Jeremy McGrath Announces MMI Scholarship Winner

AURORA, Ill. (May 17, 2007) – Matthew Langham, of Kissimmee, Fla., was awarded the Jeremy McGrath Scholarship at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium when the seven-time supercross champion made the announcement during the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series finals.

The Jeremy McGrath Scholarship awards $20,000 toward the program of choice at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI)’s campuses in Phoenix, Ariz. or Orlando, Fla. MMI is a provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional motorcycle technicians.

“It is so hard to choose just one winner,” said Jeremy McGrath. “I think any of the top four I called would have done great things with this scholarship. Matthew was very enthusiastic during my interview and I just felt he was the one. I’m glad to be able to give something back to the sport that has given so much to me and my family.” 

“This is the fourth year that Live Nation and Jeremy McGrath, who personally selects the winner, have supported this scholarship program,” said Terry Emig, director of Motorsports and Event Marketing for MMI. “Their commitment and the dedication of the previous recipients, who all excelled at MMI and in the industry, have made this a successful program. We are honored to be part of the program and helping someone achieve their dream.”

Students who were interested in attending MMI submitted an application and a two-minute DVD expressing why they should receive the 2007 MMI/Jeremy McGrath scholarship. The school received 61 entries and a panel of judges narrowed them down to 10. McGrath personally reviewed the 10 semi-finalist DVDs and then conducted phone interviews with four finalists before choosing Langham.

“I couldn’t believe it when Jeremy called me,” said Matthew. I wanted this so bad. My whole family is really excited. I graduate from High School soon and will be attending MMI in Orlando Florida in February 2008.

In its fourth year, the Jeremy McGrath Scholarship has been awarded to students with a passion for working with motorcycles. In fact, the first two recipients -- Eric Salava (2004) and Todd Hunn (2005) -- graduated at the top of their class and moved on to rewarding careers in the motorcycle industry. Last year’s winner Mary Morgan, the first female recipient, is currently attending MMI’s Orlando campus.

"Supercross fans are some of the most passionate sports' fans on the planet," said Ryan McSpadden, vice president of sales, Live Nation Motor Sports. "By providing one deserving supercross fan the opportunity to attend the MMI school of his choice on full scholarship, we are giving that fan a chance to make a career out of his passion. We are very pleased to be able to give back to the supercross community with this scholarship year after year."

For more information about the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP/Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, please log on to www.supercrossonline.com.