Opening Round of 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship

Makes Triumphant Return to Southern California

 

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (May 7, 2008) – After a four-year hiatus, the opening round of the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF returns to the heart of the motocross industry in Southern California for the 13th Annual Giant RV AMA Motocross National presented by Yamaha at Glen Helen Raceway Park, on Memorial Day weekend, May 24-25. 

Since becoming a part of the schedule in 1996, Glen Helen has established itself as one of the most unique, fastest and action-packed circuits on the circuit. In 1998, it became the series’ opening round event, quickly becoming a Mother’s Day tradition before moving to the last race of the season in 2004. Thanks to a schedule overhaul that features logistical changes and a more compact season, Glen Helen returns as the lead-off event, with a later starting date than ever before, giving riders and teams more preparation time and much needed rest. 

In an effort to create a more exciting experience for fans and riders alike, track designer Jody Weisel and his crew have brought a more technical course that will challenge the world’s best, slow down the overall speed and bring the action closer to the fans. As the field blasts through the infamous “Talladega” turn out of the starting gates, it will be presented with a myriad of challenges, including a new canyon section featuring saddle back twin peaks, a much longer sand section and the legendary Yamaha Hill ran in reverse. Additionally, fan viewing has been increased by 20% as a result of the alterations, with a larger shoreline for motocross diehards to witness the on-track action. 

Located just miles from a numerous race shops, test tracks and riders’ homes, the local atmosphere adds an extra element of excitement to the weekend, bringing out legends and hall of famers alike. An autograph session featuring past and present stars of the sport on Saturday, May 24, is just one of the many highlights the weekend has to offer. 

Adding to the weekend festivities is the inclusion of three invitational events on Saturday morning. Scheduled to begin at 9:45 a.m., with the ITP Tires/Yamaha Quad Pro Invitational moto for $1,500, the pre-AMA events will also include a $2,000 moto with the L.A. Sleeve/Pro X 2-Stroke Pro Race, and conclude with the Legends Invitational, featuring past champions Jeremy McGrath, Greg Albertyn, Jeff Emig, Jeff Stanton, Steve Lamson and Jeff Ward along with freestyle icons Mike Metzger and Brian Deegan. 

Notably, Team Kawasaki’s James Stewart is also expected to make his return from a knee injury that forced him to miss the tail end of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship and the majority of this season's Monster Energy AMA Supercross. If healthy, Stewart figures to make a strong run at earning his first AMA Motocross title. 

Tickets to the opening round of the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF are now on sale. 

General Admission for Wednesday-Sunday

Adults                                      $45

Juniors (6-12 years)                $30

Children 5 and under              FREE

 

Sunday Only Tickets

Adults                                      $30

Juniors (6-12 years)                $20

Children 5 and under              FREE

 

For more information about the weekend festivities, log onto www.glenhelen.com or call the track’s 24-hour information line at 909-880-3090. Also, check out The Riverside Press-Enterprise’s Wheels, Off Road, and Waves section online for further promotion of Glen Helen events at www.pe.com/wow.

Interview opportunities are available to the media by contacting AMA Toyota Motocross Championship media coordinator Brandon Short via email at Media@MXNationals.com or by phone at 951-203-2605.