AMA AX Notebook: Heading West
February 25, 2010 7:09pm
AURORA, Ill. – The 2010 AMA Arenacross Series kicks-off its West Coast swing this weekend with the first of two rounds on the left coast. Saturday night, Fresno, Calif.’s Save Mart Center will welcome the world’s best AMA Arenacross Series racers.
For the majority of the first half of 2010, Babbitt’s Monster Energy/Ti Lube Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers dominated each week, posting a stellar six victories. It looked as though no one would be able to mount a challenge to the Kentucky native as he quickly amassed a double-digit advantage in the standings. However, over the last three rounds, two-time AMA Arenacross Series champion Josh Demuth has been on a tear, capturing back-to-back victories and running consistently while his teammate has experienced some bouts of misfortune.
Now, the gap between first and second sits at 15 points and while Bowers is still in a comfortable position, there are five weekends of racing remaining and the unpredictable nature of the on-track action has shown no one is in the clear when it comes to the racing gods.
The underlying element of Bowers’ championship hopes hinge on his competitors, notably Demuth at this point in the season. If Bowers does experience trouble at any point over the remaining rounds, it will be up to his peers to take advantage of the opportunity set forth and this is where Demuth has excelled during his recent run. Both riders expect to run for the win each and every week, but for Demuth, his objective for the rest of the season is simple – finish in front of Bowers.
Last weekend in San Antonio, Demuth took matters into his own hands and fulfilled the need to win with one of the most impressive performances in recent memory. While running second, the series legend dug deep and laid down a string of laps that were unmatched by any other rider on the track, including race leader Bowers, who was running several seconds ahead. As the 25-lap main event drew to a close, Demuth found himself on his teammate’s rear wheel and made a dramatic pass for the win, gaining another three points in the standings.
From now until season’s end, the pressure will be on Bowers to stay ahead of a hard-charging field of challengers. So far this season, the Babbitt’s team has been virtually unbeatable, capturing 10 of the 11 race victories in 2010 and boasting three podium sweeps, with latest coming last weekend. While that works in the championship leader’s favor, it also becomes his biggest obstacle as his two leading competitors will be his teammates, not to mention defending champion Jeff Gibson and past race winner Nathan Skaggs who are hungry for their first win of the season.
With the AMA Arenacross Series’ move west, riders will compete on a different compound of dirt over the next two weeks. The warmer, desert-like climates produce a harder, slicker soil which creates unique challenges for bike setup and tire selection. By virtue of the conditions, track position will be at a premium which means getting a good start will be more important than ever. Look for all eyes to be on the holeshot when the gates drop Saturday night.
Last season, the AMA Arenacross Series made its debut from the Save Mart Center, located on the campus of Fresno State University which boasts an enrollment of over 20,000 students.
The 12,363-seat multi-purpose arena opened on November 27, 2003 as the primary home for the Fresno State Bulldogs basketball program and the ECHL’s Fresno Falcons hockey team (2003-2008). It features an exterior landmark known as the Larry A. Shehadey Clock Tower that is named for the founder of Fresno-based dairy company Producers Dairy Foods. The site also features the Bulldog Walkway, an on-campus tribute to Fresno State alumni and friends. Save Mart Supermarkets holds 20-year naming rights to the facility.
The Save Mart Center has played host to numerous concerts, NBA Pre-Season games, NHL Pre-Season games, and even several professional wrestling events. However, for the first time the smell and high-octane anticipation of AMA Arenacross Series action will fill the walls for a memorable night of bar-to-bar racing.
The first gates drop on the Fresno Arenacross Saturday, February 27 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The action concludes with Amateur Day on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m.
Advance tickets are available for this weekend’s Fresno Arenacross at the Save Mart Center Box Office, Ticketmaster charge by phone and ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $2 more the day of the race.
Fans in attendance also can take part in the Track Party on Saturday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for the chance to meet the riders and get autographs. Simply recycle any MONSTER ENERGY can at the gate entrance for FREE admission. Must have valid Saturday event ticket to enter.
Tickets for all rounds of the 2010 season can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and www.arenacross.com.
For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.
About Feld Motor Sports?
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, SuperBull?, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz?, Gravity Slashers?, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.
For the majority of the first half of 2010, Babbitt’s Monster Energy/Ti Lube Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers dominated each week, posting a stellar six victories. It looked as though no one would be able to mount a challenge to the Kentucky native as he quickly amassed a double-digit advantage in the standings. However, over the last three rounds, two-time AMA Arenacross Series champion Josh Demuth has been on a tear, capturing back-to-back victories and running consistently while his teammate has experienced some bouts of misfortune.
Now, the gap between first and second sits at 15 points and while Bowers is still in a comfortable position, there are five weekends of racing remaining and the unpredictable nature of the on-track action has shown no one is in the clear when it comes to the racing gods.
The underlying element of Bowers’ championship hopes hinge on his competitors, notably Demuth at this point in the season. If Bowers does experience trouble at any point over the remaining rounds, it will be up to his peers to take advantage of the opportunity set forth and this is where Demuth has excelled during his recent run. Both riders expect to run for the win each and every week, but for Demuth, his objective for the rest of the season is simple – finish in front of Bowers.
Last weekend in San Antonio, Demuth took matters into his own hands and fulfilled the need to win with one of the most impressive performances in recent memory. While running second, the series legend dug deep and laid down a string of laps that were unmatched by any other rider on the track, including race leader Bowers, who was running several seconds ahead. As the 25-lap main event drew to a close, Demuth found himself on his teammate’s rear wheel and made a dramatic pass for the win, gaining another three points in the standings.
From now until season’s end, the pressure will be on Bowers to stay ahead of a hard-charging field of challengers. So far this season, the Babbitt’s team has been virtually unbeatable, capturing 10 of the 11 race victories in 2010 and boasting three podium sweeps, with latest coming last weekend. While that works in the championship leader’s favor, it also becomes his biggest obstacle as his two leading competitors will be his teammates, not to mention defending champion Jeff Gibson and past race winner Nathan Skaggs who are hungry for their first win of the season.
With the AMA Arenacross Series’ move west, riders will compete on a different compound of dirt over the next two weeks. The warmer, desert-like climates produce a harder, slicker soil which creates unique challenges for bike setup and tire selection. By virtue of the conditions, track position will be at a premium which means getting a good start will be more important than ever. Look for all eyes to be on the holeshot when the gates drop Saturday night.
Last season, the AMA Arenacross Series made its debut from the Save Mart Center, located on the campus of Fresno State University which boasts an enrollment of over 20,000 students.
The 12,363-seat multi-purpose arena opened on November 27, 2003 as the primary home for the Fresno State Bulldogs basketball program and the ECHL’s Fresno Falcons hockey team (2003-2008). It features an exterior landmark known as the Larry A. Shehadey Clock Tower that is named for the founder of Fresno-based dairy company Producers Dairy Foods. The site also features the Bulldog Walkway, an on-campus tribute to Fresno State alumni and friends. Save Mart Supermarkets holds 20-year naming rights to the facility.
The Save Mart Center has played host to numerous concerts, NBA Pre-Season games, NHL Pre-Season games, and even several professional wrestling events. However, for the first time the smell and high-octane anticipation of AMA Arenacross Series action will fill the walls for a memorable night of bar-to-bar racing.
The first gates drop on the Fresno Arenacross Saturday, February 27 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The action concludes with Amateur Day on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m.
Advance tickets are available for this weekend’s Fresno Arenacross at the Save Mart Center Box Office, Ticketmaster charge by phone and ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $2 more the day of the race.
Fans in attendance also can take part in the Track Party on Saturday from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for the chance to meet the riders and get autographs. Simply recycle any MONSTER ENERGY can at the gate entrance for FREE admission. Must have valid Saturday event ticket to enter.
Tickets for all rounds of the 2010 season can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com and www.arenacross.com.
For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.
About Feld Motor Sports?
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, SuperBull?, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz?, Gravity Slashers?, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.
