Kawasaki Earns Most Championship’s at Prestigious AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship

Irvine, Calif. (August 7, 2008) – Monster Energy Kawasaki riders earned a total of nine championships during the much-anticipated AMA Amateur Motocross National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Kawasaki earned championships across the board in several premium classes including Motocross A/Pro Sport, Schoolboy 2 (14-16) B/C, and the competitive 85 (9-11) Stock and Modified.

Kawasaki Under the Kawasaki Tent

What Did They Win…

Following a phenomenal week at the Ponca City Grand National Championships, the Kawasaki riders came to Tennessee looking to make a big impact. The riders that put together a championship at the event included Thomas Covington, Keith Johnson, PJ Larsen, Andrew Pierce, Dean Wilson, Adam Cianciarulo, Blake Baggett, and Kyle Wolack. The classes included 85 (9-11) Stock, 85 (9-11) Modified, Motocross A/Pro Sport, 65 (7-11) Modified, Motocross B Modified, Schoolboy 2 (14-16) B/C, MX Lites C Stock, Vet 35 Plus, and Junior 25 Plus.

Variety of Championships

Kawasaki made an impact on an array of classes at the most prestigious amateur event of the year. With championships ranging from the 65 (7-11) modified class to the highly anticipated Motocross A/Pro Sport class, all the way to the Vet 35 Plus class.

Horizon Award

When the week of racing was complete, the AMA announced Larsen earned the esteemed Horizon Award for a great racing effort throughout the week. Larsen was named one of the two athletes who took home the award.

“I was really hoping I would get the award and I was so happy to receive it,” said Larsen. “After all the good racing, this was really a great way to end the week. I am really honored.”

Podium Efforts

Even after taking the most championships the Kawasaki riders weren’t done, earning 13 more podium finishes. The riders earning those impressive finishes included, Sara Price, Jacob Hayes, AJ Catanzaro, Malcolm Stewart, Tyler Sjoberg, Nick Vaughn, Dusty Tellez, PJ Larsen, Thomas Covington, Andrew Pierce, and Dean Wilson.

Better The Second Time Around

After earning his first Loretta Lynn’s championship last year, Larsen earned his second in 2008 in the Motocross A/Pro Sport, while also taking the runner-up spot in the MX Lites A/ Pro Sport class.

“Obviously the first championship was really special to me,” said Larsen. “But each one is different and I am so happy when I get a championship because it really shows off all the hard work that goes into racing here.”

Farewell Event

Team Green Motocross Supervisor Dave Gowland said his goodbyes at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch as he moves onto other opportunities in the industry. It was an emotional time, but Team Green made him proud with the most number of championships earned by any manufacturer.

“This was a really special event,” said Gowland. “I know I’m not going far, but I have felt very close to the families and riders for so long and it’s been hard to say goodbye.”

Special Appearance

On Thursday night, the Amsoil Arena at the ranch turned into the location of a country concert from the widely-known country singer Craig Morgan. The down-to-earth Tennessee resident, who races in the Mid-South Hare Scrambles Series on a Kawasaki, performed for the hundreds of fans that overflowed the arena.

Another Special Appearance

With the 2009 KX™250F and all-new KX™450F recently introduced to the public, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Timmy Ferry and Ryan Villopoto made the trip to Loretta Lynn’s to show off the new machines. The two did a few laps around the track and interviewed with Kawasaki-fanatic Rob Buydos during intermission on Wednesday.

For all the pictures, videos and most recent Kawasaki racing action, visit www.kawasaki.com/racing

Results

AMA National Amateur Motocross Championship

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch – Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

July 28 – Aug. 2, 2008

Kawasaki Championships

1. Thomas Covington- 85 (9-11) Stock

2. Keith Johnson- Vet 35 Plus

3. Keith Johnson- Junior 25 Plus

4. PJ Larsen- Motocross A/ Pro Sport

5. Andrew Pierce- 65 (7-11) Modified

6. Dean Wilson- Motocross B Modified

7. Adam Cianciarulo- 85 (9-11) Modified

8. Blake Baggett- Schoolboy 2 (14-16) B/C

9. Kyle Wolack- MX Lites C Stock

Kawasaki Podium Finishes

1. Sara Price, Second- Women’s 12 Plus

2. Jacob Hayes, Second- Super Mini 1 (12-15)

3. AJ Catanzaro, Second- MX Lites B Modified

4. Malcom Stewart, Second- Motocross B Stock

5. Tyler Sjoberg, Third- Motocross B Stock

6. Nick Vaughn, Third- Junior 25 Plus

7. Dusty Tellez, Third- Motocross C

8. PJ Larsen, Second- MX Lites A/ Pro Sport

9. Jacob Hayes, Third- Super Mini 2 (14-16)

10. Thomas Covington, Second- 85 (9-11) Modified

11. Andrew Piece, Third- 65 (10-11) Modified

12. Dean Wilson, Second- MX Lites B Stock

13. AJ Catanzaro, Third- MX Lites B Stock