Cobra Racers Set to Defend Branson USA MX Titles

HILLSDALE, Mich. – Those amazing young men on their yellow Cobra flying machines are back in action this week as motocross’ 2009 amateur national schedule picks back up in Missouri with the running of the 15th annual Branson USA National MX Championships, presented by PPG.

The penultimate round on the nine-month amateur national MX tour, Branson features more than $150,000 in factory contingency money – including Cobra’s – along with trophies and awards in an event that draws premier young motocross talent from all points of the United States.

“Branson USA’s a gem of a track in a great location, centered right in the middle of a very active part of the motorcycle world,” said Cobra’s Sean Hilbert. “And it provides an excellent forum for Cobra racers to test the skills and abilities, showcasing talented young guys who have worked hard all summer to improve their game.

“Some of the best racing we’ll see all year is at Branson.”

Cobra’s factory riders return to Missouri having swept the top podium spots in each and every PW (50cc) class at Branson last year. Cobra is led by Stilez Robertson (Bakersfield, Calif.), the 2008 PW Stock 4-6 champ at Branson who’ll be debuting in the 7-8 class, and ’08 PW Mod 4-6 champ, Kruz Sampson (Lebanon, Tenn.) who’ll also be contesting the 7-8 class. Returning to the 7-8 PW, where they also competed last year, will be returning Mod champ Justin Dunn (Raleigh, N.C.) and Branson PW Stock champ Logan Leitzel (Dillsburg, Pa.). Those two will be joined by Missouri’s “Lightning” Lance Kobush and Maryland’s James Shockey in what should prove to be one heck of a shoot out for the Branson 50cc hardware!

In the 7-11 Senior 65cc class many of the Cobra factory 50cc racers will also contest their new CX65s at Branson, including three Missouri locals in newly-named Cobra factory racer Austin Forkner (Richards), along with Michael Hicks (Super Pee Wee) of Fenton and Caleb Self of Cole Camp. Kobush, Sampson, Leitzel, Roberston, Pennsylvania’s Jack Rogers and Shockey will also run their CX65s in the junior 6-8 65 class at Branson.

Other Cobra-backed racers to keep an eye on at Branson include: Jackson Turpin (Locust Grove, Ga.), Josh Williams (Bonner Springs, Kan.) and Daniel Nickell Jr. (Lawton, Okla.).

Also: Pee Wee racers contesting the 15th annual Branson MX National Championships will be eligible to win a brand new 2010 Cobra King 50! And if you’re attending, be sure to check out the new Cobra 2010 line - showcased as well at Branson. A free Cobra sticker to those who can point out two of the new features on the King 50! (Hint: twin-spar chassis and body work.)

Cobra, founded in 1993, produces the most successful line of competition mini cycles and mini quads in the United States with more than 200 national titles in the last decade. Based out of Hillsdale, Mich., Cobra's mission is to build premium products for the serious racer. For more information on Cobra products, please visit our website at www.cobramotorcycle.com.

High Profile Public Relations (HPPR), LLC, is a multi-faceted communications agency specializing in strategic media relations – both industry and mainstream – for the powersports and action sports communities. Dialed in with all forms of power and action sports, its participants, manufacturers and live event promoters, HPPR’s Pat Schutte can be reached at (734) 369-2170 and pat@highprofilepr.com.