Michael Byrne to Race Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open
AURORA, Ill. (August 22, 2007) – Rockstar Energy Drink Suzuki rider Michael Byrne announced today that he will race in the 10th Annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open inside Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 12-14.
Byrne, 28, came to the U.S. from Australia in 2001 to compete in his first full season of professional AMA Supercross/Motocross. Finishing in the top 10 during the 2007 AMA Supercross Series, Byrne finished seventh overall in AMA Supercross. At the 2005 U.S. Open, Bryne finished 2-3 for second overall to Ricky Carmichael.
“This is a tight race,” said Byrne. “You need to have a good start and stay out of trouble for two-nights. In 2005, when I finished second, I had great starts and didn’t have to spend the early part of the race banging bars with the other riders. When you are out front, you get to ride in clear traffic and start to pull away.”
Although the Rockstar Energy Drink offers a huge purse, Byrne looks at the race as a way to prepare for the up-coming AMA Supercross season.
“This race allows us to test new equipment for the new supercross season,” he said.
The new open-class format where riders can compete on either the 250F or 450F four stroke motorcycles poses the question: Which bike is better?
“The track layout will determine if which bikes have the advantage or disadvantage,” added Byrne. “By adding in the top lites guys to the race, the main event will have a much deeper field of talent.”
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.
