Monster Energy’s Amateur MX Racers Win Big @ Vegas Mini GPs, Notably Wilson & Cianciarulo

Monster Energy’s Amateur MX Racers Win Big @ Vegas Mini GPs, Notably Wilson & Cianciarulo

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Top Monster/Kawasaki/Team Green racers Dean Wilson and Adam Cianciarulo each win multiple titles, Tiford, Bell and Surratt also win titles for Team Green

Photos courtesy of: www.kawasaki.com


CORONA, Calif., (April 13, 2009) – Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green athletes – led by Dean Wilson - won big at this past week/weekend’s 19th annual World Mini Grand Prix in Las Vegas, the third of eight major amateur MX national races on the 2009 schedule.


Running the glowing green M-claw logo in a premier 250 and 450 pro class sweep (four classes, including Stock and Modified on his KX250F and 450F) was Monster Energy/Kawasaki/Team Green’s Wilson. Monster Energy’s hottest amateur MX racer, Wilson topped rival and fellow Monster-backed amateur Christian Craig (Yamaha) straight up to win the most coveted titles at the Vegas Mini GP.


“I’m very happy to win these titles, but I feel like there’s something missing,” said Wilson on the Kawasaki website. “I’m not sure exactly, but I know that I really want to come out this year with a ride in the pros for 2010. This weekend and eventually Loretta’s (the August race at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, amateur MX’s biggest prize) is a big step towards that goal.”


The other Monster Energy-backed racer aboard Team Green Kawasakis that really stood out in Vegas was Adam Cianciarulo. Thus far one of the most successful amateur racers in the history of the sport, the 12-year-old Cianciarulo – who recently moved up in classes – won two championships at the Mini GPs (85/150 Stock 12-13 and Super Mini Thru 13).


Other Monster Energy-backed racers on the Team Green program winning titles at the Vegas Mini GPs include: Zach Bell (Super Mini Thru 16), Willie Surratt (Plus 40 Pro) and Preston Tilford (450 4-Stroke Non-Pro).


Next up for the Monster Energy/Kawasaki/Team Green amateur MX gang will be the 34th annual Grand Nationals of Motocross at Ponca City, July 27th through Aug. 1.


Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, SX, supermoto, road racing, rally, insane distance jumping, MotoGP, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, 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, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed “M-80,” the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with our Monster Energy blend, along with the new Monster Energy “Hitman” energy shot. Our amateur MX rippers dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com

Monster Energy’s Claire Bevilacqua Wins The Women’s Pipeline Pro In Oahu, Hawaii

Monster Energy’s Claire Bevilacqua Wins The Women’s Pipeline Pro In Oahu, Hawaii

Monster’s Aussie surf great is on point in the shortboard division, dominating the field of top women surfers in the 2-3’ conditions for the ASP 4-star WQS event

CORONA, Calif., (April 10, 2009) – Monster Energy-backed surfer Claire “Bevo” Bevilacqua captured the top spot in the shortboard division at the recent Tidal 9 Women’s Pipeline Pro held in Oahu, Hawaii, an Association of Professional Surfers (ASP) 4-star event on the World Qualifying Series (WQS) tour.

Bevilacqua, who with the win moves into 2^nd place overall in the WQS behind Peru’s Sofia Mulanovich (2665-2600 points), made the Women’s Pipeline Pro finals through a combination of proper wave selection and flat out blazing surfing in the 2-3’ conditions.

Up against the United States’ Anastasia Ashley and Carissa Moore, along with fellow Australian Laura Enever in the finals, Bevilacqua surfed strong early and distanced herself – along with Moore – in the points. With time running out “Bevo” caught the best wave of the heat, blasted into the barrel and, more importantly, back out – then slashed a turn off the top of the wave just as it closed out. The day’s top score would go to Bevilacqua, along with 1,000 WQS points and $3,500 in prize money.

“We all had a great time surfing for a wonderful cause,” said Bevilacqua of the contest that was sponsored by Culturalization, a North Shore Community outreach program that introduces girls and young women to Girl Scouts. “I was stoked to win and thank Monster for their continued support.”

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it surfing, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, 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, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed “M-80,” the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with our Monster Energy blend, along with the new Monster Energy “Hitman” energy shot. Claire Bevilacqua digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com

“Peaks & Lagoons Weekend” Brings Spring Parties, Concerts, Competitions & Easter Festivities to Squaw Valley, April 11-12, 2009

“Peaks & Lagoons Weekend” Brings Spring Parties, Concerts, Competitions & Easter Festivities to Squaw Valley, April 11-12, 2009

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

[Squaw Valley USA] April 7, 2009- Tahoe’s longest season, the Swimming Lagoon & Spa at High Camp, superb ski conditions, and the best party scene on the Lake are all reasons why skiers and riders flock to Squaw Valley in the spring. A tribute to springtime goodness, Squaw Valley USA is hosting Peaks & Lagoons, a weekend-long celebration taking place April 11-12, 2009. Live music at the pool, the Hatchett Brothers Metal Bash, Toyota Sick & Twisted Slopestyle and Jibbing-for-Jacksons rail contest are all part of Peaks & Lagoons Weekend, April 11-12 at Squaw Valley USA.


On Saturday, April 11, Monster Energy and Squaw Valley USA are hosting the wildly popular Jibbing-for-Jacksons rail contest, followed by a DJ Pool Party. Jibbing-for-Jacksons is open to 50 skiers and 50 snowboarders, male and female (100 total competitors). This Best Tricks Jam Session contest has no losers, but can have many, many winners. Each time a judge sees a skier or rider stomp a trick worthy of a “Jackson,” Monster officials hand the competitor a $20 bill. Registration is from 9 to 11 am, outside the side exit of the top terminal of the Funitel. Practice starts at 11:30 am and the competition begins shortly after. Entry fee for all riders is $20 (it’s about the Jacksons) and helmets are mandatory. Athletes under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at registration to sign a liability release form.

On Saturday afternoon the action moves to High Camp, el. 8200,’ for the Monster Energy DJ Pool Party featuring DJ Max, beginning at 1 pm at the Lagoon and Spa. Spring breakers can shred the mountain in the morning and spend the afternoon poolside, sipping on a cold one and dancing to fresh beats until 4 pm.

The night of Saturday, April 11, Standard Films and Squaw present Hatchett Brothers’ 80’s Metal Bash featuring FORTRESS at the Olympic Village Lodge. Doors open at 8 pm and the show starts at 9 pm. Fronting FORTRESS is Jeff Martin from Racer X and Whitfield Crane from Ugly Kid Joe. Together their vocal talents can shatter a beer mug. FORTRESS members Mike and Dave Hatchett (guitar) will also be joined by special guests Scott Travis from Judas Priest and Klaus Eichstadt from Ugly Kid Joe. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and are on sale now at Porter’s in Tahoe City and Truckee (cash only). Partygoers must be 21 or older and are strongly encouraged to "dress metal."

Toyota’s Sick & Twisted Freestyle Tour is amping up Peaks & Lagoons with a slopestyle competition on Sunday, April 12 in the Monster Park at Riviera. Snowbomb will crown the best men and women in ski and snowboard in pro and amateur categories. With cash prizes for pros and great flow from the sponsors for ams, the best of the best in local talent come out for Sick & Twisted. Registration is from 9 am to 10:30 am at Dave’s Deli. Practice is from 10:30 to 11:30 am and the competition starts at 12 pm in the Monster Park at Riviera. There is a $10 entry fee for ams and $20 for pros plus lift ticket or season pass. Helmets are required for all competitors and a parent/guardian must sign a release form for competitors who are under 18. www.snowbomb.com
Peaks & Lagoons Event Schedule (events are subject to change due to weather)

SATURDAY, APRIL 11
Jibbing for Jacksons presented by Monster Energy
9 - 11 am – Registration @ top terminal of the Funitel
11:30 am – Practice @ Monster Park at Riviera
12 pm – Competition @ Monster Park at Riviera

Peaks & Lagoons DJ Pool Party presented by Monster Energy
1-4 pm @ Lagoon & Spa at High Camp, el. 8200’

Hatchett Brothers’ 80’s Metal Bash
Doors open – 8 pm @ OVL
Show Starts – 9 pm @ OVL

Squaw Valley USA Annual Tent Sale
This amazing sale event offers with up to 70% off North Face, Patagonia, Burton and more!
Sale will be held all Easter weekend from 10 am-4 pm
Location: in front of the North Face Store at Squaw Valley.

SUNDAY, APRIL 12
20th Annual Billy Dutton Uphill Race
7 am – Registration @ Olympic Plaza
8 am – Race Starts @ the Funitel

Toyota Sick & Twisted Slopestyle presented by Snowbomb
9 – 10:30 am – Registration @ Dave’s Deli
10:30 – 11 am – Practice @ Monster Park at Riviera
12 pm – Competition starts @ Monster Park at Riviera

EASTER CELEBRATIONS
Easter Sunday Service
8 am – Service begins @ High Camp, el. 8200'
Guests attending the service can ride the Cable Car from 7-8 am and return afterward (skis and snowboards are not permitted).

On-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt
9 am- 4 pm – Easter Egg Hunt on the Mountain
Find any of the 30 magnetic & colorful eggs hidden throughout the mountain and receive a great prize! (Hint: think beginner lift areas). Prizes can be redeemed from 2 to 4 pm in the Village Events Plaza.

Get Your Photo Taken with the Easter Bunny
10 am-2 pm: Easter Bunny Photos @ the Big Chair in the Village Events Plaza

Easter Sunday Special Mountain Top Service
2 pm - @ the top Link's Chair Easter

FREE Children's Entertainment with Todd Wees' Big Ideas and Live Music
2-4 pm - @ Village Events Plaza

Easter-themed Candle Making at Waxen Moon
All-day - @ Waxen Moon

Squaw Valley USA Annual Tent Sale
This amazing sale event offers with up to 70% off North Face, Patagonia, Burton and more!
Sale will be held all Easter weekend from 10 am-4 pm
Location: in front of the North Face Store at Squaw Valley

The most up-to-date resort conditions, operation schedules, events and live mountain cams are available on www.squaw.com.

Monster Energy’s Hill, Jonnier, Fairclough & Graves Open Nissan UCI World Cup MTB Tour In S. Africa

Monster Energy’s Hill, Jonnier, Fairclough & Graves Open Nissan UCI World Cup MTB Tour In S. Africa

Monster’s World Cup mt. bike racers Sam Hill and Sabrina Jonnier look to regain WC DH titles they’ve once owned, while Jared Graves is one of the favorites in 4x

Photo: Monster Energy’s Brendan Fairclough (left) and Sam Hill, courtesy of Fraser Britton

CORONA, Calif., (April 7, 2009) – Monster Energy’s global representatives on the Nissan UCI World Cup mountain bike tour are in South Africa for the World Cup opener this weekend (April 10-12) in Pietermaritzburg. Leading the Monster Army in hopes of regaining their UCI World Cup downhill champion status are Sam Hill, the 2007 men’s elite WC DH champ, and Sabrina Jonnier, a three time women’s elite WC DH champion.

Hill, running the new Specialized Demo 8 bike, is one of the odds-on favorites to capture the men’s elite title this season. Last year the Australian great held the series’ overall points lead for the longest out of any rider, but sketched at the second-to-last round on his home turf in Canberra (Australia) and lost out to Greg Minnaar.

“I’m pretty excited the World Cup is starting again and we've got all our new bikes,” said Hill. “It’s gonna be good to do some runs with Brendan again and see how we size up compared to all the others on Sunday. Hopefully we come out good.”

Monster Energy’s Jonnier, who rides for Maxxis, has been – by far – one of the most successful women downhill racers in the history of UCI World Cup competition. Along with her three WC DH titles (2003, ’05 & ’07) the France native has also been the series’ runner-up four times (2002, ’04, ’06 and ’08).

“I’m entering the World Cup season healthy and feeling good about things,” said Jonnier. “It’ll be interesting to see who’s fast at the South African opener, check out the new talent and how they do against the racers that have traditionally gone fast. My plan is to just keep the mental errors to a minimum and ride like I know how.”

Joining Hill and Jonnier in the DH starting gate will be Hill’s Monster Energy teammate on the Specialized bikes, Brendan Fairclough – the 2006 Junior World Cup champion. A UK native, Fairclough is looking at a breakout year as he begins his third year racing the men’s elite class on the World Cup DH circuit.

“I've taken a bit of a different approach in the off season, so I’m interested to see how it turns out with the racing,” said Fairclough. “Like Sam said, I'm just keen to get out there and see how we perform against those other boys. I'm excited about it. I'm stoked on the look of the new bikes, kit and how well they ride. I'm just excited to get going again, really.”

The Pietermaritzburg downhill is reported to be quite technical on the upper third portion of the 2.8km course, dropping quickly (in elevation) during the initial phase before mellowing out on what race officials call the “mildly sloping” middle section – featuring jumps and tight turns. The course then cascades into the third and final section, which works in the last 500 meters of the 4x course into the finish area, hosting a sizable crowd of UCI World Cup race fans.

The final Monster Energy-backed athlete competing on in Pietermaritzburg will be newly-signed Jared Graves. The DH and 4x specialist from Australia should make an immediate impact on the standings with Monster as he’s well-versed in numerous forms of cycle racing at top levels, including representing Australia in the Beijing Olympics in BMX.

For more information on the Monster Energy mt. bike racers competing at the UCI World Cup opener in Pietermaritzburg, catch a link to: http://www.nissan-ucimtbworldcup.com/

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MTB, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, NASCAR Trucks, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, 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, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed “M-80,” the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with our Monster Energy blend, along with the new Monster Energy “Hitman” energy shot. Our mt. bikers rock ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com

Monster Energy Supercross Update: Jacksonville

Monster/PC/Kawi’s Pourcel, ESX title already clinched, wins the last round before the series heads west; teammate Pourcel’s 3^rd and Monster’s Hill is 4^th in SX class

CORONA, Calif., (April 6, 2009) – Monster Energy’s Christophe Pourcel (Pro Circuit/Kawasaki), having already wrapped up the ’09 ESX title, put an exclamation point on his first American supercross championship by winning the final ESX round in Jacksonville, round 14 of 2009 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship.

“I’ve got the championship already, but to win (Jacksonville) would be awesome,” said Pourcel prior to Saturday’s competition in front of 35,000-plus fans at Municipal Stadium.

Heat one in the SX Lites class looked to be all Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe – at least in the opening stages. Stroupe got out in 2^nd place behind Will Hahn, then charged past Hahn through a double/double section to take the lead on lap two. Pushing hard – and maybe harder than he needed to – Stroupe tucked the front end of his KX250F into the dirt off a jump heading into a corner and was thrown over the bars. Uninjured, Stroupe got back up and got going again, but had gone from 1^st to 12^th in the quick-hitting six lap race.

“Yeah, at that point I just wanted to get back and catch a transfer spot,” said Stroupe, who fought back to the ninth and final transfer spot.

In the second Lites heat race Pourcel got past Matt Lemoine (who’d pulled the holeshot) and into the early lead. But a rare mistake would put Pourcel back a number of spots when he bobbled in a corner and stalled his bike. Able to re-fire in descent time, Pourcel still lost a bunch of spots with all the riders grouped together near the start of the race charging past him. The Frenchman made it back easily into the transfer positions, running from 10^th to 6^th by the end of the second heat.

In the main neither Pourcel, who was the fastest rider in qualifying practice (54.224), and Stroupe (2^nd fastest qualifier at 54.952) had great gate picks. Pourcel would move up first, completing a spectacular pass on lap two in getting past Vince Friese and Steve Clark to take over 2^nd place. Soon after Stroupe, who’d started outside the top ten, moved up to 8^th place with a pass over previous ESX Lites round winner Blake Wharton.

With seven laps to go in the contest Pourcel set up and passed race leader Hahn with a nice move on the corner after the finish line jump, forcing Hahn wide and taking over a lead he’d never relinquish.

“He (Pourcel) lets the race come to him, isn’t very flashy, just very disciplined,” said Monster Energy athlete Ricky Carmichael on Pourcel. Note: Carmichael joined SPEED SX announcers Ralph Shaheen and Jeff Emig in the booth for the Jacksonville contest. “He got what he wanted (SX Lites championship) and probably wants the outdoor championship as well.”

As Pourcel celebrated over the finish line jump, Stroupe was pulling out all the stops to close on Nico Izzi for the third and final podium spot. Stroupe would catch a break in one of the final sections when Izzi dove bomb his bike into the face of triple landing, though his bouncing bike almost cleaned out Stroupe as well – who was coming down from 30-feet to land the jump properly.

“I’ve felt good since last weekend and the track was pretty technical, hard to pass and I was having to back off,” said Stroupe. “A couple guys fell late and I was able to move up. Hat’s off to Izzi. I hope he’s all right.”

Monster Energy athletes represented pretty well in the SX main class with Josh Hill (Yamaha) leading the charge in 4^th place.

“I’m not going to be happy if I’m not in the top five at the last four races this season,” said a fired-up Hill prior to Jacksonville’s contest.

Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki’s Paul Carpenter made it to the SX main event out of the first heat race (8^th), though Hill crashed early and was forced to the LCQ. In the second heat race Monster’s Jason Lawrence (Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing) was on fire, finishing 2^nd to eventual race winner James Stewart. Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Billy Laninovich was able to pick up the last transfer spot (9^th) to make the SX main.

Hill would end up making the best of the LCQ and some added views of the technical Jacksonville track, winning that contest by just under three seconds ahead of Thomas Hahn. Unfortunately, Lawrence’s Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing teammate, Nick Wey, placed 3^rd in the LCQ and missed out making the SX main by one spot.

In the main Hill was again plagued by bad luck early in the contest, starting well outside the top ten and having to charge through a field of the best supercross racers in the world in order to move up. He’d eventually have better luck than Lawrence, who’d have a run-in with Brock Hepler battling for 4^th place on the second lap. Another collision would bend Lawrence’s front brake rotor – which would end his evening.

Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Laninovich also got out slowly at the start, but dug in and worked hard to make it back into the top ten – racing on the lead lap through much of the contest in finishing 10^th. Hill was on fire, though, and put up the fifth-fastest lap time in the main in charging all the way to 4^th place.

Monster Energy Supercross takes a two week break here for the Easter holiday before returning to action April 18 in Seattle for round 15 of the series.

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, 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, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed “M-80,” the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with our Monster Energy blend, along with the new Monster Energy “Hitman” energy shot. The Monster Energy guys running the Monster Energy Supercross series dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com

Coppins grabs MX1 victory for Monster Energy

Coppins grabs MX1 victory for Monster Energy

Yamaha Monster Energy MX Team celebrate win for New Zealander in Bulgaria / Steven Frossard takes victory for Monster Energy in second MX2 moto


LONDON, UK, (April 5th, 2009) - The Monster Army continued to march through the FIM Motocross World Championship with the second round of 15 in the 2009 series taking place under blue skies and bright sunshine at the impressive Sevlievo circuit for the Grand Prix of Bulgaria. Yamaha Monster Energy Motocross Team’s Josh Coppins scaled the heights of the MX1 podium for the first time since the GP of Germany in June 2008 and gave the distinctive green claw its first appearance on the top step this season.


The New Zealander – one of the most experienced and popular riders currently operating on the Grand Prix scene – completed two consistent and steady races in what was a set of tense and exciting encounters across the fast Bulgarian hard-pack. 28,000 spectators (weekend figure) watched the 31-year-old capture second positions on both occasions; narrowly missing the win in Moto1 by less than two seconds from Ken De Dycker and then resisting the attention of team-mate and world champion David Philippaerts (who was fourth overall on the works Yamaha) and Antonio Cairoli in Moto2.


The feat gave the Monster Energy-backed Yamaha team its second successive victory in Bulgaria after Philippaerts’ win 12 months ago. “This is still sinking in but to be honest I thought I had it in me. I have been riding well at both GPs, in the practices and the races,” said Coppins. “I am a bit relieved I guess, because there hasn’t been a whole lot of talk about me coming into this season and I believed in myself and I always like to prove people wrong! I broke away at the start of the second race but I could not maintain it but this track tends to see people hitting different speeds. I am happy for myself, the team and the people that believed in me. The Yamaha was great today and I know we have more to come from it with some upgrades soon. The team have worked hard to give me what I asked for over the winter and it shows.”


Kawasaki Bud Racing’s David Vuillemin was ninth overall and had to recover from two mediocre starts. The Frenchman and veteran AMA campaigner launched the second phase of his Grand Prix career in true-fashion, after the debacle of the Faenza mud bath last weekend.


It was a hard meeting for the works CAS Honda team as Billy Mackenzie only finished one moto (ninth) after a water pump problem in the opening sprint while Cedric Melotte suffered a compression to his back and didn’t complete more than several laps all day. “I kind of struggled all weekend really,” commented Mackenzie. “I have never liked this track or had good results here. I had a problem with my starts and we also had a mishap with the bike. After running quite high in the first moto I started to lose power and I wasn’t sure whether to carry on or not but this is quite a dangerous track with some huge jumps so I decided not to risk a big crash. The team found and solved the problem for the second moto and it was a real battle out there - everyone was swapping bumps and lines. I was missing a few ruts and making some mistakes but eventually I found my rhythm although it wasn’t really fast enough. My wrist and my tendonitis is a bit better and so is my rib but I am missing some good, hard motos, especially in these warm conditions so that’s what we will be working on after the trip to Turkey next week.”


The MX2 class saw several of the talented young crop of French riders burst to the fore. The motos were won by Honda’s Marvin Musquin (for the first time) and CLS Kawasaki’s Steven Frossard, with Musquin celebrating his and Honda’s first success in the category. Monster Energy’s Frossard should perhaps have had his countryman’s place on the rostrum as he had been holding second spot with authority in the first race but crashed and retired thanks to a broken gearbox.


Runner-up was Italian GP winner and mud-conqueror Gautier Paulin (Kawasaki Bud Racing) with two second positions on the KX250F. The French teenager proved his speed in the dry – as much as his skill through the slime – and holds onto the red plate as series leader for the second event in a row.


Yamaha Monster Energy Ricci Racing saw their riders Nico Aubin and Davide Guarneri finish fourth and fifth. Italian Guarneri was the only non-Frenchman in the top five. Aubin suffered with a stomach virus while Guarneri is still finding his condition and speed to run with the leaders after a knee ligament operation in the winter.


In the world championship standings Paulin holds a four-point lead over Musquin and 19 from Guarneri. In MX1 Coppins is second and just a single point away from De Dycker. Philippaerts is the next Monster Army rep in sixth.


Round three will take place next weekend, over Easter. For the first time ever a Grand Prix event will head to Turkey and the unique city of Istanbul.




About Monster Energy

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MotoGP, Superbikes, supermoto, skis, boards, snowmobiles, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, off-road, trial, FMX, skate, MTB, wake, 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 Ripper, available in the UK, Ireland, France, Monaco, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden and Spain. On the 'Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com

Monster Energy’s RL Hayden Puts His Attack/Kawi ZX-6R On The SportBike Podium @ Road Atlanta!

The former SuperSport champ returns to action in fine fashion at Road Atlanta, teammate Leandro Mercado wins his first-ever AMA SuperSport class contest


CORONA, Calif., (April 6, 2009) – Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki’s Roger Lee Hayden returned in fine form to SportBike class racing this past weekend at Road Atlanta, placing 2nd in the first of two contests held in Braselton, Ga. (April 3-5), round three of the 2009 AMA Pro Racing series.


And in the second race (on Sunday), Hayden had the day’s fastest lap time (1:29.436) while running in 2nd place midway through the contest – only to crash in a relatively slow speed section of the course (turn seven), sliding out on a low-side get off and ending his day. Note: The race would be Hayden’s first of the year as he’s just returned to action from being injured.


Sophomore AMA racer Leandro Mercado, contesting his first SuperSport event, won the race on his 600cc Kawasaki ZX-6R – his first AMA SuperSport win of his career! “I really like the bike,” said Mercado in a Kawasaki press release. “It has a lot of power and handles really well. I am excited for the rest of the (SuperSport) series.”


Monster Energy’s AMA SportBike series points leader heading into the Road Atlanta rounds, Jamie Hacking (Attack Kawasaki), scored a couple of 5th place finishes, but ended up handing the points lead for the time being over to Danny Eslick, 88-85. Hacking was only a couple seconds back of the top spot in the abbreviated (red flag) first race and six seconds back in the full 20-lap second race.


Monster Energy’s Chaz Davies (Aprilia) continues to shine on the AMA SportBike circuit, recording a 5th/6th place weekend. Davies sits solidly in 6th place overall in the SportBike class standings, just nine points back of a top four spot.


The AMA Pro Road Racing circuit takes about a month break here before returning to action for the May 1-3 event at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala., round four of the series. For more information on the series check out www.amaproracing.com



Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it road racing, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, 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, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed “M-80,” the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with our Monster Energy blend, along with the new Monster Energy “Hitman” energy shot. Hacking, Mercado, Hayden and Davies dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com