Toyota AMA Arenacross Series Moves To Albany, N.Y.

November 5, 2007, 8:37am

AURORA, Ill. (Nov. 5, 2007) – The 2007-’08 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series moves to Albany, N.Y.’s Times Union Center this Saturday night (Nov. 10) for a one-night-only competition in the state’s capital. The series started on a high note this past weekend in Des Moines, Iowa, featuring four former Toyota AMA Arenacross Series champions in action: Robbie Reynard (Rockstar/Suzuki) Josh Demuth (Honda), Chad Johnson (TUF Racing/Honda) and the 2006-’07 defending champion, Danny Smith (TUF Racing/Honda).

Last year in Albany Reynard won the Friday opener. That race (Friday’s) has since been removed from the schedule so New York Toyota AMA Arenacross Series fans in the Albany area have only one shot to see the world’s top arena-style motocross racers in action at the Times Union Center.

"This is the first time we’ve only got one race going on for the weekend,” said Reynard. “And I can tell you right now it’s going to be intense.”

Leading the points chase heading into Albany is 2005-’06 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series champion, Chad Johnson. Johnson came out of the all-star racing line up at Des Moines with two podium finishes, a 2nd place on Friday – which he inherited when Demuth cleaned out Danny Smith on the last turn of the main event – and a straight up win on Saturday.

“It was a really good opening weekend for the entire TUF Racing/Honda team,” said Johnson. “Albany’s going to be insane. One night with the entire weekend on the line. And Saturday’s always a real good crowd up there. The New York fans are definitely stoked on Toyota AMA Arenacross.”

Last year’s Saturday night podiums at Albany:

Lites Class Arenacross Class

1 – Robbie Smith, Honda 1 – Kevin Johnson, Yamaha

2 – Jim Neese, Suzuki 2 – Danny Smith, Honda

3 – Patrick Boyle, Honda 3 – Jim Neese, Suzuki

2007-’08 AMA Arenacross Class Season Points Standings (after one round)

1. Chad Johnson, Honda, 47

2. Josh Demuth, Honda, 41

3. Danny Smith, Honda, 40

3. Kelly Smith, Kawasaki, 38

5. Brock Sellards, Kawasaki, 36

Other top teams gunning for the overall win at Wells Fargo include: Monster Energy/Babbitts/Kawasaki, Team Faith Yamaha, GPF/Babbitts/Kawasaki, Carolina Xpress/Suzuki, Team Triple Effect/Kawasaki and GPS Racing and Fiberwise/Yamaha.

Tickets for Nov. 10th Toyota AMA Arenacross at Times Union Center are available through www.arenacross.com, at the Times Union Center Ticket Office, by calling 800-30-EVENT or online at www.timesunioncenter-albany.com and at Seymour’s Suzuki. Fees and handling may apply. Discount coupons are available at Paesan’s Pizza (order in or delivery) and Albany Honda. Show times are Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday (amateurs) at 12:00. Doors open Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday advance tickets are $25 for Gold Circle, $18 regular seats. $2 more day of show. Kids 2-12 are $10/$25.