Press Release

Gareth Swanepoel Battles from the Back to Claim Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award at Unadilla




MORGANTOWN, W.Va.
(August 18, 2011) - The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship's
return to action from Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, N.Y.,
last weekend, resulted in exceptional competition from the world's best
motocross athletes. After a pair of grueling motos in both the 450 and
250 classes, on one of the most challenging tracks in the world, DNA
Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha's Gareth Swanepoel showcased tremendous
resolve to claim this week's Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award.





After
a stellar opening moto in the 250 Class, in which he battled at the
front of the field to finish fourth, Swanepoel encountered misfortune in
his search for a spot on the overall podium. Following the chaotic
opening lap of competition in the final moto, in which riders fight
tooth-and-nail for a good start, Swanepoel crossed the line in 37th,
after encountering trouble. For the remainder of the near 35-minute
moto, the South African battled his peers, fighting for his chance to
post a season-best effort.






Despite some damage to his bike, Swanepoel fought from the back of the pack in Moto 2.
Courtesy Andrew Fredrickson




While
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson grabbed the checkered
flag at the conclusion of 17 laps, Swanepoel's resilient ride landed
him 16th, surpassing an impressive 21 riders during the moto.
As a result of his committed effort, Swanepoel finished eighth overall,
thanks to 4-16 moto scores.





For
his dedication at Unadilla, Swanepoel will be presented with the Ricky
Carmichael Hard Charger Award at next Saturday's pre-race riders'
meeting, prior to the Rockstar Energy Southwick National from Southwick,
Mass. The announcement will provide well-deserved recognition for his
efforts in front of his peers.





Another
athlete that emulated the trademark relentless pursuit of achievement
regularly displayed by the award's namesake was Red Bull KTM's Mike
Alessi. While Alessi had a solid day at Unadilla, posting 7-4 moto
scores en route to fifth overall, he overcame adversity at the
championship's previous stop from Washougal Motocross Park. At the
series' eighth round of the summer, Alessi surpassed 21 riders in the
opening 450 Class moto to climb from 30th to ninth, helping
him finish sixth overall. The amount of competitor's Alessi passed was
the same amount as Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jake Weimer, who was given
the award. In recognition of his great ride, Alessi will be presented
with his own RC Hard Charger Award at Southwick, alongside Swanepoel,
next weekend.





Tickets for the upcoming Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship are on sale now at www.allisports.com. Special discounts and incentives are available for advance ticket purchasers.





For
media information about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship,
please contact Media Manager Brandon Short via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com or by phone at 949-365-5750.





MX Sports Pro Racing
MX
Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world's most prestigious
motocross series - the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. The
industry leader in off road powersport event production and management,
its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross
competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various
racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing
organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and
attracts millions of motorsports spectators. Visit www.mxsportsproracing.com.





Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that
encompasses national and international action sports tours and events,
multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The
Alliance includes: the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Dew
Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, King of Wake series, and the
Gatorade Free Flow Tour. Alli TV Productions creates original content,
produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli
content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and
MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and
properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action
sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans
and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000
spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original
content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. Visit www.allisports.com.





Lucas Oil Products

Lucas Oil is a worldwide leader in the production of oils, lubricants
and additives. Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products is one of the
fastest-growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry,
featuring a premium line of oils, lubricants and problem-solving
performance additives. Through innovative product research and
development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil
Products has established itself as the top-selling additive line in the
American truck-stop industry. Lucas Oil is involved in an array of
motorsports sponsorships, including the "Official Motor Oil of the AMA
Pro Motocross Championship." Visit www.LucasOil.com.





AMA Pro Racing

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing
sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of
events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From
its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional
motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA
Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.

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