Latest News GEICO Powersports and Monster Energy step up as primary sponsors of MiniMotoSX! More than 600 racers from 12 countries and yet another sellout at the ’09 Orleans Arena MMSX has all signs pointing at another hugely successful event for 2010! ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2010) – MiniMotoSX welcomes two loyal sponsors back to the World’s biggest mini bike race™ as MX industry titans GEICO Powersports and Monster Energy have stepped up as the title and presenting sponsors, respectively, of the 2010 GEICO MiniMotoSX, presented by Monster Energy, set for Friday, May 7th at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena. “The level at which both GEICO Powersports and Monster Energy came on board with MiniMotoSX this year is a direct testament to how big this event’s become, as well as the staying power of mini bike racing in the motocross industry,” said Lance Bryson, Director of Sales & Marketing for GEICO EnduroCross. “MiniMotoSX looks forward to partnering on various promotions with GEICO Powersports and Monster Energy in the coming months, culminating with MiniMotoSX kicking off the weekend’s festivities at the final round of Monster Energy Supercross.” New for 2010 will be the MMSX World Final race intended to crown the fastest mini bike racer on the planet. The top three Youth and Expert 10” and 12” riders will be joined by the top ten international racers for one insane main event with $5,000 in podium prize money at stake for the Experts! “The new World Final will be the war to settle the score as to a year’s worth of bragging rights to the coveted King of MMSX,” said Source Interlink Media’s Mike Karsting. “United States’ best versus the top international riders. You couldn’t ask for a more thrilling gate to cap off the night’s show!” Also, for the first time ever, MMSX at the Orleans will feature electric bikes competing head-to-head with the combustion bikes in the 16” class. After years of being an exhibition class, electric bikes will finally get the chance to see if they can hold it down against the gasoline-powered bikes. Will they be able to keep up? Could they dominate? Are they gonna get waxed? You’ll have to be in Vegas on May 7th to find out! Maxxis MiniMotoSX announces its 2010 competition date: May 7th at Las Vegas ’ Orleans Arena! More than 600 racers from 12 countries and yet another sellout at the ’09 Orleans Arena MMSX has all signs pointing at another hugely successful event for 2010! ANAHEIM, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2009) – Maxxis MiniMotoSX announced today its 2010 competition date, Friday, May 7th at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena for another installment of the world’s biggest mini bike race! New for 2010 will be the MMSX World Final class intended to crown the fastest mini bike racer on the planet. The top three Youth and Expert 10” and 12” riders will be joined by the top ten international racers for one insane main event with $5,000 in podium prize money at stake for the Experts! “The new World Final will be the war to settle the score as to a year’s worth of bragging rights to the coveted World Champion MMSX belt,” said Source Interlink Media’s Mike Karsting. “ United States ’ best versus the top international riders. You couldn’t ask for a more thrilling gate to cap off the night’s show!” The MMSX at the Orleans also features, for the first time, electric bikes competing head-to-head with the combustion bikes in the 16” class. After years of being an exhibition class, electric bikes will finally get the chance to see if they can hold it down against the gasoline-powered bikes. Will they be able to keep up? Could they dominate? Are they gonna get waxed? You’ll have to be in Vegas on May 7th to find out! NOTE: The event track map is posted on www.minimotosx.com Riders can sign up now and save money! Twenty bucks ($80 vs. $100) if you register before January, 2010. The annual AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX is the largest indoor motorsports competition of its kind. With more than 600 registered riders in 2009 the event literally allows for mini bike enthusiasts to become part of the show. As one racer put it: “At MiniMotoSX you don’t just show up and watch racing in Vegas – you boot up and get on the track yourself to race in front of a packed house at the Orleans.” Featuring numerous classes at all age and ability levels, AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX delivers an unforgettable day of racing action for both fans and racers alike, along with an affordable ‘Vegas experience’ given the hotel and ticket package at the Orleans Hotel and Arena. Registration for the event is open right now on www.minimotosx.com Michael Blose and Ryan Abrigo split MiniMotoSX Expert Finals at the Maxxis MiniMotoSX! Blose wins 12 inch Expert final and Abrigo wins 10 inch Expert final
Las Vegas NV (Friday, May 1st) – A sold out crowd at the Orleans Arena witnessed an action packed night of fifteen main events. Red Baron Racing’s Michael Blose dominated the premier 12-inch expert class over Monster Energy/BBR’s Tim Weigand and Red Baron teammate David Pingree. Monster Energy/BBR’s Ryan Abrigo, a consistent front runner at major Mini events, finally won the big one by topping the 10-inch Expert class over defending champion Derek Costella and Ryan Beat. Jason Lawrence, the bad boy of Supercross showed a lot of speed but could not avoid controversy as he began a block passing session with several riders and eventually finished sixteenth. Victor Sheldon stole the Vet 35+ Expert class with a last lap pass on Ricky Lee, who accidentally hit his kill switch while leading. The women’s class was won by Erika Short who took the lead late in the race when Jackie Ives crashed spectacularly near the end of the race. The first multi manufacturer Electric bike race was won by Brian Roth on a Quantya over fellow Quantya rider David Lodermeier and Zero mounted Blake Mitchell who finished second and third respectively. Overall Results by class 10” Stock/Mod 1. Clint Johnson, Red Lion PA
35 Plus 1. Victor Sheldon, Vista, Ca.
10” Amateur 1. Kevin Bosch, Chino, CA
16” Stock/Mod 1. Scott Burnworth, Jamul, CA
12” Stock/Mod 1. Randy Pekarek, Phoenix, OR
8” Amateur Vintage 1. Derek Rose, Casco, MI
12” Amateur 1. David Segers, Belgium
Women 1. Erika Short, Lemon Grove, CA
Electric Bike 1. Brian Roth, Sacramento, CA
10” Expert 1. Brian Abrigo, Snohomish, WA
12” Youth Stock/Mod 1. James Gardiner, Las Vegas, NV
12” Youth 1. Blake Bagget, Grand Terrace, CA
10” Youth 1. Blake Bagget, Grand Terrance, CA
12” Expert 1. Michael Blose, Phoenix, AZ
Baja Designs Mini Night Race 1. Kyle Coen, Auburn, WA
ANAHEIM, Calif. (May 1, 2009) – Barely having set foot in Vegas, Maxxis MiniMotoSX racer Jason Lawrence is already going to have to answer to the Sheriff. Three-time Arenacross champion Josh “The Sheriff” Demuth, all 6’-1”, 190 pounds of him, is going to take a stab at racing the “Biggest mini bike race in the world.” So look out JLaw – and everyone else looking to run afoul of Demuth’s on-track law! “I’ve sat in the stands a couple times and watched this event, always thought to myself ‘Man, that would be a blast to race this,’” said Demuth, winner of two AMA AX titles and the Boo Koo AX title. “So here I am. Not too sure how it’s gonna go, but it’ll for sure be a lot of fun.” Demuth got things dialed with MMSX earlier this year at the Baltimore Arenacross. Pitted next to the guys from 2-Up Minis out of Culpepper, Va., the two camps were talking and next thing you know 2-Up’s offering Demuth a 12” Expert bike to ride at the Vegas MMSX. As for the racing, you can bet the AX champ and biggest kid on the MMSX playground is not going to back down when it comes to running at the 12” title. “There’s a lot of money on the line, so I’m going to race it like anything else,” said Demuth. Nearly a dozen countries will be representing at Maxxis MiniMotoSX, making the event a truly international mini bike racing championship. Leading the European charge, as they so often do in supercross, is France and Europe’s top mini cycle racer, Mike Valade (no relation to Michigan Mafia members Ryan and Randy Valade). Valade made the podium last year at MMSX and is joined by fellow French greats Alex Barbosa and Jimmy Peyras. Another notable international racer is Monster Energy’s Blake “Bilko” Williams, an X Games FMX medalist and longtime mini bike enthusiast. Along with more than 600 of our homegrown guys and gals, here’s the other countries that have a number of athletes racing MMSX: Australia (2), Estonia (7), Italy (1), France (10), Belgium (3), Russia (1), England (1), Sweden (1), UK (2) and Canada (1). Girl fight! Well, not yet at least. But the women’s class just got a bit more interesting as Monster Energy’s top female racer, Sara Price, has just signed up for MMSX and should start an instant rivalry with women’s MX star Ashley Fiolek (Red Bull). The 16-year-old Price, who just got her AMA pro license to race the WMA series this summer, is no stranger to mini bike racing, having won a number of contests in addition to her stellar MX amateur nationals results on the full size bikes. This will be the first time Price and Fiolek have met in a cash prize mini bike race. Said Price: “I’m excited to go to Vegas for the MiniMotoSX and have some fun before getting back to training for the Pro Nationals,” said Price, who races for Monster Energy/Kawasaki/Team Green on the full size bikes. “I’m ready to give the crowd a good race and hoping to get a win.” The e-race is back on! Last year MMSX showcased the unbelievable Zero electric motorcycles in action between four U.S. MX journalists (on the electric bikes) and former MX star Sebatien Tortelli. Ryan Dudek ended up winning on a Zero, which prompted involvement this year from the Swiss-based Quantya (electric MX bike) company. So this year there’s two electric MX bike manufacturers that will go head-to-head in what’s believed to be the first factory vs. factory e-race of its kind! “The e-race is back and bigger than ever,” said MMSX’s Eric Peronnard. “The first year (‘07) Jeff Emig won, last year we had a team race and this year we have two different e-bike factories going at it with an MMSX record TEN bikes entered!” World’s Top Mini Bike Racer, Monster/BBR’s Derek Costella, Set To Defend His 10 & 12” MMSX Titles In Vegas Friday! ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 29, 2009) – The reigning king of mini bike racing, Monster Energy/BBR’s Derek Costella, is on his way to Vegas’ Orleans Arena to defend the world’s premier mini bike titles – 10” and 12” Expert – at this Friday’s (May 1st) Maxxis MiniMotoSX against such notable mini bike racing names as Browning, Beat, Abrigo, Blose, Weigand and, quite possibly, JLaw. A three-time consecutive 12” champ, the easy-going Costella, who qualified this year for a number of WSX Lites main events on the Monster Energy Supercross tour on his Carter Powersports/Monster/All Access/Fox Honda, is the sport of mini cycle racing’s marquee name these days. A motocrosser since age 12, the 25-year-old Costella figures he’s been riding minis for six years, racing MMSX for the first time in ‘05. On a bike thrown together by a friend (Charlie Rennie), Costella managed to make the main event, but crashed (“Just couldn’t put it together in the race,” he said.). Costella’s hyper-fast lap times did, however, catch the eye of the industry. “BBR approached me and offered to build me a bike for the following MMSX (’06),” said Costella. “That year I got a 2nd and a 1st – beat McGrath.” Costella’s 2nd was in the 10” class, and his win over McGrath in the 12” class would begin a three-year reign of terror on the 12” bikes for Costella. “It was amazing beating McGrath,” said Costella. “He’s a super nice guy, gave me his phone number afterwards, told me to call him if I ever want to go out and ride when I’m in southern California. I’ve always looked up to that guy, so it was indescribable when I actually beat him.” In 2007 Costella and McGrath teamed up on the newly-formed Monster Energy/BBR team and Costella successfully defended his 12” title, but faltered in the 10”, getting 4th. The 2008 MMSX featured Costella getting the 10 “ class monkey off his back, winning the first time in his career. “The main goal last year was to win the 10” championship – really wanted to win that,” said Costella. “When I went out there and did that I was so pumped, didn’t even really think much about the 12”, but ended up winning a championship in that one as well.” Note: Costella was the first racer in the history of MMSX to sweep both premier 10” & 12” Expert classes in one night. So with three-straight 12” titles, Costella’s ready to get back after it here on Friday at the Orleans as the most successful racer in MMSX history. And what makes him so good? “I don’t know, really,” he said. “One theory that I have that’s cool about mini bikes is anybody can buy the best equipment to make their bikes go fast, whereas in supercross you’re racing against factory equipment that you have no chance of getting. So on mini bikes when you get beat it’s by another rider, and I can handle that. And when you do well it helps with your confidence, so that, along with the help from BBR, is why I think I’ve been successful the last few years.” Costella’s basically your average-size motocross racer (5’-8”, 145 pounds). The fact that he rips on a full size dirt bike is a given – all those guys do. So he’s quick to give props to BBR in helping him complete the MMSX success package. “BBR has the best equipment out there. Everyone wants to be on a BBR bike,” he says. “They put more time, effort and testing into everything they build. I mean, even the owners (Brent, Duane and Chris Brown) ride and test on top of what we do.” On Browning: “He’s a really, really fast guy,” said Costella. “But he’s always had either something happen to his bike, or got taken out – so he really hasn’t gotten a fair shot to win one out there. He’s one of about ten guys out there that can win this thing.” And on Lawrence? Costella didn’t hesitate: “He’s just another guy. I’m not too worried about it at all. Maybe he’ll be one of those ten guys - we’ll have to see how he rides when that day comes.” Top Women’s MX Racer Ashley Fiolek Commits To MMSX! The 18-year-old Floridian, arguably the fastest woman motocross racer in the world, will boot up and race against the top women mini bikers in MMSX action at the Orleans Arena this Friday! ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 27, 2009) – POW! Just like that the women’s class at this Friday’s Maxxis MiniMotoSX just got real interesting as star women’s motocross racer, Ashley Fiolek, has committed to contest the MMW (women’s) division at Las Vegas ’ Orleans Arena, May 1st. The 18-year-old Fiolek, running a custom 110cc CHP-design mini bike, says she’s stoked on being part of the biggest mini bike race in the world and looks forward to elite competition she’s going to face at Maxxis MiniMotoSX at the Orleans . “This is really my first time racing a mini bike at an event like this,” said Fiolek. “I have raced the pit bike race at some of the amateur nationals when I was younger, but nothing like this. I’m really excited to be a part of the MiniMotoSX – it’s going to be so much fun!” To reach the top of the MMSX women’s podium Fiolek will have to get past defending champ Tatum Sik ( Temecula , Calif. ) The Kawasaki-mounted Sik and the Honda-mounted Fiolek will add some industry color to the women’s main event, as will supercross model/spokeswoman Erin Normoyle and global women’s MX star, Australian Tania Satchwell. “CHP hooked me up with the sickest bike ever – it rips!,” added Fiolek, whose primary sponsor is Honda Red Bull Racing. “I don’t have any experience racing pit bikes at this level, but from what I’ve heard the riders go way fast. So I think the competition’s going to be really good. I’ve been training for the WMA here this summer and FIM in Europe , so I think I am ready to go have some fun – and, of course, try to win!” Added Mike Karsting, Vice President of Events at Source Interlink Media, the producers and promoters of Maxxis MiniMotoSX: “Ashley has no idea how much fun she’s going to have. We’re thrilled to have her on board and wish her the best of luck this Friday at the Orleans .” Vegas’ Pole Position Raceway To Host Maxxis MiniMotoSX’s Pre-Race Party – Sponsored By Monster Energy & Open To The Public! The go-kart racing at Pole Position is insane, with high-performance electric karts that reach speeds approaching 50 mph…add a bunch of dirt bikers hot wired on Monster product and be prepared to watch the sparks fly! ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 27, 2009) – Maxxis MiniMotoSX will again kick off it’s racing festivities for the May 1st headliner event at the Orleans Arena with a rip-roarin’, high-speed party at Las Vegas’ Pole Position Raceway – a full-on, open-to-the-public participatory racing event hosted by MMSX sponsor, Monster Energy. What: Maxxis MiniMotoSX Pre-Race Party, hosted by Monster Energy When: Thurs., April 30th Where: Vegas’ Pole Position Raceway (www.polepositionraceway.com) Time: 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cost: There is no admission and the event is open to the public. $5 off racing coupons are available online at www.minimotosx.com Dubbed the “Best indoor kart track in the United States, Pole Position Raceway is well within walking distance of MMSX’s host – the Orleans Arena. Boasting a wide range of racing memorabilia from the top stars of NASCAR, IndyCar and Monster Energy Supercross, Pole Position has become a mainstay for motorsports enthusiasts in town for the big dirt bike racing weekend.. “Pole Position Raceway has become a hangout for some of the world's fastest racers," said Ken Faught, president and co-founder of the chain of indoor kart tracks and former editor-in-chief of Dirt Rider magazine. "Travis Pastrana, James Stewart & Chad Reed are regulars and we expect to see a lot of guys this week because of the big events that are in town.” Familiar names to MMSX fans that helped create Pole Position Raceway include: Monster Supercross champs Jeremy “Showtime” McGrath (himself a former MMSX racer!) and Chad Reed, outdoor champs Grant Langston and Greg Albertyn, along with FMX stars Mike Metzger and Kenny Bartram. “Mini bikes and go-karts - you can’t ask for more fun than that,” said Mike Karsting, Vice President of Events at Source Interlink Media. “The action at Pole Position gets intense, so even if you’re not racing it’s fun to just come out and watch everyone go at it. But take note - print out that $5 off coupon before you come, because once you’re there for a bit you’re definitely going to want to get in on the racing!” Jason Lawrence & BBR Motorsports Team Up For Run @ Maxxis MiniMotoSX Title! Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing WSX champ is registered to race Vegas’ MMSX on a custom BBR ‘works’ 110 AUBURN, Wash., (April 21, 2009) – Officials at BBR (Brown Brothers Racing) Motorsports announced today that defending WSX Lites champion, Jason Lawrence (Boost Mobile/ampm/Monster Energy/Troy Racing) is registered and will contest the premier MME-12, or expert 12” wheel class, on a ‘works’ BBR/Monster Energy V3 Perimeter 110/160 4-Valve at the upcoming Maxxis MiniMotoSX at Vegas’ Orleans Arena, Friday, May 1st. BBR, the industry leader in adult four-stroke playbike performance technology, and Lawrence got together when Lawrence showed some interest in possibly checking out the MMSX on Friday prior to the Monster Energy Supercross finals in Vegas the following day. “I thought it’d be something fun to check out,” said Lawrence of the MMSX. “BBR was down with setting up a bike for me and I thought ‘Yeah, let’s go for it.’” With a free ride to the finals if he so chooses (MMSX promoters’ ruling regarding SX/MX champs racing MMSX), Lawrence can step in and, with the same amount of practice time all the other pros get on Thursday prior to the race, see if he can top the likes of defending champ – BBR’s Derek Costella. Or, if Lawrence decides to go the qualifier route, he’ll get some more saddle time on the custom #338 BBR MM12E bike. “Yeah, I haven’t really thought about that yet,” said Lawrence of his MMSX strategy. “I’ve got a couple mini bikes, but I’m sure they’re not nearly as fast as what BBR’s putting together for me. I’m pumped to ride it, really. Friday at the Orleans is gonna be a blast.” “While Jason’s no stranger to high level competition, we wanted to make sure he’s outfitted with the best, most competitive bike we could possibly create to line up for the MiniMotoSX,” said BBR’s Duane Brown. “Everything the Monster Energy/BBR Race Team and BBR Factory Team guys have access to, we’ve engineered into the #338 bike for Jason. And I think I speak for everyone not only here at BBR, but in the entire MX industry, that we can’t wait to see how Jason does against the world’s top mini bike racers in Vegas.” Pitting under the BBR banner at Vegas along with Lawrence and Costella will be Ryan Abrigo, Derek Rose, Jason Anderson (Monster/BBR), Tim Weigand and Victor Sheldon (BBR Factory) along with the all the other BBR factory team riders. 2009 Maxxis MiniMotoSX Track Design Gets Stamp Of Approval From Two-Time Defending Champ – Las Vegas ’ Own Derek Costella! “I think the MiniMotoSX gang did a great job designing a faster track with good open lanes for plenty of bar-banging and great passing opportunities,” says Costella ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 8, 2009) – Officials at Source Interlink Media, producers and promoters of the wildly popular Maxxis MiniMotoSX, today released an artist’s rendition of the upcoming MMSX at Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena, May 1st. “I think the MiniMotoSX gang did a great job designing a faster track with good open lanes for plenty of bar-banging and great passing opportunities,” said Costella. “The new track should provide great racing action for the fans.” Utilizing more than 1,000 cubic yards of dirt the MMSX track, built by Schaeffer Tracks, at the Orleans Arena will take three days to construct and eight hours to remove. Some 250 Tuff Blocks will be used to divide the lanes, along with 700 feet of hydro-barrier to protect the riders from the arena floor walls. Maxxis MiniMotoSX Welcomes Geico As Presenting Sponsor ANAHEIM, Calif. (April 2, 2009) – GEICO Powersports – the motorcycle-friendly insurance company - is on board as a presenting sponsor for America’s No. 1 participatory indoor motorsports event, MMSX – set for Vegas’ Orleans Arena on May 1st. “GEICO Powersports is certainly looking forward to its return to this innovative and wildly popular motorsports event at the Orleans ,” said Eric Vaden, GEICO Powersports Marketing. “MiniMotoSX is one of those events that you just have to see to really get the feel for the passion and competitiveness that these athletes of all ages share. We feel and share that same passion at GEICO Powersports and are proud to be a part of the Maxxis MiniMotoSX again this year.” In its second year with MiniMotoSX, GEICO is one of the largest providers of private passenger auto insurance in the United States . The company’s also heavily involved in providing insurance for motorcycle, RV and ATV owners through their GEICO Powersports line of products. “GEICO’s horsepower in the motorcycle industry is undeniable,” said Lance Bryson , Director of Sales & Marketing MMSX. “And not only are they very generous with their sponsorship efforts through MiniMotoSX in raising the purse for the athletes that’ll be competing at the Orleans on May 1st, they also provide motorcyclists and powersports enthusiasts with some of the best rates and most comprehensive coverage out there.” Classic Honda Products’ (CHP) Willy Browning: Recently Crowned AMA Arenacross Lites Champion Turns Maxxis MiniMotoSX Challenger ANAHEIM, Calif. (March, 2009) – When it comes right down to it, Ohio’s Willy Browning is as fast as anyone out there on a minibike – and the industry’s looking forward to seeing how the east’s most decorated minibike racer stacks up against the west’s top guys when Maxxis AMA MiniMotoSX – America’s No. 1 participatory indoor motorsports event – goes off at Vegas’ Orleans Arena on May 1st. A former MMSX runner-up (2004), Browning - 5’-5” and 135 pounds of pure speed - is not only built for the sport of mini or ‘pitbike’ racing, he’s also parlayed it into a successful sidebar story to his big bike racing career…a career that hits its pinnacle this past week when he captured the 2009 AMA Arenacross Lites championship for the Suzuki City/SpineChillers team. Browning, 24, figures this’ll be his fifth year racing mini bikes. Although if you track it back to the yellow Yamaha PW-50 with the #1 number plate his dad got him when he was three-years old, then you could probably tack on a few more years to that initial figure. “I rode that bike (PW-50) around a little bit, bounced off a few things in the garage, took a couple other good spills – so we put it up for a year until I was like four,” said Browning. “Then we broke it out at this local supercross track, Action Sports (near Pleasantville, Ohio), when I was four-and-a-half and started riding there and have been racing ever since.” That little PW-50 made it all the way to Tennessee a bunch of times, to a ranch owned by famed country singer Loretta Lynn. Browning wrung everything he could out of that minibike, bringing home a couple top-five overall AMA Amateur MX National Championship finishes in the process. Minibikes would eventually give way to 65s and 80s and Browning continued to shine, collecting a couple more top-five finishes in the 12-13 and 14-15 80cc class national championships at Loretta’s. Fast forward back up to 2005 and Browning got a call from an MX industry photographer buddy regarding teaming up on a story for a then-new Source Interlink Media publication focused exclusively on the now-burgeoning sport of minibike racing. “I think around four years ago was my very first race, right when MiniMoto Magazine first came out,” recalled Browning. “Prior to that I always had a Z-50 or XR-50 around that I’d goof around on in the backyard. But when Mini Moto came out my buddy Jeff Kardas was working for them and we did an article together, built a 50 with CHP – and they’d also build me a 110, without ever seeing me ride. This was all around the second MiniMotoSX.” So Browning was dialed and diggin’ racing the minibike scene. He’d race the second MMSX, then begin a reign of dominance over another minibike racing event that still holds strong today. “The Vegas (MMSX) race has always been real fun, even though that race doesn’t ever really go my way (Browning’s best finish was 2nd the year Chris Gosselaar won, ‘04),” said Browning of his minibike racing highlights thus far. “Hopefully that’ll change this year. And I’ve won that Texas Pit Bike National the last four years, so that’s been cool – made some good money at that.” So what does it take to make the transition from AX champ to challenging for this year’s coveted MMSX crown? In Browning’s case a lot less than you’d think. “I’ll be totally honest, I hardly ever ride the things. I throw a leg over maybe once or twice before I go out to Vegas or any other big races,” said Browning. “I dunno, it just kind of comes natural I guess. Because I’m small and don’t weigh much, that helps. But the biggest thing is that my bikes are so good.” Browning can’t sing the praises of his minibike sponsor – CHP – enough. Ever since the Texas-based company got him dialed on a 50 and 110, Browning has been a ‘haulin’ butt’ billboard/success story for the minibike hop up company. His results speak for themselves, but Browning says he wouldn’t have achieved such lofty status had it not been for the hyperfast minis CHP builds him. “CHP man, I swear to god I don’t think there’s a better bike out there than what they can build me,” he said. “My motors are durable. I basically change the oil in my bikes and that’s it. Pretty much the ticket, really. And this year we’re working with the Fox Shocks guys to dial in our rear shock and front forks. But I can’t say enough about CHP. Pretty crazy how much they’ve done for me.” Browning will face a formidable task in unseeding the reigning MMSX champ, Derek Costella from CHP’s chief rival in the minibike aftermarket industry – BBR. So, like with the Suzuki vs. Yamaha Reed vs. Bubba showdown happening in Monster Energy Supercross, the same stands for this one winners-take-all showdown on minibikes in Vegas next month. “The usuals,” said Browning on who’s favored to take MMSX this year. “Costella, (Ryan) Abrigo (Browning pauses)…shoot, I don’t even really know. Don’t keep up on it. But anybody can win that race. From a no-name to a big name.” Browning figures that, much like with the big bikes in AX and SX, the start is key to success at the Vegas MMSX. “You always need a good start,” he said. “You get a good start and you can almost always walk away with it. And make sure your shoes are tied tight. Last year somebody in the first turn ran up on my shoe and pulled it off. I had to go a half lap then come back and pick it up. So that was pretty interesting.” And what would happen if the two squared off on big bikes? “I’ve never actually raced him,” said Browning of Costella. “He’s a West Coast guy. Maybe we’ll meet at a West Coast or something sometime. But I dunno…not sure what schedule I’m going to do next year.” One thing’s for sure, Browning will bask in the glow of his AX title in the coming weeks, then will break out his 110 – at least a couple times – before he, Costella and the other top minibike racers get set to throw down in Vegas. Browning vs. Costella…CHP vs. BBR…East vs. West…it’s gonna be big, you can count on it! Monster Energy’s on board as presenting sponsor for both Source Interlink Media’s AMA Maxxis MiniMotoSX and AMA EnduroCross Popular energy drink company’s iconic M-claw logo acts as a “glowing green welcome sign” to action sports-minded young people – the targeted demographic for MMSX & EnduroCross ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 18, 2009) – Officials at Source Interlink Media announced today that Monster Energy is back on board as the presenting sponsor for both the AMA Maxxis MiniMotoSX and AMA EnduroCross Series, effective immediately.
America’s energy drink leader - No. 1 by-volume in sales – Monster Energy is, hands down, the American motorcycle industry’s most generous outside-the-industry sponsor of off road competition events, as well as a significant number of the teams and athletes that make up the various forms of dirt-based racing here in the States.
“We can’t begin to tell you the importance of MiniMotoSX and EnduroCross’ alliance with Monster Energy,” said Lance Bryson , Director of Sales and Marketing for Source Interlink Media. “Monster Energy adds a edginess as well as a legitimacy to the two properties that reaches far beyond what many people realize, such as introducing us to legions of action sports fans through the Monster Army.
“Putting the M-claw logo on MiniMotoSX and EnduroCross is like stamping it with a big, glowing green welcome sign for active young men ages 14 to 27 – our most coveted demographic age range.”
The contract between MiniMotoSX and EnduroCross extends the already multi-year relationship the energy drink giant has enjoyed with the two Source Interlink Media properties. This in addition to the teams and athletes Monster Energy already sponsors that participate in the action, including Monster Energy/BBR and it’s top-ranked mini bike Willy Browning, Timmy Weigandt and Derek Costella - (with a possible appearance by Jeremy “Showtime” McGrath). And in EnduroCross Monster Energy fuels the series’ top team, Monster Energy/Kawasaki, made up of the series’ defending champion, Ricky Dietrich, and his teammates Damon Huffman and Destry Abbott. “We’ve found that both MiniMotoSX and EnduroCross bring a great deal of value for our sponsorship dollar. Each property’s professionally run and presented in a way to the fans that brings them back every year,” said John Lee, Director of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy. “We’ve been with both properties since their inception and have enjoyed sharing in the growth of their brands as well as ours.” Held annually at the Orleans Arena on the Friday of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross weekend, the MiniMotoSX takes Monster Energy Supercross down a size in regards to the bikes and the track, but certainly not the excitement level. Having been referred to as “the best racing in Las Vegas” by a very prominent industry magazine, the AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX, presented by Monster Energy, is now it’s fifth year, has sold the Orleans Arena out nearly each year and boasts more than 500 individual racers!
What’s this? An indoor NIGHT RACE on mini bikes?!!! You bet, and something you’ll witness only at Vegas’ AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX Baja Designs engineers an insane after market headlight for mini bikes that will allow MMSX staff to shut the lights off at the Orleans Arena so the bikes can race in the dark!
ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 11, 2009) – Just when you thought things were crazy enough with the world’s premier mini bike race – the AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX held at Vegas’ Orleans Arena – the staff at Source Interlink Media, producers and promoters of MMSX, are fixin’ to shut the arena lights off and run a pro mini bike class in the dark!
Much in the same manner that AMA EnduroCross events have thrilled fans in the past by racing with the house lights turned off, AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX sponsor Baja Designs has engineered a clever after market front facia feature for mini bikes – dubbed the Diablo HID - that smartly combines a headlight into the front number plate (see photo). When approached by Baja Designs to incorporate this interesting feature into the evening’s race program, Source Interlink Media officials were hesitant at first – then gave in to the idea.
“I don’t know what we’re thinking,” chuckled Mike Karsting, VP of Events for Source Interlink Media. “Eric (Peronnard, MMSX’s founder) seems to think it’ll work. And all of us agree that we’ll let the fans decide.” Titled the “AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX Baja Designs Night Race,” technicians from Baja Designs will Velcro-mount the Diablo HID to the front forks of the top ten MM10A Stock/Mod finalists, along with a few select race VIPs. Then all heck’s going to break loose as pros – along with some not-so-pros – take to the track in complete darkness, guided solely through the minefield of jumps, whoops, berms and other obstacles by their Baja Designs Diablo HID light – the winner receiving a $500 check from Baja Designs and they get to keep their Diablo HID!
“It’s a perfect match. Baja Designs’ lighting system with the biggest little mini bike race on the planet,” beamed Peronnard. “This is going to be wild! And something for sure I think the fans will really enjoy.”
Makers of premier race lighting, off-road lighting and many other bike and ATV-improving products, Baja Designs and its new Diablo HID light for mini bikes is looking forward to this unique enhancement for the May 1st evening race program at the Orleans Arena. “Baja Designs is proud to be such big part of EnduroCross’ exciting Night Race,” said Deanne Moore, President of Baja Designs. “So expanding our involvement to the MiniMotoSX seemed like the perfect chance to showcase our new Diablo HID light – in as demanding of a forum as we could imagine!” Combining awesome performance with a light weight factory look, the Diablo HID is designed specifically for aggressive nighttime trail riding by combining amazing distance projection with wide peripheral spread and a smooth light pattern. No glaring hot spots or dead spots. Weighing in at a mere 2.5 pounds for electric-start bikes and 3.75 pounds for kick start bikes*, the Diablo HID is even lighter in weight than many factory and most other aftermarket headlights. Almost all OEM plastic colors - including black and white are available. *Diablo HIDs for kick start bikes include a small NiCad battery and rectifier/regulator pre-mounted and wired with the HID electronics behind the headlight.
Baja Designs has been developing high-end aftermarket lighting systems and other adventure products for the off-road industry for 14 years. Still the leader in high-quality off-road motorcycle lighting and Dual Sport Kits, the addition of the Soltek LaPaz and Soltek Fuego lights has expanded Baja Designs' expertise to the ATV, truck & buggy markets.
Yo, Maxxis MiniMotoSXers…better look in to booking your rooms at The Orleans here soon … @ $189 for two nights, w/ event tickets, they’re going fast! Sweet package put together by Source Interlink Media with The Orleans has a two-night stay, including two tickets to the AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX, beginning well below $200! ANAHEIM, Calif. (March, 2009) – A quick note from Source Interlink Media to let you guys know that package rate hotel room/event tickets for the May 1st AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX are going FAST at The Orleans – faster than you can say ‘And Jeremy McGrath pulls the holeshot!’ “We were able to hook up an unreal deal for you guys at The Orleans on room and ticket packages and just wanted to remind you to jump on it fast,” said Source Interlink Media’s Lance Bryson. “Two nights stay in the Orleans and two tickets to the event for 189 bucks? I’d get on it right now!” · Package A: $229 (includes two $33 event tickets) · Package B: $209 (includes two $29 event tickets) · Package C: $189 (includes two $22 event tickets) To hook this deal up call (800) 675-3267 and mention the code: MINI501 The sixth annual AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX is the largest indoor motorsports competition of its kind. With more than 700 registered riders in 2008 the event allows any mini bike enthusiast to become part of the show. As one racer put it: “At MiniMotoSX you don’t just show up and watch racing in Vegas – you boot up and get on the track yourself, race in front of a packed house at the Orleans.” Featuring numerous classes at all age and ability levels, AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX delivers an unforgettable day of racing action for both fans and racers alike, along with an affordable ‘Vegas experience’ given the hotel and ticket package at the Orleans Hotel and Arena, April 30th – May 1st. Registration for the event is open right now on www.minimotosx.com Tickets On-Sale NOW at the Orleans Arena, 888-234-2334; or online at www.OrleansArena.com Maxxis On Board As Title Sponsor of the Las Vegas AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX High-quality tire company specializing in motorcycle and ATV rubber returns to front one of the most thrilling forms of American motorcycle racing! ANAHEIM, Calif. (March 10, 2009) – Source Interlink Media, producers and promoters of AMA MiniMotoSX and AMA EnduroCross, announced today that Maxxis International, makers of high-quality tires for a wide array of vehicles worldwide – including motorcycles and ATVs – is back on board again this year as the title sponsor for MiniMotoSX – one of the nation’s most popular two-wheel competition motorsport properties. Joining MiniMotoSX for the third-consecutive year, officials at Maxxis believed in the value of the unique property, both with industry exposure and in terms of reaching out to new and existing customers with the Maxxis brand name. “Everyone at Maxxis understands the importance of reaching out to our customers – and potential customers – through partnership efforts such as AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX,” said Mark Wilson, specialty tire division manager at Maxxis. “AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX is put together with the utmost professionalism and the end results is a rewarding product for the fans – something that Maxxis’ existing customer base enjoys when they rely on our products. So we’re looking forward to another year of partnering with Source Interlink Media and MiniMotoSX and wish all the riders competing the best of luck!” Though still a couple months off, officials are busy planning the fifth-annual AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX at the Orleans Arena (May 1st – the Friday before the final Monster Energy SX round). Going to great measures to insure both the best possible track setup for racers – one that will also provide the closest racing for the capacity crowd – officials at Source Interlink Media have been deep in the planning stages throughout the winter months to deliver what’s now become the highest-attended (racer-wise) single day indoor motorcycle race in the United States. Hence the moniker: “The Biggest Mini Bike Race In The World!” “Having Maxxis on board with MiniMotoSX means a great deal to both the fans and competitors alike. Everyone at Source Interlink Media was pumped today to hear our lead sponsor, Maxxis, was back with us,” said Source Interlink Media’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Lance Bryson. “We look forward to partnering with Maxxis and assisting in every way possible to deliver their brand message to the thousands upon thousands of fans we’ll reach this year at our live events, as well as the substantial following we’ll enjoy via television, the Internet and with our industry’s online publications.”
Masters of Mini Announces 2009 Schedule, Launches New Website The Masters of Mini (MoM) Pit Bike Series has just launched a brand new website. The popular Northeast Series, touted as one of the biggest Pit Bike race series in the country, has created a very intricate site listing all of the 2009 schedule (as well as listing other popular race schedules in the area), new class structures, contingencies, 30 second girl galleries, track guides and more. Check out the Masters of Mini Series at www.mastersofmini.com
2009 MiniMotoSX; NEW RULES AND SCHEDULE ANAHEIM, Calif. (Jan.8, 2009) The 6th annual AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX presented by Lucas Oil, returns to Las Vegas’ Orleans Arena Friday night ,May 1, 2009. Get ready for the Biggest Minibike race in the World - the day before the Las Vegas Monster Energy AMA Supercross final. With up to 700 riders entering the race and stars like Jeremy McGrath and Derek Costella, the MMSX09 should once again be what "Motocross Action Magazine" called the “best racing in Vegas !”This is the event where any rider can compete in front of a sold out crowd and be a supercross star! 2009 will be no different! And don’t forget: Two new classes for 09: MM8 Vintage pit bikes (Z50 /Monkeys) with twin shocks! See rules on Minimotosx.com. MM16 Stock /Mod play bikes (CRF/XR150/100,TTR125, DRZ125 and KLX 140) Modifications in other classes: MM10A/E bikes will be allowed in the MMWomen's class and MM35+ Vet class. MMWomen's class age limit is lowered to 14 years of age. STROKERS will not be allowed in MM8 and MM16Stock/mod (new classes) effective 2009. STROKERS will not be allowed in MM10 Stock/Mod and MM12Stock/mod effective 2010. No changes in other classes Tickets On-Sale NOW at the Orleans Arena, 888-234-2334; Or online at www.orleansarena.com 2009 AMA/Maxxis MiniMotoSX
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