage and Warner were running the Monster Energy-branded Kawasaki Ultra 250s in the Pro Am Open class, with MacClugage striking first blood when a charging Warner broke a belt on his supercharger and lost power in the first moto. MacClugage was able to go on and win that moto, with Warner having to settle for a DNF.




But Warner would rebound in a big way in the second moto of the first day’s races, forcing the holeshot with an outside sweeping move and chopping everybody down in the second turn. From there he (Warner) pulled away from the rest of the field and lapped up to 3rd place – securing the second moto win with ease. End result: MacClugage 1st overall (1st -2nd ), Warner 6th (DNF-1st ).



The second day began with Warner opting for his back up boat, a Kawasaki STX15F. In the first moto he blasted out to a 2nd place start, but would bobble on the second lap while gunning for the lead. “On the next lap I let it all hang out and passed the 2nd and 1st place riders, then dominated the field and lapped up to 3rd place again for my second victory,” said Warner.







Warner set up much of the field in turn four at Parker. Confident with his efforts, he switched back to his Monster Energy/Kawasaki Ultra 250 and pulled the holeshot again – sweeping to the outside and splitting two riders for the lead. “I dominated the field by a half lap and lapped up to 3rd place again,” added Warner. “Chris MacClugage and I went head-to-head on very similar boats and it was a great battle for us. I came away with three moto wins and one DNF and was very happy with my performance. Thanks a lot to Monster Energy for backing us.” End result from Sunday: Warner 1st (1st -1st ), MacClugage 2nd (2nd -2nd ).



Up next for Monster Energy’s MacClugage and Warner is the June 7-8 APBA National Tour stop in Myrtle Beach , S.C.

Up and Down Day for Team Dakar USA in the Central Europe Rally

Find more photos like this on Robby's upRising


Veszprem, Hungary – It was a seesaw day for Team Dakar USA. Over the past three stages when things have gone well for Robby Gordon and his Monster Hummer, BJ Baldwin and the Vanguard Hummer has had its set of challenges. Today the roles were reversed.

The Central Europe Rally shifted back to Hungary and revisited the site of the first special in Dubras, just outside Budapest. Gordon impressed on the first special of the day, finishing third in the opening segment. BJ Baldwin was in full attack mode as well but managed to tangle with a tree. That episode relegated him to seventh on the first special.

Team Dakar USA then travelled 201km to the start of the second special in Veszprem where the rally will be for the next two days.

There was no holding back for either of the two hummer teams. Gordon and Grider were flying when a rock managed to sever the rear brake line. The duo acted quickly to cap of the line and continue with only front brakes. Navigation errors by some of the top rivals allowed them to close up the gap only to give it back when the Hummer H3 went off the track just a few kilometers from the end of the special.

The second special was the best moment yet for BJ Baldwin and navigator Kevin Heath. Coming from the back the team scored an impressive 5th place finish which vaulted them up to 15th in the overall classifications. With Gordon’s mechanical luck he dropped back to eight in the standings, 7:05 adrift.

Tomorrow’s stage five will remain in Veszprem which is good terrain for the Hummers. The wide open, sometimes motorcross like tracks make for spectacular rallying and Team Dakar USA plans to charge again.

Coverage of the Central Europe Rally can be seen in the United States on DirecTV. The half hour show will be aired twice – first at 7p.m. EST and then again at 12:30a.m. Additional rally coverage can also be found on robbygordon.com and robbysuprising.com where Team Dakar USA will have daily updates, the twitter micro blog feed, and videos.

Monster Energy’s Adam Cianciarulo Again Leads Monster Army Amateur MX Racers @ Las Vegas Mini Grand

Monster Energy/Kawasaki racers Mike Hall (450 Mod Pro) and Dean Wilson (450 Non Pro) also lock down big overall wins at western USA’s biggest amateur event

CORONA, Calif., (April 22, 2008) – Reports coming back to Monster Energy HQ from this weekend’s Las Vegas World Mini Grand Prix point to another dominant performance by Monster Energy-backed athletes from Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green, Monster Energy/Innovative MX/Yamaha and Extreme Team Green programs.

The top dog again for Monster Energy, as he was at the season-opening Lake Whitney Amateur National Motocross Championship, was Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Adam Cianciarulo. The up-and-coming Sunshine State motocross star, enjoying the same Kawasaki amateur lineage as fellow Floridians and Monster Energy-backed racers Ricky Carmichael and James “Bubba” Stewart (Monster Energy/Kawasaki), walked away with a couple more major amateur national titles in winning both the Vegas GP’s 85cc Thru-11 Stock and Mod classes.

“Monster Energy would like to congratulate all of our racers that participated at the Vegas Mini GPs this past weekend,” said John Lee, Director of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy. “Through Texas and Vegas MX nationals Monster Energy amateur racers have really stepped up and, via their successful efforts on the track, have continued to help elevate the Monster Energy brand. We look forward to following them through their Loretta’s qualifiers all over the nation and the next big national event in Ponca City, Okla.”

It should also be note at this point that Max Anstie (KTM) had a heck of a weekend as well, winning multiple classes including the Supermini Thru 16 class and 85cc Modified 14-16 class and finishing 2nd overall in the 85cc Open and 3rd overall in 85cc Stock 14-15 class. Jr. Cycle class racer, Monster Energy-backed Stone Elder (Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green), was on top of it as well, winning the 6-11 Open, 9-11 Modified and finishing 2nd in the 9-11 Stock class on the Jr. Cycles. Finally, Dean Wilson (Extreme Team Green) won the 450 Non Pro class and 450 Stock Intermediate class.

Burly weather greeted the racers last week with 40-plus mph winds and dust the wreaked havoc on everything from eyes and ears to the bikes’ air filters. Monster Energy’s support staff, led by Kyle Krause, rented out a local go-kart track as a fun diversion from the pressures of amateur national motocross racing – something that was quite welcome from the kids and young adult racers and their families.

Back to business side to things through out the rest of the week, Monster Energy racers continued to shine with more championships being won by numerous athletes, including: Alexah Pearson (Girls 65-85cc), Sarah Price (125-250 Women) and Mike Hall (450 Modified Pro).

Other podium finishes for Monster Energy-backed athletes included: Thomas Covington (2nd/85cc Modified Thu 11), Alexah Pearson (2nd/125-250 Women), Tyler Sjoberg (3rd/450 Non Pro), Dean Wilson (2nd/ 250 Stock Intermediate) PJ Larsen (2nd in both the 450 Pro and 450 Pro Modified).

Also noteworthy was the performances of Monster Energy-backed racers like Zach Bell, who was the only young racer capable of pulling off the big triple in the middle of the track on his 85cc bike, Christian Craig who was faster than his results would show and Lowell Spangler, a top A class contender, who ended up injuring his wrist. Hopefully Spangler can make it back and qualify for Loretta’s!

Next up for Monster Energy’s amateur motocross racers are numerous Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Motocross Championships at local motocross tracks all over the country.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, snocross, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. All the Monster Energy amateur MX racers that competed at the Vegas Mini GPs this past week dug ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

Robby Gordon Claims Second in First Stage of the Central Europe Rally

Budapest, Hungary – American driver Robby Gordon and his Monster Energy Toyo Tire blazed to a second place finish in the first stage of the inaugural Central European Rally.

The stage began before a large crowd at Hero’s Square in Budapest where the teams were introduced to the spectators. The competitors then drove to beginning of the special 58km away in Dabas. More like a WRC style rally course rather than the marathon wide open stages of the Dakar, Gordon and navigator Andy Grider laid siege to the tight twisty tree lined narrow track.

“We attacked the course today. This is a sprint race that is going to be one by minutes if not seconds, so it is great that we are second after the first stage. This was a fantastic result for our team because we are competing against some of the best teams in the world. The competition has done their homework but so has this team. We went hard today and still got beat by about 40 seconds so I know we have some work to do, but overall I’m very happy” said Gordon.

Teammate BJ Baldwin impressed the crowds with his wide-open driving style but one of the spare drive shafts stored in the engine compartment broke free and knocked off a drive belt, which he and navigator Kevin Heath repaired. With the setback the Vanguard Hummer team finds themselves in 23rd position – 9:41 seconds back from overall stage winner Carlos Sainz of Spain.

The rally now heads for Baia Mare in Romania for the second stage which will feature two specials – both 76km. The terrain is reported to be muddy and rocky.

Coverage of the Central Europe Rally can be seen in the United States on DirecTV. The half hour show will be aired twice – first at 7p.m. est and then again at 12:30a.m. Additional rally coverage can also be found on robbygordon.com and robbysuprising.com where Team Dakar USA will have daily updates, the twitter micro blog feed, and videos.

www.youtube.com/monsterarmy
www.myspace.com/monsterarmyhq
www.robbygordon.com
www.monsterarmy.com

Ryan Capes Update!

Hey it's Ryan Capes it's been a crazy 2008 so far, pushing the distance on a dirt bike and going big.. In February I did a training session with Trigger Gumm, Seth Enslow and myself where we were hucking all of our personal best distance wise at Huckfest in Washington

Training because Seth and I were getting ready for The Crusty Night Of Records, which I did on March 29th in Melbourne, Australia I did one jump and went 324 Ft in 4th GEAR and am saving the Big one for my fans and Sponsors back home in the States. I handed it to Robbie Maddison.. It was a amazing show and had the best freestylers in the World Monsters own Nate Adams, Adam Jones, Bilko.

Getting ready to bust one out over the Arkansas River in Kansas City May 16th. I will be jumping at the Kansas City River Festival. Come Check it out... I will be breaking the overall distance record again this year and will keep you posted on that and other jumps as they get booked... Until then Stay Safe.

Villopoto Grabs The Win In AMA Supercross Lites

Villopoto Grabs The Win In AMA Supercross Lites

DETROIT (April 12, 2008) – Red Bull Honda’s Davi Millsaps picked up his second win of the season at tonight’s Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, at Ford Field. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., won the AMA Supercross Lites class main event win.

Honda’s Eric Sorby, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., won the $1,500 Progressive Holeshot Award to begin the 20-lap AMA Supercross class main event. Millsaps closed in on Sorby and took over the lead on the second lap, bringing Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Timmy Ferry and Torco Honda’s Kevin Windham with him to round out the top three.

Millsaps turned in a strong, consistent ride to lead the remaining 18 laps en route to the victory. Ferry held on to finish second with Windham winding up in third.

“I found some really good lines in practice and got a good start in the main and took care of the rest,” said Millsaps. “I got caught up in lappers but ended up fighting through. It was unfortunate what happened to Chad today but I felt like I rode a good race and really earned it tonight.”

The subplot of the entire day was the misfortune of points leader and eight-time winner Chad Reed. The San Manuel of Mission Indians Yamaha rider suffered a hard crash in practice, sending him to the hospital for multiple injuries to his chest and shoulder. Reed was released from the hospital and would use an AMA Provisional, which allows for a rider within the top 10 in points to advance directly to the main, where he would eventually finish in 12th place.

Reed’s injury has drastically tightened the points chase in the AMA Supercross class, with Windham now sitting just 16 points back with three races remaining.

“It will be interesting to see how Chad bounces back from his injury,” said Windham. “It should be an interesting finish in the series. Today was really an emotional roller coaster for me. I came in here 27 points back and after his crash in the first practice it really pulled a 180 for me, and the season.

“Chad has got a lot of adversity in front of him right now. He has won a championship before so he knows what he’s got to do to get it done. I’ve never won one and I’ll be looking to do what I need to do to get my first.”

Villopoto grabbed the $1,000 Progressive Direct Holeshot Award to start the 15-lap AMA Supercross Lites main event. Torco Honda’s Trey Canard, of Elk City, Okla., and Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s local rider Nico Izzi, of St. Clair, Mich., settled into the second and third positions.

Villopoto, winner of the previous two main events leading into Detroit, quickly checked out and rode a near flawless race to earn his third victory of the season. Boost Yamaha’s Ryan Morais, of Murrieta, Calif., finished second while Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Brendan Jesseman, of New Brighton, Pa., was third.

Villopoto’s win coupled with a 10th-place finish for Canard, who crashed on lap seven and had a difficult time restarting his bike, has reduced Canard’s lead to three points in the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites standings with one race remaining.

“I got off to a bad start this year and put myself in a hole out of the gate,” said Villopoto. “I came around there and saw that (Canard) was down. It was definitely what I needed and it’s good to be down just three points down with one race to go.”

The AMA Supercross class will be broadcast in HD on SPEED on Sunday, April 13, at 6 p.m. EST and the AMA Supercross Lites class will air on SPEED in HD Saturday April 19, at 6 p.m. EST.

AMA Supercross Class Results, Detroit

1. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., Honda
2. Tim Ferry, Dade City, Fla., Kawasaki
3. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
4. Josh Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
6. Travis Preston, Hesperia, Calif., Kawasaki
7. David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
8. Charles Summey, Huntersville, N.C., Yamaha
9. Heath Voss, Mico, Texas, Honda
10. Jason Thomas, Melrose, Fla., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings

1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Yamaha, 296
2. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 280
3. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., Honda, 229
4. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 221
5. Joshua Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha, 191
6. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 189
7. Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha, 155
8. David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 137
9. Paul Carpenter, Ithaca, N.Y., Honda, 123
10. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., KTM, 121

AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Detroit

1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
2. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
3. Branden Jesseman, New Brighton, Pa., Kawasaki
4. Nico Izzi, Saint Clair., Mich., Suzuki
5. Matt Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., KTM
6. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ken., Yamaha
7. Kyle Partridge, Menifee, Calif., Honda
8. Kyle Chisholm, Seminole, Fla., Kawasaki
9. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., Suzuki
10. Trey Canard, Elk City, Okla., Honda

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

1. Trey Canard, Elk City, Okla., Honda, 122
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 119
3. Nico Izzi, Saint Clair., Mich., Suzuki, 86
4. Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ken., Yamaha, 76
5. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM, 73
6. Branden Jesseman, New Brighton, Pa., Kawasaki, 72
7. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Honda, 71
8. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM, 70
9. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 68
10. Billy Payne, Simi Valley, Calif., Honda, 60

Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

1. Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 135
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 129
3. Austin Stroupe, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 113
4. Brett Metcalfe, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 112
5. Tommy Hahn, Alvord, Texas, Kawasaki, 101
6. Dan Reardon, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 95
7. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 85
8. Robert Kiniry, LaFayette, N.Y., Kawasaki, 71
9. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Yamaha, 69
10. Billy Laninovich, Lake Elsinore, Calif., KTM 62

KTM Junior Supercross Challenge

1. Jase Burke, Maricopa, Calif., KTM
2. Kannon Lenar, Glendale, Ore., KTM
3. Seth Cantarini, Bellevue, Wash., KTM
4. Zachary Kirchoff, Decker, Ind., KTM
5. Samuel Davis, Grayling, Mich., KTM
6. Kody Herber, Linwood, Mich., KTM
7. Chase VanSickle, Fremont, Mich., KTM
8. Tyler Buckman, Robards, Ky., KTM
9. Brant Gullickson, Chamberlain, S.D., KTM
10. Dalton Tarter, Tuolumne, Calif., KTM
11. Max Soulliere, Dewitt, Mich., KTM
12. Spencer Goad, Northwood, N.H., KTM
13. Brenden Korte, Suffolk, Va., KTM
14. Adam Powers, Rockford, Mich., KTM
15. Nycholas Burnside, Parry Sound, Canada, KTM

The next Monster Energy® Supercross race takes place at Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis on Saturday, April 19.

TJ Lavin Update!

Well this was a great week for a few reasons the first being I was in
competition again. Not on the bike (yet) but in a Race Rhino. There
was a race at Stateline here in Nevada and it was a supermoto race. It
was so fun and I ended up fourth over all which I was stoked on. In
any case it was a good time. Another cool thing is I was able to ride
again and my leg seems to be getting better everyday. Were also
shooting a music video in Hollywood on the 28th of this month
benefiting the Stephen Murray Family Fund so that should be cool. Till
next time much love T.

Monster Energy’s Kyle Loza Breaks Out A New FMX Trick That’ll Make Your Socks Roll Up & Down!

Monster Energy’s Kyle Loza Breaks Out A New FMX Trick That’ll Make Your Socks Roll Up & Down!

"This is freakin’ unbelievable," said one industry expert of Electric Death. "Takes the sport to a whole new level," said another.

CORONA, Calif., (April 3, 2008)

"I am psyched to be representing at the X Games MXWC coming up," said Loza. "The Monster Army of riders will be out in full force and we are planning on bringing a bag of Gold medals home. Check out expn.com for a peek into what is coming April 12th and I`ll see you there."

Simply put, ESPN.com’s Ryan Leyba best captures the spirit of the thing in his recent FMX blog. Check it out, along with some insane video of Loza’s "Electric Death" into a foam pit at: http://expn.go.com/expn/blog/moto?post=3326014

This Week in Monster Energy AMA Supercross

Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, takes to the track tomorrow at Texas Stadium where the gate will drop for the 29th time. The AMA Supercross class race will air on SPEED Sunday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m. (EST), and the AMA Supercross Lites race will air on SPEED Saturday April 12 at 4:00 p.m.

Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing is in full swing again, following last week’s AMA Supercross race at Toronto, Ontario. Because the Toronto event was an independent race, AMA Supercross Lites contender Nico Izzi did not participate. Izzi took advantage of the downtime, however, to focus on saddle time in preparation for this weekend’s race at Texas Stadium.

“I was able to train more,” said Izzi, who picked up his first AMA Supercross Lites podium at the recent Indianapolis race. “I bicycled more, rode the Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z250 more, did everything a little more. Since we had a few weeks off, I was able to work really hard. You usually can’t do that while you’re racing every weekend because you don’t want to over-train. I was just able to do a little more of everything in order to get ready for Dallas. I spent the first part of the break riding in Florida and then the rest of the time I’ve been at our track in Georgia. Now, I’m just focused on this weekend.”

In the premier AMA Supercross class, Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s David Vuillemin has continued to train on supercross-style tracks as he prepares for the upcoming Dallas race.

“I wanted to ride motocross this week, but I decided to continue riding supercross in order to end the season well,” said Vuillemin. “I’ve been riding on the dry Suzuki test track to get used to the hard-packed conditions. If it’s dry, Dallas is always hard, slick and slippery. Texas Stadium itself is massive and pretty unique because it’s only open over the field. We had mud races there in the past and hopefully we’ll get nice weather this year. I used to live in Dallas so it’s kind of cool to go back.”

Monster Energy® Kawasaki is ready to return to Texas and after getting back on track at Toronto, Timmy Ferry is set to get back on the podium. At Texas Stadium last season Ferry finished third in the main event.


“It was pretty wet last year,” said Ferry. “For some reason in Texas they think it is cool to have a hole in the roof. I hear it is so God can watch them play football, but I think he can see through the roof. No really, there is a really small chance for rain so I think it will be a good event. My endurance should be better, so I think I can have a good race.”

Ferry’s teammate Travis Preston is hoping the weird track conditions that have followed the series this season are through, but he is predicting they aren’t. Preston put together a solid race weekend in Toronto, charging through the field after he fell on the first lap.

“I sure hope I have an advantage there,” said Preston. “It is just a short drive away from where I’ve been riding. I’m looking forward to it. The way things are going this season, I guarantee it is going to rain so we will just expect that. It has been a weird season so far. I just need to put together a full race and ride as hard as I did last week and I’ll get a good result.”

The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team hopes to repeat its results from its last trip to of Texas. Austin Stroupe earned his first career victory in Houston back in February and now Ryan Villopoto is coming off of his first win of the 2008. Though he has had a two week break, Villopoto has been busy.

“During the break we did some outdoor testing,” said Villopoto. “Our main focus though was trying to get the supercross title. I’ve got to make up 24 points in three races. It’s going to be tough, but we think we can do it.”

Villopoto’s teammate Branden Jesseman also spent the two week break working hard to be ready for the Dallas event.

“I’ve been busting my butt for two weeks,” said Jesseman. “I knew there were areas I needed to work on and I spent the break making sure I get better. I think I can get a podium and be a factor in the next three races.”

The 13th race of the AMA Supercross season in Dallas looks promising for MDK KTM factory rider Nick Wey who is looking to improve upon his season best 6th place finish from last weekend’s race in Toronto.

“I feel great and can’t wait to race in Dallas. I came up just shy of a fifth place finish in Toronto and now am ready to break into the top five this weekend,” commented Wey. In typical fashion Wey spent the week training at various tracks, including Perris Raceway, on Tuesday afternoon where MDK KTM Lites rider Justin Brayton could also be found.

“I am healed from my wrist injury earlier in the season and am ready to get back out and race. I’m really excited for the Seattle round coming up and I hope to be in the top three at that event,” reported Brayton.

Brayton’s teammates Matt Goerke and Ryan Sipes will be racing the Lites class in Dallas this week. Goerke, who has been living and training out in California the past three weeks, has really stepped up his game. “We’ve seen a significant improvement in Goerke’s riding since he’s been out in California and hope to see a top five performance from him this weekend,” claimed MDK KTM Lites Team Manager Danny Paladino.

MDK KTM Factory rider Martin Davalos enjoyed his time off near his home with family and friends nearby. “I enjoyed the break and am ready to get back to racing. I’ve been close to the front this season and hope to get a win soon,” stated Davalos.

ROBBY GORDONS CREW TAKES OFF FOR DAKAR SERIES EUROPE

Robby Gordon's team is one step closer to the race in Budapest in two weeks. With the Hummer's packed up, it was time to drop them off at LAX.

This new rally organised under the « Dakar Series » certification will take place from April 20th to the 26th in Hungary and Romania. Scrutinizing and administrative checks will take place on the 19th of April in Budapest.

CHASING BAJA MOVIE PREMIERE PARTY WITH MONSTER ENERGY

The red carpet was laid out for all the celebs and featured characters in L.A. for the world premiere of Chasing Baja.

BALL OF STEAL STUNTS INVADE DALLAS AIRFORCE BASE!

The Ball of Steal Stunts show up and blow up for the troops in Dallas Ft. Worth.

This show is a high energy, fully self contained performance that features the performers inside an 18 ft steel globe as well as a freestyle show on mini bike.

Missed it? Well YOU MISSED IT

http://www.ballofsteel.com/1.html for more information

JUST Signed To The Monster Energy Army, Josh Hill Pays Instant Dividends With O/A Win At Minneapolis

Hill (Yamaha) wins his first-even premier AMA Supercross class main event

CORONA, Calif., (March 17, 2008) – Monster Energy’s newly acquired Josh Hill (Yamaha) stepped up and put his shiny new M-claw helmet up on top of the box at Minneapolis’ Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Round 11 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, this past Saturday.

Monster Energy’s Hill, in only his second year as pro and first year racing the premier AMA Supercross class, took over the lead from Ryan Dungey prior to lap four, then led the remaining 16 laps to take his first premier class main event win – giving Monster Energy its first premier class win since Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s James Stewart won round two of Monster Energy Supercross in Phoenix.

My whole family’s put everything they have into this,” said an elated Hill from the Metrodome podium. “Their whole lives. And it’s paying off. (I’m) just trying to make everybody proud.”

Trained by famed motocrosser Ryan Hughes (who also guides Monster Energy’s Jason Lawrence’s MX training), Hill’s had two premier class runner-up finishes – the last one coming a couple weeks ago at Indianapolis’ RCA Dome. But following that he had a DNF in the mud at Daytona International Speedway, which makes this win ever that much more special in that it came on the heels of such a tough result.

“Getting 2nd was amazing. But winning – I don’t even know how to put it into words,” said Hill.

With the winning effort Monster Energy’s Hill moves to within two points of fellow Monster Energy athlete Tim Ferry (Monster Energy/Kawasaki) in the top five overall in the AMA Supercross class standings – 137-135.

Next up for Monster Energy’s Hill is the Toronto round of 2008 Monster Energy Supercross at Rogers Centre, March 29th.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Josh Hill digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

MONSTER ENERGY IMPACT AWARDS AFTER PARTY

Monster Energy Impact awards after party in Anaheim, California.

Monsterpiece in Metal Award -- an award sponsored by Monster Energy and awarded to one of the Masterpiece in Metal projects in DirtSports -- was awarded to Jeff Davis for his Class 7 by Normile Concepts -- dubbed the "Tiny Trophy Truck" by DirtSports Magazine

Wild Weekend Of Racing For Monster Energy-Backed AMA Superbike Championship Racers in Daytona!

Monster/Attack Kawasaki’s Chaz Davies awarded the Formula Xtreme Daytona 200 title when fellow Monster racer Josh Hayes is DQ’d

CORONA, Calif., (March 10, 2008) – Monster Energy’s AMA Superbike Championship road racers opened up the 2008 season with enough drama to last the entire summer thanks to a race win-yielding DQ in the Daytona 200 and crash resulting in injury for Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s defending Supersport class champion Roger Lee Hayden.

We’ll being with Hayden. While qualifying for the Superbike event this past Thursday morning, Hayden wadded up and torqued his wrist. But being as tough as they come with three other brothers that are fast as sharks on motorcycles, Roger Lee stepped up and only hours after his Superbike qualifying race would make the podium in the Supersport class (3rd).

“Not the best way to start the Daytona weekend,” said Hayden of his crash which reportedly resulted in a torn ligament and chipped bones in his wrist. “I did have to ride with some pain the rest of the weekend. Pumped we now have some time off now before Round Two at Barber (Motorsports Park, Ala., April 18-20). Should be good-to-go by then.”

Hayden soldiered on through the Supersport class and, only a few hours after his wreck, started in 5th and recorded the second-fastest lap time (1:40.590) to put his Kawasaki ZX-6R on the podium in 3rd place. Attack/Kawasaki’s Chaz Davies would place a solid 4th in the SuperSport class.

Next up for the Monster Energy-backed Davies was the Formula Xtreme Daytona 200. Davies ran well, holding in 2nd place for much of the race before dropping to 6th place on lap 16. Davies then dug deep and got back by Blake Young, Martin Cardenas and Steve Rapp, before catching Neil Hodgson on the last lap to take an apparent 2nd place podium finish.

But in the ensuing tech inspection, the AMA reported an infraction with then winner Monster Energy-backed Josh Hayes’ Erion Racing-tuned Honda CBR600RR bike and he was subsequently DQ’d and the win was given to Davies.

Said Hayes’ Erion/Honda crew chief, Rick Hobbs: “We’ve appealed their (AMA) decision and basically that’s our side of it. We’ve appealed the technical inspection and also the penalty, disqualification.”

In the weekend’s final Superbike class race, Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jamie Hacking had the best showing, placing 5th overall while Hayden soldiered on – despite the injured wrist – in 8th place.

Next up for the Monster Energy-backed AMA Superbike racers is Round Two of the series at Barber Motorsports Park (Ala.), April 18-20.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it road racing, rally, rock crawling, MX, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. All the guys running the Monster Energy logo on the AMA Superbike Championship tour dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

Monster Energy’s Tucker Hibbert Sets Himself Up To Make A Run At The 2008 WPSA National Pro Super St

Hibbert pulls to within 11 points of Pro Super Stock class series leader Ross Martin with solid perfomance at Brainerd, Minn., WPSA round this past weekend

CORONA, Calif., (March 11, 2008) – Monster Energy’s Tucker Hibbert took a 1st and 2nd place finish in the Brainerd, Minn., round of the World PowerSports Association’s (WPSA) Snowmobile Tour this past weeknd and pulled to within 11 points of the Pro Super Stock championship overall leader, Ross Martin.

Having missed one of the earlier WPSA rounds (Round Five) and not really sure on his snowmobile season racing schedule prior to the season, Hibbert has decided to make a run at Martin this weekend in Lake Geneva, Wis., the final round of the WPSA tour.

“I was able to move from 5th to 3rd in the standings and, with six rounds of qualifying and two finals at this weekend’s WPSA double header, there’s 110 Pro Super Stock points up for grab at the Nielson Enterprises Grand Finale,” said Hibbert. “So the plan is to head to Wisconsin and make a run at the Pro Super Stock title on my Arctic Cat SnoPro 600.”

Hibbert enters Lake Geneva a bit banged up from last weekend. After scoring a 2nd place finish in the first main event of the Open class, Hibbert was in 2nd place and charging on the leader in the second Open main when he was T-boned coming out of a corner. So he’ll be dealing with some bruised ribs and a sore ankle – but really nothing new for the full time snocross/motocross racer.

And speaking of motocross, although Hibbert wasn’t able to pull a deal together this year that would allow him to race WPSA and Monster Energy Supercross, he is planning on contesting the majority of the AMA Outdoor Nationals, along with a couple select Monster Energy Canadian MX Nationals rounds.

“My old mechanic Timmy will be back prepping my bikes and we’ll be full-on privateers again,” said Hibbert. “We’re pumped. I love putting together my own program so I think things will work out really well for us this summer. Looking forward to it.”

The U.S. MX Outdoor National rounds Monster Energy’s Hibbert plans on contesting include: Freestone, RedBud, Budds Creek, Washougal, Millville, Southwick and Steel City. The Monster Energy Canadian Nationals rounds include: Morden (Manitoba) and Regina (Saskatchewan).

Next up for Monster Energy’s Hibbert is this weekend’s Lake Geneva WPSA National (March 14-15).

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, snocross, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Tucker Hibbert digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

Kevin Windham Surprise Winner at Daytona

Honda’s Kevin Windham passed a stalled Chad Reed on the last lap of Friday night’s Daytona Supercross By Honda to earn his first win at Daytona International Speedway.

In muddy and rainy conditions, Reed led the previous 11 laps before getting stuck in one of the final turns of the last lap. He was unable restart his Yamaha opening the door for the stunning 22.42-second victory by Windham.

The event was scheduled for 20 laps but was shortened to 12 laps after torrential rain fall flooded the course located in the Daytona International Speedway tri-oval.

“Just by the nature of the track, it is by far the most brutal Supercross that we run,” Windham said. “There is so much prestige in being part of Daytona. To win it is incredible.

“Tonight was definitely a race of different elements with the rain and what not, but it still lived up to the brutal Daytona deal. I think it was the most brutal race I have been in in my entire life.”

Windham had mixed emotions on the final lap as he thought Reed had already won the race.

“I think the scorers lost track of who was leading, because I was in the back corner and the flames above the finish line went off,” Windham said. “I was thinking Chad just won the Daytona Supercross.

“In the matter of one straightaway, it was the biggest emotional roller coaster I’ve ever been on in my entire life. I went from thinking I was hoping I could salvage second here, still have a couple turns to go, to ‘Man, I’m going to win the Daytona Supercross.’ It was an emotional roller coaster for me. It was just an incredible race.”

Fellow Honda riders Davi Millisaps and Jacob Marsack rounded out the podium with second and third-place finishes respectively.

Reed, a two-time Daytona Supercross By Honda winner, settled for sixth.

In the 10-lap Supercross Lites race, Trey Canard continued his hot streak with his third straight victory.

“Coming into that race, I wasn’t really sure what to expect,” Canard said. “I just wanted to go out there and do the best that I could. I did everything I could possible do during the week, and I think I was prepared as I could possibly be, so I could give it everything I had, every lap out there.”

James Stewart, who won last year’s Daytona Supercross By Honda, is sitting out this year’s Supercross season with a knee injury and didn’t compete in Friday’s race.

This year’s Daytona Supercross By Honda was held on a course designed by five-time Daytona Supercross By Honda winner and now retired Ricky Carmichael and constructed by Mark Barnett, former Supercross Champion and three-time National Champion.

Monster Energy’s Ryan Capes Steps ‘Er Up @ The Toe’s MX Park Huckfest – Airs It Out At Or Beyond The 300-Foot Mark Four Times

Monster Energy’s Ryan Capes Steps ‘Er Up @ The Toe’s MX Park Huckfest – Airs It Out At Or Beyond The 300-Foot Mark Four Times

“Seth and Trigger tapped out and I pushed the ramp back to 240 (ft.), pinned it and hit around 300 feet four times. They were trippin’!” said Capes.

CORONA, Calif., (March 4, 2008) – In his final public tune-up for his upcoming Crusty Demon’s “Night of World Records,” Monster Energy’s Ryan Capes stepped ‘er up against two of the top distance jumpers in the world and sent a message to the close-knit long distance motorcycle jumping community that he’s going to crush Robbie Maddison’s 322-foot world record on March 29^th in Melbourne, Australia.

After Seth Enslow and Trigger Gumm had both pulled off personal best distance jumps of 268 feet and 281 feet, respectively, at Washington’s Toe’s MX Park’s annual “Huckfest,” Capes pushed the Monster Energy take-off ramp back to create a eyebrow-raising 240-foot gap, then proceeded to pound out back-to-back-to-back-to-back jumps right at or beyond the 300-foot mark.

“Seth and Trigger tapped out and I pushed the ramp back to 240 feet, pinned it and hit around 300 feet four times,” said Capes. “They (Enslow and Gumm) were trippin’!”

From the dirt in-run at Toe’s both Enslow and Gumm hit personal-best jumps, as each of their previous bests were achieved off pavement in-runs. “We all pushed each other and worked as a team, so it was pretty cool,” said Capes.

The three will re-join in Australia for the Crusty show where Capes says Maddison’s record will for sure fall. In fact, it already has – unofficially – when Capes uncorked a 323-plus footer in practice at Toe’s two weeks ago.

"My dad and I measured it out and we jumped 323-6,” said Capes of a jump that would have been a new world record, eclipsing that of (Rob) Maddison’s recent 322-7 leap. “But Seth (Enslow) measured it at 322-6, so we went with that.”

Maddison’s distance record, if not ‘officially’ topped before then, will no doubt fall at the hand of Capes @ Crusty Demon’s “Night of World Records” in Melbourne, Australia (March 29^th). For more information on that gig link to www.crusty.com

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it distance jumping, enduro, hare scrambles, MX, road racing, supermoto, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Ryan Capes digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.

Monster Parties in Austin, TX during SXSW!!

HEADING TO AUSTIN FOR SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST?

Check out these MONSTER ENERGY Day Parties!!

They’re FREE, ALL AGES, and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!!

Friday, March 14, 2008

Cedar Door - 12 noon to 6 pm

201 Brazos St.

- Austin , TX 78701

Monster Energy, Side One Dummy & Swing House Present:

Mock Tigers- 12noon-12:20

Gaslight Anthem-12:30-1:00

Dusty Rhodes-1:15-1:45

Eddie Spaghetti-1:55-2:25

Charlie Overbey- 2:35-2:55

Chuck Regan-3:05-3:35

Astra Heights-3:45-4:05

Delux - 4:15-4:45

Authority Zero- 5pm-5:30

Saturday, March 15, 2008

RED 7 – 12 noon to 6 pm

611 E. 7th Street

- Austin , TX 78701

Monster Energy& Swing House Present:

Outdoor Stage

Subversa-12noon-12:20

Phantoms-12:35-12:55

Koopa-1:10-1:30

On A Pale Horse-1:45-2:05

Black Tide-2:20-2:50pm

At All Cost-3:05-3:35

In This Moment -3:50pm-4:20

Jasta (the voice of Hatebreed, Icepick, and Kingdom of Sorrow ) -4:35-5:15

MC for the show is Hyro da Hero.

Indoor Stage

the Buck Brothers- 12:30-12:50

Drive A- 1:05- 1:25

Astra Heights- 1:40-2:20

Von Iva – 2:35-2:55

Moving Picture Show- 3:10-3:40

Chaingang of 1974- 355-415

Monte Negro- 4:30-4:50

The Dear & Deprted- 5:05-5:35

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto Speaks Out On The Atlanta Crash

Villopoto wants to put everything behind him and get to the task at hand; winning the Eastern Region Monster Energy Supercross Lites title

CORONA, Calif., (March 4, 2008) – Before we get into it with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto on last Saturday’s incident in Atlanta, Monster Energy would like to point out that in its efforts on deadline to jump to the defense of its star athlete – video documentation and public opinion of the get together with Josh Grant notwithstanding – observations from a number of key players involved were overlooked - including Ryan’s. So after looking at that video like 30 times and in our rush to, as they say, ‘Have our guy’s back,’ we may have been too quick to judge intent on Grant’s behalf.
And for that we apologize.

Monster Energy stands by its athletes with great pride and passion.
Guys like defending Monster Energy Supercross Eastern Lites class champion Ryan Villopoto are paramount to Monster Energy’s success. And while all parties involved with last week’s incident have learned some valuable lessons, Monster Energy will continue to stand up for and defend our athletes with great fervor and loyalty.

Bottom line: The M-claw logo those athletes run represents a lot more than sponsorship money. It represents family.

That said, here’s Ryan Villopoto take on the Lites class main event last Saturday in Atlanta.

Monster Energy: Ryan, these are uncharted waters for you. Twenty five points back of the WSX title in an abbreviated seven-race season. Is this a gap you feel you can make up?

Ryan Villopoto: “Yeah, I mean it’s going to be a hard gap to make up.
But on the other hand Ben (Townley) did it last year with a DNF at Atlanta and Jason’s (Lawrence) done it this year – so anything can happen. It’s going to be good racing and I just have to try and get as many wins as I can.”

Monster Energy: You just had some wrist surgery. How’s that going and has it in any way affected your performance on the Pro Circuit-tuned KX250F?

Ryan Villopoto: “I’ve been dealing with a wrist injury since October, so it’s an old injury. I finally got it sort of under control and am getting back out there to do what I can do. But no, I definitely wasn’t 100-percent coming into Atlanta. But it’s better than nothing.”

Monster Energy: This WSX field is hyper-fast. There’s a bunch of new names, including Atlanta race winner Trey Canard, multi-time Loretta’s champ Nico Izzi and Tyler Bowers. Will making up the difference with this field be any different than if you, say, had to do the same in 2006?

Ryan Villopoto: “No, I don’t think so. Trey’s obvioulsy pretty good, he won it. Nico’s pretty descent. Tyler Bowers will be kind of whatever, not really sure. There are about four other guys that are OK, but I think it’s going to be me and Josh (Grant) and Trey.”

Monster Energy: What was your take on the wreck involving Josh Grant?

Ryan Villopoto: “It’s hard to say. It was like we were racing an enduro race with two walls and some sand right there. They should have just put some logs and tires out there (laughter). But, you know it was kind of a hard section. You had a set of whoops and a dog leg with sand – then a wall. So it was like, ‘whatever,’ it wasn’t like he could check up and hold his line because every one of us was going in the same line. I hit the backside of Bowers and that’s why I crashed.
That’s pretty much how it went down. I was glad I didn’t get hurt, so that was good.”

Monster Energy: Josh said in an interview that “I had my head down and was focused on the rut, and then I went to go gas it up the spine and I just see Ryan there… There was nothing I could do.” That said, had you been in the same position would you think the same result would have occurred?

Ryan Villopoto: “(Pause) Um, I definitely would have hit him, yeah. I don’t know if it’d have been as hard or what else. His his bike or whatever. Maybe checked up? I dunno. I mean, it’s not that big of a deal.”

Monster Energy: Do you have it in yourself to forgive Josh Grant?

Ryan Villopoto: “Yeah, I talked to him on Monday. And yeah, it’s over and it’s not a big deal.”

Monster Energy: Thanks, Ryan. And good luck this weekend.

Ryan Villopoto: “Thanks.”

Next up for Villopoto and the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is the second round of the ESX Lites series at Indianapolis’ RCA Dome this Saturday (March 1).

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days.
Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Villopoto digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.