Vuillemin Makes Suzuki Debut at Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open
AURORA, Ill. (August 10, 2007) – The Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open announced today that David Vuillemin, of Murrieta, Calif., will compete in this year’s 10th anniversary race inside Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 12-14. Vuillemin recently signed with Factory Suzuki team and will make his debut on the new machine at the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open in October.
At last year’s Rockstar Energy Drink, Vuillemin finished fourth overall, going 7-3 on the weekend. During Saturday night’s main event, Vuillemin mixed it up early with eventual winner James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael.
“It was a great feeling to lead the race for six or seven laps and ride with James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael,” said Vuillemin. ”Those guys are amazing, and it's an honor to mix it up with them. My ‘06 SX season was really difficult, and I was happy to rebound at the U.S. Open with Team MDK last year.”
Vuillemin finished this year’s Amp’d Mobile Supercross season in fourth place and earned top privateer honors. Vuillemin finished inside the top 10 at 15 of 18 races with his best finish being a fourth at Vancouver’s B.C. Place Stadium.
While the start at the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is always considered a vital component of the race, Vuillemin says it’s not everything.
“First of all, the start is really important, but it’s not everything,” said Vuillemin. “The bike set-up for handling on a little track is really important to feel comfortable. The power delivery of the bike has to be a little different from a normal supercross. As far as riding style, you have to be more mellow and have throttle control. The margin of error is smaller. The U.S. Open is a really complex race to win!”
With the recently announced ‘open class’ for the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open, where racers can compete aboard a 250 or a 450 four-stroke motorcycle, Vuillemin is not overlooking the dynamic advantages the smaller bike has.
“The one class format is pretty interesting and should bring spice to the race,” said Vuillemin. “The track is tight and small at the U.S. Open, and we don't use the full potential of a 450 so a 250F has a chance for sure!”
In 2000, Vuillemin moved to the U.S. from France full-time to pursue his dream of winning an AMA Supercross championship. As a rookie he picked up four wins and eight additional podium finishes and finished second overall in the premier AMA Supercross class. Over the years he has grow to be a fan favorite.
“I think I am really approachable at the races and through my website,” added Vuillemin. “I take my job and passion seriously, but there are times where I need and like to have fun. That's why I try to have fun during practice, do some whips and throw in a little goon riding.”
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.