Arenacross Returns to Albuquerque

January 15, 2008, 1:07pm

Albuquerque Brothers Keith and Kevin Johnson Tied in AMA Arenacross Class Points

AURORA, Ill. (Jan. 15, 2008) – Not since 2005 has the exciting, high speed action of the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series graced the floor of Albuquerque’s (N.M.) Tingley Coliseum, featuring some of New Mexico’s and the nation’s top Toyota AMA Arenacross Series racers for one colossal night of racing.

Leading the charge into Tingley Coliseum (Jan. 19) are Albuquerque brothers Kevin and Keith Johnson. Currently tied for 5th in the overall points chase, Kevin and Keith will be favorites to podium in the action-packed Saturday night main event.

“I grew up watching all the greats of the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series come through town and now it’s my turn to race there – in front of my hometown fans,” said Kevin, whose brother, Keith, will also be a favorite to win the event. “I’m pumped. There’s nothing like hearing the fans go crazy when you’re introduced in your hometown.”

One of the racers that came up through the Toyota AMA Arenacross Series feeder system for the Monster Energy® Supercross was Jake Weimer. The pro from Idaho won the last race on Friday night at Tingley Coliseum in 2005. Weimer currently rides with Torco Fuels Honda team on the Monster Energy® Supercross tour. Weimer’s first-ever AMA Supercross Lites class win last weekend in Phoenix is a testament to how well the feeder system works. Fans at Tingley Coliseum will have a chance to see ‘who’s next’ in terms of the future stars of supercross.

“Albuquerque will draw a lot of the top racers from the western states as it’s one of Toyota AMA Arenacross Series’ only stops in the southwest,” said Jayme Dalsing, director of arenacross for Live Nation. “Fans will get to see a full gate of the top up-and-coming Monster Energy® Supercross racers from the west. It will for sure be an exciting night of pro racing at Tingley Coliseum.”

2007-’08 Toyota AMA Arenacross Class Point Standings

1. Chad Johnson, Hon, 210

2. Kelly Smith, Kaw, 202

3. Brock Sellards, Kaw, 194

4. Teddy Maier, Hon, 177

5. Keith Johnson, Yam, 163 (Albuquerque, N.M.)

6. Kevin Johnson, Yam, 163 (Albuquerque, N.M.)

7. Danny Smith, Hon, 149

8. Jim Neese, Suz, 135

9. Josh Demuth, Hon, 127

10. Tom Hofmaster, 126

Advance tickets for the Jan. 19 Toyota AMA Arenacross Series round at Albuquerque’s Tingley Coliseum are available through www.arenacross.com, in at the Tingley Coliseum Box Office and Ticketmaster Outlets or charge by phone at (505) 367-5001. Show time is at Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Sunday (amateurs) at 12:00. Doors open Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Sunday at 11 a.m. Saturday advance tickets are $18 to $20 for adults, $5 for kids ages 2-12. Sunday’s tickets are $18 for adults, $5 for kids. A $1 facility fee applies and all tickets are $2 more day of show.