Washougal MX National Features “Area 51” Sign Contest For Local Pro Ryan Villopoto

July 25, 2006, 6:11am

Fans are urged to make “Area 51” posters, signs and banners cheering on Washington local Villopoto of Team Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki

WASHOUGAL, Wash., (July 25, 2006) – Officials at Washougal MX Park – site of this weekend’s Toyota AMA Motocross Championship round – are urging fans to get involved with cheering on current Lites class points leader Ryan Villopoto (Poulsbo, Wash.) with a creative competition for those attending this Sunday’s (July 30th) race.

Dubbed “Area 51” by raspy voiced, hard hat wearing, motocross crazy Washougal announcer Brian Barnes, fans are being asked to create innovative signage for Sunday’s race featuring “Area 51” (Villopoto’s number) on the sign with the sign creator’s contact information (whatever you’re comfortable displaying, email address, mailing address or phone number) printed clearly in the lower right hand corner of the sign.

From there a cast of celebrity judges, including Barnes, Villopoto’s father Danny, U.S. Olympic ski racers Daron Rahlves and Steve Mahre will judge photos taken of the “Area 51” banners through out the facility and select three winners – each of whom will receive a signed Ryan Villopoto/Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki jersey.

“This is Washougal’s way of helping to cheer on our local guy,” said Barnes. “We’re all very proud of Ryan’s accomplishments so far this summer and want to help him in any way possible with his race here this weekend. And what better way to do that than with a sea of ‘Area 51’ banners in his honor.”

Barnes added that, in case some of the fans aren’t aware, “Area 51” is also the name for a secretive United States Air Force test site in rural Nevada. The area is well known for its UFO (Unidentified Flying Objects) traffic and, though the flying object at Washougal will be running the #51 on his bike, fans wanting to get the upper hand in the signed jersey chased may want to include a UFO or two on their signs.

“It’s all about having fun and cheering for the local guy,” said Barnes. “And a few lucky fans are going to be real pleased with the prize they receive on account of the extra effort they put into their sign.”

The 2006 Toyota AMA Motocross Championship, presented by FMF brings you the Unbound Energy National at Washougal MX Park, presented by Snap-On, Scott USA & Yamaha. The race is scheduled for Sunday, July 30th. For more information check out www.washougalmx.com.