Alessi Brothers To Race Rockstar U.S. Open
AURORA, Ill. (July 20, 2007) – The Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open announced today that brothers Mike and Jeff Alessi will compete at this year’s 10th Anniversary race inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena October 12-14.
Mike Alessi, 19, of Apple Valley, Calif., won the 2002 85cc Mini Invitational at the U.S. Open, dominating both nights of racing. En route to winning the championship, Mike scored two wins in the four-moto event, beating AMA Supercross Lites champion Ryan Villopoto. Mike’s success began early with 11 AMA Amateur National Championship, and now, he’s ready to compete against the world’s best riders.
“Racing the mini class at the U.S. Open was an experience of a lifetime, and certainly set the stage for racing supercross as a professional,” said Mike Alessi. “Now, the U.S. Open will mark our first indoor race in the open class.
The Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open has introduced a new ‘open class’ this year, where racers can compete aboard a 250 or a 450 four-stroke motorcycle all in one class. While the Alessi brothers look forward to moving onto the big bikes, they know the 250 four-stroke is a viable machine that will add to the excitement of the racing.
“Having one open class is a great addition to the U.S. Open,” said Mike Alessi. “It will be interesting to see how the weekend unfolds. The MGM Grand Garden Arena is a facility that offers advantages and disadvantages to both bikes, so the playing field will be close to even.”
Known for his great starts, Mike believes he can run up front with the top racers.
“I think that my fast starts will put me near the front, and in the mix with the lead riders,” said Mike Alessi. “Racing supercross is super unpredictable and with the U.S. Open, it’s even more of a challenge. One night you can win, the next night you might be fifth, so I think it’s anyone’s race. The $100,000 could be as much mine as any of the other competitors.”
Younger brother Jeff, 18, also lives is Apple Valley, Calif., and competed in the 85cc Mini Invitational in 2003. After winning the opening moto on Friday night, he crashed in the second moto, forcing him to miss the rest of the event.
More exciting announcements about the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open will be made shortly. Stay tuned to www.ussx.com for more news and information.
Tickets are now available for the 10th annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas October 12-14, 2007 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. All tickets subject to 5% Las Vegas Entertainment tax.
