Welcome to the MonsterArmy

•    Monster/Yamaha’s Coppins wins first MXGP of the season

•    Monster/Yamaha’s Philippaerts 4th, holds onto MXGP MX1 lead

•    Monster/Kawasaki’s Hopkins and West suffer @ Assen MotoGP

•    Monster/Honda’s Crutchlow podiums twice at Mallory Park BSB

 

CORONA, Calif., (June 30, 2008) – All the European Monster Energy two wheel motorsports programs were running full tilt this past weekend with racing action taking place on everything from German soil to British and Dutch asphalt as the Monster Army members continue their international invasion tour, spreading the iconic brand image and sampling tasty Monster Energy product in the pro pits and manufacturer’s midways along the way.



We’ll give the nod this weekend to the dirt bike guys, particularly Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Josh Coppins on his first MX1 class MXGP win of the 2008 season coming at the Grand Prix of Germany held in Teutschenthal at the Talkessel circuit. Also, Coppins’ teammate David Philippaerts’ should be mentioned due to his brave ride through injury to 4th place to hold onto the overall MX1 class points chase - four points out front of 2nd place Coppins, giving Monster Energy the 1-2 spot in the MXGP standings.



“There is a lot of emotion for me with this win and I am very happy today,” said the New Zealander Coppins. “I would like to thank all the people who have supported me. The results were not what we all expected and there have been some hard times. We knuckled down to work and I knew the results would come; I promised them to the team in fact. My last double was at Mantova in 2007 but to be honest even my last victory feels like a long time ago. It is nice to get that feeling back again and it makes the training tomorrow a lot easier. The championship now looks a lot different. I think only two races ago I was 54 points behind.”



Coppins continued: “The important step I made was in my training and approach; working closely with my mechanic, doing the right training at the right tracks. About today, they watered the track a lot and it was really slippery, even dangerous in fact. Billy Mackenzie (fellow Monster Energy rider) went into the lead but I knew he did not have the condition after his injury to run that pace the whole time. Sebastien was there also but I thought I could deal with him. My main concern was Max, because he had not done the first moto and it was pretty hot out there; the crowd were obviously with him also. I was thinking about my own race and things went well. We had a new pipe this weekend with a bit more power, which I was happy about.”



For Philippaerts it was a matter of overcoming a injury from a previous MXGP (France) in order to maintain his lead, which following his performance at Teutschenthal was something for sure to be pumped with.



“The track was difficult, certainly for passing, and it was also very hot so I am quite pleased with the result,” he said. “I started the first moto too slowly but got a lot better and was riding well. I pushed hard to get (Steve) Ramon but it was too tricky to overtake. I had a similar start in the second moto but after two or three laps I had a lot of pain in my rib. I think it might be a fracture or something from the crash in France. I had some discomfort before this GP but I think I made it worse in the race and need to see if I can get some treatment. (Seb) Pourcel was a little too fast and I settled for the points because I knew I could not increase my speed. Josh is now up to second in the championship and feeling 100%. He will be very competitive now but we still have a lot of races and points to go. It is great for the Monster/Yamaha and the team that we are both up there. I really like the bike and for sure it is one of the best out there because it is so easy to ride it fast. Yamaha have helped me so much and I feel very happy where I am right now."



With the Monster Energy/CAS Honda team it was Billy Mackenzie soldiering on despite an injured shoulder, placing 15-10 in the two races. His new teammate, Steve Boniface, showed some excellent speed, but ran into some tough luck in both motos and came away with no points.



Said Monster Energy/CAS Honda team manager Neil Prince: “Billy rode the best he could this weekend, he just needs a little more recovery time for his shoulder, his second race was better. He will have complete rest this week. Steve was going really well, in the first race he was running 4th but ran into Pourcel when he went down, this ripped off his front brake caliper and damaged the rear sprocket. In the second race unfortunately he crashed damaging the throttle and had to pull in, however both races he was up there with the guys and this was a promising start.”



Next up for the Monster Energy/Yamaha and Monster Energy/CAS Honda racers on the MXGP circuit is this weekend’s running of the Grand Prix of Sweden at Uddevalla.



On the road course at Assen’s (Netherlands) Dutch TT the Monster Energy/Kawasaki team ran into some bad luck with a DNS from racer John Hopkins and a DNF from teammate Anthony West. Hopper crashed in qualifying and was already on a flight back to the United States to get checked out when West crashed out of the Dutch TT on the seventh lap.



“I got a good start to the race, although it was difficult from so far back on the grid because the first turn is quite tight,” said West. “I had made up a few places when Alex de Angelis highsided in front of me and I had to almost stop the machine to avoid hitting him. The bike was feeling good and in the next few laps I managed to pass a few people into 11th place. I was sure I could catch the group ahead of me and be well within the top ten, but we were lapping at a similar pace and with the incident at the start, I had to push just that little bit harder. Unfortunately I lost the front of the bike and crashed out, which is a real disappointment because we were quite strong today. The new engine upgrades have made a difference and we till have more grip than previously, despite struggling a little bit in places with cornering. We just need some luck on our side and, hopefully, we'll be fighting for good positions next time out at Sachsenring.”



Next up for West and Hopkins is round ten of the MotoGP series at Sachsenring, Germany (July 13th).



Better results for Monster Energy-backed European road racers would come on the 2008 Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) series as Monster Energy/HM Plant Honda’s Cal Crutchlow managed two podiums (3-3) and teammate Leon Haslam placed 2nd in the first race at Mallory Park. Monster Energy/Hydrex/Bike Animal’s James Ellison also ran well, placing 5th.



Said Crutchlow: “Race one wasn’t too bad, I led for most of it and it would have been nice to win my local race, but there you go! In the second race I was well down at the start as my tyres didn’t suit the conditions until later on, but I soon came up through the field. I had a go at Shane Byrne towards the end of that second race into the hairpin, but I locked the front brake and ran wide. Big thanks this weekend to Mallory Park who always put on a great event and to HM Plant Honda for all their hard work.”



Next up on the BSB tour is the Oulton Park round in Cheshire, round seven of the series (July 18-20).



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

Mike O'Meally and Leanne Pelosi and the band Tweak Bird - Tuesday 7.01.08



Today, Future Snowboarding Magazine's "Female Rider of the Year", pro snowboarder Leanne Pelosi is back on The Habit. Plus, renowned Australian skate photographer Mike O'Meally kicks it in the studio. Also, making a name for themselves in the past year on the strength of a sold-out 7-inch debut and a furious live show, Tweak Bird is here to perform. Mike O'Meally's sponsors include: Transworld and Quiksilver. Leanne Pelosi's sponsors include: 32/Etnies, Dragon, Bonfire, K2 Snowboards, Monster Energy Drink, Vestal, Dakine and Whistler/Blackcomb.













This week on FUEL TV's The Weekly Update with Boost Mobile: We have complete coverage of the Panasonic Open and the kick-off of the AST Dew Tour in Baltimore, Maryland.

• In skate vert, Bucky Lasek takes first, PLG takes second, and Bob Burnquist comes in third place.


• In skate park, Ryan Sheckler wins the Panasonic Open, while Paul Rodriquez takes second place, and Chaz Ortiz comes in third.


• In BMX dirt, Ryan Nyquist takes first place at the Panasonic Open, James Foster takes second place, and Cameron White lands in third.


• In BMX park, Daniel Dhers wins the Panasonic Open, with Ryan Guettler taking second place, and Mike Spinner taking third.


• In BMX vert, James Bestwick wins, Chad Kagy took second, and Simon Tabron came in third.


• In FMX news, Blake Williams takes first, Nate Adams flips to second, and third place goes to Mat Rebeaud.


• In other news, we cover the behind-the-scenes of the AST Dew Tour Festival Village and a feature a special preview of FUEL TV's new show Dew Underground.


• This week's One-on-One is with FMX Panasonic Open winner Blake Williams, who talks about the new three-stop format, how he feels about riding a four-stroke bike and how he has recovered from last year's injury.


• 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 .
  
   

Under the lights at Lakewood Stewart (Monster/Kawasaki) runs his undefeated record to 10-0 while Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’ Villopoto wins Lites







CORONA, Calif., (June 30, 2008) – The Denver skyline had a distinct green glow to it last Saturday night as Monster Energy’s James Stewart (Monster Energy/Kawasaki) and Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) dominated the Outdoor Nationals’ stop at Lakewood’s (Colo.) Thunder Valley Raceway – the first-ever outdoor night race of its kind - sweeping the four main event motos and increasing their lead on the rest of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship series’ competition.









Stewart is well on his way to replicating fellow Monster Energy athlete Ricky Carmichael’s amazing  24-0 moto win streak of 2002. His MX class effort at Lakewood ran his record to 10-0 on the year, coming from behind in both motos early and securing the win with fast lap times of 1.5 seconds (moto one) and 1 second (moto two) faster than the next-closest competitor.







“I had to make a couple passes in the beginning,” said Stewart at the post race press conference. “I got around those guys pretty quick. It probably took me about three laps to get used to the lights. I saw Mike (Alessi) pulling away a little bit and tried to catch up. I got to him and pulled off a move and it stuck. I think the night race is cool. I know a lot of people are against it but I think it’s because of the lighting. Sometimes we need to spice it up a little. Maybe if we just add a few more lights out there it’ll be good. They’ll definitely work on it in the future to make it better.”



Stewart’s fast lap time in the first moto was 2:11.416 (to Alessi’s 2:12.826). In the second moto Stewart clocked a 2:13.261, which was the fastest of that moto by a second.



Also running well in the MX class was Stewart’s Monster Energy/Kawasaki teammate Tim Ferry. Ferry overcame a rougher first moto (8th) with a top five finish in the second moto, giving him a 8-5 for a solid 6th overall on the day. Ferry’s in 4th place overall in the standings with 179 points, just nine points back of Davi Millsaps for the third and final MX class podium spot.



Also scoring a top ten finish for Monster Energy was Yamaha’s Josh Hill. Much like Ferry, Hill improved considerably in the second moto (13-7) and came a way with a 9th place overall finish – his second-straight top ten MX class finish.



In the MX Lites class it was all Villopoto as the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki racer pulled the holeshot and dominated the field in the first moto – leading start to finish – then came from behind in the second moto (after a poor start) to catch then race leader Josh Grant on lap 13 of 16 and then led the race through the end.



“It was tough (under the lights),” said Villopoto at the post race press conference. “You had to watch your shadows and really keep on your toes. I just tried to make my passes stick. Josh (Grant) got away and once I got into second I had to put a charge on. I was able to carry a little more momentum on the outside (to pass him). I think we could use a little more light. It was better than I thought it would be and the track was maintained well throughout the evening. Normally, the altitude up here gets to you, but since it was cooler and at night our bikes were able to perform better and we could endure easier.”



With the 1-1 effort, along with 2nd place MX Lites class overall points contender Ryan Dungey’s DNF in the second moto, Villopoto increased his lead over Dungey to two full motos-plus (58 points), 241-183.



Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Brett Metcalfe was the only other Monster Energy-backed racer in the top 15 of the Lakewood National. Metcalfe finished 13th with a 15-12 two moto effort.



This weekend Stewart and Villopoto will look to take top honors at the second of three installments of the 2008 Monster Energy Triple Crown of Motocross when the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship stops at RedBud in Buchanan, Mich., for round six of the series (July 7th).



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

King of Vert Jamie Bestwick, who is a five time X Games Gold Medalist, three time Dew Tour Champion and Athlete of the Year (Nora Cup), has joined forces with his sponsors, Etnies, Levi’s, Monster Energy, Boost Mobile, Bell Helmets and The Athlete Recovery Fund to help raise awareness as well as monetary donations for the Stephen Murray Family Fund. The fund was established on behalf of injured BMX athlete Stephen Murray, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury while competing in 2007’s Panasonic Open. The Athlete Recovery Fund was created to assist injured action sports athletes, such as Murray, with charitable medical and educational assistance.



Bestwick, along with System Bicycle Supply and his sponsors, will be auctioning seven one-of–a-kind bikes each signed by Bestwick.  Each BMX bike will be ridden by Bestwick at various competitions throughout the summer beginning with the Panasonic Open June 19-22 in Baltimore, Maryland.  The other competitions include all five stops of the AST Dew Tour, X Games 14 and the LG World Championships.



After each competition one bike will become available for auction at this EBAY link.  The auction ends June 29, 2008. Please stay tuned to www.ast.com for more details and updates.









 

Airing Thursday, June 26, at 9:00 pm Eastern Time (6:00 pm Pacific Time) and telecast three additional times, Pierre Luc Gagnon and singer/songwriter Damien Jurado will appear on The Daily Habit.





Today, one of the most respected names on the vert ramp, coming off recent wins at Tampa Pro and AST Dew Tour China, Pierre Luc Gagnon is dropping in on the Habit. Plus, singer/songwriter Damien Jurado treats us to his raw and soulful folk melody.  Also, Jordan Morris jets down to Vegas to the Palms Casino & Playboy Club to attend the kickoff party for the Maloof Money Cup.



Pierre Luc Gagnon's sponsors include: Osiris, Electric, RDS, Darkstar, Monster Energy, West 49, and Boost Mobile.





Pierre Luc Gagnon

Damien Jurado





"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 25-million U.S. homes. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4-FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv .



 

 Monster Energy’s Mirra meets the contest winners @ Camp Woodward (Pa.) and have the park all to themselves on their new Mirraco bikes!

 

CORONA, Calif., (June 19, 2008) –  Monster Energy’s X Games BMX legend and now pro rally car driver Dave Mirra took some time away from his global schedule to meet with a handful of BMXers who recently won Monster Energy’s consumer promotion with Mirra, including a special edition Monster Energy/Mirraco BMX bike and a couple days of riding with Mirra at the famed Camp Woodward BMX and skateboard park.



 

“I was pumped for these guys that won Monster’s contest,” said Mirra. “We hooked them up with Monster/Mirraco bikes and rode for a bit up at Woodward, sessioned the park section and mainly messed around with some flat land tricks. The best part was just hanging around with the guys and telling stories. It was definitely a cool couple days up at Woodward.”



 

Before the ten Monster Energy/Mirra grand prize winners were even announced, Monster Energy and Mirraco gave away, get this, 100 custom Monster Energy/Mirraco BMX bikes. So Monster Energy drinkers all over the United States got hooked up BIG TIME, courtesy of Monster and Mirra’s bike company (check out the killer bikes in the photos). Once those guys were all stoked out, Monster Energy announced its ten grand prize winners – which not only included the special edition Monster Energy/Mirraco BMX bike, but also a free week long session at Camp Woodward and some private sessions with and coaching from Mirra himself.

 

“I never thought I would even win the first prize of the bike, not to mention the free trip to Woodward,” said Dan White, 25, from Michigan. “So on top of getting this bike, which was the hit of Woodward, I get to hang out with my hero and session with him.

 

“What an excellent thing for Monster to hook up.”

 

“It’s good to see that promotions like this from Monster Energy benefit both parties – the guys who won as well as Mirra,” said Geoff Bremmer, Brand Manager for Monster Energy. “Throughout his long career Dave’s been one of the more approachable action sport athletes and his willingness to participate with this contest is one of the reasons it worked so well. The response was excellent and we look forward to working again with Dave on another promotion that aligns him with Monster Energy’s all-important consumer base.”

 

Next up for Monster Energy’s Mirra is this weekend’s opening round of the AST Dew Tour in Baltimore, Md., followed by the July 11-12 New England Forest Rally in Bethel, Maine.



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

 

PLG pulls a silver out of a Skate Vert final that could have gone either way, Nate Adams pounds out a silver in a Monster 1-2 sweep of FMX finals while Ryan Guettler & Mike Spinner add to Monster’s medal count with 2nd/3rd in BMX Park

           

CORONA, Calif., (June 23, 2008) – The first big action sports event of the summer – the AST (Action Sports Tour) Dew Tour series’ Panasonic Open in Baltimore, Md. – had a decided Monster Energy flavor as two of Monster’s finest, BMX Vert star Jamie Bestwick and FMXer Blake “Bilko” Williams each scored gold medals in their respective events.



In addition, Monster Energy skater Pierre Luc “PLG” Gagnon placed a very close 2nd in the Skate Vert contest while Nate Adams followed Williams up to the podium with a 2nd place finish in FMX. And in the BMX Park shootout it was Monster Energy’s Ryan Guettler and Mike Spinner going 2-3, giving Monster Energy a total of six medals at the AST Dew Tour opener – two more than the four medals Monster Energy athletes scored at Baltimore to open the 2007 tour.



Kicking it off with Bestwick, the UK native is, without a doubt, the most dominant BMX Vert rider on the planet. In a sport where “going big” is synonymous with gold, Bestwick was at his finest in Baltimore, throwing down with such a massive first run in the finals that his second run became a victory lap.



“Things came together real well there on my first run,” said Bestwick, who’s won three consecutive Dew Tour BMX vert titles. “Chad and Simon both rode excellent and I had a couple more tricks I could have pulled if needed – but was fortunate to be able to wrap things up early.”



Bestwick’s first run score of 96 points was almost three full points ahead of Chad Kagy’s (2nd) 93.17 and four point ahead of Simon Tabron’s (3rd) straight 92. With a similar bag of tricks, Bestwick set himself ahead with the amplitude and height he attained on his Downside Tail Whips to X-ups and a bionic Alley Oop downside whip towards the end of his first run that sealed the deal in the judges’ minds that quick.



No less spectacular on two wheels was the motorized Aussie, Bilko Williams. The fun loving, easy going Bilko put himself on top of the FMX podium by being the only athlete to throw Flat Spin 360s off the sizable Baltimore FMX hits. Like Bestwick, Bilko would bring it all together on his first run, buttoning up his first major American FMX competition win. “I was bummed after my second run – and a bit nervous about the scores,” said Bilko, running the Aussie flat on his dirt bike in the awards ceremony. “Nate (Adams) killed it and in the end it was cool to see Monster go 1-2.”



About the only thing missing from Adams’ sizeable arsenal of tricks in order to repeat as the Baltimore AST Dew Tour winner was, again, the Flat Spin 360. Outside that Adams was ripping, throwing every back flip combo you could imagine and closing out with a No-Foot Can Can Running Man to secure the silver medal. Also putting in a solid performance for Monster Energy was Adam Jones who placed 6th overall.



Double medals again for Monster Energy in BMX Park as Guettler and Spinner went 2-3 to give the M-claw logo the most real estate on that event’s podium. Both riders were able to land 1080s and, had it not been for some last run heroics from Dan Dhers, Guettler and Spinner could have very well gone 1-2. The BMX Park will for sure be one of the more closely contested championship runs of the summer.



Representing for Monster Energy in the AST Dew Tour finals on their skateboards were PLG in the half and Greg Lutzka in Skate Park. PLG, arguably the hottest vert skater in the world entering the ’08 competition season, put up what looked to be a winning 93.50 score on his first run. PLG mixed his vast array of technical lip grind and flip tricks with back-to-back McTwists and a 720. Bucky Lasek would answer with a solid run of his own and got the ‘hometown kid’ nod in Baltimore with a 93.75.



“That’s what I meant to do,” said PLG of his first run 93.50.



For Lutzka it was a matter of just getting out and skating for the first time in a couple weeks after dislocating a toe filming the new Globe video. “Yeah, I haven’t touched my board in two weeks so I was limited in what I could do,” said Lutzka, referring to the six-foot Skate Park stair that he’d normally blitz – but couldn’t due to pain. “So fourth’s cool.”



Next up on the AST Dew Tour is the July 17-20 Right Guard Open in Cleveland.



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



 

Rolling around SoCal like a movie star with his recent Dew Tour opener champion status? Hardly! Bilko’s still looking for a car and a place to crash!

CORONA, Calif., (June 25, 2008) – The charismatic Monster Energy FMX ripper Blake “Bilko” Williams hopped off a plane from his native Australia last week onto American soil and proceeded to put the screws to the rest of the competition at the AST Dew Tour opener this past weekend in Baltimore (Md.), winning the overall FMX title in a stack field that also featured Monster Energy’s Nate Adams (2nd) and Adam Jones (6th).



The States haven’t really got a full dose of Bilko yet. But rest assured we will as the Aussie dirt bike star with the “360” (a trick he throws ramp-to-ramp, nightly, on the Crusty  “Unleash Hell” Tour down under) is the odds-on favorite to challenge Adams – the defending Dew Tour Athlete of the Year – for the overall AST Dew Tour FMX title.



In what should prove to be one of the better head-to-head AST Dew Tour battles of the summer, the buddies – 23-year-old Bilko and Adams – will certainly be one of the marquee battles along the lines of Monster’s Greg Lutzka and Jamie Bestwick vs. Sheckler and Kagy.



Believe it or not is wasn’t that hard to catch up with the Aussie FMXer as he was in the middle of things we take for granted here, rather than upside down 40 feet above a foam pit.



Monster Energy: Talk about what’s been going on since your breakthrough win at the Panasonic Open. You been on a roll?



Bilko Williams: “I just got in Sunday before Baltimore. Just trying to take care of things the last couple days, set up a bank account, try finding a car and a  place to rent for the next six months. Taking care of the boring stuff I guess.”



ME: WHAT??? You mean no strippers, Lear Jets & Vegas?



BW: (Laughter) “Naw, man. I just came off the Australian Crusty Tour – 18 straight weeks of riding and partying – so I got that all out of my system and am ready for the competition here in the States this summer. (pauses) But I still need a car and a place to call home, so I need to sort that all out.”



ME: Last year you were 2nd (to Adams) at the Panasonic Open, maybe one of the events that really put you on the FMX map here in the States. What allowed you to go from a top ten/five guy to 2nd last year and to 1st place on the Dew Tour opener this past weekend?



BW: “Pretty much running the Crusty Tour with all the boyz, eggin’ each other on, pulling for each other and pushing the limits all the time. Had that good finish last year at Baltimore, but ended up crashing and smashing my whole leg to bits and wrote of the rest of the year. I actually held back at Baltimore last year a little, but this year I came back with the 360 I’d been doing ramp-to-ramp, the Royal Flip and the Cliff Hanger flip down all good. But I really didn’t set any other goals outside making the top ten in the finals, do what I knew how to do. And it all paid off last weekend.”



ME: What’s the story with your trophy from the Panasonic Open?



BW: (Laughter) “I didn’t actually get one. It broke when they gave it to me, or maybe I broke it or something. Bit out of shape, like me when I crash. But they’re sending me another one.”



ME: What did you do during the off season back home in Australia to get ready for your  Monster Energy-fueled assault here in the States?



BW: “The only real practice I had was riding on tour, which is ramp-to-ramp. And the only time I hit a foam pit this year was when I was at Nate’s (Adams) place when I was in San Diego. Did that with Adam (Jones), Nate and some other guys, then flew home to finish the Crusty Tour.”



ME: Other than hard work on your own, what other people can you credit with helping you get to the top of your game in FMX?



BW: “No. 1 my parents for sure (Sandra and Tom), then all my buddies in America when I come here – especially Maddo (Robbie Maddison) for giving me a place to stay and Nate for giving me a place to ride. Don’t really ride during the week much at home, so that’s nice.”



ME: You plan on doing the entire Dew Tour?



BW: “Yes, for sure. That was the plan being here for six months – do the Dew Tour and X Games and whatever else falls in the middle – then I’ve got the Crusty Tour in Europe coming up in September and October, two separate trips over there.”



ME: You mentioned the X Games – FMX’s Super Bowl. What’s your thoughts on that?



BW: You know I’d really like to win a medal in Freestyle or Best Trick. But I don’t know who’s going to be crazy enough to go for what on that day. I’d like to come up with a new trick for Best Trick, but I know I’ll be  up against body varials and double back flips and stuff like that, so it’s kind of hard to say what’s going to happen there. But in Freestyle I’d like to make it into the finals and re-assess things from there. Obviously a medal would be nice, so we’ll see after I have a look at the course what sort of run I can put together.”



ME: Who could win a five lap supercross race, you or Monster Energy’s Nate Adams (and why)?



BW: “Um…if I didn’t crash I’d say I might have him. Yeah, I dunno, I used to race supercross but it’s been a while. I try to stay off (supercross tracks) because of my leg. Three laps? Yeah, I got that. (ME: No, five.) “Five – pause – yeah, I got him.”



ME: Parting words?



BW: Thanks to all my sponsors, Monster, EVS, Alpinestars, Honda Australia, Oakley, Kicker, Pro Circuit, Six-Six-One and my parents and all my buddies.”



For more information on Williams, check out his website: www.bilko22.com



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



 

Hibbert goes 2-1 to take the o/a, leaves Canada for the States with a 2-0 record; Monster/Cernic's/Kawi's Klatt and Gibson go 5-8 in MX1 class

CORONA, Calif., (June 23, 2008) - Monster Energy privateer racer Tucker Hibbert made quite an impression on the Canadian MX circuit, this past weekend again winning the overall (2-1) in the MX2 class versus the factory bikes at Regina Moto Valley in Saskatchewan, round four of the 2008 Monster Energy CMRC Canadian MX Nationals.

In addition to Hibbert, Monster Energy/Cernic's/Kawasaki's Dusty Klatt and Jeff Gibson also put up some decent numbers in the premier MX1 class, finishing 5th and 8th, respectively.

Hibbert was on it all weekend. In moto one he was setting up to take the lead when he over shot a berm and left the track, along with about seven seconds between he and the leader he was about to catch. Fighting back and eventually catching up to No. 1 again (Kyle Beaton), Hibbert and Beaton put on an excellent show, banging bars for the last three laps much to the pleasure of the fans in attendance.

The action continued between Beaton and Hibbert in the second moto as the two Yamaha-mounted went at it hard for the first two laps before Beaton wadded up and ended his day. Though the lead was handed over to Hibbert the race was far from being over as MX2 series points leader Eric Nye gave chase. Hibbert needed several laps, but would eventually build a multi-second lead over Nye and take the win in the second moto to go 2-1 for the overall.

"I feel really good about the weekend," said Hibbert. "I had to ride really hard after making a big mistake in the first moto. I couldn't catch Kyle Beaton but came really close and feel good about the way I rode. In the second moto I really wanted to get the holeshot. It was my main focus and I had a good gate but was slow the first couple of feet off the gate and ended up in third. I passed Beaton for the lead but got passed back right away. It was intense racing the first couple laps then all of a sudden Beaton crashed hard right in front of me. I felt bad for him and was bummed out I wasn't able to finish racing him. I focused on keeping the lead - riding fast, consistent laps and getting the biggest gap I could on Eric Nye. I tried some different lines, rode with more intensity and was able to finish with a pretty comfortable lead. The past two weekends have been a lot of fun and a huge confidence builder for me. So far, this is my best season yet and I can't wait to get back to The States to see how I can finish there."

Note: Hibbert returns to action in two weeks when the AMA Outdoor Nationals hit the legendary RedBud circuit in Buchanan, Mich. - round two of the Monster Energy Triple Crown of Motocross.

In the MX1 class' first moto Klatt stalled his bike and fell down to 7th place while Gibson finished 9th. In the second moto Klatt would make the podium (3rd), while Gibson would improve to 7th. Klatt is now 3rd overall in the MX1 class points chase, 22 points back of Tyler Medaglia. Gibson moved up to 9th in the overall MX1 class standings.

Next up for the Monster Energy/Cernic's/Kawasaki team is the July 12th round of the Monster Energy CMRC Canadian MX Nationals at the Wastelands in Nanaimo, B.C.

Date                    City/Province                              Venue

5/25                    Ste. Julie, Quebec                       Ste. Julie

6/1                      Courtland, Ontario                      Gopher Dunes

6/14                    Morden, Manitoba                       Shadow Valley Raceway

6/21                    Regina, Saskatchewan              Regina Moto Valley

7/12                    Nanaimo, British Columbia      The Wastelands

7/20                    Edmonton, Alberta                      Castrol Raceway

8/2                     Moncton, New Brunswick            Riverglade MX Park

8/10                    Ottawa, Ontario                            San Del Lee

8/17                    Walton, Ontario                            Walton

For more information on the Monster Energy Canadian MX Nationals and CMRC, link to their website at: www.cmrcracing.com

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, off-road, enduro, road racing, supermoto, FMX, skate, MTB, surf, snow, BMX - name it - the athletes are rockin' Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types - Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called "M-80" and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. All the guys running the Monster Energy CMRC Canadian MX Nationals will be diggin' 'em - so will you. On the 'Net at www.monsterenergy.com

Gibson’s effort at the Yadkinville round of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series closes the gap on the XC2 class lead

  

Photos: Jason Hooper



CORONA, Calif., (June 23, 2008) – Monster Energy/Andrews/Yamaha’s Dustin Gibson raced to a 3rd place finish this past weekend at round eight of the 2008 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series (GNCC’s) and moved closer to the overall XC2 class points lead as he trails Thaddeus Duval 199-172 with five rounds remaining on the GNCC schedule.



Gibson, on the box for the second-straight weekend and sixth time in eight races, pulled an excellent start and led the XC2 class after the first lap, with Monster Energy/Andrews/Yamaha teammate Josh Weisenfels in hot pursuit (5th) and Dave Snyder close to the top ten as well in 12th. As the dust began to thicken Gibson center punched a tree that he didn’t see and ended up falling back to 5th place. At the same time Weisenfels was making his move to the front of the pack.



“I was never so scared at a race,” said Gibson. “I hit a tree in the dust and crashed. I never saw the tree. The dust was so bad. I started to get back in my zone and pushed the last lap.”



Trees popping up in front of the Monster Energy/Andrews/Yamaha racers seemed to be the thing at Yadkinville as no sooner than he caught up with the leaders Weisenfels was felled by a tree as well, which unfortunately ended his day (shoulder).



“I got up to the leader an was riding blind because of the dust,” said Weisenfels. “I was trying to pass for the lead when I hit a tree with my shoulder and that was it.”



When the two lap board came out Gibson and Snyder made their move to the front. At the white flag Gibson was one minute down from 3rd place and charging, making some excellent last lap passes to secure third and finish ahead of Duval (4th). Snyder was on it as well, cracking the top ten (10th) for the second-straight week.



Next up for the Monster Energy/Andrews/Yamaha team is the July 6th GNCC in Somerset, Pa.



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

Hey Guys,

Want to win gear from your favorite Monster athlete Andy Finch.  Click the link below to see what Andy was thinking, as well as why Andy is dubbed "Finch Airlines!"

http://www.snowboarder-community.com/photo/photo/show?id=2027856%3APhoto%3A6177

~Monster Army.

Ricky Dietrich well on his way to winning his 2nd consecutive championship according to his fellow Team USA ISDE competitor, Destry Abbott

   

CORONA, Calif., (June 17, 2008) – Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Destry Abbott just filed his report from the recent World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) event at Prairie City SVRA, aka “Hangtown,” outside Sacramento.



Abbott, who finished 8th in the race on his Monster Energy-backed Kawasaki KX450F, had high praise for the winner – his teammate Ricky Dietrich. “Ricky D. has really been on the gas and if he keeps this up it’s looking like he might get his 2nd WORCS championship,” said Abbott.



Here’s Abbott’s words on the event held at the same off road facility that just hosted round three of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championships:



“After Saturday’s practice I knew this race was going to be a fast, hard-packed, and hot one! I felt pretty good during practice, and was actually looking forward to it. I figured my conditioning would shine in these conditions and that was a good thing for me. The start was around noon (on Sunday) and I believe it was close to 100 degrees and a little humid. I didn’t have the best jump, and got squeezed off right out of the gate. Going into the first corner, someone hit me so hard that I was just about full sideways and figured I was going down. Somehow I saved it and missed the big pile up just to the right of me.



I came out of the first corner in around 10th or so. The first lap was a little dusty, but I felt pretty good. Then on the second lap, I started to get really tight and lost a few spots. I was really trying to focus on staying loose, but was having a tough time. On the third lap I stalled it in a corner, because I was having a tough time using the clutch and Caselli got by. I fired it up, but the same thing happened a few corners later and this time Gary Sutherlin got by. I did the best I could, the next few laps, and then started to get up to speed. I could see the leaders had checked out and were on the gas!



I believe I was around 14th at one point and had some work ahead of me. First I got by a couple guys in one lap, and then got right on Gary and he was cool enough to let me by. Then I saw Ryan Orr and was able to get by him. Things were going good and I felt I had a good pace going. The worst part was the fact that my left hand started to shred, and before the halfway point I already had blisters that opened up and started to bleed. It wasn’t that bad when I was on the gas, but when I was slowing down I had to put pressure on them. The lap before I pitted, I was able to get by Kyle Summers and get into 8th. I had a great pit stop and now I had Woods in front of me. He was around 40 seconds ahead of me, and I would close the gap one lap and then lose a little the next.



With about 30-minutes to go I really wanted to give it one last charge. I still felt good, but just had to deal with my hand issue (which I know a lot of guys did). I was making up some time, and on the last lap I was around 20-seconds back. I kept charging, but came up 10-seconds short of Nathan.

 

Abbott’s Overall Summary:



I was actually pretty happy with the way I rode today and still felt good towards the end. The guys on the podium are going really fast and I knew they would be tough to beat. I still feel like I have a great shot running top 5’s and I know if I can stay up front early I’ll be doing it. The next WORCS race is back up in Washington (in August) and I really like riding there.



Next up for Monster Energy’s Destry Abbott is the first round of the Maxxis Endurocross Series in Las Vegas (July 5).



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

•        Monster/Yamaha’s Coppins 2nd at St. Jean d’ Angely

•        Monster/Yamaha’s Philippaerts loses ground on MX1 lead

•        MacKenzie injured; Brown released from Monster CAS Honda

•        Monster Energy’s Cal Crutchlow is 3rd in BSB race two

 

CORONA, Calif., (June 16, 2008) – Action came to a full boil this weekend in both the World MXGP Series and British Motorbike Championships (BSB) and Monster Energy athletes were represented on both podiums.

Beginning with the MXGPs, Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Josh Coppins was the top placing international representative for Monster Energy this past weekend, scoring a 2nd place overall finish in the MX1 class at the legendary (and rough) French St. Jean d’ Angely course – the Grand Prix of France. Coppins and teammate David Philippaerts were running 2-3 in the first moto when Philippaerts, the MX1 points leader heading into the French GP, crashed hard and injured his hand. At about the same time race leader Steve Ramon crashed and Coppins inherited the lead – his first MX1 class lead of the season.



Coppins, while leading, left the track momentarily and returned dragging a section of plastic fencing in his rear brake. Sebastian Pourcel was able to get by Coppins, but the New Zealander held on strong for 2nd overall – his best moto finish to date in ’08. Philippaerts was able to bring his Yamaha YZ450FM home in 13th.



The second moto had Philippaerts nursing his injured hand and started in the back half of the pack. Coppins on the other hand got out fast and was in 2nd place (behind Ramon) for the entire moto, bringing his Monster Energy YZ home in 2nd place in the second moto – good for a 2-2 2nd place overall on the weekend.



"I went to Italy to make some tests and training this week and it definitely helped me this weekend,” said Coppins. “I like to work closely with my mechanic and the team so I will be heading back there in the next few days. I think I can take quite a lot from this result. I should have won the first moto if it wasn't for the problem with the fencing and in the second Sebastien (Pourcel) was a little bit faster. To come from a 'low' like Mallory Park to be right at the front and on the podium was the response that I wanted. I can take a lot of motivation from the fact that I am back in the title chase."



Though Philippaerts lost a bunch of ground on his lead, he still retained the lead – six points ahead of Ramon with Coppins now just 19 points back.



"From fifteen races it is impossible to have a good result or good luck in all of them,” he said. “I am disappointed but I also have to be realistic. In the first moto I don't know what happened. I did exactly the same line and approach as always but the bike slipped away. I think we made a mistake and picked a tyre that was too soft. I really banged my hand and had a lot of pain. For the first ten minutes after that I was seeing spots because I had also hit my head. Thirteenth was not ideal but I did not feel fit and I was determined to finish. I was fortunate that both Ramon and De Dycker also crashed. I wanted to see what points I could get in the second moto and took a painkiller. I did not have the best start but then I started to ride very well, very smooth and with good lines. Anyway I reached sixth and then passed Desalle on the inside of one corner but he did something crazy because I was ahead and he just rammed into the back of me. It was a big collision. The right footrest had gone so I tried to keep riding but once or twice I touched the ground with my foot and it was getting risky. My goal is still to look ahead and keep working each race. I am happy that the bike is really good and now I need to check I can have the best physical condition possible for Germany. I like Teutschental and I think it is possible that I can be very fast there."



The Monster/Yamaha team will head back to Italy for some more testing and bike prep for round eight of the MXGPs – Teutschenthal, Germany, near the city of Halle in two weeks. Also, Coppins has shown interest in contesting the Belgian championships in Kester this weekend.



Also, the Monster Energy-backed CAS Honda team released American rider Mike Brown after one of his better finishes on the year (12-10). Brown had expressed interest in spending more time with his family here in the States and the split was mutual. This came on the heels of the other team ride, Billy Mackenzie, injuring his shoulder at the French GP and being unable to compete. Mackenzie fell to 8th overall in the MX1 class standings.



British Superbike Series



Monster Energy-backed Cal Crutchlow and Leon Haslam of HM Plant Honda both had some solid results this past weekend at Snetterton (UK). Crutchlow brought the Monster Energy livery CBR1000RR Fireblade home in 3rd place for the team’s lone podium finish – added to a 4th place he scored in the first race. For his efforts Haslam added two top five finishes (5-5).



“I had a good race in the first outing but had to make up from a poor start,” said Crutchlow, who remained in 3rd overall in the BSB points chase. “I was something like fifth or sixth and then got bumped further back so had to claw my way back up. I think without that handicap there would have been a chance of winning it to be honest, who knows? In the second race the conditions were tricky and to be honest we’re always going to be up against it with the Ducatis and their traction control system, but we managed to get a podium so it’s a big thank you to everyone at HM Plant Honda. I’ve dropped a position to Leon Camier in the championship which obviously I’m not happy with, but we’ve still got a way to go and I’m now looking forward to Mallory.”



Added Halsam: “I’m pretty disappointed to be honest. I was comfortably in the lead in the first race but then just a couple of laps from the end Shakey came through on me at the chicane and I had to go straight on, that cost me all my positions basically. Race two was a different story with the tyre issues we had towards the end, but all we can do now is look forward. The test at Cadwell is important on Wednesday so I’m looking forward to it. It’s our first ‘real’ test of the year and hopefully we should have some good weather. HM Plant Honda are an experienced championship winning team and we’ll use the time well to sort a few things out in time for the next race at Mallory Park.”



Things didn’t go quite as well at the same race with the Monster Energy-backed Hydrex Bike Animal team. Racers James Ellison and Guy Martin didn’t figure in the top five scoring (7th first race, 10th second race for Ellison, two DNFs for Martin).

BSB Championship Points



1. Shane Byrne, Ducati – 235 points

2. Leon Camier, Ducati – 152 points

3. Cal Crutchlow, HM Plant Honda – 151 points

4. Leon Haslam, HM Plant Honda – 118 points

5. James Ellison, Honda – 103 points



Noteworthy: Monster Energy-backed CH Racing Husqvarna’s Seb Guillaume and Marc Bourgeois won their classes at round four of the World Enduro Championships in Poland. Guillaume topped the Enduro 3 class and Bourgeois won the Enduro Junior class.



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

A new television production by Monster Energy, takes an inside look at the motocross champion Ricky Carmichael and his attempt to make it as a NASCAR driver.  The show will also capture an inside look of his life on and off the track.  Please be sure to pass the info along to friends, family, distributors, and retailers.

“Ricky Carmichael: NEXT” will broadcast on Speed TV Saturday, June 28th, at 9:30 PM Pacific (12:30 am Eastern).  It will follow coverage of AMA Outdoor National Motocross race from Lakewood, CO at 8:30 PM Pacific (11:30 pm Eastern).

Monster Energy video trailers:

http://www.monsterenergy.com/Video/



SPEED TV web site:

http://www.speedtv.com/programs/ricky-carmichael-next

Klatt brings his MX1 class Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki home in 4th place while teammate Gibson overcomes a first moto wreck to place 8th



CORONA, Calif., (June 17, 2008) – Monster Energy-backed Dusty Klatt and Jeff Gibson (Cernic’s/Kawasaki) each made the MX1 class top ten this past weekend at the Morden, Manitoba, round of the 2008 Monster Energy CMRC Canadian MX Nationals.



With a 4th place effort (2-7) Klatt was able to hold onto his 2nd place overall MX1 class position in the standings. Gibson, who finished 8th overall at Morden (13-5), is currently in 10th place overall in the standings.



From the Monster Energy/Cernic’s/Kawasaki team: In the first MX1 moto, both Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki riders got good starts and rounded the first turn inside the top ten. Klatt charged into second place position while Gibson made contact with another rider and went down. After restarting his motorcycle, Gibson found himself in last place and made his charge to pass as many riders as he could before the end of the moto.  Meanwhile, Klatt was putting pressure on the race leader but couldn't make any pass attempt successful. In the end, Klatt settled for a close second and Gibson worked his way up to thirteenth position at the finish line.

 

Moto two saw the two team riders start near the front of the pack again.  Gibson rode one of his best races of the year as he ran away with the lead pack, riding flawlessly. Klatt was riding very aggressive in the same lead pack as he tried to move into the lead position. Unfortunately, his aggressive riding caused him to stall the motorcycle twice moving him towards the back of the pack. Gibson rode to a solid fifth place and Klatt would eventually finish the moto in seventh place.

 

"Both riders rode good this weekend," said team manager, Derek Sorenson. "However, both riders each had one bad moto so that hurt our results. Dusty continued to ride strong and Jeff had a solid ride, so we'll carry that momentum into the next round."

 

The Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki team will travel to Regina on June 22 for round four of the Monster Energy CMRC Canadian Motocross Nationals.



Date                            City/Province                                     Venue



5/25                             Ste. Julie, Quebec                               Ste. Julie

6/1                               Courtland, Ontario                              Gopher Dunes

6/14                             Morden, Manitoba                              Shadow Valley Raceway

6/21                             Regina, Saskatchewan                        Regina Moto Valley

7/12                             Nanaimo, British Columbia                The Wastelands

7/20                             Edmonton, Alberta                             Castrol Raceway

8/2                               Moncton, New Brunswick                  Riverglade MX Park

8/10                             Ottawa, Ontario                                  San Del Lee

8/17                             Walton, Ontario                                  Walton



For more information on the Monster Energy Canadian MX Nationals and CMRC, link to their website at: www.cmrcracing.com



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

James Stewart (Monster/Kawasaki) remains undefeated on the season, going 1-1 and Monster Energy/PC/Kawi’s Ryan Villopoto wins MX Lites with 1-1 finish

CORONA, Calif., (June 16, 2008) – The 32nd annual Monster Energy MX National at High Point Raceway (Mt. Morris, Pa.) – and the first round of the 2008 Monster Energy Triple Crown of Motocross – went to Monster’s James Stewart (Monster Energy/Kawasaki) and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, each of whom took top honors in the premier AMA Motocross class and AMA Motocross Lites class, respectively.



With the wins each are now eligible for the $25,000 Monster Energy Triple Crown bonus should they be able to capture the two remaining rounds of the Triple Crown at RedBud (Buchanan, Mich.) and Steel City (Delmont, Pa.).



For his part Stewart was absolutely dominant in his quest for matching Monster Energy Ricky Carmichael’s undefeated season (12-0 overalls, 24-0 motos) in 2002. Stewart led 35 of the 36 total laps at High Point for the 1-1 finish and is now 4-0/8-0 through one-third of the season.



“This is the best track of the year…I had fun today and I’ve had fun all year,” said Stewart at the AMA’s post-race press conference.



So dominant was Stewart he won the first moto by more than a half minute (34.375 seconds) over Mike Alessi, then won the second moto by nearly ten seconds. His 1-1 finish at High Point gave him a 45-point lead on second place in the series (Alessi) through only four rounds of Outdoor National racing.



Also working to put his Kawasaki KX450F up on the podium was Stewart’s Monster Energy/Kawasaki teammate, fellow Floridian Tim “Red Dog” Ferry. Ferry put up a solid 4-4 effort for 4th place overall in the premier MX class and is currently tied for 3rd place in the overall standings with Davi Millsaps – each with 150 points.



Rounding out the top ten scoring in the MX class for Monster Energy was Josh Hill (Yamaha). Hill improved from a 13th fastest lap time in the first moto to sixth fastest overall in the second moto, going a like 13/6 for 9th place overall.



In the MX Lites class it was Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Villopoto taking the win in resounding fashion, like Stewart leading all but one lap in going 1-1 for the overall. Villopoto was joined in the top five by fellow Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s racers Austin Stroupe, who made the podium (3rd) in the second moto for 4th overall and Brett Metcalfe who went 7-4 for 5th overall.



“All-in-all it was another stellar weekend of MX Nationals racing for the Monster Energy Army,” said John Lee, Director of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy. “A big crowd at High Point was welcomed by Monster Energy as the title sponsor and our athletes swept the top spots on both podiums.



“If we’d have sat down in advance and written a script for this it couldn’t have come out much better.”



Also raising some eyebrows in the MX Lites class was Monster Energy’s Jason Lawrence (Yamaha of Troy). In line for an overall podium finish after a 4th place first moto finish – which included a breathtaking last to 4th charge in the opening moments of moto one – succumbed to mechanical issues and was forced to retire in moto two.



“I’ve been racing with Yamaha for two years and this is the first time we’ve ever had anything like this happen,” said Lawrence. “We’ll just have to move on to the next race.”



Following a break in the action this coming weekend, Stewart and Villopoto take their AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Series points lead into Lakewood, Colo., (June 29) for the first-ever Outdoor National race run at night with artificial lighting.



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

Canyon Lake, Calif. (June, 2008) – Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki rider Sara Price picked up two more amateur women race wins at Round One and Two of the AMA/WMA Amateur Motocross Championship Presented by Kawasaki.







Price came directly off a win at the Loretta Lynn’s Northwest Regional Qualifier at Honey Lake Motocross Park, Milford, California. In a field of 23 racers in the Women’s 99cc and up class, Sara went 1-3-2 for the overall. 



From Honey Lake, Price went to Hangtown to contend the opening round of the WMA Championship by racing the WMA supported Women’s Intermediate class on Friday, May 30th. She topped the roster of 26 racers going 1 -1 after a good battle with her Thor teammate Alexah Pearson in the first moto.



Next stop was Freestone County Raceway, in Wortham, TX for Round 2 of the WMA Championship. Sara raced the WMA supported Women’s Intermediate class on Thursday, June 6th in the near 100-degree temperatures and happily got another 1-1 win.



“It was an amazing experience up to pull up to gate full of women on a National track and then to take the checkers ” said Price “It is so good to see all the amateur, novice, and mini racers in the WMA and then to stay and watch the WMA Pros race on Sunday was really cool”.



Price is hoping to get valuable experience racing the National tracks and come into the WMA Pro class in 2009 very prepared. She is currently leading the WMA Amateur Championship with 100 points, followed by Jackie Ives, 80 point, and Brooke Hodges 72 points.



For more on Sara Price visit www.SaraPriceMX.com.



Sara is sponsored by: Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green, Thor MX,  Pro Circuit, Factory Backing, Maxima, Pro Taper, Dunlop, Ready Filters, Scott USA, QTM, Auto Styles Body and Paint, Panic Rev, AC Racing

 

After a great start in the American MX series (11th second moto @ Freestone), Hibbert heads north and kicks some MX2 class butt!

CORONA, Calif., (June 16, 2007) – Monster Energy’s Tucker Hibbert headed north form the high heat of Texas to some more comfortable – yet still competitive – Canadian soil for round three of the 2008 Monster Energy Canadian MX Nationals at Shadow Valley Raceway in Morden, Manitoba, and came away with an impressive 1-1 finish in winning the MX2 class overall.



“This race was a blast. I don’t think it could have gone any better,” said Hibbert. “Coming off my career-best finish in Texas, I knew I had what it takes to win in Canada but can’t believe it went so well. To me, it’s a huge accomplishment being a privateer and beating factory teams. My mechanic, Timmy, built me a rocket ship. It’s the best bike I have ever raced. It’s been a tough couple of months but this is what makes it all worthwhile. A huge thanks to all my sponsors for supporting me year round in both dirt and snow and to my family and friends for believing in me. I’ve put in the hard work and am determined to make this my best motocross season yet.”



Hibbert got out fast in the first moto, dialing his Yamaha YZ250F into 3rd place after the first turn. He then set his sites on fellow Yamaha pilots and race leaders Aron Harvey and Kyle Beaton, passing both on lap four. Hibbert then put the hammer down and brought ‘er home in 1st place by 20 seconds. Much of the same in the second moto as Hibbert caught the same two riders on the first lap this time and went on for a nine-second win.



Monster Energy’s Hibbert will remain in Canada to contest the Regina (Saskatchewan) round of the Monster Energy Canadian MX Nationals at Regina Moto Valley, June 21st.



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

Loza’s body varial, dubbed “The Volt,” is voted world’s top trick



CORONA, Calif., (June 10, 2008) – Monster Energy’s Kyle Loza, winner of the 2007 X Games’ Best Trick for his stunning “Volt” body varial, was honored last week with the “2007 Best Trick” by FMX Awards.



Loza, who was joined by Monster Energy FMX riders Nate Adams, Greg Hartman and Adam Jones in being nominated for the newly formed awards that took into consideration performances from freestyle motocross athletes from all over the world, was the only Monster Energy-backed athlete to win an FMX Awards 1st place medal.



Working in secrecy on a couple cutting edge tricks he intends to unveil at the Summer X Games (LA, July 31-Aug. 3), Loza took a second via cell phones to bang out a quick interview for MonsterEnergy.com.



ME: Kyle, congrats on the global FMX Award. That's huge. Talk about what the

means to be recognized as having thrown the best FMX trick in the world in '07.



KL: “It seems like years ago it has been crazy since then. It means a lot. I put in two solid years of work to nail that trick and X Games is an intense place so it was a major accomplishment for me.”



ME: In working on the Volt, landing in the foam pit time after time, finally taking it to dirt and sticking it - did it ever occur to you that the trick would be golden - in an X Games sense?



KL: “At that point it had become something personal I new I could do it and I wasn't going to quit until I got it. X Games was always in the back of my mind but my main objective was to land the trick.”



ME: Speaking of the X Games, you had a pretty busy year traveling with their events last year. How important are the X Games to you and promoting yourself and your sponsors?



KL: “X Games is my main focus. I will do the AST or some other events in the future but X Games is my focus. As for my sponsors X Games is the biggest stage in the sport and with the 2008 international schedule it is bigger than ever.”



ME: OK, everyone wants to know, and we're betting you're holding your cards close to your chest...but have you rode away from the Electric Death yet?



KL: “Hahaha... I am under strict orders to hold off the answers to these questions but what I can say is keep your eyes on www.MonsterEnergy.com as X Games approaches and you should see some of what is coming...”



ME: Fair enough, man. Last question, when you call up Monster to hook you up with some product, what flavors do you load up on?



KL: “I have every flavor they make I drink allot of the Coffee Monster, Original Monster and the M80 Monster. It's all good but those are the ones I tend to drink the most.”



ME: Right on, Kyle. Any closing words?



KL: “Yeah, my band (Paint Yourself Pretty) has been recording and we should have an EP available by Summer X Games so keep checking www.MonsterEnergy.com for more info on that.



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



 

 

Monster/Kawasaki’s Stewart goes 1-1 to win the MX class & Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Villopoto equals that effort with a 1-1 MX Lites win

           

CORONA, Calif., (June 2, 2008) – Monster Energy motocrossers again put up the best results on the world’s premier motocross stage, this past weekend sweeping the top positions in both the AMA Motocross and Motocross Lites classes at the Hangtown Classic (Prairie City, Calif.), round two of the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship.



So dominant was the Monster Energy brand that, in addition to the overall wins, Monster Energy racers added 2nd place overall to the MX class after taking four of the top five overall spots in the MX Lites class.



“We went 1-1 at the Glen Helen opener and the guys were able to back that up at Hangtown – and then some,” said John Lee, Sports Marketing Director for Monster Energy. “Being the exclusive energy drink of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship is great, but when you have guys sweeping the overall wins it makes it that much better.”



In the premier MX class it was Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s James Stewart who walked away with the overall win, again in dominant fashion similar to his Glen Helen opener. Seemingly possessed, Stewart put down a 1:58.504 lap time in the first moto that was some three-and-a-half seconds faster than second place Davi Millsaps. The legend-in-the-making towed the rest of the field to the tune of a 32.023 second win over 2nd place, Monster Energy/Kawasaki teammate Tim Ferry.



The second moto was all Stewart as well, again being the only racer to clock a sub 2:00 lap time (1:59.877) and won again going away. In all Stewart has led every lap of the first four motos and is on pace early to match fellow Monster Energy-backed motocross legend Ricky Carmichael’s perfect season in 2004.



“It felt good,” said Stewart at the post race press conference. “I felt really good today. I was just trying to keep solid lap times, racing the pit board and just doing my thing. The fans were great out there. They’re really showing the love and I think that will continue for the rest of the season.”



Ferry also came up big – putting up his best numbers of the young season in finishing 2nd overall in the MX class (2-2). “Glad we could put Monster up there for the 1-2 overall at Hangtown,” said Ferry. “I’d like to see us do the same this weekend in Texas.”



Rounding out the scoring for Monster Energy in the MX class was Josh Hill (Yamaha) who finished 9th overall with consistent 11-9 finishes.



In the hotly-contested MX Lites class Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto was the man, leading every lap of both motos for the 1-1 finish and winning the overall Lites class title at Hangtown. Villopoto was nothing short of stellar as he tamed the rugged Hangtown track – which was being run backwards this year (making it extra tough) – and now has a 91-82 point lead over Ryan Dungey for the Lites class championship.



“Three races in a row, I’d like to keep it going and get the points (advantage) a little, bigger,” said Villopoto at the post race press conference. “I definitely want to finish my last season in the Lites division and win three championships in a row.”



Also noteworthy was the fact that Villopoto was the only rider, other than Stewart, to run a sub-2:00 lap, doing so in the first moto with a 1:58.783.



Joining Villopoto on the overall podium Lites podium was Monster Energy’s Jason Lawrence (Yamaha of Troy). Lawrence made a monumental comeback after a first lap mishap put him back in the pack, racing all the way up to 5th overall. The ’08 WSX champion then made the podium (2nd) in moto two to take 3rd overall on the day. Rounding out the top five were Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe (3-3, 4th) and Brett Metcalfe (4-5, 5th). Teammate Branden Jesseman would place 8th (6-12).



Next up for the Monster Energy Kawasaki and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is round three of the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship at Wortham, Texas’ Freestone County Raceway, June 8.



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

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

   

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Monster Energy’s Philippaerts 3rd in MX1 class @ British MXGP, teammate Coppins 11th overall and Monster/CAS/Honda’s MacKenzie is 6th



CORONA, Calif., (June 4, 2008) – Monster Energy-backed David Philippaerts (Yamaha) came through with another podium finish (3rd) this past weekend at Mallory Park, UK, and was able to hold onto his red No. 1 MX1 class plate after six of 15 rounds of MXGP series racing.



The Italian from the Tuscany region overcame a crash in the first moto, similar to his early race wreck at the Italian MX Grand Prix last week. Philippaerts then put on a triumphant return from 19th place all the way to 2nd overall. In the white flag lap he lost traction in a soft section and went down again, but was able to remount and to close the moto in 5th place in front of the estimated crowd of 40,000.



In the second moto Philippaerts, who had to deal with some sore ribs, was out of the gate late and rallied to place 3rd in the moto – which was good enough for 3rd overall.



“My goal in the winter was to finish each GP in the top five and I’m happy because since Valkenswaard and round one I have been on the podium each time,” said Philippaerts. “I was 14th in Timed Practice but Saturday was a different day to Sunday! In the warm-up I changed the bike a little bit and it was great for the races. It was a little bit like Mantova for me. I crashed in the first corners and then pushed so hard to come back. The crash was stupid and ruined any chance of a top three, maybe even the win but I was pleased with the top five after being so far back. I just hit some water with my back wheel after the jump and it put me off the bike. I was happy with my riding though. The track was more difficult for me on Saturday than today and I could see from my pit-board that my times were fast.



“I had some pain from my ribcage in the second race and took things a little easier. I got faster with each lap although I only passed two riders, Mackenzie and (Steve) Ramon. I really like the next track in France, it was where I took my first Grand Prix win and I hope we continue with the good results.”



Phillipperts’ Monster Energy-backed teammate, Josh Coppins, crashed twice in the early going of the first moto and did all he could to finish 11th. In the second moto the New Zealander went down again and wasn’t able to improve upon his first moto finish, settling on 12th for an 11th o/a on the day.



“A day of bad luck,” said Coppins. “I had a bad jump in the first moto and then someone on a Kawasaki went a bit wide and pushed me out. I was about 15th and then crashed. I started from last and then hit a false neutral; going down again. I worked my way back to 11th. In the second race I got away OK but then (Lauris) Freibergs had crashed just over the little jump of the second corner. I was already committed and jumped straight into the back of him. I had to stop to take off the fork-guard because it was in the front wheel and I did not want to go over the big triple like that. I went from last to 14th. Overall there was not much I can do; it was a terrible day and I am disappointed. Realistically I need to qualify better to get a better start but I was unlucky. I just need to keep working.”



Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Philippaerts increased his advantage in the MX1-GP world championship standings by one point and he now fronts the pack by 28. Coppins is now fourth and 55 from his team-mate. Yamaha head the manufacturer’s table by 4 points.



The Monster Energy/Yamaha Motocross Team will now have another free week before travelling to St Jean d’Angely for the Grand Prix of France on June 15th. According to team reports both riders will be using the break for further tests in Italy.



Monster Energy/CAS/Honda



Billy MacKenzie again led the Monster Energy/CAS/Honda MX1 program on the MXGP circuit, this past weekend leading the team in front of his hometown fans at Mallory Park with a solid 6th place finish (10-4). Teammate Mike Brown would go 16-9 on the day for 12th overall.



“The first race was not great for me,” said MacKenzie. “I was more than comfortable behind (Jon) Barragan, but maybe I was a little too relaxed and crashed. It took me a while to get going and then I had to push so hard after that I went down again. The second race was much better. I had studied the track and was well prepared. The bike was perfect and the fans really made a difference.”



Added Brown: “My start in the first race was not so good but I managed to pass quite a few riders. I couldn’t find a way past Aigar Leok and started to suffer with arm pump. The second race I got a decent start and rode a much better race. We made some alterations on the suspension and I think it made a difference.”



Monster Energy/Kawasaki MotoGP



Monster Energy-backed John Hopkins (Monster Energy/Kawasaki) crashed out of contention at the Italian Grand Prix and Mugello, running off the track on his Ninja ZX-RR on lap seven and retiring from the race (due to a mechanical failure). Teammate Anthony West would score the only points for the Monster Energy/Kawasaki MotoGP team, placing 15th overall.



Next up for the Monster Energy/Kawasaki team is this weekend’s Grand Prix of Catalunya.



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

Palmer smokes the field on a two-stroke while buddy David Pingree (Racer X) wins the Java Monster Media Throw Down title & a set of Nordica skis!



CORONA, Calif., (June 2, 2008) – Pro athletes from the action sports world took to the legendary Prairie City SVRA motocross track – aka Hangtown – this past Saturday for the seventh annual Monster Energy MX Crossover @ Hangtown, featuring the Java Monster Media Throw down, to decide who’s the fastest motocrosser amongst the field of snowboarders, skateboarders, skiers, BMXers, mountain bikers and wakeboarders, while also providing a venue for the industry magazine editors and staff to show off their MX skills.

 

And to no one’s surprise it was action sports icon, Monster Energy’s own Shaun Palmer, who took the overall athlete title with the convincing 1-1 overall win.

 

“Best holeshot I’ve pulled in my life,” said Palmer following the second moto. “Gotta thank Mitch Payton (Pro Circuit) for that one.”

 

Joining Palmer on the 37-man first gate (athlete) podium was BMXer Aaron Cooke (2nd) and cross country runner Kevin Barda (3rd). The second gate (same moto), again reserved for motocross industry media members, was won by Racer X’s David Pingree, with Dirt Rider’s Jimmy Lewis (2nd) and Chris Denison (3rd) rounding out the podium.

 

“We always have a blast coming up here to race at Hangtown,” said Denison. “The Dirt Diggers are the best hosts – and we roll up with pretty much our entire staff. The Monster crossover at Hangtown is mandatory at Dirt Rider.”

 

In the opening moto it was two-time Olympian and America’s greatest downhill ski racer of all-time, Daron Rahlves, that pulled the holeshot and led early. Palmer, who led about the first 50 feet, had the front wheel get up out of the dirt on him and he had to back ‘er down a click in order so as not to lose control. Cooke would catch Rahlves a couple turns later to take the lead, then was soon passed by Palmer – who would extend his lead through the checkers of the three-lap contest on Hangtown’s pro track. Snowboarder Ian Price would join Cooke (2nd) and Palmer (1st) on the first moto podium while Rahlves would finish a strong 5th.

 

“Palm’s legit fast,” said Cooke. “The fact that we were all on four strokes and he was running a two-stroke 250 only adds to his legend.”

 

In the media class Pingree overcame a slight wreck to lap back up to the top ten in a 40-racer first gate. The bobble did however allow local pro Scott Davis the chance to catch and pass Pingree. Note: Davis played the ‘rabbitt’ role in the event, showing some of the less experienced racers the kind of speed a pro motocrosser can generate – even while coming through the pack in a three lap moto.

 

The second moto was all Palmer as the Monster Energy athlete grabbed what he called a “Carmichael-like” holeshot on his Pro Circuit-tuned Honda CR250. With Palmer gone within a lap, Cooke, Price and Barda would break away and put on a great show for the fans with Barda grabbing 2nd to Palmer, edging a charging Cooke (3rd) at the finish.

 

“My arms pumped up a bit and it was all I could do to hold off Aaron,” said the 41-year-old Barda. “Track was great, though. And the field was impressive – lot of fast guys out there.”

 

Pingree again whooped the field, lapping up even higher into the top ten and staying ahead of Davis. The two provided quite a show for the riders on the track with them – including Monster Energy’s Nate Holland – the three-time defending ESPN Winter X Games Boarder X champion.

 

“That was insane,” said Holland of his very first motocross race ever. “I can tell this is definitely going to become an expensive hobby for me.”

 

Also representing Monster Energy was women’s snowmobile distance jumping record holder Delene Dippel. The local NorCal athlete joined much of the field there early (Thurs/Fri.) to race amateurs, then stepped up and raced with the guys – along with Cycle News’ Jean Turner – and the two more than held their own in the seventh annual Monster Energy MX Crossover @ Hangtown, featuring the Java Monster Media Throw Down. “That was a blast,” said Dippel. “I know a lot of these guys from the snowboard and ski magazines and had no idea they were this into motocross. It was pretty cool.”

 

Top five trophies in each class went to:

 

Athletes                                                          Media



1.)   Shaun Palmer, snowboarder            1.) David Pingree, Racer X

2.)   Aaron Cooke, BMX                          2.) Jimmy Lewis, Dirt Rider

3.)   Kevin Barda, runner                         3.) Chris Denison, Dirt Rider

4.)   Ian Price, snowboarder                    4.) Joe McKimmey, Dirt Rider

5.)   Bryan Noe, snowboarder                  5.) Scott Denison, Dirt Rider

 

Following the trophy ceremony the sponsors stoked out the athletes with a bunch of product, including skis, boots and bindings from Nordica and a Nitro snowboard and bindings to the class winners and product to everyone, new knobbies from Broc Glover and the guys at Dunlop Tire, cool headphones and ear buds courtesy of Skullcandy, fresh goggles for everyone from Spy Optic, T-shirts and hats from NorCal, Racer X and Imperial Motion and, everyone’s favorite, custom Monster Energy MX Crossover @ Hangtown decals from Matt Davis at Throttle Jockey/Graphics Lab.

 

“This is a fun and core way for Monster Energy to get behind the sport of motocross through athletes from other sports that ride,” said John Lee, Director of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy. “The Monster Energy MX Crossover @ Hangtown, featuring the Java Monster Media Throw Down was a celebration of motocross – definitely a good time had by all.”

 

Finally, the athletes took time to educate themselves on the highly cool charity Pipeline to a Cure – a surf-oriented training and conditioning program for people who are battling cyctic fibrosis. Check out their website at www.pipelinetoacure.com