Press Release

Yamaha Factory Rider Josh Hill to Race in his First-Ever Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open

AURORA, Ill. (September 11, 2008) – The Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open announced today that Yamaha’s Josh Hill will race in the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 10-12.


Hill, 19, began his professional career in 2006 competing on a limited schedule. In 2007, Hill made his full-time professional debut in the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class and finished third overall. In 2008 Hill moved to the premier AMA Supercross class and finished in the top 10 overall at 10 events, earned four podium finishes and won the first main event of his career at Minneapolis’ Metrodome. The Yoncalla, Ore., rookie finished fifth overall in season standings.


While he doesn’t race against the top lites class riders on a regular basis, he knows they are a threat at this race.


“Yeah guys like (Ryan) Dungey are fast and (Jake) Weimer proved last year with all the chips falling the right way that you can win on a Lites bike. After 16 races it was eye opening to see how high the intensity was for the entire series,” said Hill. “In the Lites class you only have to stay focused for like six or seven weeks, and then you get two months off. The 450 class is way different. By the end of the season I started to get it figured out as my races in the beginning of the season were like a rollercoaster ride, some good and some bad.”


Hill and his team are still undecided on decide what bike he will ride at the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open.


“I have been debating on whether or not I will ride a 250cc two-stroke at the open,” said Hill. “I’d like to bring back a little retro. I think it is cool that they let the Lites guys race; it makes it interesting for the fans.”


As an amateur Hill did compete in the 85cc Mini Invitation held in conjunction with the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open. He finished third in 2002 and second in 2003.


“I blew it both years on mini bikes so maybe the third time’s a charm,” he said “I had a chance to win both years and ended up loosing both times.”


Tickets are now available for the 10th anniversary of the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas October 10-12, 2008 at www.ussx.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 702-474-4000 or the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Regarded as one of off-road motorcycling’s premier races, the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is the final ‘major’ race of the motocross season. Tickets are available for as low as $20 through Ticketmaster.com. All tickets subject to 5% Las Vegas Entertainment tax.

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