Last season, Ryan Villopoto achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a premier class champion when he captured his first 450 Class title, which became part of one of the most successful single season performances by any rider in the history of the sport. However, due to a recent season-ending injury, Villopoto will not be able to defend his crown, leaving the 450 Class trophy up for grabs.

“We experienced one of the best championship battles in motocross history last season,” said MX Sports President Davey Coombs. “However, with the unfortunate injury to the defending champion, Ryan Villopoto, as well as our 2009 Champion Chad Reed, we are in store for yet another captivating summer with the best riders on the planet ready to give it their all in hopes of claiming the vacant title.”

With a pair of former champions in Ryan Dungey and James Stewart leading the way, the battle for the 450 Class title will no doubt be a dogfight throughout all 24 grueling motos. This duo has put forth the most statistically-dominant seasons since the days of Ricky Carmichael, with Dungey claiming 10 victories in 12 rounds during the 2010 championship and Stewart becoming just the second rider ever to compile a perfect season back during the 2008 campaign.

In the 250 Class, reigning champion Dean Wilson has had to overcome some adversity heading into his title defense at the Nationals. Behind him, the field of riders set to attack the Lucas Oil Motocross season in 2012 is arguably the most deeply-talented and successful field ever assembled. Former World Champions Marvin Musquin and Ken Roczen are determined to prove their mettle on American soil, while former race winners Blake Baggett, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac are eager to take the challenge head on.

The preview show marks the first broadcast of Lucas Oil Motocross on its new home with NBC Sports and will set the tone for an exciting summer of the most competitive motocross racing on the planet.

Tickets for all 12 rounds of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship can be found at www.allisports.com.

For additional information please visit AlliSports.com/motocross also, “like” the American Motocross Facebook page, “follow” @AmericanMX on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and information on the latest from Lucas Oil Motocross.

For media information about the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, please contact MX Sports Pro Racing via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world's most prestigious motocross series - the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The industry leader in off road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. Visit www.mxsportsproracing.com.

Alli Sports
Alli Sports is an action sports lifestyle brand whose mission is to connect fans with athletes and brands through best in class events, media, and authentic branded products. Alli Sports includes: the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour; Alli Media which creates, produces, and distributes original content; Alli Ride Shop an online retailer carrying top skate and BMX consumer products; and Alli MotoShop an online retailer carrying top moto consumer products. Alli Sports is owned by NBC Sports. More information can be found at www.allisports.com.

Lucas Oil Products
Lucas Oil is a worldwide leader in the production of oils, lubricants and additives. Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest-growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, featuring a premium line of oils, lubricants and problem-solving performance additives. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top-selling additive line in the American truck-stop industry. Lucas Oil is involved in an array of motorsports sponsorships, including the "Official Motor Oil of the Pro Motocross Championship." Visit www.LucasOil.com.

NBC Sports Group
When the Comcast-NBCUniversal transaction was completed in January of 2011, the broad reach and storied history of NBC Sports united with Comcast's 24/7 ability to super-serve fans to create the NBC Sports Group. The new sports media company consists of an array of broadcast television, cable television and digital sports assets, including NBC Sports & Olympics, Golf Channel, NBC Sports Network, 11 SportNets (regional sports networks) and their respective websites. Together, the new combined assets of the NBC Sports Group possess an unparalleled collection of television rights agreements, partnering with some of the most prestigious sports properties in the world: the Olympics, NFL, NHL, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, USGA, IndyCar, Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Wimbledon, French Open, Tour de France and Kentucky Derby.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.