|
|
Canada's top surf talent and legendary surfer Tom Curren are among the many who lined Tofino's Long Beach for the 3rd RipCurl ST3W presented by Montser Energy The 3rd RipCurl ST3W temporarily transformed Tofino BC's Long Beach from a woodsy isolated Canadian beachscape to a slightly colder version of a So Cal beach scene.
Canada's premier surfers, recognized both nationally and internationally, made their attendance a priority along with athletes from Australia and the USA including legendary surfer, and 3 time ASP World Champion, Tom Curren. And rightfully so as this was the largest cash purse in Canadian surfing history thanks to RipCurl and Monster Energy and the only Pro-Am RipCurl contest in North America.
Day 1 of the contest had the beach swelling with people shedding layers of clothing and showing skin. Many bikini bodies were gladly sacrificed to the incredibly delicious stew available in the Monster Energy tent. No misguided journalism here; this was legit gourmet stew! So while impressive surfing unfolded in the water the savory stew and party jams of DJs Mat the Alien and Vinyl Ritchie kept the beach people bumpin'. But as the waves began to languish (and the stew and the brew) a call was made to delay the pro finals until the next day along with the juniors, masters and longboard divisions.
 The surf was still on the smaller side of smallish on Day 2 but competitors managed to get ‘fins free' and air out of the ocean. The Bruhwiler's, representing the Canadian surf dynasty, put on a stylish show but it was Australian Chris Michalak that kept the Canadian's on their toes. Chris and his brother Luke arrived in Tofino only several weeks earlier and seemed to have physiologically adapted to the cold water temperature. The judges' tower was abuzz with Chris's wave and trick choice but it was local Pete Devries (arguably one of Canada's most accomplished surfers) who came out on top with lots of fast lines and ‘fins free' moments. Pete bagged his second 1st place finish at the RipCurl ST3W and $5000. The woman's final was a bit lackluster because the waves suddenly became the ‘dwarfish' side of smallish. Nonetheless, they wacked the lips with what momentum they could generate and the best wacker of them all ended up being local Leah Oke. Leah has some international surf experience, having qualified for a World Series event before. Her $2000 win should help cover the cost of those overpriced airport sandwiches. Here are the pro results:
Men's Pro
1. Pete Devries
2. Chris Michalak
3. Sepp Bruhwiler
4. Raph Bruhwiler
Woman's Pro
1.Leah Oke
2.Dominga Bonamaison
3.Tamara Stephens
4.Steph Wighman
In between watching water bewitchery, it was almost as satisfying to watch the beach scene unfold. Event organizers were sneaking in deserved sessions in the ocean, young beachgoers was struggling to simultaneously hide and guzzle their beers, and there was some neck snapping as people tried to locate the elusive special guest Tom Curren. This was Tom's first visit to this side of Canada and the surfing community was buzzing to show off their wilderness turf. For those unfamiliar with the Curren name; he won the world tour 3 times ('85, '86, '90) and achieved "near-mythical status both for his competitive drive and for his smooth, powerful surfing style". He "led the surfing revolution in the early '80s and is acknowledged as one of surfing's true geniuses and soulful originals". He's a quiet guy and kept his mystique alive by sneaking in water time and being occasionally recognized on the beach. Even at the after-party, he briefly played guitar on stage and then humbly vanished into the sea of party people. He stayed true to his reputation as someone who lets his surfing do most of the talking.
The combination of having Tom Curren present, bikini-ish weather, top talent and heavy cash prizes made the 3rd RipCurl ST3W a memorable jam. "The purpose of this event is to give back to the surf community while developing the home-grown talent," states Drew Hawkshaw, National Sales Manager for RipCurl. Mission accomplished - this years combo should ignite the Pacific Northwest surf scene for quite some time.
Here are the complete RipCurl ST3W Results 2009
Men's Pro
1.Pete Devries
2.Chris Michalak
3.Sepp Bruhwiler
4. Raph Bruhwiler
Women's Pro
1.Leah Oke
2.Dominga Bonamaison
3.Tamara Stephens
4.Steph Wighman
Masters
1.Guto Cunha
2.Jens Kalua
3.Anthony Redpath
4.Chris Barfoot
Longboard
1.David Fergurson
2.Asia Dryden
3.Guto Cunha
4.Adam Dewolfe
Under 18
1.Janek Peladeau
2.Michael Darling
3.Kye Peladeau
4.Ryan Oke
Under 12
1.Kazum Temple
2.Jack Sanford
3.Bryn MacDonald
4.Jesse Clarkson
|
|
Hello to all the Monster Army people out there!
I hope all is well . Here is some coverage in the NEW BMX Plus! & DUB Magazines that were just released. Also, just finished recording three new Good Guys In Black tracks. My music is better and my riding is as well!
thanks for all your support take care!!!!
Rick Thorne
 
|
Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto dominates in his MX class debut, goes 1-1; Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Pourcel & Rattray make Lites podium 
CORONA, Calif., (May 26, 2009) – Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto absolutely dominated the opening round of the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA MX Nationals at Glen Helen (San Bernardino, Calif.), going 1-1 in his first-ever premier MX class win to take the overall, while Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel and Tyla Rattray both made the podium in their outdoor national MX Lites class debuts as well.
Villopoto was spectacular in the first American pro MX of the ’09 season, winning an exciting battle with Josh Grant in the opening moto on the rugged Jody Weisel-designed Glen Helen track. RV chased, caught and passed Grant on lap ten of the 14-lap contest, making it stick for through the end for his first-ever MX class moto win.
The rookie MX class racer then completed the two-moto sweep by coming from well behind in the second moto, passing Chad Reed early then again tracking down Grant before setting his sites on race leader Mike Alessi and erasing a once 16-second margin to pass Alessi with three laps remaining for the second moto victory and 1-1 overall finish to open the 2009 MX season.
“This was probably the roughest track we’ve raced in a couple years – a man’s track,” said Villopoto. “Means a lot to win here.”
Villopoto’s win was historic in that he becomes only the second racer, after Monster Energy’s Ricky Carmichael, to win a 450 class rookie debut.
“I caught some of the race on TV and definitely wanted to congratulate Ryan on his performance,” said Carmichael. “That track looked like a lot of fun.”
Villopoto’s charge in the second moto was reminiscent of some of Carmichael’s efforts when he’d come from back in the pack during his heyday racing the Nationals. And even when he had the overall sewn up, Villopoto still seemingly put his Kawasaki KX450F on edge and took it to race leader Alessi to secure the 1-1 on the day. “He (Alessi) had a huge lead – I didn’t get the start I wanted,” said Villopoto. “But I just kept pushing and didn’t try to ride over my head. It was a great race.”
Also making the top 15 for Monster Energy were Josh Hill (Yamaha) and Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy-JLaw Racing’s Nick Wey, going 14th and 15th, respectively. Wey in particular needs to be mentioned as, according to team officials, he dislocated his knee in a first moto crash and was only able to salvage one point from that contest. Coming back in the second moto “Just to ride, see how my knee felt,” according to Wey, the Yamaha-mounted veteran managed a top ten (10th) finish despite the pain in his knee. Hill would score all his points in the first moto with a 9th place finish.
Also, Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Tim Ferry was sidelined in the first moto after taking a rock to the hand and leaving the track bloodied and in some obvious pain. Ferry was unable to answer the bell for the second moto due to the injury. Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy-JLaw Racing’s Jason Lawrence was injured on Tuesday’s Glen Helen press day and unable to compete at the opener. With an internal injury, Lawrence is listed as day-to-day for this weekend’s MX National outside Sacramento, Calif.
In the MX Lites class Monster Energy was led by podium finishes in their inaugural American MX class events as well as Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Pourcel and Rattray finished 2-3. The two former FIM World MX2 class champions led a Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki charge that featured two other team racers in the top ten – Jake Weimer (8th) and Austin Stroupe (9th).
Pourcel kicked off the show at Glen Helen by winning the year’s opening Lites class moto with a strong 4th-to-1st finish that saw the Frenchman take the lead from rookie Justin Barcia on lap nine and win by five seconds over Ryan Dungey. Rattray didn’t pull the best start (8th after the first lap) and moved up to 5th midway through the first moto – a spot he’d hold through the checkers. In the second moto Rattray got a far better start (3rd) and moved into 2nd with a second-to-last lap pass on Barcia. Pourcel started back in 6th and could never quite find the speed he’d enjoyed in the opening moto (2:38.096 to 2:42.60).
This weekend the Monster Energy-backed MX racers gate at Prairie City SVRA’s (Folsom, Calif.) famous “Hangtown” race track for round two of the series. For more information on the Lucas Oil AMA MX Nationals, link to their website at: www.mxnationals.com
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 Lucas Oil AMA MX Nationals dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
Hill (Monster/Specialized) wins the pro downhill event and teammate Fairclough wins the pro giant slalom event at Diablo Freeride Park in Vernon, N.J.
CORONA, Calif., (May 26, 2009) – Taking a break from the UCI World Cup MTB tour is anything but relaxing for Monster Energy-backed, Specialized-riding Sam Hill and Brendan Fairclough as the two elite class mountain bike racers laced ‘em up and took it to the 500-plus athletes at this year’s U.S. Open of Mountain Biking at Diablo Freeride Park in Vernon, N.J.
Hill would go on to capture the contest’s premier event – the men’s pro downhill – while Fairclough reigned supreme in the giant slalom. The two would also join each other on their respective gold-medal run podiums with Hill placing 2nd in GS and Fairclough running 3rd in downhill.
“My run was pretty good,” said Hill. “It was slick up there – like an entirely different track to what we were practicing on. I had a couple great lines I felt worked good up there, along with one I had to change when I nearly went over the handlebars. I got down in once piece and it was kind of hit and miss on a track like this in these conditions.”
Added Fairclough: “It would have been nice to be back up in 2nd (DH). I rode way too conservatively. I got down in one piece and that’s all I can really say. There was no moments really to talk about. But I got down – so that’s what counts. I am really happy with my GS win, so 3rd today’s pretty good.”
Monster Energy’s Hill and Fairclough will chill in Pennsylvania for a few days before they fly back to Scotland for round four of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Ft. William.
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MTB, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, 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. Sam Hill & Brendan Fairclough dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
|
 
What’s up to all my Monster Army peeps! Just when I thought winter was over, this weekend it’s supposed to snow! C’mon man…I want to dirt bike! LOL I really don’t have any cool stories like my sled team mate Paul (I think my side burns are cool) Thacker from the Gumball 3000, but I do have some pretty exciting news. Slednecks and I just finished up on Volume 2 of Burandt’s Back Country Adventure the video. I am super stoked on how it turned out and it’s so cool to be the only snowmobile athlete out there with his own video line. I’m so thankful for all the fans for their support and demand for this awesome project. Stay tuned as here shortly I will have a teaser for the vid posted on www.Monster energy.com. Also, only 2 ½ more months before there’s going to be a little “Big Air” running around. I am so pumped to be a dad! Well, the wife and I are heading to Ohio to visit some family for a little vacation. Catch up with you all soon!
By the way, check out these cool pics from a photo shoot I did a couple weeks ago. Some of these shots will be used in a feature article on Burandt’s Back country Adventure in an upcoming Sno-X magazine. Stay tuned!
Burandt
|
Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawi’s Pourcel, Weimer, Stroupe & Rattray shoot for MX Lites crown as Monster/Kawasaki’s Villopoto steps up to the premier MX class
CORONA, Calif., (May 22, 2009) – The 2009 Lucas Oil AMA MX Nationals gets underway this weekend at San Bernardino’s (Calif.) Glen Helen Raceway, featuring a bevy of Monster Energy-backed athletes in both the MX Lites and premier MX classes.
With the M-claw athletes – namely Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto – dominating the MX Lites title (consecutive overall wins dating back to 2006 for RV), the summer of 2009 should again feature Monster-backed racers running up front on the Pro Circuit-tuned Kawasaki KX250Fs. Las Vegas Lites Shoot Out and Eastern Regional SX (ESX) champion, Christophe Pourcel, leads a team of racers that also features Jake Weimer (2nd WSX), Austin Stroupe (2nd ESX) and, when he returns from an injury, Ryan Morais (3rd WSX).
And there’s a fifth ‘wildcard’ Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team member that sure to turn some heads – defending MXGP MX2 class champ, South Africa’s Tyla Rattray.
“It’s awesome to be in America and racing - especially on Mitch’s team,” said Rattray in a recent interview here on Monster Energy’s websites. “He (Payton) has a good bike and a good program, so I’m really looking forward to racing to racing the Nationals.”
The 23-year-old Rattray will pilot the No. 441 KX250F, ideally following in the footsteps of former Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Lites class champ and fellow South Afrikaner, Grant Langston. Rattray began his international racing career in 2001 at age 15, then became one of the youngest MXGP podium finishers ever at age 16. In ’04 Rattray won his first MXGP at Bellpuig, Spain, and last year Rattray won the MX2 class championship, joining Langston, along with Greg Albertyn, as the only South African’s ever to win MXGP championship.
But the road to the American MX Lites title will likely go through another MXGP champ, Pourcel. The French great led a Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team regular season supercross charge recorded an industry-best 10 wins and 14 additional podium finishes to bring to a total of 24 times that the Monster Energy logo stood on the Lites podium this year. Pourcel then won the biggest Lites supercross of the year, standing atop the East/West Shoot Out podium in Vegas.
“Yes, the outdoor championship would be a very nice addition to the year I had racing supercross,” said Pourcel, who in his first full year on the world’s premier stadium motocross stage recorded five ESX wins and an additional podium finish in taking the overall ESX title with a Lites class-best 181 points.. “It will for sure be a great summer of motocross racing here in the States.”
Add to the mix Stroupe, who won the Lites overall at the Glen Helen opener last year, and Weimer, who was Honda’s top overall Lites class finisher in ’08 (4th), and Monster Energy will no doubt enjoy a podium-filled summer of Lites class racing!
On the big 450cc class bikes Monster Energy is anticipating a big season from Monster Army General, Villopoto. The Washington native is undefeated in summer championships, winning three-straight MX Lites titles dating back to 2006. On the big bikes Villopoto, who draws comparisons to Monster Energy’s Ricky Carmichael, ended the season with two spectacular victories at Seattle and Vegas.
Also expected back for Glen Helen, after injuring his foot during supercross, is Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Tim “Red Dog” Ferry. No stranger to the podium at Glen Helen, the veteran Ferry won the overall there in 2001 – on of the bigger wins of the Floridian’s MX career.
Running the M-claw logo for the Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy-JLaw Racing program as well in the 450 class will be Jason Lawrence and Nick Wey, along with Lites class support from rookie Max Anstie. Lawrence will be the one to keep an eye on with this team for sure as last year he won the first Lites class moto at Glen Helen and went on to finish 3rd overall (1st-5th), while Wey placed in the top ten in the MX class (9th @ 10th/10th).
And up north of the border, contesting the Monster Energy Canadian Motocross Nationals, will be Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki’s Paul Carpenter and Bobby Kiniry. Carpenter won the Canadian championships’ MX1 class in 2007 and Kiniry can flat out fly. So look for reports on those guys here on MonsterEnergy.com and MonsterArmy.com once the season gets started, June 6-7, in Kamloops, B.C.
For more information on the Lucas Oil AMA MX Nationals, link to their website at: www.mxnationals.com
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 Lucas Oil AMA MX Nationals dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
|
 Sunday
June 7th
Ramp Rats Bike & Skatepark
Tuesday
June 9th
The Truck Stop Skatepark
Wednesday
June 10th
The Skatebarn West Skatepark
Thursday
June 11th
Travel to Fifty Two Skatepark
Saturday
June 13th
Travel to Southside Skatepark
Sunday
June 14th
Vinny's Skatepark
Wednesday
June 17th
Eisenburgs Skatepark
Saturday
June 20th
X-Court Skatepark
Sunday
June 21st
Chula Vista Skatepark
|
American Martinez’ win at Teahupoo is the second Billabong Pro Tahiti win of his career, tops a field that includes Burrow, Slater, Fanning, Irons and the Hobgoods 
CORONA, Calif., (May 20, 2009) – Monster Energy-backed surfer Bobby Martinez (Santa Barbara, Calif.) is on top of the pro surfing world after captured top honors at the recent Billabong Pro Tahiti, presented by Air Tahiti Nui, in Teahupoo. The 26-year-old Martinez bested a field of the world’s top touring pro surfers, including Taj Burrow, Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Andy Irons and the Hobgood brothers.
“I feel great and a bit emotional,” said Martinez in a press statement from the ASP World Tour. “I waited for the good ones (waves) out there and just got lucky. There weren’t too many waves and I was lucky enough to get a couple of good ones and not fall. Things just seemed to work out for me. I really don’t know what to say. It feels really special.”
Contesting the third of ten events on the ’09 ASP World Tour, Martinez opened with a strong heat, scoring an 8.73 out of a possible 10. The highly decorated Californian amateur surfer, who joined the World tour in ‘06, continued to pour it on in blazing to one of the year’s best finals’ run scores of the year – a 9.73 – which was certainly the highest-scored run at the Billabong Pro Tahiti. And Martinez’ 9.73 couldn’t have come at a better time either as it increased his finals score versus Burrow to 18.46 out of 20, which sealed his fourth elite tour win of his young career.
And what makes this even more interesting? Martinez pulled it off on a borrowed board after breaking a number of his own while ripping during the long waiting period leading up to the heat events.
“I actually borrowed a board from Alain Riou,” said Martinez of the local Tahitian surfer. “He rides Darren Handley shapes and the board was the same dimensions and pretty much the same shape I ride. It was great to find that as yesterday I was a bit skeptical about today in terms of the conditions and my equipment. But everything worked out perfectly.
About the best compliment an athlete can get is one that comes from another competitor, to which top European surfer and 3rd place Billabong Pro Tahiti competitor, Aritz Aranburu - who topped surf great Kelly Slater in his draw - said: “Bobby (Martinez) is one of the best out there.”
In the end Martinez was humble and very honored with the win and congratulations from his fellow surfers, saying simply: “I didn’t start surfing to make money – I started for me, and to win today…you cannot put a price on the feelings I have. I’m really going to let it sink in and enjoy it.”
Overall, after three rounds of ASP World Tour surfing action, Monster Energy’s Martinez sits in 7th place in the standings with 2,025 points – just 149 points out of the top five. The next stop on the ASP World Tour, Brazil’s Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro, is scheduled for June 27 to July 5th.
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it surfing, off road, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, 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. Bobby Martinez digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
|
Hey all, its PT here.
Just got back to Alaska after what seems like the longest road trip ever! Been traveling for about 5 weeks and I am super stoked to be home finally and sleep in my own bed! Ahh.. the simple things in life! Haha. What a ride it has been this spring! I have been all over the country! Actually have been coast to coast!
After the WR jump I hit the road to Monster Energy Seattle SX! Monster and I thought it would be cool to display the 300 foot sled at the remaining SX races. It was a huge hit! The Seattle fans where super stoked when I ripped out of the tunnel and down the start line. Yep, that’s right, I actually rode my Polaris IQ sled on the Seattle Supercross track!! The entire place was stoked!! I was very honored to get a chance to represent our sport on such a huge stage. Cant wait for next year!!
Next up after Seattle I headed to Whistler for some spring filming. I headed up to meet Cody Borchers, Bret Turcotte, Cory Davis and Chris Brown. We had nearly 10 days of unreal weather and a ton of snow! The Telus ski and snowboard festival was going on at the same time so there was no shortage of night life! We were able to keep the late nights in check and actually got some good riding in. Seems I am so busy these days I don’t get to ride like I used to so it was a nice change just to rip with the bro’s
Vegas SX was the next stop. Loaded up the truck and trailer and headed south. Unfortunately I didn’t get to far. Blew the motor in my truck in Yakima WA. Luckily the boys from Whiplash Sports are located there and helped a brother out. Truck was down for the count so I hopped a plane to Vegas for the SX finally. What an unreal event and even better race! Reed and Stewart definitely did not disappoint. And then of course Monster Energy did not disappoint with the after SX party where we took over the Hard Rock Hotel pool. With Naughty by Nature and Two Live Crew performing the good times where a plenty! 
Sunday morning after Vegas SX is when the real adventure started. The weeks prior my TM at Monster Energy, Terri Sacks, called and asked if I would be interested in running a leg of the Gumball 3000 Rally. The Gumball is a rally from LA to Miami to raise money for Wounded Warriors. There are Sheiks, Movie Stars, Athletes and Billionaires all showcasing their exotic, race and unique cars across America. Of course I jumped at the chance and was excited and honored to even be considered! So Sunday morning I met the Monster film crew and my driving partners, Rick Thorne and Terri on the roof of the Hard Rock to get the adventure started! We hopped in the stretch Escalade and we were off! Wow… Wow… Wow.. What an amazing week. We drove daily and would stop in a different city each night
Day one went from Vegas to Sedona AZ with a stop at the Hoover Dam and a stop in Williams AZ to totally stoke out some kids at their skate park, signed a few posters and gave some swag out. My 1st day also saw our first victims as far as speeding tickets and even worse. 2 porches and a Bugatti all got impounded with drivers in handcuffs for going over 170 in a 70…. Oops! Wouldn’t want to be paying their new insurance rates.. haha
From Sedona we drove to Santé Fe New Mexico. Sante Few was a pretty mellow evening, aside from one wrecked penthouse suit….Haha. The next day we were off to Dallas TX. The Sante Fe Police were kind enough to give us an escort out of town and then also kind enough to set up a sweet speed trap several miles down the road to catch the early Gumballers!
We arrived in Dallas late evening after a full days drive. Dallas is an amazing city. We were lucky to have rooms at the W hotel downtown and it is an amazing spot for sure. Gumball had the Ghost bar reserved for us and it was a party for the ages. DJ Mugs from Cypress Hill was spinning and the joint was popping! We had an amazing time and 7am came dang early the next morning.
From Dallas we headed to New Orleans. I had never been so I wasn’t sure what to expect. New Orleans is an experience in itself. The entire Gumball crew was Police escorted into NO. We drove right down Bourbon St. No one drives on Bourbon st!! Super cool. After we checked into the hotel (also right on Bourbon st) we grabbed a bite and headed out to check out the surroundings. We were welcomed like family everywhere we went. It was great to be out and chat with all the different people and personalities. What a crazy night…what an early morning..
The next morning we were off to Orlando. After a minor delay….(4 hours or so..we bent both passenger side 26’’ inch wheels in NO on a VW size pot hole and had to buy a new set of 26”s to get on the road…yikes!) we headed to Orlando FL. After a bit of fun on the road to Orlando, rallied with a porche, a Lambo, and a Bentley, unfortunately the Bentley got pulled over, we got to Orlando. After a couple crazy nights I was ready to shut it down early but that just wasn’t meant to be. Apparently Mike Busey (Gary Busey’s son) was having a Gumball party a few minutes from Ritz where we were staying. I wasn’t stoked to go, but man am I glad I ended up going! What and amazing night! Most of it isn’t fit for print but let me tell you.. It was one heck of a good time. It was great to meet Mike and his crew and they showed us great hospitality and a great time. You can check some of it out on Mike’s youtube clips! Good times!
Friday morning was meant to be our last. We were headed to Miami for the finish and some sunshine. Rick and I slept through the alarms and the wake up calls and we got a bit of a late start but we managed to take a few shortcuts and caught up with the crew before Miami. Gumball had set up with the City to have us escorted into South Beach. They corralled us all just outside of the city and with the South Beach locals leading the way we were escorted right down to the main drag in South Beach. They had streets closed and traffic held as we rolled in. I felt like we were royalty (actually there was some on the rally) They had the finish line flags out and there was champagne and congrats everywhere. I think we were just stoked not to have gotten any speeding tickets (had to do some fast talking a few times though.. haha) Everyone was a bit bummed that the rally was coming to an end for sure.
We all were put up at the Gansevoort Hotel right on South Beach, what an unreal hotel. Roof top pool area was one of the coolest features ever! That evening was the end of Gumball party. The party was right at the hotel in their night club. There were no shortcuts for this shindig. Complete with red carpet and paparazzi! So crazy!! We all had an amazing time. Awards were given and it was cool to see Danny and the Dingo win the Spirit of the Gumball award. Haha.. They rallied in their Grenade RV! Funny stuff. It was yet another amazing night.
It was definitely a bit bittersweet that the rally was over. But I have to say that it was an amazing experience. Hanging out with the peope like Tony Hawk, Dave Mirra, Dennis Rodman, Gretchen Wilson, The Sheiks, The Famous Stars and Stripes crew, and of course my lil buddy Rick Thorne. There is so much that I had to leave out! Guess you will have to wait for the book! Haha
I have to give a big thanks to Terri and Monster Energy for the opportunity and to Max and Julie from the Gumball. You guys rock! And to all the Gumball staff… thanks so much. You all were amazing. Can’t wait for next year!
Well here I am back in AK, hopefully for a bit so I can enjoy a little fishing and jetski time! Then it’s back to work.. well.. you know what I mean…;)
Until next time… keep it rubber side down
|
|
Hey guys! Here are photo's from the Gumball Rally 3000 I filmed for FUEL TV, VIMBY, GUMBALL'S TV Show coming out on either or MTV or SPIKE TV when I filmed for one of the 12 episodes where they followed me for the whole show, PLUS I did a photo shoot for SKINNIE Magazine thanks for the support let's keep rocking!!!!
     
|
World Champion rides through pain barrier to claim podium finish; Coppins and Vuillemin sixth and seventh overall in MX1 class  
LONDON (May 19, 2009) - Yamaha Monster Energy MX Team’s David Philippaerts, the FIM MX1 World Championship’s defending class champion, brushed aside the discomfort and mental turmoil of three days in the UK undergoing laser treatment on a broken left finger to score his second podium result his season with the runner-up position at the Grand Prix of Catalunya.
The Bellpuig circuit, with its characteristically large jumps curiously dumbed-down for the 2009 edition of the Catalan/Spanish event, offered its usual test of rough and rippled hard-pack terrain. The layout was simple and provided more a test of outright speed and application from the riders.
The sixth round of 15 in the ’09 championship - attended by 20,000 fans - saw some tense battles in both classes as series leader Antonio Cairoli hit the deck twice in the first moto but won the second. And in MX2 Gautier Paulin, of the Monster Energy backed Bud Racing squad, also had a dalliance with the floor – once in both races – to finish down in 15th and lose the red leader’s plate for the first time this year.
Philippaerts, who could barely manage a quick lap in practice on Saturday, surprised many and even himself with his decent starts and solid pace in the two races. He fought with Clement Desalle for second place in the first moto and then tussled with countryman Cairoli before confirming the same rank later in the afternoon.
“I did not expect this because my thumb gave me a lot of problems yesterday, but today I could ride well and quite easily and I am really happy for the result; it is a bit of a surprise,” said Philippaerts. “I did not do any training since Portugal, only treatment, so I felt a bit tired towards the end of the second moto but obviously I am really pleased with two third positions. My doctor believes that I should be almost back to normal for the next Grand Prix.”
Yamaha Monster Energy teammate Josh Coppins was sixth overall and Bud Kawasaki’s David Vuillemin, another Monster Energy-supported athlete, reached the top five for the first time in 2009 and his return to the world championship by chasing the New Zealander (Coppins) in the first moto.
The distinctive green M-claw was seen at the very front of the field in the second MX1 outing as CAS Honda’s Billy Mackenzie stole a march on the pack and forged what seemed an unassailable lead. The Scotsman, who was competing with a “wrecked” right thumb, to use his own words, unfortunately succumbed to the rest of the field but it was still a creditable ride.
Philippaerts is fifth in the class standings, 1 point behind Coppins and 57 behind Cairoli.
In the MX2 class Yamaha Monster Energy Ricci MX Team’s Davide Guarneri started from Pole Position at the track - where he survived a biblical mud-bath in 2008 to win - and went on to claim sixth position. The result continues the Italian’s consistency this season and brings him to within five points of the lead in the championship. Paulin is now second and just four points behind new front-runner Marvin Musquin.
The World Championship now pauses after its Iberian adventure and heads towards its biggest and most atmospheric appointment with the British Grand Prix at Mallory Park, set to occur on the final Sunday of the month.
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
|
Reigning AMA National Hare & Hound champ follows up a 3rd at last H & H race with a 2nd place run in Utah, moves to w/in striking distance of overall points lead
 
Photos courtesy of: Brad Bentley
CORONA, Calif., (May 18, 2009) – Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Destry Abbott, the reigning AMA National Hare & Hound Championship champion, fought his way to a 2nd place finish at this past weekend’s Hare & Hound contest in Jericho, Utah, putting him in 2nd place in the overall championship standings as the western U.S. off road motorcycle racing series goes into hibernation during the hot and dusty summer months until the end of September.
According to Abbott, if he and Hare & Hound point leader David Kamo each throw away one race, Abbott trails Kamo by only six points.
Abbott shot out to an early lead in Utah, battling bar-to-bar with Kendall Norman, then diving in front of David Pearson to grab the lead. As the two headed into the first washout section, Pearson grabbed the lead back – which put Abbott in a rough situation.
“When we dropped into the wash David had the line to the right of me – and made the pass,” said Abbott. “I got dusted out and had to back off.”
In a holding pattern just to the outside of Pearson’s dust cloud for the first 48-mile loop, and with Kamo just outside his (Abbott’s) dust cloud, the three leaders dropped into a ten-mile long ravine – which set up a good situation for Abbott to take over the lead. “I was hoping to make the pass when the KTM guys (Pearson and Kamo) had to stop at their alternate pit (where Abbott didn’t have to stop),” he explained. “But right about then my bike stalled and I wasn’t sure why. I started to kick it, but nothing happened. After about ten to 15 kicks, David Kamo went by me. A few more kicks and it fired.”
All good, except for the fact that Abbott now had to eat both Pearson and Kamo’s dust in what Abbott called “The dustiest race we’ve run in a long time.” This went on for 52 miles, up into the trees where Abbott said “the dust would sit there.”
Running 3rd behind Kamo after he pitted, Abbott said Kamo was having the same difficulty he was having in trying to catch Pearson – all of whom were in several seconds of each other. Dodging trees he didn’t (couldn’t) see until the last second, Abbott put on a harrowing ride just to stick with the two. With about ten miles to go in the race, Abbott caught a break when both Pearson and Kamo had missed a corner – allowing him to catch up. Abbott then got past Pearson, out-jumping him to a corner through a ditch and into 2nd place.
“I had clean air for the first time in about 60 miles,” said Abbott.
Kamo had put a bit of a gap on Abbott when he and Pearson were battling and, with ten miles to go, Abbott pushed hard and got back into Kamo’s dust. “I knew I really didn’t have much of a chance at making a pass since we were on a lot of Jeep roads, but I wanted to stay close enough and hoped he (Kamo) would make a mistake,” said Abbott. “He didn’t and put in a great ride for the win.” Abbott finished about 15 seconds back in 2nd place.
Next up for Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Destry Abbott is round seven of the World Off Road Championship (WORCS), June 12-14, in Toutle, Wash.
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it Hare & Hound, WORCS, GNCC, Baja, 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. Destry Abbott digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
Longtime Monster Energy-backed racer earns some redemption after last year’s difficult DNF @ Infineon; Monster’s Brandon Currie places 5th in SuMo main 
CORONA, Calif., (May 18, 2009) – Utilizing a powerful start and dominating speed throughout, Monster Energy’s Mark Burkhart (Burkhart Racing/KTM) overcame a late-race crash to win the second round of the 2009 AMA XTRM Supermoto Championship held in conjunction with the AMA Superbike round at Sonoma’s (Calif.) Infineon Raceway this past weekend.
Burkhart, the 2007 Supermoto class champion, exercised some demons at Infineon after last year’s mechanical failure – while leading the race - for all intents and purposes handed the ’08 class title to Troy Herfoss.
But there would be nothing of the sort at Infineon this past weekend as the Ohioan led the race from the second lap to the checkers over Sylain Bidart and Jeff Ward – despite a quick up-and-down spill in the dirt section with three laps remaining in the contest.
“Once I got off the line in 2nd I had a couple of good places to pass out there and I made a move on Bidart on the second lap in turn one and took the lead,” explained Burkhart. “After that I just worked my way around the track and tried to ride a smart race.”
And when the former motocrosser did go down late in the contest, he not only managed to keep the motor running on his KTM – he had also built enough of a lead where there was no question as to if he’d be caught or not, topping Bidart by more than six seconds.
Placing 5th in the premier Supermoto class was Monster Energy’s Brandon Currie (BC Racing/Graves Motorsports/Yamaha). “We ran pretty well today,” he said. “Would have liked to been in a position to challenge for the podium at the end, but it wasn’t going to happen. We’ll take the top five finish and work to improve on that at the next round.”
Up next for Monster Energy’s Burkhart and Currie is the third round of the 2009 AMA XTRM Supermoto Championship’s at Las Vegas’ South Point Arena (May 29-31).
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it supermoto, road racing, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, 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. Burkhart and Currie dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
Flag-to-flag MotoGP race sees Edwards finish seventh and Toseland ninth; Bradley Smith rides cautiously but effectively into fourth in 125cc
LONDON (May 18, 2009) The Monster Army’s march to glory was stopped in its tracks by intermittent rain on the legendary Le Mans circuit in France yesterday. Racing in front of more than 75,000 chilly fans, the day was chaotic for all the Monster Energy athletes as they had to contend with bursts of wet weather and then a drying track.
The MotoGP event was the most affected by the conditions, with rain showers earlier in the day meaning the riders had to start the race on full wet tires. However, as the track dried quicker than expected, they were forced to use MotoGP’s flag-to-flag rule - which means they were allowed to rush into the pits to swap onto their second bike fitted with dry tires.
It was a surreal day for Monster Energy’s Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha #46), who had a solid start from the second row of the grid. Riding in second place and chasing his teammate Lorenzo, after six laps he decided the time was right to come in to the pits and be the first rider to change to slick tires. However on his first lap out he hit a damp area at the Museum corner, sending him spiralling into the gravel and causing damage to one side of his bike.
Having been in to change back to his original machine, Rossi was then hit with a ride-through penalty for speeding in pit-lane. As the track dried even further he was forced to come in for a fourth time to change back to his second bike which had been repaired by his time, but it was already too late and he finished in 16th position and out of the points. He still sits in second place in the series, just a single point behind his victorious teammate Lorenzo.
Rossi explained his race: “I decided to change bikes early because usually that strategy pays off. Of course I knew that I had to warm the tires up a little bit but I crashed anyway because at that point the track was still wet and I just didn’t ride into it in a calm enough manner. We’ve had problems throughout the weekend with the set-up of the bike and today I was just hoping that I could stay with the riders in front and get some important points for the championship. Now we go to Mugello, my home GP, where I will perhaps be even more motivated than usual!”
The Monster Energy Yamaha Tech 3 team had a similarly chaotic day, with Colin Edwards (#5) finishing seventh after having completed the first lap down in 16th position. Starting from row two, the Texan was unable to get comfortable in the wet conditions, and dropped instantly to the back of the pack. He recovered his race by choosing the ideal time to come in and change to the dry set-up after 11 laps, and was then able to pick his way through the pile as one of the fastest riders out on the circuit.
“I'm really disappointed because it was definitely a missed opportunity today for a podium,” explained Edwards. “In the first part of the race on the wet tires I'd lost so many places I was nearly at the back and I just wasn't comfortable. I saw some guys come into the pits and I thought it was a couple of laps too early because there were still some wet patches out there. I waited for a bit and came in and on the first couple of laps back out of the pits I lost so much time again. I was on the hard front tire and it took a while to get some heat into it. I had a couple of moments but once it came good, it came really good and I got my head down. To only finish seventh is a bit frustrating when you look at my times in the dry. At the end of the day I rode a good second half of the race.”
His teammate, James Toseland (#52), took a creditable ninth race considering it was the first time he had ridden in a flag-to-flag race. The Briton went well in the wet, battling up to seventh from his fourth row start and fought hard to cling on to positions as the chaos settled. His second top ten of the year serves as a confidence boost before the next round in Italy.
The 125cc race was run in entirely wet conditions, with rain falling throughout, and Monster Energy’s Bradley Smith (Bancaja Aspar Aprilia #38) rode a professional race to claim fourth position. With all but six riders crashing at some point in the race, Smith showed his maturity to stay on board throughout and picked up 13 solid championship points. He remains in second in the championship standings, just five-and-a-half points behind his teammate Simon (who won the race).
Fellow Monster Energy rider Danny Webb (DeGraaf Aprilia #99) crashed out in the early stages of the race despite having shown earlier in the weekend that he was extremely competitive in the wet conditions.
MotoGP’s Monster Army travels to the Mugello circuit in Italy for round five of the championship, and with masses of home support, Valentino Rossi will hope to lead the charge to victory once more.
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. Valentino Rossi digs ‘em. So will you. On the 'Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
Please contact media@uk.monsterenergy.com for photos or more information
|
Thomas steps up and leads the Monster Energy XC2 class racers in Grand National Cross Country racing at round 7 of the popular eastern dirt bike series
Photos courtesy of: Jason Hooper
CORONA, Calif., (May 18, 2009) – Monster Energy/Fred Andrews Racing/Yamaha’s Jason Thomas matched his XC2 class’ best finish of the 2009 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) season this past weekend, racing his M-claw emblazoned YZ250F to a 2nd place finish at the Mountain Ridge GNCC held in Somerset, Pa.
With the effort – his fourth podium finish in seven rounds this summer – Thomas moved to within four points of the overall XC2 class podium, trailing Scott Watkins by the score of 138-134 for 3rd place overall.
Pulling the holeshot in the XC2 class main event, Thomas was on it early – only to get stuck in a few spots during a difficult first lap and coming around in 5th place. Thomas’ Monster Energy-backed teammate, Josh Weisenfels, was haulin’ as well and in 4th place after the opening lap.
Though the track was a bit muddy due to some rain on Saturday, the racers no doubt felt the conditions were ideal given the past couple mud-laden events. As they approached the gas stop Thomas had clawed his way back onto the podium and was running in 3rd place – with 2nd in sight, a battle that team owner Fred Andrews said would last right through an exciting conclusion at the checkers.
“Jason passed for 2nd place with two laps to go, then did all he could through the white flag to hold off the 3rd place rider – a spot he’d lose with four miles to go to the finish,” said Andrews. “And when the 2nd place rider decided to go around the final mud hole before the finish, Jason pinned it and just berzerked it off a giant rock – clearing the mud hole to re-take 2nd place. He crossed the finish line with the 3rd place guy on his rear tire and the place just went bananas!”
And though he was in contention early to make the podium, Weisenfels – who’s yet to podium this year – managed to get stuck in a mud hole and needed the help of four people to free his bike, the end result being a DNF. “I was running strong and got stuck in a big mud hole,” he said in disgust.
But Thomas would be the talk of the race for his bold move at the finish. “I got the start and made a little mistake and put myself in the back of the pack,” he said. “I just put my head down and rode as fast as I could.”
Next up for the Monster Energy/FAR/Yamaha team is the June 7th GNCC in Millfiled, Ohio, round eight of the 2009 GNCC Series.
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it GNCC, WORCS, Hare & Hound, EnduroCross, 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. Fred Andrews’ boyz digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
Hacking podiums on Saturday, then gives up the overall SportBike class lead with a 13th on Sunday; Monster’s Hayden & Davies top ten on Sat. as well
 
CORONA, Calif., (May 18, 2009) – A week after taking over the overall AMA SportBike class points lead with two podium finishes (3rd & 2nd) at Barber Motorsports Park’s AMA doubleheader in Birmingham, Ala., Monster Energy’s Jamie Hacking (Attack Kawasaki) opened this past weekend’s racing right were he left off – nailing a brilliant late-race pass to make the first of two possible SportBike podiums at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. – round five of the 2009 AMA Superbike Series.
Hacking, coming off a first-lap caution flag in the SportBike class main even on Saturday that had the pace car back out on the track for the next three laps, found himself back in 8th place to start the contest. Gunning for his fifth podium finish of the season, Hacking made up the distance to catch all but race leader Martin Cardenas – placing 2nd in a furious 17-lap push to the front.
“At the restart I wasn’t sure which line we were taking and I ended up inside,” said Hacking. “I knew I had to hold up a little to make a safe entry and fell back a handful of spots. I always seem to make it hard on myself, but the training really kicked in today since it was extremely hot. I’m really happy that I was able to make up the positions so I can keep the points tight.”
Hacking’s good fortune would suffer a bit of a hiccup at Sunday’s SportBike main event when the Brit crashed twice – yet still managed to make the top 15 (13th). As it stands Cardenas now holds a 24-point lead (203-179) over Hacking after five rounds of SportBike racing in the books.
Also having good runs on Saturday were Hacking’s Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki teammate Roger Lee Hayden and Monster Energy-backed Chaz Davies (Aprilia). Hayden made Saturday’s Superpole, qualifying 10th, then raced back from 12th place to finish 9th on the day.
“I’m a little bummed with the result, but hopefully we can do better tomorrow,” said Hayden. “I felt good and didn’t think the heat was a factor, but I had a pretty big gap in between some riders and it was hard to move forward. I know we can change a few things so I can improve on my finish from today.”
Davies was on fire both days in the heat of Sonoma, matching his season-best finish with a 4th on Saturday, then was in podium position early in Sunday’s race when a mechanical issue ended his day. “Ah, that was unfortunate on Sunday – we’d been running so well all weekend and were up front to challenge early,” said Davies. “Look forward to running it back here at Elkhart Lake.”
Davies still kept his top six position (6th) in the SportBike standings with 108 points, while Hayden is just a click outside the top 15 having suffered a DNF as well on Sunday.
Sunday’s SuperSport race was about the best contest all weekend when Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki’s Leandro Mercado, who won the pole position for the race in Saturday’s qualifying, got into a great battle with Ricky Parker and ended up placing 2nd. “It was a hard race," said Mercado. "I tried to make a pass on Ricky but I knew I couldn't do it so I settled back and just took second place. I want to congratulate Ricky; he did a great job."
Next up for the Monster Energy-backed AMA Superbike Series racers is the June 5-7 round at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. 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
|
Jonnier tops the world’s best women DH MTB racers in Andorra, Monster Energy’s Sam Hill suffers a scary get-off while leading the men’s race (he’s OK)
Photos courtesy of Fraser Britton
CORONA, Calif., (May 18, 2009) – Monster Energy’s Sabrina Jonnier (Maxxis) topped a field of the best women’s downhill mountain bike racers this past weekend in Andorra, round three of the 2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup championships. And on the men’s side, Monster Energy’s Sam Hill (Specialized) suffered a scary crash while leading his contest and ended up placing a disappointing 31st, while his Monster Energy/Specialized teammate Brendan Fairclough again made the top ten (7th).
Taking over the points lead from rival and overall women’s elite DH points leader, Tracy Moseley, heading into the Andorra round – 642 to 640 – Jonnier was on it during the opening portion of the women’s course this past weekend and feels that her good start was what won the race for her.
“I’m happy again!,” exclaimed Jonnier. “My run was pretty good. I knew that I could make the difference on the top – it’s kind of my track. So I tried to go pretty fast at the top and tried to stay on my bike in the technical part. I pedaled to the finish and, apparently, it was good enough.”
After qualifying without a chain during the final section of the Andorra course, Hill, like Jonnier, had put it to the competition on the top portion of the course and enjoyed a 1.6-second lead some 40 seconds into his run when disaster struck as he headed into the woods. “I’m happy to be alive after that crash,” said Hill, who’s in 5th place overall in the elite men DH standings with 427 points. “Somehow my head missed the stump and the rocks next to it and I landed in the snow bank. I had snow flakes all over my goggles and couldn’t see anything.”
Managing to survive the men’s DH race was Fairclough, who continued to put up career-best numbers in the elite class with another top ten finish. “I’ve got no complaints about my run,” said Fairclough. “I’m glad I got down in one piece, a few tenths out of the top five, so that’s two weekends in a row not doing so bad. I’m looking forward to Ft. William (next WC race). I’ll have a lot of friends and family there, it’ll be a rad weekend. Hopefully I can get the job done.”
In men’s 4x competition Monster Energy’s Jared Graves made the finals, only to sketch a bit in the first turn – which he figures was where he lost the race. “I got a perfect start, perfect first straight,” he said. “I tried to get tight on the first flag and hit some loose rock, under-steered over them and that’s what left the door open. I could run it another ten times and I wouldn’t make that mistake again, so it’s unfortunate.”
This marked the first time in three World Cup events that Graves had been beaten. He still managed to increase his 4x men’s elite class points lead over Roger Rinderknecht. The next 4x race takes place in Scotland on June 6th.
Next up for the Monster Energy MTB racers is the U.S. Open of MTB in Mountain Creek, N.J., then back to Europe for the Scotland (Ft. William) World Cup.
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. Hill, Graves, Fairclough & Jonnier rock ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
JLaw’s rockin’ the M-claw logo on his Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster/Troy Racing YZ in Racer X, and also locks down a pull-out poster shot in Transworld MX!
CORONA, Calif., (May 15, 2009) – Love him or hate him, you can’t take your eyes off Monster Energy’s Jason Lawrence – literally.
Just hitting subscribers’ mailboxes and soon-to-be on the newsstand, the human headline himself, JLaw, scores the cover of this month’s Racer X Illustrated on his Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing Yamaha YZ450F.
“At the tone please leave a message for … Jason … When you are finished with your message you may hang up or press ‘one’ for further options,” was what Lawrence immediately had to say about the Racer X cover shot as he’s reportedly turning hot laps – and heads – on his 450 at Glen Helen in preparation for the AMA Outdoor Nationals opener next weekend.
In addition to the Racer X cover, Lawrence is also featured in a pull-out poster in this month’s Transworld MX magazine, as well as being show prominently online at Transworld MX’s website http://motocross.transworld.net/2009/05/14/glen-helen-testing/ during a recent Glen Helen test session.
Action gets underway for JLaw and the Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing team a week from this Saturday (May 22) with the opening round of the 2009 AMA Outdoor Nationals at Glen Helen Raceway, San Bernardino, Calif.
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it SX, road racing, 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. JLaw digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
|
Check it out!
 
|
Monster-backed Jamie Hacking leads the showcase SportBike class points chase after four rounds of racing on America’s premier championship street bike circuit
CORONA, Calif., (May 15, 2009) – Coming off two podium finishes (3rd & 2nd) at last weekend’s Barber Motorsports Park AMA SportBike AMA doubleheader in Birmingham, Ala., Monster Energy’s Jamie Hacking (Attack Kawasaki) has wrestled the class’ overall points lead away from Danny Eslick, 146-143, heading into this weekend’s round five of the AMA Superbike Series in Sonoma, Calif. – the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown at Infineon Raceway.
And Hacking’s got a solid history of success at Infineon, scoring wins there in both the Supersport class (’03) and Superstock class (’04 & ’06). “This is our first of two races in the Bay Area (Laguna Seca on Monterey being the other) and it marks the halfway point of the SportBike season,” said Hacking. “We’re pleased to be in the lead, and the plan is to leave Infineon in the same position as we entered.”
Stepping up to challenge Hacking will be his Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki teammate Roger Hayden. The ’07 Supersport overall champion, Hayden’s been hot and cold this year. When’s he’s on he can be the fastest guy in the SportBike class. When he’s off the consequences can be rough as Hayden’s mixed a podium finish (2nd @ Road Atlanta) with a couple get-offs. This weekend he’ll look to keep the hyper-fast Kawasaki ZX-6R upright and back on the box in Sonoma.
Joining Hacking and Hayden at the top of the SportBike competition fray at Infineon is Monster Energy’s Chaz Davies (Aprilia). Holding down 6th place overall in the class with 90 points, the 22-year-old Davies is poised for a breakthrough weekend on the 2.32 mile, 11-turn course.
“Out of the first five overall positions in the SportBike class, everyone’s got a podium,” said Davies. “I’d like to see my name on that list following Sonoma.”
In SuperSport racing action at Infineon, Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki’s Leandro Mercado has put his No. 92 ZX-R6 in 2nd place in the overall SuperSport East championship standings with 49 points. Look for the young speedster to challenge for the podium again in Sonoma.
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
|
Monster Energy’s Italian superstar roars into France at Eiffel Tower
 
PARIS (May 14th, 2009) Monster Energy’s Valentino Rossi, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, led a Monster Energy charge into Paris today, en route to his assault on the upcoming Grand Prix de France at Le Mans.
Fresh from a scintillating battle at the Spanish GP in Jerez de la Frontera, where the eight-time World Champion celebrated his first victory of the 2009 campaign, the Monster Army’s General arrived at an exclusive press conference on board his special-edition Monster Energy Yamaha R1.
True to his cheeky form, and despite the rain coming down, the fun-loving Italian made the most of his incognito ride through the city streets. After holding up the morning traffic at the Arc de Triomphe under the watchful eye of the French Gendarmerie, Rossi steamed his way down the Champs-Élysées before revving his bike to the max and performing a mean burn-out underneath the Eiffel Tower, scorching his permanent mark into the Paris road surface.
“It was quite dangerous and slippery out there with the rain, but I managed to do a little burn-out by the Eiffel Tower. I did try a little wheelie too, but I was out on the roads with the police so I couldn’t be too naughty,” smirked the champ after his rebel-run. “It’s my first time to the Eiffel Tower so I was pleased to do that, we all had some fun out there. I’m looking forward to this weekend at Le Mans now, and hope I can be celebrating my 99th Grand Prix victory there.”
Rossi currently leads the MotoGP World Championship by nine points after three rounds of the series, with the Grand Prix de France taking place at the famous Le Mans circuit on May 17th.
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. Valentino Rossi digs ‘em. So will you. On the 'Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
For more information about the ride, and high-resolution photos please contact media@uk.monsterenergy.com
|
|
|
3rd Annual Surf Competition
Attention all Pacific North West Surfers! Rip Curl Canada is proud to present "The Rip Curl ST3W" a two day surf competition open to all ages and held in the heart of Cox Bay, Tofino– May 23 rd -24 th 2009.
For 40 years, Rip Curl has played a leading role in the surf industry and continues to move forward in Canada. For its third year in a row, Rip Curl holds the only surf contest this summer in Tofino, BC, and one of the only Surf Contests in Canada. Looking into the future, Rip Curl feels strongly that this event will bring the surf culture of Vancouver Island’s past, back to life with a realistic goal - to continue to develop home-grown athletes to compete at a world-class level.
"We are excited on the 3 rd edition of the ST3W; we will be bringing some new elements to the beach as well the best surfers in the Pacific Northwest will be in attendance. We have a few surprises up our sleeves that all the kids on the beach are really going to enjoy. The contest will feature 7 categories – including open categories for men, women, and children, allowing surfers at all levels & ages to showcase their talent!"- Rip Curl Brand Manager, Drew Hawkshaw
With the estimated number of ST3W competitors in attendance being close to one hundred, it is lining up to be an unforgettable weekend. It is an opportunity for up and coming surfers to showcase their talent. Some well known athletes invited to compete include Christian Moutinho, Leah Oke, the Bruhwiler brothers, Reid Jackson, Mike Stupak, Bastien Lanusse, Noah Cohen, Shannon Brown, all your local Tofino hot shots, and of course Peter Devries who took last years St3w contest. We also had some athletes come from as far as Mexico last year and we hope these kids will come again.
With the help of Monster Energy Drink this year, Monster is determined to make this the best contest in the Pacific Northwest. Already we have more prize money than any other surf contest in Canada or the Pacific Northwest. First prize will be awarded $5000.00 dollars this year; this is a $3000.00 step up from last years ST3W!
Along with free admission for spectators, Rip Curl & event sponsors will be giving out tons of great prizes all weekend. For the competitors, there will be $20,000 worth of cash prizes along with prize packs filled with amazing goods. To feed the masses, a stew will be served and available by donation matching the “ST3W” theme. All proceeds from the stew go to the Surfrider Foundation, a non-profit organization.
Rip Curl will be presenting Tom Curren from the USA. Tom Curren is the 1985, 86, and 1990 ASP World Champion. Curren along with US team manager Nick Greeninger will be attending an H-bomb shop tour in Vancouver and Victoria days before the contest. Tom Curren is also a world famous music artist who joins the likes of Jack Johnson, Daniel Wesley and Donavan Frankenreiter. Tom Curren will be rockin’ the beats for the ST3W. Private parties have been planned and a possible live performance on the beach could happen if the weather holds out.
New additions this year will include: a mini ramp at the beach provided by Monster, so everyone can participate in a mid-afternoon session. Plus Sitka will also be setting up a surf demo on the beach, allowing anyone interested to test out their new boards. Rip Curl has also signed a deal with Zed skimboards and they will also be doing a demo on the beach.
If you haven’t heard, Rip Curl is the first wetsuit company to bring to the market a power heated wetsuit appropriately called the "H-Bomb". This Wetsuit is available in 3 shops in Vancouver and on the Island..., Pacific Boarder, HTO, and Longbeach Surfshop. Rip Curl will be doing shop visits with Tom Curren at these locations to hopefully play some music and get the kids stoked on the event.
For any further information please contact Becky Ellis at bellis@ripcurl.com
|
Loza’s inverted above some trick handlebars in this one-of-a-kind jump
CORONA, Calif., (May 13, 2009) – Check it out now, Monster Army members, right about now…Monster General Kyle Loza scored the cover shot on the recent issue of Australian FMX dirt bike magazine “Freerider MX” with this killer move (pictured) that his camp won’t reveal the name of, nor release the footage for YouTube.
“I’m surprised and want to say thanks for Freerider MX for putting me on the cover,” said Loza. “I am all about having scary fun lately.”
For more on Freerider MX, link to: http://www.freeridermx.com.au/
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it FMX, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, 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. Kyle Loza digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
 | 
What attracted you to this sport and how did you get to this level?
I grew up on the water since the age of 8 and when I turned 12 I got a wakeboard for Christmas. It took awhile but I caught on quick and I was hooked from there. I watched it on tv when the sport was just starting to kick off and knew that was what I wanted to do! I got to where I'm at by riding every day as a grom, taking a beating every day. I started doing contests and did well and here I am!
READ MORE This Month's Mission We've been raving a lot recently that the Monster Army Reserves are talented designers. So our good buddies over at Liquid Force are hooking it up this month. They want to see the baddest, sickest, most unique Monster Army/Liquid Force wakeboard out there.Think you can come up with it? Grand Prize: Brand New Liquid Force Shawn Watson Wakeboard and Bindings Combo 10 Runner Ups Receive: Liquid Force Hat and T-shirt and Custom Dragon BROstock Sunglasses 
"My Monster Commercial" Winner The Reserves have spoken! After the month long battle the winner of the 'My Monster Commercial' contest is Brayden Hall. To watch the video, click below:
 You can also find this video in our Video Bank. Featured Solider Spotlight This month's Soldier Spotlight is Cooper Swink, a solid Wakeboarder from Canyon Lake, CA.
Check out the interview and more photos of Cooper HERE.
 Monster Army Music Player To us, Music and Monster Energy go together like Danny & The Dingo, Batman and Robin, or Peanut Butter & Jelly. That's why we've teamed up with Interscope Records to bring you the Monster Army Music Player. Post this on your profiles, crack open a Monster, and enjoy.
 Don't forget to head over to the propaganda Section for the Monster Army Media Player, your source for up to the minute Photos, Videos, and News.
Featured Energy Product Have you tried the Irish Blend? Tell us what you think HERE
Free Monthly Music Download
This is your last chance to download Nations Afire's EXIT STRATEGY. Head over to their PAGE and let us know what you think.
 Disclaimer
You are receiving this newsletter because you are a member of the Monster Army community. If you do not wish to receive these monthly emails, please edit your community settings in your Loop'd account. |      | |
|
Briton extends championship lead with stunning performance in Monza; Haslam fights back after unlucky qualifying gamble 
LONDON (May 12, 2009) The latest round of the World Superbike Championships at Monza in Italy reaped another success for the Monster Army as Cal Crutchlow (Yamaha) took victory in another hard-fought World Supersport battle.
The British rider was starting from pole position for the fourth race in succession and was fighting hard in the front group in the early stages of the race. He first claimed the lead of the race on lap five, with a daring move through the Ascari chicane on Eugene Laverty. Having to battle hard with his teammate Fabien Foret, both Yamaha riders succumbed to the Irishman briefly at the Roggia chicane, before Foret completed the lap at the front.
Heading into lap 11, Monster Energy’s Crutchlow finally made the telling pass at the end of the start-finish straight, and went on to extend the gap to the rest. He crossed the line and took the chequered flag 2.6 seconds clear of the field, opening up an 18-point lead in the championship.
“It’s all gone good here at Monza and I'm really happy with the race,” said the delighted Englishman. “We came here looking to finish in the top five to be honest as it’s a circuit I don't know. We did a good job this weekend so thanks to everyone who put a lot of effort in. We were never as fast as we could have been but we worked hard. When I got the break in the race today I went for it, I was willing to do anything to win, you could see by some of the passes I was taking no prisoners!"
His fellow Monster Energy rider in the WSS class, Anthony West (Stiggy Racing Honda, #13) had a disappointing weekend, after being forced to start the race from twentieth on the grid. He made his way up to 11th in the race itself, but after pushing so hard he lost the front on lap three, bringing an end to his weekend.
It was also a tough three days for the sole Monster Energy rider in the World Superbike class, but Leon Haslam (Stiggy Racing Honda, #91) brightened the picture with an impressive ride into seventh in the second race. With his Monster Energy teammate John Hopkins (Stiggy Racing Honda, #121) out of action with injury for this round and at least the next, Haslam had taken a risk in qualifying but just missed out on making it into the Superpole session and the top 16 spots on the grid.
Starting from the 17th position in race one, Haslam avoided the first lap pile-up which called for a race restart and gradually picked his way through the pack, but was forced to retire from the race on the final lap due to a mechanical failure. In the second race he fared much better, carving his way through the field before finishing in a more than creditable seventh place.
The World Superbike paddock takes no rest before the next round of the series, with Kyalami in South Africa hosting the sixth event of the year this coming weekend.
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
|
|
Chris MacClugage continued this weekend to dominate the Pro-Am Runabout Stock Class at rounds 3 & 4 of the APBA National Tour in Lake Elsinore CA.
Chris won both his races on Saturday and Sunday, leading every race from start to finish. So far he has won every race he has entered this season.
Rachel MacClugage finished 2ND place in her first Moto of round 3, only to be taken out by Emi Kanamori (current World Champion) in the 2ND Moto whilst leading the race. This left Rachel a very disappointed 5th place Saturday.
Round 4 Sunday Rachel was a little bruised & shaken, but did not let the disappointment of the previous day ruin her race. Rachel took the hole-shot in Moto 1 & 2 leading from start to finish with Kanamori taking 2nd place. Giving Rachel the overall win.
Chris & Rachel would like to thank Yamaha, Monster Energy, R&D Bill Chapin, JE Pistons, Maxima Race oils, Quakysense, HTMoto, Oakley, Thor for their support in the 2009 race season
Chris MacClugage
Round 3 Moto 1 1st
Moto 2 1st
Round 4 Moto 1 1st
Moto 2 1st
Rachel MacClugage
Round 3 Moto 1 2nd
Moto 2 5th
Round 4 Moto 1 1st
Moto 2 1st
Great weekend overall. Looking forward to Rounds 5 & 6 in Myrtle Beach, SC
|
|
Airing Tuesday, May 12, at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (6:00 pm Pacific Time) and telecast three additional times, Kevin Henshaw and musical guest Fake Problems will appear on “The Daily Habit.” Pro wakeboarder Kevin Henshaw is here to talk about Billabong’s first wake film “Out of The Pond” and this years “BROstock”. Also, we head to Carlsbad Lagoon to check out Brian and Kevin’s skills behind the new Liquid Force Supra boat. Plus, today’s musical guest Fake Problems performs live on the Snickers Sound Stage. Kevin Henshaw’s sponsors include: Liquid Force, Monster Energy, Billabong, Nike 6.0, VonZipper, Malibu Boats, and Pro-tec. 
Kevin Henshaw and Brian Grubb
"The Daily Habit" is FUEL TV’s first original daily series, telecast weeknights at 9:00pm ET (6:00pm PT) while re-airing later in the evening at 12:00am ET (9:00pm PT), and the following weekday at 2:30pm ET (11:30am PT) and 5:30pm ET (2:30 pm PT). “The Daily Habit” encompasses the world of the action sports enthusiast, mixing the best in pop culture with today’s top action sports personalities, cutting-edge music, product reviews, and comedy. About FUEL TV FUEL TV is the action sports lifestyle network for skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, BMX, freestyle-motocross, and wakeboarding. A unit of Fox Cable Networks, FUEL TV was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in 26-million U.S. homes. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.
|
|
The TELUS World Ski & Snow Festival takes over Whistler Blackcomb with art and fashion, plus TJ Schneider wins Grenade Games 5. In other snowboard news, Mammoth Mountain hosts Volcom’s Peanut Butter & Rail Jam Championship.
In surf, the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards hands out the big checks, with Greg Long winning Ride of the Year.
The ASA Action Sports World Tour’s Minneapolis stop features Ryan Guettler winning BMX Triples while Pierre-Luc Gagnon takes skate vert. In other skate news, pool riders are gearing up for the Pro-Tec Pool Party and Bob Burnquist hosts an Earth Day celebration. Plus, feature skate film Street Dream takes top honors at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
To watch The Weekly Update with Boost Mobile on Fox Sports Net, check your local FSN dates and show times at: http://msn.foxsports.com
On FUEL TV, tune in on Saturdays at 11:00am, 4:00pm, 7:00pm and 10:30pm ET (8:00am, 1:00pm, 4:00pm, and 7:30pm PT); Sundays at 11:00am, 2:00pm, 5:30pm, and 2:00am ET (8:00am, 11:00am, 2:30pm, 11:00pm PT), and Monday through Friday at 3:00pm, 6:00pm, 10:30pm, and 2:00am ET (12:00pm, 3:00pm, 7:30pm, and 11:00pm PT). To see if you get FUEL TV, visit www.fuel.tv.
|
|
Frenchman takes first spot on the box for 2009 in MX2; Paulin hangs on to championship lead despite difficulties
 
LONDON (May 11, 2009) - Another member of the Monster Army earned his maiden spoils and glory in the 2009 FIM Motocross World Championship at a balmy Agueda circuit for the Grand Prix of Portugal, round five (of 15) in the series. Team CLS Kawasaki and Monster Energy rider Steve Frossard posted points in both MX2 motos for the first time this season to earn second place overall.
Arriving in Portugal for the first of two meetings in two weeks across the Iberian Peninsula, the paddock was shocked by the recent spate of injuries in the last two weeks that saw at least half a dozen high profile riders ruled out of action before Portugal - leaving empty saddles in Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki works teams. The first day of practice was also unkind, with Utag Yamaha.com’s Zach Osborne ruled out for six weeks after the Monster Energy rider’s machine locked up over a double and left the MX2 GP of Turkey winner with a chipped radius bone in his left wrist.
The track became rougher and more demanding throughout the weekend. Works KTM rider Rui Goncalves won his second GP in succession thanks to second and first positions in the motos while Yamaha’s Antonio Cairoli continued his impressive record of wins at Agueda by recording his second MX1 success of the year (and fourth in five years in Portugal).
The MX2 class saw ample Monster Energy representation as Frossard was one of four ‘M- clawed’ riders in the top six. Yamaha Monster Energy Ricci’s Davide Guarneri defied the debilitating effects of a stomach virus to finish fourth (his fourth top five finish of the year) while teammate Loic Larrieu was fifth; notching his best career result in his rookie season. In sixth place was Monster Energy-supported Bud Racing Kawasaki’s Gautier Paulin, leader of the championship since round one. The Frenchman was hindered by a broken water hose in Moto1 (fifth) and had a bad get-away in Moto2 (eighth).
“It was a pretty difficult weekend for me,” said Paulin after watching countryman and rival Marvin Musquin cut his advantage in the standings down to six points. “Yesterday in qualification I missed a great start but came back to fifth, for a good position on the grid. My first start was good and I fought back to second and things felt easy when a stone punctured the radiator water pipe. I lost all the water during the race, and rode carefully to be sure to cross the finish line. My second start was worse. I overtook some rivals but today I was not the fastest rider on the track and we’ll work hard to be back on the podium next weekend.”
MX1 witnessed Josh Coppins coming back up to speed after his physical problems two weeks ago in Holland. The Kiwi was fourth overall on the factory Yamaha Monster Energy YZ450FM. Teammate and world champion David Philippaerts led Moto1, but a crash in the first sprint saw him drop to fifth - and later a collision with Cairoli proved more costly as the tumble led to his retirement and confirmation of a break to the index finger of his left hand. Bud Racing Kawasaki’s David Vuillemin, another Monster Energy rider, notched his best result of the year and since his return to GP racing with seventh overall.
The Monster Army will only have to wait for six days before they can take to the saddle once more with the GP of Catalunya at Bellpuig next in line.
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
|
|
Jonnier steps up on her home turf & wins women’s elite La Bresse World Cup stop; Monster’s Brendan Fairclough nearly makes podium with Hill (4th)
Photos courtesy of Fraser Britton
CORONA, Calif., (May 11, 2009) – The 2009 Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup championships ramped back up this past weekend in France for round two of the men’s and women’s downhill portion of the competition and the Monster Energy-backed athletes were again on it, led by a win in the women’s elite class by Sabrina Jonnier (Maxxis).
With a heavy heart the multi-time French World Cup downhill star, who placed a self-described disappointing 3rd at the South African (Pietermaritzburg) opener, topped the world’s best at her home course competition at La Bresse, set in the Chajoux valley in northeastern France. Jonnier’s 1st place effort was so dominant it bested current overall women’s elite class DH points leader, Tracy Moseley, by an amazing five seconds!
“I was super upset when I left South Africa,” said Jonnier, who’d just lost her grandfather prior to the race. “I needed to go home. Spent three weeks with my family and it was just awesome to win today in France. This race was pretty crappy for me last year…I’m back!”
In the men’s division Monster Energy nearly had its first dual-podium finish when the Monster/Specialized racers, Sam Hill and Brendan Fairclough, blazed down the valley in 2nd and 4th places, respectively.
Given his well-rounded bike skills (and he also kills it on an MX bike), Hill took to the short course well, taming the jumping sections at the top - which required a lot of fast pedaling - then quickly adjusting to the steeps and rocks through the mid and lower portions of the 1.2km course. “It was a pretty good run,” he said. “I tried to stay smooth and not get into trouble. I made one mistake before the House Jump and couldn’t pedal. Overall it was a pretty solid result.”
Fairclough enjoyed one of his best days as a pro, topping former World Cup DH champ Greg Minnaar with a blistering 2:09.99 that put him into the race lead, until Hill, Mike Hannah and eventual race winner Steve Peat were able to top Fairclough’s time.
“I’m pretty happy,” said Fairclough. “I just had to keep myself together. It was a bit wet on the first jump – and I had a bit of a moment – but besides that it was pretty chilled out.”
After two round of men’s elite World Cup DH competition Hill is in 4th place overall with 327 points, while Fairclough is in 6th place in the standings with 194 points. Jonnier is in 2nd place overall in the women’s elite division with 392 points, 68 points back of Moseley.
Next up for the Jonnier, Hill & Fairclough is round three of the 2009 UCI World Cup held in Vallnord, Andorra (May 16).
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. Hill, Fairclough & Jonnier rock ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
Enjoi, Almost, KR3W, Supra, Lakai, Toy Machine, C1RCA, Volcom, Fallen skate teams.
Everett, WA, April 15, 2009- Zumiez, Inc., a leading specialty action sports retailer, is bringing happy back with the 9th annual Zumiez Couch Tour. The Zumiez Couch Tour 2009 features skateboarding demos by pros Chris Cole, Jake Duncombe, Erik Ellington, Sierra Fellers, Cairo Foster, Ryan Gallant, David Gonzalez, Jerry Hsu, Marc Johnson, Terry Kennedy, Greg Lutzka, Billy Marks, Mike Mo Capaldi, Leo Romero, Daewon Song, Ed Templeton, Jamie Thomas, Nick Trapasso, and many more. The Zumiez Couch Tour 2009 also offers free live music performances by bands including Emery, Silverstein, The Bled, A Static Lullaby, Closure in Moscow, Revolution Mother feat. Mike V., and Volcom Entertainment Bands ASG, Birds of Avalon and Jamie Lynn’s Kandi Coded.
The tour hits 12 cities with skate demos from Enjoi, Almost, KR3W, Lakai, Toy Machine, C1RCA, Volcom and Fallen. Admission to tour stops is free and includes prizes and giveaways from tour partners Monster Energy, the official energy drink of the Zumiez Couch Tour, New Era, Skullcandy, Vestal, Transworld Skateboarding, Matador by Jack Link’s, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. The events also feature skate team autograph signings, an interactive festival area, and ALL THINGS HAPPY!
A highlight of all tour stops is the 3rd annual Zumiez 'Best Foot Forward' Am Contest Series presented by Monster Energy, which will give up-and-coming skaters the chance to “rise up and march on.” Zumiez Best Foot Forward is a jam format invitational amateur skateboard contest series that will start from the Broken Arrow Skatepark outside Tulsa, OK on May 23rd for the first of 2 ‘renegade’ stops before joining the Zumiez Couch Tour for all 12 stops. Each contest will begin with an open qualifier, where the first 20 skaters to register will compete for one of 3 spots in the invitational contest later that day. The winner of each local BFF invitational will then be flown to compete in the Zumiez Best Foot Forward Finals in Minneapolis, MN at the final stop of the tour on July 1. From there the three top skaters will be invited to compete at the Hometown Heroes Finals at X-Games 15 on July 31st 2009.
www.zumiezcouchtour.com
C’mon Get Happy!
About Zumiez Inc.
Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of action sports related apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories. Our stores cater to young men and women between ages 12-24, focusing on skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, motocross and BMX. We currently operate 350 stores, which are primarily located in shopping malls and our web site address is www.zumiez.com.
Zumiez Couch Tour 2009 Schedule
Date Location Lineup
May 30 Puyallup, WA Enjoi skate team, Emery & Kandi Coded feat. Jamie Lynn
May 31 Portland, OR Enjoi skate team, Emery & Kandi Coded feat. Jamie Lynn
June 6 Pleasanton, CA Almost skate team, The Bled & Kandi Coded feat. Jamie Lynn
June 8 Layton, UT KR3W & Supra skate team, Emery & The Bled
June 12 Hurst, TX Lakai skate team, Emery & Revolution Mother feat. Mike V.
June 14 Katy, TX Lakai skate team, Emery & Revolution Mother feat. Mike V.
June 17 Aurora, IL Toy Machine skate team, Emery & A Static Lullaby
June 20 Hanover, MD C1RCA skate team, Emery & Closure in Moscow
June 22 North Wales, PA C1RCA skate team, Emery & Closure in Moscow
June 27 Eatontown, NJ Volcom skate team, ASG & Birds of Avalon
June 28 Albany, NY Volcom skate team, ASG & Birds of Avalon
July 1 Golden Valley, MN Fallen skate team, Silverstein & A Static Lullaby
Participating Skate Teams
Enjoi Louie Barletta, Jerry Hsu, Cairo Foster, Caswell Berry, Jose Rojo, Wieger VanWaginengin, Clark Hassler, Nestor Judkins
Almost Rodney Mullen, Daewon Song, Greg Lutzka, Chris Haslam, Cooper Wilt, Lewis Marnell, Torey Pudwill, Justin Schulte
KR3W Erik Ellington, Terry Kennedy, Lizard King, Jim Greco, Furby, Antwuan Dixon, Dan Murphy, Greg Myers, Spencer Hamilton, Kevin Romar
Lakai Marc Johnson, Brandon Biebel, Cairo Foster, Mike Mo Capaldi, Vincent Alvarez, Jeff Lenoce, Rob Welsh
Toy Machine Ed Templeton, Nick Trapasso, Leo Romero, Billy Marks, Johnny Layton, Josh Harmony, Austin Stephens, Matt Bennett, Jordan Taylor
C1RCA Ryan Gallant, Sierra Fellers, Windsor James, Walker Ryan, David Reyes, Scott Decenzo, Julian Davidson
Volcom David Gravette, David Gonzalez, Collin Provost, Aaron Suski, Jake Duncombe, Filipe Ortiz, Darrell Stanton, Caswell Berry, Louie Lopez
Fallen Jamie Thomas, Chris Cole, Tommy Sandoval, Billy Marks, Josh Harmony, Tony Cervantes, Brian Hansen, Gilbert Crockett, James Hardy
*Skaters and bands subject to change without notice
|
| What attracted you to this sport and how did you get to this level? I grew up on the water since the age of 8 and when I turned 12 I got a wakeboard for Christmas. It took awhile but I caught on quick and I was hooked from there. I watched it on tv when the sport was just starting to kick off and knew that was what I wanted to do! I got to where I'm at by riding every day as a grom, taking a beating every day. I started doing contests and did well and here I am!
READ MORE This Month's Mission We've been raving a lot recently that the Monster Army Reserves are talented designers. So our good buddies over at Liquid Force are hooking it up this month. They want to see the baddest, sickest, most unique Monster Army/Liquid Force wakeboard out there.Think you can come up with it? Grand Prize: Brand New Liquid Force Shawn Watson Wakeboard and Bindings Combo 10 Runner Ups Receive: Liquid Force Hat and T-shirt and Custom Dragon BROstock Sunglasses
"My Monster Commercial" Winner The Reserves have spoken! After the month long battle the winner of the 'My Monster Commercial' contest is Brayden Hall. To watch the video, click HERE.
You can also find this video in our Video Bank. Featured Solider Spotlight This month's Soldier Spotlight is Cooper Swink, a solid Wakeboarder from Canyon Lake, CA.
Check out the interview and more photos of Cooper HERE.
Monster Army Music Player To us, Music and Monster Energy go together like Danny & The Dingo, Batman and Robin, or Peanut Butter & Jelly. That's why we've teamed up with Interscope Records to bring you the Monster Army Music Player. Post this on your profiles, crack open a Monster, and enjoy.
Don't forget to head over to the Propaganda Section for the Monster Army Media Player, your source for up to the minute Photos, Videos, and News.
Featured Energy Product Irish Blend. Tell us what you think HERE
Free Monthly Music Download
This is your last chance to download Nations Afire's EXIT STRATEGY. Head over to their PAGE and let us know what you think. . |  | |
|
“One of the muddiest races ever,” said Andrews as Monster-backed Jason Thomas & Josh Weisenfels both ‘survive’ to make the XC2 Lites class top ten at round six
Photos courtesy of: Matt Ware
CORONA, Calif., (May 5, 2009) – Monster Energy/Fred Andrews Racing/Yamaha put two of its guys in the XC2 Lites class top ten at this past weekend’s round six (Lafayette, Tenn.) of the 2009 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC). Monster/FAR’s Jason Thomas (4th) and Josh Weisenfels (7th) led the team in what longtime GNCC racer and team owner, Fred Andrews, called “One of the muddiest races ever.”
Pouring rain from the time the Monster Energy/FAR/Yamaha pulled in – literally by bulldozers in order to get the team truck into the pit area – the rains never let up and, well, check out the photos of Josh here to get an idea of how muddy it was.
Things were good at the start as Thomas pulled the holeshot, but went south quick when he crashed in the muddy second turn. Weisenfels was a bit behind at the start, but managed to keep ‘er upright and was in 5th place early.
At the end of lap one Thomas had charged back to the front, but then managed to get some farming barb wire (that had been drug out on the track by another rider) stuck in his rear wheel, which relegated him back to 4th place. Weisenfels would eventually get stuck, then pulled into pits for fresh goggles and gloves in 7th place.
When the slogfest on dirt bikes finally came to an end Thomas was in 4th and Weisenfels in 7th. “I got the lead and was pushing hard when I saw the fence across the track – but it was too late,” said Thomas. “It caught my rear wheel and it took me a very long time to get the wire out. I wanted to win this one bad.”
Added Weisenfels: “I need to get better in the mud. I just keep on getting stuck.”
Thomas is in 4th place overall with 115 points in the GNCC XC2 Lites class after six rounds and Weisenfels is in 9th place with 60 points. Expect Monster Energy/FAR/Yamaha’s Dave Snyder back for the next round in Pennsylvania. Snyder had two top ten finishes in the first two rounds, but was injured at round four. He is in 13th place overall in the XC2 class with 37 points.
Next up for the Monster Energy/FAR/Yamaha team is the May 17th GNCC in Summerset, Pa., round seven of the 2009 GNCC Series.
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it GNCC, WORCS, Hare & Hound, EnduroCross, 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. Fred Andrews’ boyz digs ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
Sold out crowd at the Maxxis MiniMotoSX on Friday opens the big supercross weekend and Monster’s guys DOMINATE the 10” Expert class, going 1st/2nd
CORONA, Calif., (May 4, 2009) – Monster Energy-backed mini bike racers Ryan Abrigo and Derek Costella – both running BBR minis – dominated the premier 10” Expert class at this past Friday’s Maxxis MiniMotoSX, presented by Monster Energy, going 1st/2nd, respectively, at the “Biggest mini bike race in the world” held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.
“I’m pumped, man,” said Abrigo, a longtime contender who won his first MMSX main event on Friday. “BBR set me up with the fastest bike out there and Monster had my back  all weekend. (It’s) cool that Derek got 2nd as well.”
Also scoring an Expert class podium finish was Monster Energy/BBR’s Tim Weigand. The Canyon Country, Calif., native was on the box in 3rd place in the 12” Expert class.
“Man, this event’s a blast,” said Weigand. “I look forward to it every year. A great way to open up the supercross weekend in Vegas, racing in front of a sold out crowd at the Orleans.”
Noteworthy: Though not finishing in the money, Monster Energy-backed Jason “JLaw” Lawrence got the few fans not hot-wired on Monster Energy product about as pumped up as the ones sampling all the Monsters as he was first brought into the Orleans Arena in a Vegas cop car, after which he put on a rowdy riding display in the finals that had the crowd going bananas. Never a dull moment when JLaw’s in the house!
For more information on Friday’s Maxxis MiniMotoSX, presented by Monster Energy, check out: www.minimotosx.com
Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it mini bikes, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, 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 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 BBR guys – and gal – ripping up the MMSX dig ‘em, so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com
|
Hacking takes over the SportBike class points lead ahead of Danny Eslick, 146-143, with a couple podium finishes at Barber Motorsports Park doubleheader 
CORONA, Calif., (May 4, 2009) – Monster Energy’s Jamie Hacking (Attack Kawasaki) led for a portion of Saturday’s AMA SportBike class race at the 2.38-mile Barber Motorsports Park circuit in Birmingham, Ala., before finishing 3rd, then came back on Sunday during wet conditions and finished 2nd after leading most of the race - two seconds back of race winner Martin Cardenas.
More importantly, Hacking’s 3rd/2nd finishes at the Barber doubleheader vaulted him ahead of Danny Eslick for the overall SportBike class lead. With four rounds in the books Hacking leads the AMA’s new high profile division 146-143 over Eslick.
On Saturday Hacking had the No. 88 Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki ZX-6R up front on the opening lap, then nearly wadded up on the first turn of lap two. Relegated back to 8th place after a miraculous recovery, Hacking used the remainder of the race to pick off rider after rider until reaching the podium – then running out of time before he could catch race winner Cardenas.
“The bike worked great,” said Hacking. “We managed to run down Josh (Herrin) there, and I was able to put in some good laps and make Josh push up to the back of these guys (Cardenas and Jason DiSalvo). Once I got around Josh, unfortunately, we got into the lapped riders. Josh hung up a little bit, and it’s unfortunate that happened, but it’s the way things go. Once I got around him I managed to somewhat reel these guys in just a little bit. I could see them, but by that time the race was pretty much over. I’m glad to finish third, actually.”
In the second race of the SportBike doubleheader, Hacking again led the contest early, but this time he managed to keep his ZX-6R upright and, as they say, ‘It was on!’ Hacking would lead the contest through 15 laps, but was caught on the second-to-last lap by Cardenas and had to settle for 2nd place in the wet track conditions.
Said Hacking: “I managed to glance up at the board and noticed that Martin was in P2, and I tried a couple times to put a pretty good brake on him and kick down the lap times. But, obviously, he was able to do the same thing and match me. I couldn't ever put anything on him and I knew there was a good possibility that I could maybe hold him off, but just gauging off yesterday's comments where he could figure out where Jason (DiSalvo) was stronger, and he decided to wait on him, I figured that's probably what he would do with me and it ended up turning out that way.
Hacking continued: “He (Cardenas) managed to step the pace up a pretty good bit when he passed me and I just wasn't able to match it today. Martin rode a great race and we pulled a pretty good gap on the rest of the field. It feels good, the Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki was working great this weekend and we got two solid podium finishes. We're really looking forward to going to the Infineon race in a couple of weeks.”
Also in the Sunday’s SportBike race Monster Energy’s Chaz Davies (Aprilia) scored his best finish yet this season with a near-podium 4th place in the contest. Davies is in 6th place in the overall SportBike class standings with 90 points.
Finally, in SuperSport racing action at Barber, Monster Energy Attack Kawasaki’s Leandro Mercado backed up his win at Road Atlanta at the last AMA Road Racing event with a solid 4th place finish in the rain at Barber. Mercado and the No. 92 ZX-R6 are in 2nd place in the overall SuperSport East championship standings with 49 points.
Next up for the Monster Energy-backed athletes on the AMA Road Racing circuit is the Kawasaki AMA Superbike Showdown at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. (May 15-17). 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
|
Chris raced Pro-Am Runabout Stock & Open class aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha FZR's, this race was the first of two back to back National Tour stop races held in Parker AZ.
Round 1 was held on Saturday May 2nd, Chris had a great start to the day winning his 1st Moto in Pro-Am Runabout stock class. Pro-am runabout Open class didn't go quite so well, Chris started the race off well but the boat developed mechanical issues early on in the race and was unable to finish the race.
Moto 2 Pro -Am runabout stock Chris lead the race from Start to finish. Taking 1st over all in Pro-am runabout stock class, Great result.
Round 2 was held on Sunday May 3rd . Chris lead from start to finish in both Moto 1&2 Winning Pro-am stock class easily aboard the Monster Energy Yamaha FZR. Not content with having to sit out of the Pro-Am Open runabout class Chris decided to race the STOCK Yamaha FZR in the Open class against boats with a huge horse power advantage. Chris rode the Yamaha FZR to its full potential and managed to come an amazing 3rd over all !!!! Fantastic result
The Yamaha FZR built by Macc Racing and R&D was defiantly a strong package the boat to be on!
Macc Racing/Chris MacClugage would like to thank Yamaha, Bill Chapin R&D, Monster Energy, Maxima Race Oils, HT Moto, JE Pistons,
Quakysense, Oakley, & Thor for their support in the 2009 Race season.
Rachel MacClugage Finished 2nd over all Round 1 & 3rd overall Round 2. It was Rachel's First race on a Hydro -Space.
Over all it was a great weekend !!
|
Monster Energy’s Valentino Rossi scores first win of season and takes MotoGP championship lead; Bradley Smith wins first ever Grand Prix in 125cc race 
LONDON, (May 4, 2009) MotoGP’s Monster Army took the Grand Prix of Spain by storm this weekend, scoring two victories on race-day in front of a buzzing 120,000-plus crowd at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit. The event is the pinnacle of the motorsport calendar in Spain, and fans from every corner of the country came down to witness not only one, but two masterful riding performances from the Monster Energy boys in the searing heat.
In MotoGP, Monster Energy’s Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha #46) took a brilliant victory on the home patch of two of his major rivals in the title stakes Lorenzo and Pedrosa. Starting from a lowly fourth on the grid after having struggled in qualifying on board his Yamaha M1, the reigning World Champion was in imperious form come race day, having made some changes in the morning warm-up. Through the early laps Rossi sat in third behind Casey Stoner as he felt his way into the race, and as the Australian dropped off the pace Rossi took over to maintain the pressure on the early leader Pedrosa. With nine laps to go the Italian was right on the tail of the Spaniard and made his killer move heading into the famous Nieto corner in front of the massed ranks of Spanish fans. He continued to lap at a blistering pace and opened up a comfortable three-second gap as he strolled to his first victory of the season. He now leads the championship by nine points from Stoner after his teammate Jorge Lorenzo crashed out from fourth.  “This is a wonderful victory because yesterday we were really quite worried,” explained Rossi after the champagne celebration on the podium. “We had to work together to understand how to fix the problem and finally we made a big change which worked, so I have to say a huge thank you to Jeremy and all my guys. It’s great to win again and especially here in Jerez, which I love.”
Rossi then went on to explain his bizarre stop off in a portable toilet on his lap of honor, a repeat of one of his famous victory celebrations from this track, “It’s ten years since I made the joke with the toilet here and so I thought it would be funny to do it again if I won – I liked that a lot!” Added Vipe Desai, Director of Marketing for Monster Energy: “Everyone at Monster Energy would like to congratulate Valentio on his first-ever MotoGP win running the M-claw logo. We’re confident this will be the first of many successful finishes for Valentio and his team this year as they help introduce the Monster Energy brand to points all over the globe.” The Monster Energy Yamaha Tech 3 team had to battle hard for their points, with Colin Edwards (#5) ending up seventh after being involved in a race-long battle with Marco Melandri and Loris Capirossi. The Texan was a mere 1.3 seconds off fifth place and, after having suffered with set-up troubles all weekend, can be satisfied to still be in the top six in the championship and the top non-factory rider. His teammate James Toseland (#52) also had to fight for his position as he came home in 13th spot and hopes that an extension in practice times for future grand prix races will help his attempts to set up his bike more to his tastes. In the 125cc class today, the Grand Prix world welcomed a new winner into its history books, with Monster Energy’s Bradley Smith (Bancaja Aspar Aprilia #38) romping to victory after having given the performance of his life. The 18 year-old was riding in his 50th GP and although he had been close on many occasions, finally he put his demons to rest with a sublime performance, having led from the first corner to the flag. With his main title rivals Iannone and Simon crashing out under the pressure, Smith took his victory by over a staggering 13 seconds, and that after having eased off in the final laps due to a technical glitch. Beaming from ear-to-ear the Briton was delighted with his race, “The bike went awesome today, and I can't thank my team enough. I was able to get away and had an extremely fast pace for the whole race. In the last seven laps I had a fifth gear problem that cut the advantage, but I knew how to bring the bike home for the win. I want to thank the entire team for their work since I joined, and it is so satisfying to see that our hard winter work has paid off” His compatriot and fellow Monster Energy rider Danny Webb (DeGraaf Aprilia #99) took an impressive eighth place after having closed down the gap to the riders battling for second place. Although the laps ran out on the Kent youngster, he took a solid eight-point haul which keeps him in ninth spot in the championship standings. Smith sits in second place, just a point behind the leaser Iannone. Next up for the Monster Army is the French Grand Prix at the legendary Le Mans circuit in France on May 17th, where Valentino Rossi will hope to extend his championship lead. Rossi will also get a chance to meet the fans as he makes a public appearance at the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Wednesday 13th May. 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. Valentino Rossi digs ‘em. So will you. On the 'Net at www.monsterarmy.com <http://www.monsterarmy.com/> and www.monsterenergy.com Please contact media@uk.monsterenergy.com for photos or more information
|
Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto and Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel win big at the final event of 2009 Monster Energy Supercross 
CORONA, Calif., (May 4, 2009) – Monster Energy athletes came up big once again at Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship, this past weekend sweeping the two main events in front of a sold out Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas – the popular stadium motorcycle racing series’ final event of the 2009 season.
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel rebounded from a tough heat race qualifier to win the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Lites Shoot Out, topping two-time winner and ESX ’09 WSX Lites champion Ryan Dungey in a thoroughly exciting Lites final that pitted the top eastern region Lites racers versus the top guys from the western region. And in the premier SX class main event, Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto scored his second career win – both coming in the past three weeks - when he topped both ’09 SX class champion James Stewart and runner-up Chad Reed in the final contest of Monster Energy Supercross this year. “What an epic way to end the Monster Energy Supercross season – a sold out stadium and two Monster guys on top of the main event podiums,” said Vipe Desai, Director of Marketing for Monster Energy. “Monster Energy would like to thank all the fans that attended the 17 Monster Energy Supercross rounds in this, one of the most memorable competition years on record, as well as the racers themselves, all the other sponsors and, of course, Feld Motorsports for producing and promoting Monster Energy Supercross.” Beginning with the Lites class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Morais pulled the night’s first holeshot – only to wad up on the first jump when he doubled into a section of Tuff Blocks. Pitched from his bike, Morais got up well outside the first nine transfer spots and would have to battle back feverously to make the main. Morais’ Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate, Jake Weimer, who was hot on Morais’ tail at the start, managed to steer clear of the accident and was in 3rd place early in the contest and well within position to transfer to the Lites main event. With three laps to go Morais had moved into a transfer spot (9th), but stayed on the gas hard through the checkers and wound up in 5th – just a couple spots back of Weimer who casually transferred in 3rd. The second Lites heat race would feature Monster Energy’s top guys from the ESX – Austin Stroupe and Pourcel - with Stroupe gaining Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s second holeshot of the evening while Pourcel got out in 5th, and was up to 3rd place within a matter of a couple corners. Pushing it a bit too hard, Pourcel went into the Tuff Blocks when trying to pass rookie Lites racer Blake Wharton for 2nd place. The French great was all over the place in trying to catch up, but managed to pull things together and finished 2nd in the heat behind Stroupe to give Monster Energy the 1-2 finish and a couple prime gate picks for the Shoot Out main. “I got a good start and put in some good laps,” said Stroupe. “It’s gonna be tough out there tonight.” With all four Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders and bikes in the main, Pourcel got the best jump and put himself right up behind the two Honda-mounted race leaders (Trey Canard and Blake Wharton). Pourcel, the reigning ESX champ, got right up behind Wharton and passed him in a high speed flat track section of the course dubbed “Monster Alley.” For the next ten laps Pourcel settled in and put in consistent laps in pursuing Canard. His focus finally paid off on lap 13 when, being pressured by Pourcel and a charging Dungey, Canard faltered and the two series champions raced by. The aerial dogfight on dirt bikes that ensued had the fans – many of whom were hot-wired on Monster Energy product – on their feet for the remaining several laps as Pourcel held off a spirited charge by Dungey to claim the season’s final race – along with a brand new Toyota Tundra 4x4 pick up truck. That was a good race – I gave it all I’ve got,” said Pourcel who won by a mere .419 over Dungey. “Thanks a lot to the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team. I’m so happy right now.” Pourcel’s teammates, Weimer, Stroupe and Morais, would round out the top six in 4th, 5th and 6th, respectively, giving the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team its best overall finish in recent years. The road to the finals for Monster Energy’s SX class riders would be a bit bumpy at first as Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Billy Laninovich went down hard in practice and suffered a reported shoulder (collarbone) injury. His teammate, Villopoto, would cruise into the main event with a 2nd place finish in the second heat race, along with Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki’s Paul Carpenter (8th). Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing’s Nick Wey would also transfer, picking up the ninth and final transfer spot in the first heat race. Providing some additional fireworks before the SX main was Bobby Kiniry (Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki). Kiniry pulled a massive holeshot on his KX450F and ran away with the last chance qualifier, winning by three-and-a-half seconds over Kyle Partridge. When the gate dropped on the SX class main event – Monster Energy Supercross’ final event of the year – Villopoto shot out with the leaders in 3rd place, then got past Mike Alessi for 2nd soon after. Villopoto then battled with eventual series winner Stewart before wrestling the lead from the former Monster Energy athlete on lap three. The Washington native, who won his first-ever SX class main event two weeks ago in Seattle, then ran the remaining 17 laps uncontested to take the Vegas main event checkers, setting off the fire pots on the finish line and triggering a gigantic fireworks show with the 1st place ride on his KX450F. “It’s been awesome (the last three weeks),” said Villopoto. “To come back and win at Seattle was awesome, especially since it was my hometown. It’s been very close running in Vegas and it feels good to finally get a win here. I’ve never done that before. I’ve been working hard and I couldn’t have done it without the whole Monster Energy/Kawasaki team.” Wey and Carpenter would finish 12th and 13th in the SX main, respectively, and Kiniry would place 16th. Next up for the Monster Energy-backed dirt bike racers is the opening round of the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Outdoor National MX Championships at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, Calif. (May 23). 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
|
Cooper Swink
SPORT: Wakeboard
LOCATION: Canyon Lake, CA
CHECK OUT HIS PROFILE
Monster Army: Hey Cooper how is everything going?
Cooper Swink: Everything is going great!
Monster Army: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Cooper Swink: I like to wakeboard and play golf. I am 14 years old, and live in Canyon Lake, CA.
Monster Army: Canyon Lake! Isn't that the Mecca for West Coast Wakeboarding?
Cooper Swink: Yeah, there are many great wakeboarder’s in Canyon Lake, and someone is always riding.
Monster Army: Speaking of West Coast, You are part of the West Side Riders…
Cooper Swink: Yeah, and I have always thought that Ricky, Randall & Melissa are some of the sickest riders out there.
Monster Army: How is your travel schedule like this summer?
Cooper Swink: This summer my schedule is pretty mellow. I am going to train all summer, go to nationals, and try to do some winch stuff, But I will mostly be in Cali riding everyday and preparing for next year.
Monster Army: Do you ever go to Orlando and ride with our Wake Generals?
Cooper Swink: I go to Orlando quite a bit, but I have not ridden with any Wake Generals yet.
Monster Army: Who would you say is the sickest Monster General?
Cooper Swink: Watson because he has sick style and kills it on rails
Monster Army: With such a stacked Monster team why did you pick Watson?
Cooper Swink: That was a hard question because all of them are sick riders!
Monster Army: Now that Wake seasons here, what are your filming plans?
Cooper Swink: I will probably be filming with Joe Umali behind the boat and at the winch park , that is all I have planned for now Monster Army: Music is very important to the Monster Army. What can we hear blasting from your boats speakers?
Cooper Swink: Well actually my boat is kinda broken at this moment ,but usually I listen to some 2pac, Lil Wayne, The Game, Van Halen..not Van Hagar or whatever else comes on when my Ipod is on shuffle. Monster Army: Favorite Flavor of Monster Energy?
Cooper Swink: I really like Low Ball Java Monster and M80 Monster Army: Last words for the kids in the Monster Army:
Cooper Swink: Always have fun and ride AMAP (as much as possible)
|
|