AMA Supercross Lites Class Rider Ryan Dungey to Race First-Ever Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open

Dungey Squares off Against Top Riders in Open Class


AURORA, Ill. (September 2, 2008) – The Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open announced today that Suzuki rider Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., will race in the 10th anniversary of the U.S. Open at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 10-12.


“The open class provides a great opportunity for young riders like myself to ride against some of the best riders in the world, including my new teammate Chad Reed,” said Dungey, on having one open class.


Dungey, who scored four AMA Supercross Lites victories earlier this year, will race against the top AMA Supercross class riders and AMA Supercross Lites riders in the much talked about open class at the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open.


"It will be great to see if Dungey can continue his winning streak after claiming back-to-back Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Supercross Lites Shootout wins in Las Vegas,” said Dave Prater, director of supercross, Live Nation Motor Sports, Inc. “Ryan gained valuable experience in the premier class this season when he competed in three AMA Supercross class races. His experience in the premier class could prove to be invaluable when he lines up at the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open.”


As an amateur, Dungey earned a spot to compete in the 2003 U.S. Open’s 85cc Mini Invitational and finished a solid seventh place with 6-4-5-11 finishes on the weekend. One of only a few riders to transition their amateur career into a factory position, Dungey turned in consistent results during the AMA Motocross Lites season and finished a career-best second overall.


“I don’t know how the 250s (four-stroke bikes) will go up against the 450s (four-stroke bikes) on such a tight course,” added Dungey. “I rode the U.S. Open a few years ago on an 80, but that was totally different than its going to be this year on a bigger bike. Personally, I believe the bike of choice is the 250F, and I guess we’ll all get to see in October.”


In addition to Dungey’s entrance, reigning AMA Supercross and two-time Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open champion Chad Reed has confirmed his participation at this year’s race inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena.


Tickets are now available for the 10th anniversary of the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas October 10-12, 2008 at www.ussx.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 702-474-4000 or the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Regarded as one of off-road motorcycling’s premier races, the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is the final ‘major’ race of the motocross season. Tickets are available for as low as $20 through Ticketmaster.com. All tickets subject to 5% Las Vegas Entertainment tax.