Press Release

Pirelli Racers Charge Into The Hoosier State for Final Round of the Pro Motocross Championship

ROME, Ga. (August 25, 2016) – The third annual Ironman National will once again serve as the 12th and final stop of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and will take place on Saturday, August 27th at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville Indiana. In a season that has featured the most talented lineup in the sports history, five Pirelli-supported riders currently maintain a firm grasp on a top-10 position in the 450 Class championship standings. Racers will prepare to face extreme conditions this weekend, consisting of warm weather, high humidity and deep-tacky soil that will provide the ultimate advantage to those relying on the performance of the SCOPRION™ MX lineup.

This weekend will serve as the final race for Andrew Short’s professional racing career, which has been littered with remarkable accomplishments since his rookie debut 16 years ago. The BTO Sports/WPS/KTM rider has captured multiple supercross and motocross victories in both, the 250 and 450 classes, ultimately adding to his legacy. “Shorty” began the season opener at Hangtown behind where he expected to be due to pre-season injuries, but has remained focused on inching closer to the front of the field with each weekend of the championship and currently sits an impressive eighth place in the overall standings.

Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Justin Barcia is fresh off of his second 450 Class podium of the season, racing to a hard-fought second place overall finish during last weeks Budds Creek National. He currently sits fourth in the championship standings and is determined to join the fight for his first overall victory of the season when the gate drops in Indiana. Rookie sensation Benny Bloss is perhaps the biggest surprise of 2016, currently sitting sixth place in the championship standings and has his sights set on moving into the top five before the completion of the weekend. Keep an eye out for the lanky youngster as he hits the track at Ironman in quest of his first career podium finish.

Phil Nicoletti recorded his season-best finish in the high humidity and scorching heat of Southern Maryland this past weekend, resulting in fifth overall. The JGRMX rider sits seventh in the championship standings, a mere three points behind Pirelli teammate Bloss. Fellow Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha teammate Weston Peick has been on a tear the second half of the season, routinely placing himself inside of the top five. He fell victim to misfortune during the beginning of last weeks race, however, he will certainly be looking to seek redemption and end the season on a high note in The Hoosier State.

BTO Sports/WPS/KTM’s Justin Brayton has had a strong season, consistently battling for position inside of the 450 Class top-10. Just prior to Budds Creek, he sustained an injury that will leave him sidelined for the remainder of the season. The veteran is currently ninth place in the championship standings.

The opening motos from the Ironman National kick off on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 1pm ET and can be viewed on MAV TV, while second motos can be viewed on NBC Sports at 3pm ET. Check local listings for channel information.

To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit

# # #

Founded in 1872, Pirelli is among the largest global tire makers, and focuses its business on the high end, premium product segment where it is a world leader. Present in over 160 countries, Pirelli has 22 manufacturing sites and employs approximately 38,000 people around the world. Successfully competing in motorsports since 1907, Pirelli is currently the exclusive supplier of the Formula 1 championship, the Superbike world championship, and many other championships around the world.

Pirelli Tire North America (PTNA) services NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) member countries through its Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) facility and research and development center at its Rome, Georgia headquarters, its state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Silao, Mexico and its New York City, Montreal and Mexico City sales and marketing offices. The company manufactures, distributes and markets original equipment and replacement tires for export and domestic car/motorcycle applications (US, CA, MX) and Agro/Heavy Truck platforms (MX).

Scott RoegnerNAFTA Region  Chet PlewackiNAFTA RegionMail: Josh.Whitmire@Pirelli.com

0 comments

The Latest