Travis Pastrana Wins the Opening Round of the 2009 Rally America Series

Atlanta, Michigan – February 2, 2009 – Subraru Rally Team USA’s Travis Pastrana and co-driver Christian Edstrom took home the first win of the 2009 Rally America National Championship season at Sno*Drift this past Saturday in Atlanta, Michigan.

Sno*Drift is one of the most difficult rally tracks in the championship series due to the snow and ice covered roads and the strict rules that prohibit studded tires.  Pastrana and Edstrom battled the severe conditions and ruled the competition finishing day one with a 52 second lead.  They continued to dominate day two ultimately capturing the win with a gap of one minute and 49 seconds.  

Saturday’s race was victorious for Pastrana and Edstrom as they were forced to pull out of last year’s race after an unfortunate collision with a deer while leading on the last stage. 

“After what happened last year with the deer incident I really wanted to try and redeem myself for all the local fans.  They stand out here in the freezing weather and snow cheering us on so I always try and put on a good show for them,” said an enthusiastic Pastrana.  Pastrana is looking for his fourth straight Rally America Championship win this year. “Winning the opening round always sets the tempo for a good year.  Last year I got off to a slow start and I want to avoid that this year.”

Travis Pastrana would like to thank the following sponsors: Suzuki, DC Shoes, Red Bull Energy Drink, Alpinestars, Smith, Kicker, Thor, Parts Unlimited, Ogio, Nixon, EVS, Activision and Subaru of America.

The historic Mellon Arena, "The Igloo", home to the Pittsburgh Penguins', was the site of 1-800-SAFEAUTO IFMA FMX this weekend. The crowd was amped for Freestyle Motocross on the eve of the NFL Superbowl, in which their beloved Steelers will take part. The Pittsburgh event featured moto-trials sensation, Keith Wineland, of Denver, Colorado. Keith put together two fine demos for the crowd and was followed up each time by the Hell ON Wheels BMX Stunt Team from Tom's River, New Jersey. The US Air Force was also on hand to swear in some area recruits and also provided the honor guard. RacerX Illustrated was also on hand to document the show!During qualifying, all the riders were treated like heroes as the rowdy Pittsburgh crowd showed their appreciation for FMX. Vermont's Shawn Connors, was the first to hit the leader board into qualifying. The top four transferred in the main event, Connors was joined by Pennsylvania's Justin Stoltzfus, Privateer, Casey Higgins, and Rich Kearns, who has been on top of his game all season.Higgins was the first to qualify for a chance at the Ogio Hot Seat, after a somewhat smooth run, he was excited with his 88.7 from the judges. Next out of the box was Justin Stoltzfus sponsored by Elevated Tactics, he ran a clean non-flip run for a 90.0. "Redneck" Shawn Connors, had a mistake in the middle of his run, however, he did charge the crowd, when he said, "Go Cardinals", followed quickly by his next remark, "I don't even like baseball!" Connors ended with an 89.5. The top qualifier, Rich Kearns came out and attempted a Cordova-flip and crashed hard which netted him a DNF, giving Justin his first ever IFMA victory. Next week we line up in Youngtown, Ohio…and you are all invited! See you then! Mike Young

1. Justin Stoltzfus 90.0

2. Shawn Connors 895

3. Casey Higgins 88.7

4. Rich Kearns DN

F5. Greg Hartman 86.5

6. Derek Cook 85.0

7. Adam Cousino 82.0

8. Joe Stevens 75.0

MTV & TRAVIS PASTRANA EXPLODE INTO SUNDAY NIGHTS ON FEBRUARY 8TH AT 10PM ET/PT

Jackass producers, Jeff Tremaine and Johnny Knoxville have teamed up with the creators of the Nitro Circus DVD series, Travis Pastrana, Gregg Godfrey and Jeremy Rawle, to deliver MTV's next smash hit series "Nitro Circus." Travis Pastrana, nine-time X Games Gold Medalist, has built an empire doing things previously thought impossible and always unadvisable. The Nitro Circus franchise includes DVD's, licensed merchandise, and now a MTV series. Whether it's jumping out of an airplane without a parachute or being the first person ever to double black flip a motorcycle, Pastrana does not stop. Joining him in the cast are his equally insane and entertaining buddies: childhood friend and professional mountain biker Jim DeChamp, charismatic loud-mouth nemesis Andy Bell, skier/base jumper Erik Roner, professional female motocross racer Jolene Van Vugt, and husky and hysterical formersheet-rocker Streetbike Tommy. Their hilariously intense and irrational game of one-upsmanship coupled with their strong friendship makes this trainwreck the most watchable show in years. "Nitro Circus" premieres on Sunday, February 8th at 10pm ET/PT. "Unlike Jackass, the Nitro Circus guys actually are professionals, but that doesn't mean they got all their marbles, because they don't. I am wondering if these yahoos got any." -Johnny Knoxville

Jeff Tremaine and Johnny Knoxville of Dickhouse Productions are executive producers. Jeremy Rawle and Gregg Godfrey of Godfrey Entertainment are executive producers. Travis Pastrana and Trip Taylor are executive producers. Tony DiSanto, Liz Gateley and Lauren Dolgen are the MTV executives in charge of production.

Corona, Ca.- MSR is proud to announce the signing of Rockstar – Metal Mulisha rider Jeremy Lusk. Jeremy had an impressive year in 2008, grabbing X Games gold in the FMX event and silver in Moto X best trick. Jeremy also went on to be the 2008 FMX rider of the year.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Jeremy running this years all new MSR/Rockstar gear after seeing what he accomplished last season” states MSR’s marketing manager Randy Valade. Jeremy will join fellow MSR FMX rider Ronnie Faisst at this years top events.

The new MSR/Rockstar gear line will be available early this spring with an initial offering consisting of two different colorways along with an all-new Rockstar Velocity helmet.

Stay tuned to MSRMX.COM for more updates on Jeremy Lusk and the entire MSR team.

Ringing in a New Year with the Boost Mobile Freestylemx.com World Wide Tour Presented by Monster Energy

What does a crew do after nearly 100 shows in a year?  One more show, that’s what!  Marc Burnett brought the Boost Mobile Wrecking Crew and set up shop smack dab in the middle of the street in downtown Tempe, Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl Block Party.  Who won the Fiesta Bowl? No idea and I doubt the 5000 or so folks who came and watched our four riders jump the 75 foot ramp to ramp set up knew either.   They were in the mood for back flips.

They got ‘em thanks to Jim McNeil and Keith Sayers.  The “Real Deal” McNeil is coming off of a pretty gnar crash last summer while at the X Games and re-shattering his heel.  His first show back was pretty impressive as he was dumping Super and Cordova Flips with ease.  Sayers came down from his snowy compound in Montana to soak up some sun in the west.  Keith debuted with us last summer and has not disappointed.  He ripped off some HUGE clicker flips as well as some sweet straight tricks, which you just don’t see much of anymore.  Seriously, two hits to warm up and flipping insane, literally.  75 feet, over a bus, ramp to ramp, at night.  That’s the life of a pro.

The Distler brothers came out for the fiesta.  John gearing up for the upcoming IFMA tour and Robert just for fun.  Rob’s bike was colorful as always and for the last show he stripped out of the moto gear and jumped in his now trademark tight jeans and shirt.  The ladies loved it and the crowd seemed to get pumped watching old school tricks that no one has the stones to do anymore.  Big John was feeling the pain of doing five demos in one night ramp to ramp, especially after some time off the bike.  Watching a guy this big do Cliffhangers is amazing and he looked ready to go for 2009. 

How about the fans?  Everyone we talked to thought it was one of the best shows they had seen.  All of the other booths and street bands had to be tweaked at us since we were the loudest and had the highest draw all night long.  Maybe it was the riders or maybe it was all the free gear we heaved on them courtesy of Boost Mobile and Monster Energy! 

For 2009 we got some surprises coming out and over 100 shows planned, with new stuff to offer from Boost and Monster.  Keep coming by to get updates on the tour!

Happy New Year!

FREESTYLEMX.COM SEEKS FEMALE TOUR RIDER

FreestyleMX.com is looking to add a female freestyle rider to its 2009 tour.  It's time the ladies get a chance to reek havoc and tear it up with the boys.  If you think you have what it takes please send a bio and a short video displaying your best tricks to:

FreestyleMx.com, Inc.1634 East H. StreetChula Vista, CA 91913Applicants must be 18 or over and available to travel in and out of the country. All applications must be received by Jan 31, 2009.We look forward to the submissions!

Boost Mobile/ Monster Energy Freestylemx.com Worldwide Tour Hits the Road

The end of the summer was rushing down on us like a bull hopped up on Mean Bean but the show went on and made lots of folks’ summer a little better and lot more extreme!

The Boost Mobile Wrecking Crew drove the buses up to Essex Junction, Vermont for a repeat visit.  We came here last year and knew that the crowds were loud and always go crazy for the biggest tricks so we wrangled two current Dew Action Sports Tour competitors to complete the show.  The two Metal Mulisha riders Jeff “Ox” Kargola and Honda of St. Johns’, Beau Bamburg were happy to come along while brushing up on their flip tricks.  We also had the usual suspects like O.G. John Distler, JJ “Skittles” Romans, the “Belly” Kenny Bell, Hammerhead James Carter and the legend and one of the creators of it all, Mad Mike Jones. 

Mad Mike, in his final year of FMX before moving on to other things (like a Monster Truck ride for ’09), gave the crowd a farewell salute and the fans knew they were lucky to meet a legend before he hangs up his moto boots.  Ox and Bamburg were dueling it out in the final with Cordova, Heel Clicker and KOD flips.  Bamburg edged out Ox for the win as judged by the crowd and also pulled off the Boost Mobile Best Whip comp too. 

Our next stop was in Blackfoot, Idaho which again was a repeat stop from last year.  In Idaho they just never get sick of FMX. Derek Cook really came back onto form at this stop and showed that he is serious about a comeback.  In the final it was Ox and Bamburg again with Bam barely taking the win as we had to ask for a reshout from the crowd.  The whip contest was taken by the Ox this time who nearly turned it upside down!

We ended up giving away over 2000 Monster Energy posters during autographs and probably 3000 pounds of Boost Mobile gear at these two shows alone.  Didn’t get yours or wonder where to find the goods?  Check the schedule for a show near you!

Kennewick, WA - another show where weather was a threat all the way through.  Once again the Boost Mobile Wrecking Crew (Tommy, Jesse, Dillon and Larry) got everything set up and ensured the dirt was perfect for FMX.  That is one thing about this tour the riders will ride in just about anything short of a hurricane.  This stop was a rodeo fair, so you would think that dirt bikes would not be welcome, but we usually show up to the largest crowds of the week and everyone can’t resist watching 400 pounds of man and machine fly upside down- while doing tricks. 

Beau Bamburg and Jeff Kargola showed up again which really raised the bar a bit for regulars like Kenny Bell, JJ Romans and John Distler.  Even the new guy James “Captain Creepy” Carter steps up his game when these guys are around.  The contest was awesome with it comin down to a who can do the sickest Backflip variation of all.  Bamburg took the win with a newly developed Cordova Flip which he held almost too long.  He pulled it off and the crowd went nuts!  They were the judges for the evening and they decided that Bamburg would take home the win. 

As soon as the show was done, the wind picked up and the rain started so the Boost Mobile Freestylemx.com Tour made it, keeping our record at 100%.

Washington has some great FMX fans and we can’t wait to head back there again.

Boost Mobile Hot Import Nights- Bumpin’ Through the Summer

The Boost Mobile Freestylemx.com Worldwide tour made a bunch of stops on the Hot Import Nights summer tour again this year.  The riders were jumping to the beats of the DJ’s and flying high over the custom cars and pretty ladies. 

Chicago was one to remember this year.  The storms had soaked the area and turned the place into a bog but luckily we were on a pavement parking lot.  Not really.  Soon after the rain gave us a break we noticed water bubbling up from a crack right in front of the takeoff.  And the winds were picking up as a new storm made its way in to town.  The Windy City- go figure.  The riders were pretty concerned about the conditions but John Distler, Kenny Bell and JJ Romans aren’t gonna let a little water and wind stop them.  They jumped between storms while the Boost Mobile Wrecking Crew kept the water well swept away and dried with a giant torch.  Bell even worked in a one handed lander back flip!

A ton (okay how about 700 pounds) of Boost Mobile gear was given away to the fans and over 750 autographed posters too!  That does not include the Boost Babes under the tent signing all day.  Don’t miss out on the Hot Import Night series, check out www.hotimportnights and www.boostmobile.com for details.

OC’S BIKE RELIGION PRESENTS TWO OF THE WORLD’S FASTEST GROWING TWO-WHEELED SPECTATOR SPORTS THIS SATURDAY Cyclocross and Freestyle Motocross Demonstrations held this Saturday, Oct. 25 at Camp James, Hidden Valley, 8800 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – Bike Religion, a lifestyle based cycling specialty business serving Orange County’s cycling community, will present two of the world’s fastest growing two-wheeled spectator sports this weekend as a part of the Southern California Cyclocross Prestige Series. Cyclocross is a form of bicycle racing with races that consist of many laps of a short (2.5–3.5  km or 1.5–2  mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike whilst navigating the obstruction and remount in one motion. Races for senior categories are generally between 30 minutes and an hour long, with the distance varying depending on the ground conditions.  Racing will begin at 2pm along with fun that will continue into the night. The race day will feature the first ever cyclocross night races beginning at 6.30pm and the first ever fixed gear race at 5.30pm all on the challenging off road cyclocross track decked out with a Halloween theme.  Attendees who are interested in learning more about cyclocross may participate in a beginners’ clinic starting at 2pm where Demo bikes will be available for use. Attendees may also join in the free, Halloween Fun Race at 7.30pm and are reminded to wear a costume. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes. In keeping with the fun of Spooky Cross, there will be face painting, a bounce house and amusement rides. Halloween ghouls and crazy critters will be running around too. As an added attraction to the day’s events, the Boost Mobile Freestyle Motocross Team will perform death-defying tricks and maneuvers such as the "Backflip Superman" and "Suicide No Hander" on their motorcycles. The FMX team will perform three sessions: 1.45pm, 4.30pm and 6.15pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to photograph these professional athletes at work, talk to them and get to know why they love what they do.  “Cyclocross and Freestyle Motorcross are among the fastest growing spectator sports in the world. Never have these two biking styles come together in the one event, said Bike Religion president Michael Lanzon.  “Being so close to Halloween, how can you resist but to make the day a spooky treat!  We are inviting Southern California residents to drop by this weekend, and enjoy fun with family and friends at Spooky Cross.” For spectators and non racers entry is FREE for the day. Check out www.bikereligion.com <http://www.bikereligion.com> for the race day times, events and registration to participate. Also check out www.socalcross.org <http://www.socalcross.org> for the series calendar. About Bike ReligionBased in Orange County California, with shops in Irvine and Newport Beach, Bike Religion is a lifestyle based cycling specialty business serving the cycling community. Bike Religion differentiates itself by listening to its customers and friends closely and delivering to their needs. Unlike most other bike shops, Bike Religion offers a custom bike fitting facility, custom bike building expertise, speedy same day service and a commitment to stand by its workmanship. Bike Religion also supports a green lifestyle, in recognition of this has collaborated with the University of California, Irvine by opening up a bike store and supporting the thousands of students offering them easy access to a bicycle sales and service location on campus, promoting good health and less use of their cars. Bike Religion UCI also accepts university "green dollars" as payment for sales and service. Bike Religion also offers freshman student packages to help them get onto a bicycle quickly and affordably. Bike Religion's Newport Beach location extends its cycling lifestyle experience to the wider community carrying a range of low to high end bicycles in road, mountain, fixed gear, track, city and cruisers. The Newport Beach location is also a well equipped parts and service location. Bike Religion is focused on its brand and its meaning, passionately engaged in the cycling lifestyle. Check us out at www.bikereligion.com http://www.bikereligion.com.

ADAM JONES SECURES AST DEW TOUR CUP CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN FMX AT PLAYSTATION PRO

Jones Seizes 1st Place FMX at Final AST Dew Tour Stop and Captures Overall Win

Carlsbad, CA – October 20, 2008 – Adam Jones secured a double win Sunday, October 19th, at the AST Dew Tour’s final stop in Orlando, Florida, the PlayStation Pro.  He took away the FMX event win and Dew Cup Championship Title at Amway Arena which drew 53,566 adoring fans.

Jones battled through Orlando’s windy conditions and captured the lead during his first run of the FMX Finals performing signature tricks such as the stripper flip, turntable flip and kiss of death which secured him a score of 93.67. After winning two of three AST Dew Tour stops, including Salt Lake City’s Toyota Challenge, Jones held the overall point leader position coming into the final event. He defended his points standing position throughout the finals landing him with an overall lead of 30 points and the new title of 2008 AST Dew Tour FMX Champion.

“I am really excited to wrap up my season on such a positive note. My year started off really slow and I had a few bumps along the way so to end my year like this is unbelievable and it feels great,” said Jones

Adam Jones would like to thank the following sponsors: Monster Energy Drink, Fox Racing, DC Shoes, Smith, Maxxis, Ogio, Pro Circuit, Pro Taper and Factory Connection.

Twitch Repeats as LG World Champion of Freestyle Motocross!

An Event Favorite is Stunned in the Semi-Final Round

LOS ANGELES (September 27, 2008)  -- More than 12,000 fans witnessed a night of sky-scraping performances at the 6th annual LG World Championships of Freestyle Motocross produced by ASA Entertainment rocked Fairplex Pomona tonight at the L.A. County Fair.  After opening musical acts that included headlining band FILTER played on the Maxell music stage, Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg (Santee, California) outshined his fellow competitors for the second consecutive year to capture the title of 2008 LG World Champion of Freestyle Motocross and $30,000.

With only four days to practice after recovering from recent hand surgery, Twitch flipped his way to the title with the confidence and skill for which he is known.  This win was particularly special as it came at what he terms his “favorite event” and happened on his birthday.

“It is what it is,” Twitch stated when asked for comments about his win. “I came out and got first place.  It’s what I do.  And, I gave myself a great birthday present.”

When asked if he would be back next year, he remarked, “This year I got the repeat, next year I’m going for the three-peat!”

It was clear that Stenberg’s skill level exceeded his challengers, as he was the only athlete in the competition to perform three back-flip variations in succession and never repeat a trick during a run.  His tricks were innovative, death defying and technically extraordinary, leaving no question as to the world’s best freestyle athlete.

Oregon’s Beau Bamberg (Gresham) captured the $20,000 second place prize with an assured performance that displayed his potential and finally exhibited his skill level, something that has been lacking since he suffered a serious injury to the triangular wall of his abdomen two months ago while preparing for a competition.

“This feels great,” said Bamberg.  “The last couple of months I have not been able to ride up to my potential due to my injury.  Today was the first day that I’ve felt really good and was able to perform like I know I’m can.”

Bamberg’s ability was enough to upset 2008 X Games Los Angeles and X Games Mexico champion Jeremy Lusk (San Diego, California) in the semi-final round.  With his recent success, Lusk entered the competition as the favorite in many opinions.    However, Bamberg executed a run that left judges in extended deliberation about who was the heat winner.  When the final points were tallied, Bamberg advanced to the final round, less than a mere point ahead of Lusk. 

The evening’s head judge, Regis Harrington, explained the decision to a surprised audience.  “That was one of the closest rounds I’ve ever seen, so it was difficult.  However, Bamberg did different tricks throughout his entire run, and Lusk repeated two tricks.  In a competition this tight you just cannot do that.”

The event’s third place performance came from Adam Jones of Warrendale, Pennsylvania.  Jones won $10,000.

Five men earned the opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best for the LG World Championship of Freestyle Motocross title with successful performances in the open qualifying round earlier in the day.  These men are; Ronnie Faisst (Mays Landing, New Jersey), Cameron Sinclair (Langwarren, Victoria Australia), Dustin Miller (Garnerville, Nevada), Jeff Kargola (San Clemente, California) and local hometown favorite Wiley Fullmer (Chino, California).  They all turned in solid first round performances but were prevented from advancing by the world’s top pros this season.

All of the LG World Championships of Freestyle Motocross action will air on CBS Sports, Sunday, December 7th following the local NFL broadcast, as well as on cable networks to be announced.  Please check your local listings for more details.

For more information on the LG World Championships of Freestyle Motocross or photos from the event visit www.actionsportstour.com.

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About LG Electronics, Inc.

Carlsbad, CA – September 23, 2008 – Mike Mason claimed the bronze medal in both Freestyle Motocross and Moto X Step Up over the weekend at X Games Mexico.  The two day event captured the attention of over 19,000 fans at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City .

Mason, a four time X Games medalist, seized the X Games Mexico bronze in Freestyle Motocross after a stellar second run left the crowd in awe. Finishing with a score of 89.33, some of his tricks included a holygrab, cliffhanger, a flip nac and no handed flip.

"I didn’t do as well as I would have liked on my first run, but I am stoked I was able to nail my second and take home the bronze. It feels fantastic," Mason said regarding his bronze medal podium finish. Mason received his second X Games Mexico medal in Moto X Step Up when he cleared 8.23 meters.

Carlsbad, CA – September 22, 2008 – Adam Jones seized the silver medal in both Freestyle Motocross and FMX Best Trick over the weekend at the X Games Mexico.  The 2 day event captured the attention of over 19,000 fans at the Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City.

X Games 13 FMX gold medalist, Adam Jones, claimed the X Games Mexico silver medal in Freestyle Motocross after he landed a huge stripper flip, cliff hanger flip and a double grab hart attack finishing with a score of 92.33. The 24-year-old also took home his second silver medal of the weekend in FMX Best Trick when he stunned the Mexico City fans with his amazing signature trick, a shaolin backflip.  His second run consisted of a dead body backflip scoring him an overall 91.67.

“I am happy with how this weekend went. It is always nice to take away two X Games medals and the fans here were awesome.” Jones said regarding his finish. This weekend marked Jones’ sixth X Games medal.

Currently Jones is the overall point leader for the AST Dew Tour’s Dew Cup in FMX with 165 points and fellow WMG athlete, Blake Williams, trails by just five points.  The final stop of the AST Dew Tour commences in Orlando, Florida with the PlayStation Pro, October 16th-19th, which will prove to be a close finale in deciding the next FMX Dew Cup winner.

ADAM JONES CLOSES IN ON DEW CUP AFTER CLAIMING WIN AT AST DEW TOUR STOP IN SALT LAKE CITY

Carlsbad, CA – September 15, 2008 – Adam Jones clinched the Freestyle Motocross win at the forth stop of the AST Dew Tour, the Toyota Challenge, this past Saturday in Salt Lake City at the Energy Solutions Arena.

Jones’ first run locked him in the lead when he landed a turntable to a no-handed, no-footed can-can, a dead body and a stripper flip which ultimately earned him a score of 94.17. His win in Salt Lake City launched the 24-year-old of Minden , Nevada into the overall points lead for the Dew Cup with 165 points.  Fellow WMG athlete, Blake “Bilko” Williams, trails Jones by only five points. 

“I am really happy about the whole weekend,“ Jones said. “I laid down the exact run I wanted and it was good for the win. This weekend was the best I have felt on my bike since winning X Games last year.  Now I just need to go to Orlando and try to close out my first Dew Tour Championship.”

The final stop of the AST Dew Tour commences in Orlando , Florida next month with the PlayStation Pro, October 16th-19th, which will prove to be a close finale in deciding the next FMX Dew Cup winner with Jones entering as the front runner.