Exciting Changes to U.S. Open Features the “Trifecta” and $250,000 to the Winner
AURORA, Ill. (July 6, 2006) – On October 13 and 14, 2006, the US Open will return to the world famous MGM Grand Garden Arena, in Las Vegas, bringing with it some changes that will make the annual weekend even more exciting for the fans and the payday even more lucrative for the riders.
While the traditional two night competition format for the US Open, which has been a keystone for the event over the past eight years, will be maintained, the 2006 event will include some significant changes that will allow the winner's share of the race purse to increase from $100,000 to a potential $250,000.
Built into this year's US Open format will be a three part "Trifecta" bonus program that will pay additional money to the fastest qualifier for each night's event, a bonus to each night's holeshot winner and a bonus for any rider that can complete the "Trifecta" challenge by being the fastest qualifier, getting the holeshot and winning the main event. Any rider that hits the "Trifecta" will earn a $50,000 bonus each night in addition to the regular event purse and any rider that can "Double Down" and hit the "Trifecta" both nights will walk away with $250,000 for the weekend.
The "Fast Qualifier" element of the US Open will kick off each night's program, with a dozen riders taking to the track in single lap - single rider qualifying runs to determine a "Superpole" fast qualifier. The Superpole winner each night will receive a $10,000 bonus and that rider will then become eligible for that night's full "Trifecta" bonus. The twelve eligible riders for the "Trifecta" Superpole qualifying will include past winners of the US Open, past and current AMA and World Supercross champions and past and current AMA Supercross Lites champions. In addition to the ten pre-seeded supercross champions, the top two riders based on practice times from the day's practice sessions, will also be included in the fast qualifier program.
The second element of the "Trifecta" bonus program will be the holeshot for each supercross main event, with each night's holeshot winner taking home an additional $5,000, with the third element of the "Trifecta" being based on the winner of each night's main event.
According to Todd Jendro, Sr. director of operations for Live Nation, producers of the US Open, "The US Open has become one of supercross’ premier weekends and the changes that will be incorporated into this year's program will help to add to the excitement of this great event. With the addition of the Superpole Fast Qualifier sessions that will kick-off each night's program, this year's US Open is set to be the one of the most memorable and potentially one of the most financially rewarding for riders in the history of the event. We are confident the changes that are in store for the spectators at the 2006 US Open will make the trip to Las Vegas even more enjoyable.”
Tickets are now available for the ninth-annual U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas October 13-15, 2006 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 U.S. Open is the final ‘major’ race of the motocross season. Tickets are available for as low as $20 through Ticketmaster.com. Fans can upgrade their weekend experience with the X-Treme Package. X-Treme Packages include premium tickets for all 3 days, U.S. Open t-shirt, hat, and weekend long pit pass. X-Treme Packages are only available through www.ussx.com.
The ninth-annual U.S. Open is an invite-only indoor off-road motocross race inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena October 13-15, 2006. Reigning champion Ricky Carmichael stages his defense of the title against the world’s top motocross racers competing for the world’s largest single race purse. Invited riders include 13-time AMA National champion Ricky Carmichael, two-time U.S. Open champion Chad Reed (Yamaha), two-time 125cc regional supercross champion James Stewart (Kawasaki), former 125 Western Regional AMA Supercross Series champion Kevin Windham (Honda) and more to be announced after the upcoming Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series. Live Nation is a leading live content and distribution company focused on creating superior experiences for artists, performers, corporations and fans. Live Nation owns, operates or has booking rights for 150 venues worldwide and promoted or produced over 20,000 events in 2005. Live Nation is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV." More information about Live Nation and its businesses is available at http://www.LiveNation.com.
About AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the THQ AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Motocross Championship Presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship Presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship and the AMA Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com. Accredited media outlets can also access AMA Pro Racing's online Press Room at www.amaproracing.com/pressroom.
