Women's MX C'Ship Kicks Off Saturday
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (May 18, 2010) - Since joining the elite level of women's motocross in 2008, Honda Red Bull Racing's Ashley Fiolek has become the most dominant woman in the U.S., ending the half-decade reign of the legendary Jessica Patterson by capturing the last two WMX Class titles. On Saturday, the 2010 MotorcycleUSA.com Women's Motocross Championship kicks off eight rounds of intense action with the season-opening Dunlop Tires Women's Motocross Championship at Hangtown in Rancho Cordova, Calif.
Last season, Fiolek's inclusion on the factory Honda Red Bull Racing team broke new ground for women's motocross in America. By virtue of the success she achieved, the high level of talent in the class, and the stellar racing the women displayed on the track, Fiolek started a trend of support from some of the most well known teams in American motocross.
"It really is almost like a dream come true to see so many prominent teams stepping up to support the women this season," Fiolek said of the trend that has landed several of her top rivals on top-notch racing programs. "We work just as hard as the men to be the best we can be, and we put it all on the line each and every weekend as well. I knew that one day the women would be recognized for their talent, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of this sport right now."
This season, in addition to Fiolek, six of the most talented riders in the WMX Class are receiving top-level support from teams that have gained considerable notoriety supporting the men's 250 and 450 Classes. Five-time WMX champion Jessica Patterson has joined DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha, a factory-supported 250 Class team. Also getting well-earned support from major programs is 2009 third-place title finisher Sherri Cruse, who will race for Nitro Circus/Suzuki City. Last year's WMX Rookie of the Year, Sara Price, will be under the Monster Energy Kawasaki tent this season alongside defending 450 Class champion Chad Reed and Nick Wey. The MotoConcepts Yamaha stable will welcome fifth- and sixth-place WMX finishers Mariana Balbi and Vicki Golden to its talented lineup, while Tarah Gieger, one of the most recognizable figures in women's motocross, joins forces with Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda.
"I really want to get three in a row," Fiolek said of her own plans for 2010, where she will park her Honda Red Bull Racing CRF250R between the factory 450s of Andrew Short and Davi Millsaps under the team tent. "But it looks like I'm going to have to deal with some stiff competition from a lot of fast females. It's going to be exciting."
While the stars of the WMX are receiving more support than ever, the series is also taking the next step thanks to title sponsorship from MotorcycleUSA.com, the source for all things motorcycle-related. In addition to the title sponsorship, MotorcycleUSA.com will also sponsor the WMX Class Holeshot Awards, awarding $250 for each moto and providing the ladies with some extra incentive to get out front early. Additional series sponsorship also comes from Rekluse Motor Sports, Dunlop Tires, Rockwell Watches, and Able Plant Services.
When the gates drop this Saturday, May 22, at Hangtown, a new era of women's motocross will begin and the battle for glory will commence between the fastest females in the country. And with MX Sports providing $5,000 in prize money for each WMX round, the action will be even more intense. You can watch the first women's moto live from Hangtown on www.allisports.com, following the opening set of 450 and 250 Class motos.
For more information, please contact Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship media coordinator Brandon Short via email at brandon@mxsports.com or by telephone at (949) 365-5752.
About the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is the world's most prestigious motocross series. The Series is managed and produced by MX Sports Pro Racing, whose mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the promotion of professional championship racing events nationwide.
The series is also produced in conjunction with Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, a global business that encompasses national and international action sports events, multimedia production and a consumer-based lifestyle brand.
Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a vast network of athletes, fans, brands and properties.
