USGP Report
Good news for international Grand Prix fans as young American Jimmy Albertson has been cleared by the doctors to race the U.S. Grand Prix at Glen Helen Raceway this weekend.
After the Martin Honda MX1 rider crashed and dislocated his left shoulder at the Bellpuig track in Spain, it was originally reported Albertson wouldn’t be able to race the USGP.
"It has been a crazy few days as we cancelled the tickets to the USA after Bellpuig when Jimmy hurt his shoulder and Alessandro Battig (MX2 racer) injured his knee," says Team manager Lorenzo Resta.
"We had some good news in that Jimmy’s shoulder was not as bad as originally thought, then we booked some more tickets and made arrangements for the bike. We don’t know what we can achieve, but it is obviously an important event for Jimmy and a special GP on the calendar."
Although Albertson is actually from Missouri, he is really looking forward to being able to compete in his "home" race.
Speaking of special arrangements for the bikes, Kawasaki has opened up the doors to its former roadracing shop in order to prep the GP bikes of Sebastien Pourcel and rookie MX1 sensation Xavier Boog.
"When we signed Xavier for this season we knew that it would be a learning year for him on a 450," explains Kawasaki’s Roger Pourcel. "But in fact, he is learning faster than we could have ever imagined!"
With Kawasaki withdrawing from AMA roadracing this season, the race shop was being used as the R&D department for cruiser accessories.
"It is nice to smell race gas in the shop again," quipped one Kawasaki insider.
Good news/bad news is the former World and National motocross champ Grant Langston is set to ride the USGP on a Privateer Yamaha, shades of Marty Moates!
The bad news is that Transworld Motocross is reporting that Langston is out of a ride. He told the magazine staff that some of his sponsorship deal unraveled as of Hangtown last weekend.
"I’d still like to race the USGP this weekend, but at this point it looks like I will have to do it on my personal practice bike," Langston told the magazine.
One of the first companies to step up to support Langston is exhaust giant FMF Racing. FMF is also excited to welcome the return of Ryan Hughes to the starting gate.
"I feel really strong and excited to get back on the line this weekend," says Hughes. "I’ve always had a great time racing the GP series in Europe."
In addition to Ryno, FMF will be supporting FMF/KTM USA’s Tommy Searle and Mike Alessi, along with KTM UK rider Jake Nicholls.
James Stewart up for the USGP? Despite the fact that the race is being held in the same neighborhood as his San Manuel Band of Mission Indians sponsors, he is still not healed up enough to race.
However he did give props to Glen Helen during his appearance on Loveline last night. Broadcast from KROQ in Los Angeles, the sex-ed radio show is syndicated in more than 85 major markets in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
"Nice trophy! I gotta win that!" exclaimed Team Redbull KTM’s Mike Alessi upon seeing the Marty Moates Cup on display at rider registration Friday morning.
"And that isn’t bad either," he noted of the oversized $5,000 check. The Moates Cup will be presented to the Top American finisher in honor of the 30th Anniversary of an American rider winning the 500cc USGP at the old Carlsbad raceway.
The trophy will be presented by original USGP promoter Gavin Trippe and 1986 USGP winner Ricky Johnson. "That is cool," concluded Alessi.
Remember all active military personnel are welcome to see the races for free on Sunday.
"Our service men and women give so much to this great country, so the Glen Helen staff and I wanted to give something back," says race promoter Bud Feldkamp.
"Since this race marks the return of the historic U.S. Grand Prix concept of pitting America’s best against the world, and it is Memorial Day, all military in uniform are invited to attend Sunday’s racing action free of charge."
Fans can also see their favorite racers up close and personal in the USGP pits. The Pro Paddock will be open Saturday May 29 from 10am-6pm for the qualifiers and first moto of the FIM Veterans Cup race.
For Sunday’s main event, the Pro Paddock will be open from 9am-6pm. Cost is only $30 for both days, plus admission. Children 6-12 get a reduced rate of $15, plus admission for both days.
Tickets for the "Race Of The Century" are available at the glenhelen.com. Reserved camping is available at the track for $50 per spot.
More Information | USGP At Glen Helen
USGP PosterRACE TRACK:
Glen Helen Raceway Inc
18585 Verdemont Ranch Road, San Bernardino, CA 9241
Phone +1 909 880 3090
glenhelen.com
E-mail lori@glenhelen.com
ORGANIZER:
Glen Helen Raceway Inc.
Phone +1 909 224 9658 or +1 909 384 934
glenhelen.com
E-mail lori@glenhelen.com
NATIONAL FEDERATION:
AMA American Motorcyclist Association
ama-cycle.org
PROMOTOR:
Youthstream-Dreams Factory
motocrossmx1.com
HOST HOTEL:
San Bernardino Hilton
285 East Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, CA 92408-3411
Phone +1 909-889-0133 Fax +1 909-381 4299
hilton.com/
This hotel is 100% non-smoking.
TOURIST BOARD:
San Bernardino
sanbernardino.com
ROAD DIRECTIONS:
Just minutes from legendary Route 66, Glen Helen Raceway Park is located in the Glen Helen Regional Parks & Recreation Area, Devore, California. Click the map for larger view.
FIM CONTACT INFO:
fim-live.com/
FIM/YOUTHSTREAM PRESS CONFERENCE/INDUSTRY PARTY:
Friday, May 28, 2010 18:30
Malcolm Smith Motorsports
7599 Indiana Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
+1 951-687-1300
