Kevin Windham Set to Race Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open
AURORA, Ill. (September 13, 2006) – Honda’s Kevin Windham, 28, of Centerville, Miss., will race at the 2006 Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open October 13-14 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Windham joins Suzuki’s 15-time AMA National champion Ricky Carmichael and Kawasaki’s reigning Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP champion James Stewart on the starting line in a month.
This year’s Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open will air on CBS Sports Saturday, October 21, 2006 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. (EST) and boasts the most competitive line-up ever.
“I always enjoy coming to the U.S. Open, and this year – with the Toyota Trifecta bonus program – we all have a chance to win some serious cash,” said Windham. “Last year I felt really comfortable on the track, and I hope to capitalize on that this year.”
Windham, who finished third in last year’s U.S. Open, turned in a second place finish in moto number two last year, challenging Carmichael for the top position. Participating in four of the eight U.S. Open races during his career, Windham has finished outside the top three once (’05: 2nd; ’01: 3rd; ’00: 2nd; ’99: 7th).
“We are excited to have Kevin on the starting line-up for this year’s Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open,” said Todd Jendro, senior director of operations, Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open. “He proved that he can run up front; last year he was second behind Carmichael on Saturday night”
Last Year’s top 3
Past Champions
2005: Ricky Carmichael
2004: Chad Reed
2003: Mike LaRocco
2002: Ricky Carmichael
2001: Ricky Carmichael
2000: Ricky Carmichael
1999: Jeff Emig
1998: Damon Huffman
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 Rockstar 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.
