AURORA, Ill. (Nov. 5, 2007) – The 2007-’08 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series moves to Albany, N.Y.’s Times Union Center this Saturday night (Nov. 10) for a one-night-only competition in the state’s capital. The series started on a high note this past weekend in Des Moines, Iowa, featuring four former Toyota AMA Arenacross Series champions in action: Robbie Reynard (Rockstar/Suzuki) Josh Demuth (Honda), Chad Johnson (TUF Racing/Honda) and the 2006-’07 defending champion, Danny Smith (TUF Racing/Honda).
Last year in Albany Reynard won the Friday opener. That race (Friday’s) has since been removed from the schedule so New York Toyota AMA Arenacross Series fans in the Albany area have only one shot to see the world’s top arena-style motocross racers in action at the Times Union Center.
“This is the first time we’ve only got one race going on for the weekend,” said Reynard. “And I can tell you right now it’s going to be intense.”
Leading the points chase heading into Albany is 2005-’06 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series champion, Chad Johnson. Johnson came out of the all-star racing line up at Des Moines with two podium finishes, a 2nd place on Friday – which he inherited when Demuth cleaned out Danny Smith on the last turn of the main event – and a straight up win on Saturday.
“It was a really good opening weekend for the entire TUF Racing/Honda team,” said Johnson. “Albany’s going to be insane. One night with the entire weekend on the line. And Saturday’s always a real good crowd up there. The New York fans are definitely stoked on Toyota AMA Arenacross.”
Last year’s Saturday night podiums at Albany:
Lites Class Arenacross Class
| 1. Robbie Smith, Honda | 1. Kevin Johnson, Yamaha |
2. Jim Neese, Suzuki | 2. Danny Smith, Honda |
3. Patrick Boyle, Honda | 3. Jim Neese, Suzuki |
2007-’08 AMA Arenacross Class Season Points Standings (after one round)
1. Chad Johnson, Honda, 47
2. Josh Demuth, Honda, 41
3. Danny Smith, Honda, 40
4. Kelly Smith, Kawasaki, 38
5. Brock Sellards, Kawasaki, 36
Other top teams gunning for the overall win at Wells Fargo include: Monster Energy/Babbitts/Kawasaki, Team Faith Yamaha, GPF/Babbitts/Kawasaki, Carolina Xpress/Suzuki, Team Triple Effect/Kawasaki and GPS Racing and Fiberwise/Yamaha.
Tickets for Nov. 10th Toyota AMA Arenacross at Times Union Center are available through www.arenacross.com, at the Times Union Center Ticket Office, by calling 800-30-EVENT or online at www.timesunioncenter-albany.com and at Seymour’s Suzuki. Fees and handling may apply. Discount coupons are available at Paesan’s Pizza (order in or delivery) and Albany Honda. Show times are Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday (amateurs) at 12:00. Doors open Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday advance tickets are $25 for Gold Circle, $18 regular seats. $2 more day of show. Kids 2-12 are $10/$25.
About Toyota AMA Arenacross Series
In its 24th year, the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series, owned by Live Nation, is the premier indoor motocross series in the U.S. playing to sold-out arenas nationwide. Information on the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series events may be found at www.Arenacross.com. Live Nation is the world's largest live music company. Our mission is to inspire passion for live music around the world. We are the largest promoter of live concerts in the world, the second-largest entertainment venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. We create superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay. Globally, we own, operate, have booking rights for and/or have an equity interest in more than 160 venues, including House of Blues® music venues and prestigious locations such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Wembley Arena. Our websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment/event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. In addition, we also produce, promote or host theatrical, specialized motor sports and other live entertainment events. In 2006, we connected nearly 60 million fans with their favorite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.” For more information regarding Live Nation and its businesses or concerts near you, please visit our website at www.livenation.com.
About AMA Racing
AMA Racing is the competition arm of the American Motorcyclist Association and is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its professional properties include the AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship, the AMA Supermoto Championship and the AMA Pro ATV Championship. In amateur and pro-am competition, AMA Racing sanctions over 4000 events in 24 different disciplines and supports over 110 thousand active members. For more information about professional racing, visit www.amaproracing.com. For amateur racing information visit www.amadirectlink.com/amrace/amasports.asp.
