The reigning Monster Energy Supercross Lites champion team re-loads for upcoming East & West Regional competition seasons

CORONA, Calif., (Jan. 4, 2007) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki is again stacked from east to west with talent and, in just a little over 24 hours, will unleash that talent in what’s expected to be a mudfest Western Lites class opener to kick off the 2008 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series, an FIM World Championship, at Anaheim’s
(Calif.) Angels Stadium.

Leading the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team into battle, although from the sidelines for the west opener due to a recent injury, is defending Western Lites Regional champion, Ryan Villopoto. 

The 2007 AMA Athlete of the Year, Villopoto will give the eastern Monster Energy Supercross fans a good look at his incredible talents on the dirt bike beginning with the Atlanta SX in late February.

“Even through we had some changes with (Ben) Townley leaving and (Christophe) Pourcel getting hurt, I feel Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki is still going to be the team to beat,” said Villopoto.

Heading up the Western Region Lites title chase beginning at Anaheim for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki  – as of press time – will be returning starter Brett Metcalfe, along with Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green upstart, the highly-decorated amateur racer Austin Stroupe.

For Metcalfe, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki ride will offer a chance to improve upon an already excellent career in which he’s never finished outside the top ten overall in SX Lites class racing.

“Last year I missed the entire supercross season, but managed to get on the podium three times and finish 7th overall in the Nationals even through I missing five rounds,” said Metcalfe. “This will be the first time racing supercross on the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki bikes and I’m really looking forward to getting after it here at Anaheim.”

If his finish at the Steel City (Pa.) National (4th) is any indication, Stroupe’s highlights as a pro, though limited to motocross, are set to erupt. He’ll certainly be one to keep an eye on beginning this weekend.

Joining Villopoto on the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and racing the Eastern Lites Region will be veteran Branden Jesseman. Jesseman’s a proven winner and his alignment with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki has created a spark in within the industry, especially regarding the intra-region battle he’ll have with his teammate, Villopoto.

Monster Energy Supercross action gets underway tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Anaheim’s Angels Stadium. The race will be broadcast live on at 10 p.m. EST on SPEED.