San Diego, CA (January 17, 2012) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Off-Road team kicked off the start of the 2012 World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) season with Taylor Robert taking the Round 1 overall victory at Glen Helen Raceway in Devore, Calif. The two-day event saw Robert run away with the win on Saturday and settle for second on Sunday to finish first overall. The newest member of the team Bobby Garrison, remained consistent all weekend to take fourth overall, after going 4-4. Justin Soulé rounded out the top-five after having a weekend that started much better than it ended, going 3-5 over the weekend.

Familiar Territory

Last time the series stopped at the Glen Helen, Robert lead every lap of both races, so it was no surprise to see the No. 33 Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F out front over the weekend. Robert came flying out of the gate for the first 60-minute plus one lap race on Saturday and would round the first turn in second position. The leaders quickly started to inch away from the field as they battled the tricky Glen Helen course. The course included both of Glen Helen’s motocross tracks and an endurocross track all looped together. On lap four, Robert got a run on the leader heading up the largest of the course’s picturesque hills. He took over the lead and showed the raw power of his Kawasaki. Robert was able to maintain a six second gap on second all the way to the checkered flag.

“I picked up right where I left off here at Glen Helen,” said Robert. “You can never be sure how things will pan out at the first race, so I’m happy to get the win and am really excited for tomorrow.”

Setting the Pace

Carrying his momentum into Sunday, Robert got the holeshot, but was quickly shuffled back to second. Again, the top two riders would immediately start gapping the rest of the field, running a blistering pace that recorded lap times 10 seconds faster than the previous day. Once halfway, Robert jumped into the lead and started to pull away until a mistake in the endurocross section allowed the second place rider to reclaim the lead.

“Once I got back going I was about ten seconds back and couldn’t quite close the gap,” said Robert. “I was trying to find a place to make up time, but it was hard because we were running the exact same lines. I didn’t want to risk the overall so I just tried to stay consistent and the gap stayed the same until the end.”

Robert’s second on Sunday earned him first overall for the weekend and the points lead to start the season.

Strong Start

On paper it may look as though Garrison had a very boring weekend finishing 4-4 in the races and fourth overall, but his weekend was far from boring. In his first race with Monster Energy Kawasaki, Garrison would get a great start to come out right behind teammate Robert, but he couldn’t match the pace of the leaders. Garrison would pit first of his teammates, setting him back to fourth, but once the leaders pitted he was back within striking distance of third place. On the last lap, Garrison was wheel-to-wheel for third, but would come up short.

“I got off to a great start and starting pushing hard to stay with Taylor (Robert),” said Garrison. “I tried to sprint with him but couldn’t quite run his pace and I started to tighten up. I’ve been feeling really sick all day, but I’m happy with my finish and just really excited to be part of the team.”

It only took one lap of practice Saturday morning for the riders and track workers to discover a problem. A ridgeline section at the top of the track could not be reached by the water truck and was creating so much dust that the riders immediately deemed it “un-raceable” and dangerous. The officials agreed and took out the section, but track conditions were an issue all weekend for Soulé. He would start Saturday’s race up front with teammates Robert and Garrison and latch on to the tail of the leaders. Soulé and Garrison would battle back and forth for the majority of the race. Eventually Soulé put some time between him and Garrison and began closing in on second while posting the fastest lap time of the race. A last lap mistake would nearly put him on the ground, but Soulé recovered right in front of his teammate and would hold him off to finish third.

“I had a couple of really good battles for third, but would have liked to catch up to the leaders,” said Soulé. “I started struggling with the track towards the end of the race which almost cost me third place. Tomorrow will be a longer moto so I’m looking forward to staying strong until the end.”

After the struggles he faced late in Saturday’s race, Soulé decided to make some changes to his set up for Sunday where he battled within the top five for the entire 90 minutes. Soulé would finish fifth on Sunday to go fifth overall.

“Today was tough,” said Soulé. “We made some changes after Saturday’s race which didn’t end up helping us at all and I struggled to put consistent laps together. The team was great this weekend and we all made it out safe and healthy so I’m looking forward to the next round and hoping to show my full potential.”

Teamwork Pays Off

With a new rider and a couple new faces on team, the Monster Energy Kawasaki was evidently the most prepared and professional team in the pits. Together the team worked flawlessly, providing quick and efficient pit stops for the riders, giving them confidence and track position. Throughout the weekend, all three riders made up time in their pit stops where the competition normally loses time.

Maintaining Momentum

The 2012 WORCS series takes a four week break with racing resuming February 11-12 just outside Buffalo Bills Casino in Primm, Nev. The track is a favorite amongst all riders especially Garrison, who won both races last year and will be looking to repeat.

“I really like Primm,” said Garrison. “I have a track that I practice on that has identical conditions, so I know my bike will be set up perfect and my training will be ideal.”

“Primm is a really fun track,” said Robert. “I was right with Bobby (Garrison) last year so I’m looking forward to it. We get to pit in the parking lot of the casino as well, so it makes for a cool atmosphere.”

Kawasaki Ambassador

The fourth member of the team Destry Abbott, also kicked off his 2012 season with a second place finish at the Soboba Grand Prix in San Jacinto, Calif. For 2012, Abbott will be competing in various races throughout the year including WORCS and Hare & Hound instead of a complete series.

“The race was over two hours and once I got up into second I started feeling really good on the new 2012 Kawasaki KX450F,” said Abbott. “The course reminded me of racing in Europe with tons of different obstacles. There wasn’t one part that spectators weren’t lining the fence cheering you on, it was so much fun. I rode a bone stock 2012 Kawasaki KX450F with my race suspension, and I can honestly say it is the best bike I’ve ever ridden.”

Abbott is also considered a mentor to the young riders and even made it to Glen Helen on Saturday to cheer on his teammates and see Robert take the win, even though he had a race of his own on Sunday.

Maxima Racing Oils is proud to continued its long-standing relationship with Monster Energy Kawasaki. Maxima is the exclusive oil used by the off-road race team. Kawasaki uses Maxima Premium engine oil, Coolanol + Cool-Aide race coolants and Racing DOT 4 Hi-Temp brake fluid.

Results

2012 World Off Road Championship Series (WORCS) – Round 1
Glen Helen Raceway – Devore, Calif.
January 14-15, 2012

1. TAYLOR ROBERT, SCOTTDALE, ARIZ., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI (1-2)
2. Mike Brown, Bluff city, Tenn., KTM (2-3)
3. Kyle Summers, Florissant, Colo., Yamaha (5-1)
4. BOBBY GARRISON, HESPERIA, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI (4-4)
5. JUSTIN SOULÉ, VICTORVILLE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI (3-5)
6. ROBBY BELL, SUN CITY, CALIF., KAWASAKI (6-6)
7. RYAN ABBATOYE, RIDGECREST, CALIF., KAWASAKI (7-7)
8. Ross Neely, Chester, Calif., Yamaha (9-9)
9. GARY SUTHERLIN, BAKERSFIELD, CALIF., KAWASAKI (11-10)
10. Kailub Russel, Boonville, N.C., KTM (13-9)

This was shot in 720p HD over two days from four different camera angles using one camera. Processing was done in iMovie 11 on a MacBook Pro.

San Diego, CA – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., won the  Anaheim opener of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, before a sold-out crowd of 45,050 fans at Angel Stadium. Troy Less Designs/Honda’s Cole Seely, of Murrieta, Calif., dominated the opening race of the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class race en route to victory.

Villopoto, the defending class champion, opened the Supercross Class main event with the Nuclear Cowboyz^® Holeshot with Dodge/Sycuan Casino/Hart and Huntington Racing’s Ivan Tedesco and TwoTwo Motorsports/Honda’s Chad Reed following in second and third, respectively. Red Bull/KTM’s Ryan Dungey shot past Tedesco on the second lap as Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX’s James Stewart made up for a mid-pack start to secure fourth place.

While riding in third place, Dungey crashed and gave Stewart third place, but on lap 11, Dungey swung back around Stewart. Stewart once again found his way around Dungey on lap 14 before crashing on the following lap. Villopoto cruised to his second consecutive Anaheim opener win with a 12.2-second victory. Reed finished second and Dungey finished third.

“Villopoto made us look silly out here tonight,” said Reed. “I am just happy to get second place tonight in this field of riders.”

“It was a phenomenal night for me,” said Villopoto. “I didn’t have the heat race I wanted, so I didn’t have a great gate pick. Once I was out front I wanted to lay down fast laps and make no mistakes. I did make one small one, but overall, it was a great race for me.”

Maxima Oils is proud to partner with Ryan Villopoto and factory Monster Energy Kawasaki race team. Kawasaki uses Extra 15w50 Race Grade Synthetic engine oil in all of its factory powerplants. For more information on Maxima visit MaximaUSA.com.

San Diego, CA - With the 2012 AMA/FIM Monster Energy Supercross Series season kicking off this weekend at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, Maxima Racing Oils lubricated teams will once again be challenging for race wins and Supercross championships!

Monster Energy Kawasaki Returning to the Maxima family again this year (since 1994) is defending Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto and his Kawasaki teammate Jake Weimer. Ryan will be entering the season super fast and confident as he was the winningest rider in 2011, winning every championship he entered.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Mitch Payton’s lethal SX program is back – bigger and better than ever. Returning riders Blake Baggett, Dean Wilson and Tyla Rattray along with newcomer to the team Darryn Durham, will be challenging for the lites titles on both coasts. While last year’s West coast Lites Champion Broc Tickle returns to the Pro Circuit dynasty aboard a Kawasaki 450. The expansion of the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Team is sure to make 2012 extremely exciting.

Munn Racing KTM Munn Racing KTM is focused on building a solid team by signing Lance Vincent and Sean Hackley Jr. With two young talented riders, look for them to be a serious threat every time the gate drops.

KTM/Ohlins/Langston Motorsports Under the guidance of World and National champion Grant Langston, this new team should be challenging for wins and podium finishes on the East coast. Riders Les Smith, AJ Catanzaro and Taylor Futrell maybe young but have great speed and show promise for the future.

Team Tedder Racing A long-time member of the Maxima Racing program is Team Tedder Racing Kawasaki. This family owned team has made Maxima Racing Oils part of thier program since day one.  The Tedder program has taken what was an amateur program to the big league and is now going after AMA Supercross wins. Riders Myles Tedder and Dakota Tedder know what it takes to win and plan on surprising many teams.

ProFilter (Air and Oil Filters) is proud to welcome riders Nick Wey & Chris Blose! The Foremost Insurance/TiLube Racing Kawasaki riders Nick Wey and Chris Blose will be challenging the factory mounts in the premier 450 class for 2012.

About Maxima Racing Oils Developed in the USA and tested on the toughest tracks in the world, Maxima Racing Oils are proven to increased horsepower, prolong engine life and offer unsurpassed engine cleanliness. Maxima has been committed to MX & SX for over 30 years and is used by more factory teams, engine builders and racers. Know you’re running the best with championship winning products. Maxima – Race Grade Formulas.

About ProFilter Air and Oil Filters Looking beyond lubrication and with 40 years of racing heritage and market insight, the people at Maxima developed the ProFilter line with craftsmanship and product integrity in mind. Working with respected race teams and mechanics, ProFilter began the grueling process of product design, field development and materials durability testing. Hundreds of hours have brought forth a new product line helping to set a new industry standard for air and oil filtration. ProFilter is bred with the proven concepts of real world R&D, professional feedback and race inspired design and protection. Knowing how important proper maintenance is to ensuring long equipment life, ProFilter focused in on high-quality standards and practical applications.

San Diego, CA – 2011 Recap – USA Cycling’s Pro Gravity calendar (Pro GRT) finished at the end of August 2011 with the Northstar Downhill in Truckee, Calif. Finishing second at Northstar Cody Warren (Alpine, Calif./DRD X-Fusion Intense) earned the men’s overall title.

Logan Binggeli (Saint George, Utah/KHS Bicycle) won the men’s race to catapult himself from ninth place on June 27 to second place in the final men’s Pro GRT standings. Warren maintained his top position in the final standings after placing second in the race. Aaron Gwin (Temecula, Calif./Trek World Racing) finished the season tied with Curtis Keene (Capitola, Calif./Specialized-SRAM) for third in the rankings while Justin Leov (NZL/Trek World Racing) was fifth.

The course for the professional men and women started at 7,638 feet of elevation and covers 1,096 feet, finishing at mid-mountain of Northstar-at-Tahoe’s Moutain Bike Park – 6,542 feet of elevation.

Pro GRT Final 2011 Overall

Cody and Austin Warren join the DRD Intense team again for 2012. Cody will vie to back-up his 2011 title, while younger brother Austin looks to turn heads, challenging all comers-on.

Maxima Oils is proud to be a part of the DRD Intense MTB team. Team owner Dylan Dean does a remarkable job with the racing, MTB team and athletes.

DRD Intense Pro MTB team uses Maxima Syn Chain Guard, SC1, Clean-Up, Racing Fork & Shock Fluid, Special Grease SG-920, MPPL and new BIO Wash.

San Diego, CA – Notably one of the toughest races in the world, the 2012 Dakar Rally reaches mind blowing terrain in Peru, Chile and Argentina. Maxima pilots from Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina continue their efforts for a finish and a win.

The Dakar Rally is a unique human exploit of which the history has been created in the heart of some of the world’s most stunning deserts and belongs to the world of the greatest sports challenges of our time. Both a motor race and an orienteering challenge, the Dakar Rally pits some of the world’s greatest long- distance rally drivers against amateur competitors, for whom the race is often the culmination of their dreams and who come to take up the challenge with their motorcycles, quads, cars and trucks. The challenge attracts competitors of more than 50 nationalities, who are watched on television by over a billion viewers in 190 countries.

More than just a simple question of racing and speed, the Dakar requires off-piste navigational skills and consistency. In the long-distance rally discipline, endurance prevails and the slightest mistake costs dearly. This combination of physical toughness and technical performance has, for almost thirty years, attracted champions from different horizons, who are all keen to measure themselves against each other and tackle this unique event. The former WRC world champion, Ari Vatanen, found the key to success; Stéphane Peterhansel, an outstanding jack of all trades at the beginning of his career, has become the indisputable expert of the rally; Cyril Despres has climbed onto the highest step of the podium; the world skiing champion Luc Alphand successfully completed his apprenticeship of the desert, just like the two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz; Robby Gordon, the American Nascar champion, has also turned his focus towards an ultimate objective: winning the Dakar.

Like the mountains or the oceans, the wide open spaces inspire “the adventurers”. Entering the Dakar is, in a certain way, like climbing Everest, sailing round the globe or rowing round the world. The places on the final podium represent an exceptional challenge, sometimes that of a lifetime. Apart from the rankings, all the competitors are motivated by this resolute desire, an almost crazy dream. Whether they are motorcyclists, car and truck drivers, or quad bike riders, they all share this ambition, a feeling that brings them together. The tradition of solidarity, a principle which is one of the pillars of the “Dakar Spirit”, stems from this shared passion: despite the linguistic barriers, on this level the competitors all speak the same language.

Founded in Africa, where it built up its legend, the Dakar is by nature attracted to the unknown. The discovery of regions, countries and continents, a rationale of the event, has pushed the Dakar to take a new direction. The Sahara fascinated competitors for almost thirty years, but now the Dakar is attempting to conquer other continents, with an unfailing will to surprise. Having become a nomadic international event, the Dakar draws on a thirst for interaction and the open-mindedness of its competitors, who all crave to explore the deserts of the world.

San Diego, CA – In a time of uncertainty surrounding professional motorsports, there is one constant. Thomas Brown will be wearing Blue again in 2012. TBROWN RACING has once again joined forces with YAMAHA RACING and Thomas will be putting his YFZ450R up front in the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Series. TBROWN YAMAHA has partnered with some of the top names in ATV racing, and longtime supporters like JB Racing, Maxxis, Golden West Cycle, Maxima Oils, and Rath Racing  are excited about the upcoming season.

Moto Xperts will handle Thomas’s motor program for 2012. Thomas joined forces with Toby Reed last year and after much development and hard work, ended the year with strong podium finishes and strong motors.

Bill Ballance and his crew will be handling the suspension development again this season. Ballance Racing has stepped up with exceptional support and knowledge on the YFZ450R. In the handling department, Thomas will again put his trust in JB Racing components as he has for many years to handle the rough terrain associated with ATV MX. Ohlins will be back onboard with TBROWN YAMAHA. “We are extremely pleased with the technology and performance of their shocks and glad to have them back.”

TBROWN YAMAHA would like to thank the following companies for their support in the upcoming AMA ATV MX SERIES. YAMAHA, Ballance Racing, Moto Xperts, Golden West Cycles, JB Racing, Maxxis, Ohlins, Maxima Oils, Hiper Wheels, Fly Racing, Precision, SSI Decals, Fuel Customs, and GYTR. Other support deals are in the works… More info soon.

TBROWN YAMAHA is a Professional team.  We have put together a solid team of industry professionals and sponsors for 2012. Our goal is to win races and have a positive impact on the sport of ATV MX. We are constantly striving to improve our program and will release news of new partnerships and developments as they happen.

San Diego, CA – As the dust settles on another great year for the General Tire TROPHYLITE Race Series a new champion is crowned.  The apple didn’t fall too far from the tree in the Messer family and Troy Messer is living proof.  Troy takes the rein as champion from his father Gary Messer who was our 2011 General Tire TROPHYLITE Race Series Champion.  We saw some of the best and closest racing in the 2011 season for the TROPHYLITE R-4 class and it brings us yet another champion to add to the coveted list of winners.

The racing at the Best in the Desert Transit West Ford Henderson 250 was great and started out with some tight battles for the lead early.  The Championship battle going into this event was between Troy Messer and the team of Steve and Joe Hengeveld.  An early electrical problem caused an early retirement for the Hengeveld team.  This was a shock to everyone since the Hengevelds have finished every race they have entered since joining the TROPHYLITE family. “We always finish races, this is just not who we are” commented Joe Hengeveld when asked about the problems they encountered.

Troy Messer crossed the finish line first in class and won the race and that was exactly what he needed to clinch the championship.  At the finish line Troy was interviewed. “First I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  I also want to thank everyone on the Messer team and everyone from TROPHYLITE for an awesome year of racing.  Its great to win and get the championship.  I know my dad and my team will be excited. “  commented Troy when asked about his win.

With the close of another great season for the General Tire TROPHYLITE Race Series we set our eyes on the future.  The 2012 race schedule will be one of the toughest in the history of TROPHYLITE and teams will have to endure 3 of the longest and toughest races in all of off-road racing.  Look for some new teams in the TROPHYLITE family for 2012 and some great racing.

2010 TROPHYLITESseries Champion. Gary Messer is the team owner and driver of the 6017 truck. Gary and his son Troy Messer have a two truck team that is always fast.

2011 TROPHYLITE Series Champion. Troy Messer is the son of fellow TROPHYLITE racer Gary Messer. 2nd generation driver in the TROPHYLITE series.  Troy has picked up where his championship family has led him with several wins already and showing a great competitive spirit.

Messer Motorsports is supported by Bear Race Cars and Maxima Racing Oils.

The 2012 General Tire TROPHYLITE Race Series schedule has been announced.  The TROPHYLITE teams will enjoy some of the best and most competitive races in all of off-road racing.  The 2012 General Tire TROPHYLITE Race Series is packed with some of the longest and most challenging races including the General Tire Mint 400, The Blue Water Resort and Casino Parker 425, and the coveted “Vegas to Reno” the longest off-road race in the United States.