Jeff Willoh Breaks Rib – Looks To Be Out Of Toyota AMA Regional AX Championship

February 2, 2006 1:04pm

Series points leader and favorite to win the Toyota AMA Regional Arenacross title and Toyota Tacoma 4x4 will miss next race in Springfield (IL.) – possibly more

AURORA, IL., (Feb. 2, 2006) – Tough news out of Toyota AMA Regional Arenacross’ leader Jeff Willoh’s camp as the odds-on favorite to win the Toyota AMA Regional Arenacross crown and the brand new Toyota Tacoma 4x4 broke his rib in three spots last weekend in Grand Rapids (Mich.) and is out for – at the very least - this weekend’s contest in Springfield, ILL.

“Looks like I might have to bow out of a couple races here,” said Willoh. “I may try to race Tennessee (Nashville, Feb. 17-18), but we’ll have to see. I’m in a lot of pain right now and there’s no way I can race these next couple of weeks.”

Willoh was racing with a flat front tire at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena this past Saturday when he went down and got plowed into by another rider. The force of the accident shattered one of Willoh’s ribs, forcing him out of the race.

“I’m disappointed, really,” said Willoh. “But I understand that’s racing and racing’s what I do. I’ll come back just as soon as I can.”

The loss of Willoh really opens up the Toyota AMA Regional Arenacross points chase as Michael Chiodioni – currently second place in the points – trailed Willoh by only 17 points.

“We hope Jeff has a very speedy recovery. With Jeff out for at least one round (Springfield) this will tighten up the points series,” said Robert Hansen, director of arenacross. “The shot at the Toyota Tacoma 4x4 has just become a four-man race to the finish. The finals in Omaha (Neb.) should be very interesting.”

The Toyota AMA Regional Arenacross points chase heading into this weekend:

1.) Jeff Willoh, 322

2.) Michael Chiodioni, 305

3.) Brian Edwards, 261

4.) Dave Oettel, 220

5.) Randy Woodring, 197

For more information on Round Seven of the 2006 Toyota AMA Regional Arenacross Series stop in Springfield, Ill, check out www.arenacross.com.

Tickets are available online at www.arenacross.com, www.ticketmaster.com, www.tickets.com. For more information on the Toyota AMA National Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.