LAS VEGAS, Nev. (October 13, 2011) – A pre-race press conference was held today at Sam Boyd Stadium to preview Saturday night’s inaugural Monster Energy Cup, featuring supercross legend Ricky Carmichael, Best Trick competitor Kyle Loza, Super-Mini competitor Adam Cianciarulo and Amateur All-Star competitor Thomas Covington as well as open class riders Mike Alessi (Rockwell Suzuki), Justin Brayton (Team Honda Muscle Milk), Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM), Kevin Windham (GEICO Honda), Josh Hansen (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki) and Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki).
Ricky Carmichael:
“This race is a great opportunity for the sport and riders. When you’re racing and caught up in the moment aiming for $1 million, we forget about the tremendous exposure this race is getting, which is certainly going to open the door for opportunities down the road for everybody. The sky is the limit with this one.”
Ryan Villopoto:
“There are definitely some big jumps out here. We’ve been testing out the 2012 KX 450F, so we are in really good shape. It’s good to go out there and see where everybody is at.”
Kevin Windham:
“No matter how much you prepare for a race like this, you just don’t know what to expect because it’s so different. There are so many sections that can make for some exciting racing. Really, anybody can win a 10-lap event, so it should be interesting.”
Justin Brayton:
“To be racing with Team Honda Muscle Milk for the first time is really exciting for me. Winning the $1 million purse would be really neat. We’ve been doing a lot of testing, and after seeing the track today, I’m looking forward to giving it a shot.”
Mike Alessi:
“I feel really good on the new bike and am excited to get it on the hybrid track and see how we do. I definitely would like to take the trophy and million bucks home. As a rider that has to cover most of the finances for my team, winning a $1 million would be a tremendous help.”
Josh Hansen:
“It’s going to be a good race with some of the greatest riders. I’m stoked about the big jumps and technical sections. With a $1 million on the line, anything goes.”
Marvin Musquin:
“I’ve been practicing on the supercross track with Ryan Dungey testing suspension setup, so I am ready to battle the hybrid track.”
Kyle Loza:
“I’m psyched for this “Best Trick” competition. I missed my chance to showcase the “bike flip” because of an injury, so I’m ready to give it a shot. The $40,000 prize is a big deal. Four guys are going home super mad and one is going home amped.”
Adam Cianciarulo:
“To be riding on a track designed by two of the sport’s greatest riders is in itself is awesome. Mixing in aspects of live television coverage on SPEED and racing in front of a packed house really makes this a great race for a younger rider.”
Thomas Covington:
“I’ve been training really hard at the Kawi track for this race, so we will see how it pays off. I’m really going to benefit from the experience I’ll receive, because it’s going to allow me to get a feel for what it’s like competing in supercross.”
The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence, making it unlike any other stadium race in the world. This track will be the perfect blend of supercross and motocross combined and created into the ultimate battleground. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse, awarding the winner with a $100,000 check, and for the “first time ever” $1 Million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.
