Press Release

Pirelli Riders Prepare for the Tennessee National at Muddy Creek Raceway

ROME, Ga. (June 23, 2016) – The fifth round of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is set to kick off this Saturday, June 25 in Blountville, Tennessee at Muddy Creek Raceway for the fourth annual Tennessee National. This season has proved to be one of the most exciting championships in recent years, featuring a star-studded field of riders who are hungry to taste success on the top step of the podium. Pirelli’s SCOPRION™ MX32™ and MX32™ PRO tires are the favorable tire selections for this weekend’s loamy soil in the Volunteer State, however, the race support truck will have a variety of options should the forecast veer off of its current path.

One rider who has been highly successful on the East Coast is the Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha rider of Justin Barcia, who is fresh off of his first top five finish of the season this past weekend in Pennsylvania. “Bam Bam” is known for putting himself near the front of the field on starts and appears to have found his mojo by ripping a massive holeshot with his all-new MX32™ PRO tire in Moto 2 at High Point. With a 450MX Class resume that boasts two impressive overall victories and 14-overall podiums, Barcia will be looking to increase those numbers this weekend.

Each season racers are faced with difficulties throughout the year, including a list of nagging injuries that may often hamper their performances, but Weston Peick always manages to fight through the pain. Despite a big crash during the opening moto this past weekend, the No.28 managed to get up, dust himself off and race to a top-10 overall finish on the day. JGRMX teammate Phil Nicoletti finished fifth overall at the 2015 Tennessee National and is excited about the return to one of his favorite facilities on the Pro Motocross tour.

As many expected of the veteran, BTO Sports/WPS/KTM’s Andrew Short has been steadily improving his results on a weekly basis. This past weekend “Shorty” recorded his best finish of the season, finishing just outside of the 450MX Class top-10. Fellow BTO Sports rider Justin Brayton has consistently been in the hunt for top-10 finishes and carries the confidence that Muddy Creek credited him with his season-best moto finish in 2015.

After failing to make the start of 450MX Moto 1 at High Point, rookie Benny Bloss will certainly be seeking redemption when the gate drops on Saturday. It will also mark his first time lining up at the widely popular raceway.

Motorcycle Superstore Suzuki’s Kyle Cunningham leads the way for Pirelli-supported riders in the 250MX Class, finishing just outside of the top-15 in each moto at High Point. The Texan is capable of fighting for position inside of the top-10 and will look to improve this weekend. MAD Racing/Dirt Candy Graphics/Suzuki’s Luke Clout and Motorcycle Superstore Suzuki’s Josh Osby are carrying the momentum of earning their first-career national points, while Jimmy Albertson’s health continues to improve as he inches closer to his full potential.

The opening motos from the Tennessee National kick off on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 1pm ET and can be viewed on MAV TV, while 450 Moto 2 airs at 3:30pm ET on NBC and 250 Moto 2 at 4:30pm ET on NBC Sports. Check local listings for channel information.

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

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