MotoConcepts Racing: Thunder Valley - Report Missing Brett Michaels?

Spokane, WA (June 6, 2012) - -MotoConcepts Racing weekend was as chaotic as the weather at Thunder Valley, with periods of calm marked by chaos.  If ever there was an appropriate time for the bandana-groomed Bret Michaels to hand out the Rock Hard/Ride Hard award it would surely be handed to one of the MotoConcepts racers.  Alas, the iconic award only resides in Supercross but that did not stop MotoConcepts Racing from awarding both Mike Alessi (450) and Jake Canada (250) its own Hard Charger award, minus the singing and tan.

MotoConcepts Racing Mike Alessi, who had podiumed the first two rounds of the Nationals, was a favorite to repeat and possibly earn an overall.  In the first moto, Alessi gated cleanly and, though he did not holeshot, was in the top 10.  Mike rode strong and passed riders to sneak into the 4^th position and, as he has done all year, rode a smart consistent race to finish 4^th on the difficult and rutted track saving his energy for the second moto.

In the second moto, with one of the Big 3 out (Stewart), the table was set for Alessi to challenge Dungey and stand atop the podium.  When the gate dropped for the second moto Alessi was up front where he wanted to be, knowing his speed and stamina would bring him to the front of the pack as the moto wore on.  The strategy took a different turn as Alessi crashed on the first lap and by the time he had picked himself up and started his MCR450, Mike was a distant 36^th place.  Proving he has the speed and the racing skills, Alessi focused on each racer, each point, knowing championships are won on your worst days.  Alessi passed 27 riders to earn 9^th in the moto, and literally inches away from 8^th, to finish the day with an incredible 6^th place overall.  Alessi sits only one point out of second overall in the 450 Nationals.

The other MCR rider singing the blues early on was Mr. Consistent, Jake Canada.  Showing he’s had the speed to run with the factory bikes all year, Canada has made a name for himself with Top 10 rides in both the Supercross and Nationals.  Thunder Valley would be no different in results but require a determined mindset and passing skills.  Like his teammate Alessi, Jake Canada would was relegated toward the back of the pack in Moto 1.  At nearly 6,000’ of elevation, with the heart pumping and the bike slower than at sea level, Jake masterfully plucked off one rider after another moving his way all the way to 7^th place.  Jakes impressive Moto 1 and consistent Moto 2 finish would earn the MotoConcepts rider yet another Top 10 overall.

Other MotoConcepts Racing riders included Vince Freise, who has battled some health issues and a terrible practice crash, and Mariana Balbi, the rising star in the WMX.  Freise turned in solid rides in both motos, after icing his shoulder to return and finish inside the top 10 in qualifying. Though not up to his expectations, to finish 18^th overall via 15/18 moto finishes.  Mariana Balbi turned in one of her best rides of the year, but like her teammates (Alessi/Canada), luck did not go her way.  After a solid ride in Moto 1 to finish 6^th, Mariana charged in Moto 2 to come within a hair of the podium finishing in 4^th place.  On most race days a 6/4 would net a 4^th but the Thunder Valley chaos only netted Balbi a 6^th overall.

Thunder Valley lived up to its namesake but the MotoConcepts Racing riders took it in stride and turned challenging conditions into positive fortunes leaving Colorado in solid overall positions.  MCR will take this momentum into High Point next week.

MotoConcepts Racing thank those supporters of the team including.

Building on decades of experience, MotoConcepts brings American (Spokane, WA) manufactured premium-quality products to those who are as passionate about riding as our employees.  MotoConcepts principals include extensive support for the sport, charitable organization donations, and using 100% recycled material exemplifying core American business values.

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MotoConcepts welcomes involvement with endemic and non-endemic sponsorship opportunities.  To be part of this highly visible team, with either title or associate sponsorships, please contactpushmrktg@gmail.com