GNCC Invades CALIFORNIA
AN BERNADINO, Calif. (March 7, 2008) — The Pro portion of the ITP/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA ATV Motocross National Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited kicks off the 2008 season this weekend at Glen Helen Raceway. The events will be run in conjunction with the West Coast-based ITP QuadCross Series.
The ATV Motocross Series features the top professional ATV riders in the country competing at preeminent motocross facilities across the nation. ATV motocross racing is run on a closed course, which comprises technical “whoops” sections, as well as big-air jumps, tight turns and all-out straightaways. The machines are race-bred 450cc machines from top manufacturers such as Can-Am, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, Honda, KTM, and Kawasaki. Riders easily make six-figure incomes from the large purses, and contingency bonuses posted by manufacturers, as well as other Series sponsors and suppliers.
The riders are vying for the most coveted honor in ATV racing: The AMA Championship and the AMA No. 1 Number Plate.
The event takes place at Glen Helen Raceway, located north of San Bernardino in the area of Devore. The area rests against the side of a large mountain onto which Glen Helen has carved its 256-acre raceway facility. Glen Helen is on county property and shares its venue with other county organizations, such as Glen Helen Regional Parks, Blockbuster Pavilion and the Sheriff Training Center.
The race will be telecast on Versus Network on Aug. 4 at 3:30 p.m.
The big story of the weekend will be the return of two-time AMA Champion Joe Byrd. Byrd is seeking his third consecutive title this year, riding his familiar Honda. A native of Union City, Tenn., Byrd won an impressive six of 12 events last season, making him the man to beat in 2008. Byrd won last year’s Glen Helen race.
Can-Am’s American debut of its new DS450 quad, as well as its stable of top-rated riders, will also be a highlight of the weekend. The new ATV was developed by the Canadian company from a clean slate and represents the newest in racing technology.
Riding the new yellow-and-black machines will be three of quad racing’s superstars: John Natalie, Jr., Jeremy Lawson and Cody Miller. Natalie, a longtime privateer, joined the factory Can-Am squad in the off-season and is looking to start the season strong out west. Lawson will attempt to better his second-place finish last season in AMA points on the merit of three victories and nine consecutive podium finishes. Miller will make his debut in AMA Pro competition here. Other Can-Am factory riders include: Greg Gee, Sage Baker, and Richard Pelchat.
Team Suzuki/Yoshimura/Rockstar/MSR/Pro Taper will also be in attendance and is looking to continue to showcase its tradition of excellence. With riders Chad Wienen, Dustin Wimmer and Doug Gust, the Suzuki train will be at full steam when the gates drop.
Team Yamaha is buoyed by New Jersey rider Pat Brown. Brown, who finished third in last year’s title chase, earned a best finish of second at Red Bud to accompany five straight podium finishes.
The race will also feature other top Pro riders, including Jason Dunkelberger, Michael James Brown, Justin Bres, Christopher Tait, Keith Little, Justin Bush and many others.
Fast Facts:
What: ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series, America’s premier ATV racing series. ATV motocross racing is run on a closed course, which comprises technical “whoops” sections, as well as big-air jumps, tight turns and all-out straightaways. The machines are race-bred 450cc machines from top manufacturers such as Can-Am, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, Honda, KTM, and Kawasaki. Riders easily make six-figure incomes from the large purses, and contingency bonuses posted by manufacturers, as well as other Series sponsors and suppliers.
When: March 8-9, 2008
Where: Glen Helen Raceway. Just minutes from legendary Route 66, Glen Helen Raceway Park is located in the Glen Helen Regional Parks & Recreation Area, Devore, Calif., in San Bernardino County (within 60 miles of Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties).
Directions: From LA & San Diego: 1-15 Freeway North, then I-215 Freeway South to Devore Exit and follow signs.
Glen Helen Raceway
18585 Verdemont Ranch Road
San Bernardino, CA 92407
About the ATV Association (ATVA)
The ATV Association (“ATVA”) is the official sanctioning body of the amateur division of the ATVA ITP/Moose ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited. The 9,000-member ATVA is a sister organization of the 260,000 member American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). ATV racing has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, and continues to gain momentum and support, outselling off-road motorcycles annually. Each ATVA round attracts hundreds of racers who compete for bragging rights to one of 31 amateur national titles. For more information, please visit www.atvaonline.com.
About the ATV Promoters Group (ATVPG)
The ATVPG is composed of the individual promoters that host the AMA ITP/Moose ATV National Motocross Championships, presented by Parts Unlimited. The goal of the ATVPG is to raise awareness of ATV motocross through the production of professional and amateur championship racing events. For more information on the ATVPG and the ATV National events they produce, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.
About the ITP/Moose ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited
The AMA ITP/Moose ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited is the nation’s premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, and competes at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 11-round series features the Nation’s best racers, teams and sponsors, and is America’s largest and longest-running ATV National Motocross series with more than 20 years of competition. The series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while keeping close to the grassroots fun that makes people love to go to the races.
Series sponsors include title sponsors ITP Tires and Moose Racing, and presenting sponsor Parts Unlimited. Premiere and Feature sponsors include ATV Sport, Moto Tees, Scott USA, Maxxis Tires, Elka Suspension and H-Bomb Films/Division Four. Associate sponsors include Weekend Warrior Trailers, Denton Racing, and Hinson Racing. Media partners include ATV Insider, ATV Rider and ATVRiders.com. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.