Feld Motor Sports announced today the return of the 85cc Mini Invitational race to the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open, featuring the nation’s top 12 minicycle racers from the 85cc 12-13 Stock Class at the AMA Air Nautiques Amateur National Championship Finals at Loretta Lynn Ranch that will take place inside Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 9-11.
Last year, Austin Politelli, who rides for Suzuki, finished first overall on Friday night and second overall Saturday to capture the 85cc Mini Invitational title. Heading into last year’s 85cc Mini Invitational, Joey Savatagy was the class favorite as he won the 2008 85cc 12-13 Stock Class at the AMA Air Nautiques Amateur National Championship Finals at Loretta Lynn Ranch. Savatagy went on to finish third overall. Kody Kamm, who came into last year’s race ranked second, finished second overall.
The 85cc Mini Invitational started at the inaugural U.S. Open in 1998, and during those years a majority of today’s top riders held a spot on the starting gate. Past competitors at the 85cc Mini Invitational at the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open include Mike Alessi, James Stewart, Jason Lawrence, Ryan Dungey, Ryan Villopoto, Davi Millsaps, Josh Hill, Trey Canard and Nico Izzi.
"The best 85cc riders in the world will compete in the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open again this year," said Dave Prater, director of supercross, Feld Motor Sports. "The list of past participants in the 85cc Mini Invitational reads like a who’s who of professional supercross, and we will announce the 2009 starting gate after the Loretta Lynn’s race in August. It is a great opportunity for the fans to see the future of supercross in the intimate confines of Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena."
2008 Alpinestars 85cc Mini Invitational Overall Results
1. A. Politelli, Suzuki
2. K. Kamm, KTM
3. J. Savatgy, Honda
4. J. Nelson, Honda
5. J. Owen, Suzuki
6. M. Maze, Suzuki
7. D. Epstein, Yamaha
8. M. Bisceglia, Yamaha
9. T. Stewart, Yamaha
10. C. Alldredge, Yamaha
Tickets for the 2009 Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open are available at Ticketmaster locations, Carter Powersports (located at 6275 South Decatur Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89118) the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
