Current GNCC Points Leader Paul Whibley Commits to GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross Opener in Vegas

New Zealand’s Whibley will boot up for his first-ever western United States off-road event, pitting the GNCC’s top guy vs. current WORCS’ points leader Mike Brown!

ANAHEIM, Calif. (July 17, 2009) – The East vs. West off-road dirt bike racing supremacy will be on the line next weekend at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena as the current Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series’ (GNCCs) premier XC1 class points leader, Paul Whibley, just committed today to race the GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross series’ July 25th season opener.

“GEICO EnduroCross at Vegas’ Orleans is shaping up to be an all-out battle for off-road bragging rights between the East and West Coast series racers,” said Mike Karsting, VP of Events for Source Interlink Media. “With Whibley signing up and WORCS points leader Mike Brown already committed, I don’t think we’ve ever had a more powerful line up to open the GEICO EnduroCross season at the Orleans.”

Karsting also made sure to note that not only will the championship have to go through Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Ricky Dietrich and Damon Huffman (No. 1 and 2 in ’08), but Taddy Blazusiak and Antoine Meo will represent at GEICO EnduroCross as a couple of Europe’s finest off-road racers, creating a field for next Saturday’s event that’s truly global in scope. “Making the podium in GEICO EnduroCross is a major statement for these racers, along with the series they’re part of,” added Karsting. “But best of all is that GEICO EnduroCross showcases these riders, all of whom would normally be spread out on a track covering anywhere from 30 to 100 miles, in a tight, elbow-to-elbow racing format that’s incredible to watch live.”

Whibley, 31, has a 15-point lead over the 2nd place GNCC rider in that series’ premier XC1 class. In addition, Whibley’s undefeated on the Parts Unlimited Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals on his JG Off-Road/GEICO Powersports/Monster Energy/Kawasaki KX450F.

“This will be my first time racing an EnduroCross and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Whibley. “I’ve seen it on TV and read about in the magazines - the rocks and the logs look so incredible. I just want to be able to make it to the main event. I’ve seen the list of riders coming and I must admit - Vegas will have the best off-road riders in the world – and I’m ready.”

Whibley’s JG Off-Road/GEICO Powersports/Monster Energy/ Kawasaki teammates include: Scott Watkins, JT Bennett, Ryan Rodgers, Eric Rodgers and Jimmy Jarrett. And while Jarrett (2nd to Whibley in the Parts Unlimited Nationals) is registered, he injured his wrist last weekend and will not race Vegas.

Note! Special ticket and hotel rates available for the OPENING ROUND, July 25th, in Las Vegas are NOW available at the Orleans Arena, 888-234-2334; or online at www.OrleansArena.com

EnduroCross tracks incorporate various elements of off road racing into a supercross-style setting, including rocks, boulders, logs, sand, mud, a water-hole… and even a few special obstacles like giant tires thrown in! Known as the “toughest racing on two wheels,” this indoor version of extreme off road racing will certainly keep you on your feet. The GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross series, presented by E3 Spark Plugs, will be captured by the Versus Network, to be aired on the popular grassroots racing program; The Lucas Motorsports Hour. With its excitement and unpredictability, the EnduroCross championship has always down to the wire and this year will be no different as the series starts and finishes at Vegas’ Orleans Arena! Don’t miss your chance to see GEICO Powersports AMA Endurocross “Live” - and be sure to log-on to www.Versus.com for local airing dates/times for the Lucas Motorsports Hour.

For rules and race information visit www.EnduroCross.com or email endurocross@sourceinterlink.com.

For TV airing dates/times visit www.motorsportshour.com