James Stewart to Race U.S. Open for the First Time Ever

AURORA, Ill. (August 21, 2006) – For the first time in the storied history of the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open, Kawasaki ace James Stewart will line up for the ninth-annual race at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 13-15 in the open class. The two-nights of racing has evolved into  one of supercross’ most celebrated weekends of racing – and with the racing format changes and track changes each night, the 2006 Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is poised to be the most entertaining yet.

Stewart, 20, of Haines City, Fla., in fact did race the U.S. Open in 1999 in the 85cc division – as an amateur, winning the overall. He then went on to establish himself as the next big thing, winning two 125cc regional supercross championships and a 125cc AMA National championship. In May, he was crowned the 2005-2006 Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP champion after winning nine main events on the season – more than any other rider.

“I am excited to race inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena,” said Stewart. “I showed up ready to race last year, but had some bad luck with a stomach illness.  My KX450F is a great supercross bike and I want to treat the fans to a great race with Ricky (Carmichael) and the rest of the field.”

Earlier this summer Stewart made a bit of history when he became the first rider in 27 outdoor  races to beat AMA Motocross icon Ricky Carmichael. Stewart won the opening round of the AMA Motocross championships at Hangtown Raceway in Sacramento, Calif., to end the Carmichael’s streak that dates back to 2001.

“We are excited to have James compete in this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open,” said Todd Jendro, senior of operations, Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open. “He’s a very talented racer, and he’ll not only be competing for the overall win but the Toytoa Trifecta program which adds an element to the racing that has never been seen before.”

Built into this year's Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open format will be the three part Toyota Trifecta bonus program that will pay additional money to the fastest qualifier for each night's event, a bonus to each night's Progressive Direct Holeshot winner and a bonus for any rider that can complete the Toyota Trifecta challenge by being the fastest qualifier, getting the Progressive Direct Holeshot and winning the main event. Any rider that hits the Toyota 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 Toyota Trifecta both nights will walk away with $250,000 for the weekend.

Tickets are now available for the ninth-annual Rockstar Energy Drink 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 Rock Star 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. Fans can upgrade their weekend experience with the X-Treme Package. X-Treme Packages include premium tickets for all 3 days, Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open t-shirt, hat, and weekend long pit pass. X-Treme Packages are only available through www.ussx.com.