GPS Races BooKoo Arenacross
Signs 2006 Canadian West 125 National Champion Jimmy Nelson And Arenacross Veteran Brad Ripple
Fort Worth, TX – October 30, 2006 – Mike Kidd Entertainment Group (MKEG) - one of the leading motorcycle race producers in the country – is proud to announce the GPS Racing/Cannon Falls Honda/Club 24X7 arenacross team has chosen to compete in the BooKoo Arenacross Championship Series.
GPS Racing is the most seasoned team on the BooKoo Arenacross Championship Series, being around for several seasons. GPS Racing is bringing back to a higher level, an outside industry sponsor in Club 24X7, a health club franchise which saw value in sponsoring the team last year with added franchise sales. GPS Racing has been busy getting ready for this years arenacross season. This year Cannon Falls Honda in Cannon Falls MN has stepped up to be the title bike sponsor to the team.
“I’m excited about the alliance with Cannon Falls Honda,” states team manager George Hodkinson. “Cannon Falls Honda is only twelve miles away so that alone makes things strategically easy for us to work together. I’ve known Tim Cain, the owner of the store, for several years going back to when both us were on the board of directors of AMA D-23. Also Tim’s son Steve was a student of mine several years ago when I was teaching engines and mechanics at the high school level.”
The first rider to sign with the team was Jimmy Nelson of Battle Mountain NV. Nelson was a factory support mini rider for several years, and most recently won the 2006 Canadian West 125 Nationals.
"Jimmy is super fast. I first spotted him back in 04 at the World Mini when he recently moved into the pro ranks and he was battling with the top riders in the sport back then such as Alessi and Grant” Stated Hodkinson.
The second rider to be signed would be Brad Ripple of Crown Point IN, who is currently living and riding in the new arenacross mecca of the Dallas-Ft Worth area.
“I’ve know Ripple for several years now and have helped him on and off in the past. In my opinion Brad Ripple has the most natural talent of any rider today in Arenacross” added Hodkinson. He further added “Knowing that this season will be very competitive I’m not going to make any statements or predictions on how these guys are going to do. I’m simply going to say that if any of the other riders or teams underestimate these guys or overlook this team they will be making a mistake.” GPS Racing will also be adding a third rider into the series and may have some guest rider spots as the season progresses for certain events.
BooKoo Arenacross Championship Series Schedule
Nov. 3-5, 2006 Selland Arena Fresno, CA
Nov. 10-12, 2006 The Pavilion Salem, OR
Nov. 17-19, 2006 Yakima Valley Sundome Yakima, WA
Dec. 29-31, 2006 Will Rogers Coliseum Fort Worth, TX
Jan. 5-7, 2007 Sovereign Center Reading, PA
Jan. 12-14, 2007 Sears Centre Chicago, IL
Jan. 19-21, 2007 Memorial Coliseum Fort Wayne, IN
Jan. 26-28, 2007 Lazy E Arena Oklahoma City (Guthrie), OK
Feb. 2-4, 2007 Target Center Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 9-11, 2007 Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, CT
Several companies both inside and outside the motorcycle industry have seen the value and stepped in to help this team including: GPS Racing/ Cannon Falls Honda/ Club24X7.com/ Pro Honda Oils/ Honda Parts/ FXR/ FMF/ Magnum Fitness/ Pro Wheel/ Vision Motocross/ Pivot Works/ Hot Cams/ Race Tools/ ASV/ Vortex/ HJC/ K&N/JML/ Gaerne/ JM/ Tamer/ Pro -Vue Goggles/ Janus Signs/ Chad Pederson MX School