Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLube Kawasaki Set to Defend AMA Arenacross Series Title

Dominant Duo of Bowers and Johnson Set to Fill Void from Injured Demuth

AURORA, Ill. (January 4, 2011) –
After quite possibly the most dominant season by a single team in AMA
Arenacross Series history, the Team Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLube
Kawasaki presented by Maxxis team returns for the 2011 championship set
to defend its title with their talented lineup of the AMA Arenacross
Series’ toughest competitors. Fresh off sweeping the championship
podium and winning all but one race in 2010, the Babbitt’s team returns
ready to defeat the competition ahead.

While
defending AMA Arenacross Series Champion Josh Demuth is sidelined with
an injury suffered in preseason testing, his teammates Chad Johnson and
Tyler Bowers are prepared to assume control and lead the team to
further success. Both Johnson, a former series champion, and Bowers,
the winningest rider of the 2010 season, have what it takes to fill the
void left by their teammate’s misfortune after finishing second and
third respectively one year ago.

“I
think both Chad and Tyler have been working hard (this offseason),”
said Babbitt’s Team Manager Denny Bartz. “They are both focused on
winning. The absence of Josh ultimately means one less person they need
to worry about and I believe they’re ready to take advantage of that.”

Johnson
captured three wins last season and was in the thick of the title fight
until the final round in Denver. The 2006 and 2008 AMA Arenacross
series champion and arenacross veteran has always been a major threat
and with one less rival to worry about, albeit his teammate and friend,
will be ready to lay claim to his potential third crown.

“Chad
is coming in more prepared this season than he has the last two years,”
added Bartz. “He’s been riding and racing a lot more whether its hare
scramble or some supercross races in Germany. He is as ready as he’s
ever been.”

For
Bowers, the 2010 season was one of heartbreak. The young up and comer
appeared destined to capture his first professional title after
capturing a stellar nine victories. However, as the series hit the home
stretch, Bowers suffered a season-ending injury in preparation for the
final two rounds of the season and was forced to watch the championship
go to his teammate.

“After
last year ended the way it did, Tyler is absolutely more determined
this season,” said Bartz. “He felt like (last season’s championship)
was his title to lose and that’s what ended up happening. It ended up
costing him a lot at the end of the year and he’s coming into (2011)
really aggressive.”

The
unfortunate circumstance surrounding Demuth and his defense of the AMA
Arenacross Series title in addition to the hard luck of Bowers one year
ago serves as a reminder to how quickly things can change in the sport.
Nothing is ever a given and Bartz is making sure his remaining riders
are aware of that.

“All
of our guys are well aware that they have to be consistent every
weekend,” Bartz continued. “If they can’t win, they need to be as close
to the box as possible. You really need to be able to capitalize should
the opportunity present itself.”

Despite
losing the season champion and a significant weapon in their defense of
the AMA Arenacross Series title, the Babbitt’s team has brought in
veteran rider Gray Davenport to take Demuth’s place for the entire
season. A former race winner in the series, Davenport will round out
the lineup well.

“Gray
has been training with Tyler in California and I hope to get a lot out
of him,” said Bartz. “His transition to the team should be pretty easy
since he’s been a longtime Kawasaki rider. He’s comfortable on the bike
and it results in little change so it’s almost a perfect fit.”

As
for Demuth’s 2011 plans, “If and when he’s ready, we will have a bike
for him,” Bartz concluded. “However, based on a recent visit to the
doctors, it doesn’t look like he will be able to come back this season.
In any case, you can count on him being in Tulsa for the opening round
to support the team and the series.”

For more information on the 2011 AMA Arenacross Series, log on to www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or 949-365-5750.

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