35th Annual Monster Energy/Kawasaki Motocross National Continues the Independence Day Tradition at RedBud in Buchanan

BUCHANAN, Mich. (June 26, 2008) – The longest-running AMA national on the tour prepares for its 35th anniversary in round six of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF. A 4th of July staple, the Monster Energy/Kawasaki Motocross National Presented by Scott USA from RedBud returns this season full of excitement and fireworks, both on and off the track.

One of the most historic venues on the circuit, RedBud has served as host for the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship since 1974 when Ken Zahrt took the inaugural win on a lesser known Bultaco motorcycle. In 1978, the event became an Independence Day celebration and has stayed that way ever since, becoming a cult event throughout the region.

Second generation track builder and promoter Tim Ritchie has redesigned the circuit for 2008, keeping the layout fresh and technical for the world’s best riders.

“The racers and teams have been coming here for years, and I don't want the track or the facility to get stale for them," Ritchie noted.

The valley section of the track, which received an overhaul in 2007, has been revamped yet again for better spectator viewing and an overall better flow to the circuit.

Since 2001, no AMA Motocross class rider has won at RedBud other than retired motocross legend Ricky Carmichael as his seven-race dominance will finally give way this season to a new rider. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s James Stewart is determined to be that man, chasing a feat only Carmichael has been able to accomplish, winning all twelve rounds en route to a perfect season.

In AMA Motocross Lites, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto is not only looking for his third straight victory at RedBud, but hopes to maintain the dominance he has established over his competitors in recent weeks.

The Monster Energy/Kawasaki Motocross National Presented by Scott USA is also the second round of the Monster Energy/Kawasaki Triple Crown of Motocross. Both Stewart and Villopoto were victorious in the opening round of the three-race series and look to take one step close to the $25,000 bonus.

In addition to the excitement of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF, RedBud will present its hugely popular amateur racing throughout the week. Races kick-off on Friday afternoon and end under the lights, featuring the enjoyable KTM Kids class. The following evening, diehard amateur racers take to the track again for more night action.

Ticket Information

Sunday Only

Interview opportunities are available to the media by contacting AMA Toyota Motocross Championship media coordinator Brandon Short via email at Media@MXNationals.com or by phone at 951-203-2605.

For more information on the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, presented by FMF, log on to www.amamotocross.com for live timing and scoring at @theWireLIVE!. Racer X Illustrated will host a new and improved webcast on www.motocross.com, with live racing action hosted by Jason Weigandt. The Racer X Motocross Show on Motocross.com has also been added on Saturday night of each race weekend, featuring practice footage and interviews taken earlier in the day.

For more information on the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship, presented by FMF, log on to www.amamotocross.com for live timing and scoring at @theWireLIVE!. Racer X Illustrated will host a new and improved webcast on www.motocross.com, with live racing action hosted by Jason Weigandt. The Racer X Motocross Show on Motocross.com has also been added on Saturday night of each race weekend, featuring practice footage and interviews taken earlier in the day.

About the National Promoters Group (NPG)

The National Promoters Group (NPG) comprises 12 individual promoters of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF which sanctions outdoor motocross events throughout the United States, and remains the Nation's premier outdoor motocross championship series. NPG's mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the production of professional championship racing events nationwide.

About AMA Pro 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 Amp’d Mobile 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.