Motocross star Ronnie Renner to attempt to break highest air world record at Red Bull High Rise, Saturday, July 25
Chicago’s renowned skyscrapers will share the sky with motocross superstar Ronnie Renner on Saturday, July 25. The Windy City will watch as Renner attempts to break his own Guinness World Record for the highest air ever attained on a motorcycle at Red Bull High Rise. He will go sky-high at Butler Field prior to Chicago’s annual Venetian Night, adding a new spin to an old tradition.
Renner is a respected freestyle motocross veteran whose credentials include a gold medal in Step-Up at the 2007 Summer X Games and the Step-Up world record. He set his original quarterpipe big air world record by jumping an amazing 59 feet, 2 inches in July, 2008. In 2009, he will attempt to beat this record by launching sky-high onto a massive custom-built steel landing ramp measuring 64 feet wide and 30 feet tall.
Why Chicago? Why not? “While I was thrilled with being able to set the initial world record last year, I know I can push myself to achieve a better height, and Chicago is one of the best places to be in the summer,” said Renner. “Plus it added another component to my training regimen – I need to train my stomach to prepare for Chicago cuisine; especially the deep dish pizza!”
Renner has been training at the exclusive Red Bull Compound in Southern California in preparation for his big night on a modular quarterpipe built specifically for him. The Compound is a one-of-a-kind training facility that Red Bull provides its athletes to equip them with the support they need in order to achieve their wildest dreams.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF RED BULL
Renner’s jump completes yet another amazing chapter of world-firsts, following the record-shattering performances of fellow motocross sensation Robbie Maddison and BMX star Kevin Robinson. Maddison jumped the length of a football field in front of thousands on New Year’s Eve 2007, clearing 322 feet in Las Vegas. Last June, Robinson soared 27 feet above the lip of a huge quarterpipe (54 feet above the ground) in New York’s Central Park to set the BMX big air world record.
VENETIAN NIGHT!
Presented by the City of Chicago, the 52nd Annual Venetian Night is expected to draw more than half a million people to the lakefront. In addition to Renner’s world record attempt, the evening kicks off at 7:45 p.m. with the Chicago Fire Department’s Air/Sea Rescue re-enactment. Immediately following at 8:15 p.m. the boat parade begins, culminating with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. People of all ages begin to stake out spots along the lakefront in the early morning to ensure a good view of this popular event. Admission to the event is free.
Source: Red Bull North America
Red Bull X-Fighters Texas: Tickets Now on Sale
Freestyle Motocross Meets the Wild West in the Fort Worth Stockyards, June 27
Tickets are now on sale for Red Bull X-Fighters Texas – the stateside stop of the world’s premier, most-progressive freestyle motocross series. The Texas event is the third of five rounds in the 2009 global series. What should you expect? Come ready to see the best freestyle motocross riders in the world in action, the largest competition course and highest-caliber elements ever created, rodeo queens, live bull riding, the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and all the authentic pageantry of a summer night in the Texas Wild West. There is no question – the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards is the only place to be on Saturday night, June 27!
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.redbullxfighters.com. Three price categories are available – General Admission is $20; Grandstand Seating is $40; and Premium Grandstand Seating is $50.
The invite list of world-class riders includes previous Red Bull X-Fighters winners Mat Rebeaud (Switzerland), Dany Torres (Spain), Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg (USA) and newcomer Levi Sherwood (New Zealand), as well as Eigo Sato (Japan), Thomas Pages (France), Andre Villa (Norway) and Robbie Maddison (Australia), the Guinness World Record holder for longest motorcycle jump. Rounding out the 12-rider competition will be the riders who advance from the qualifying round on Friday, June 26.
In the 2009 series opener in Mexico City, 43,000 fans packed Mexico City’s famous Monumental Plaza de Toros. Riders from eleven nations did battle in the biggest bullfighting arena in the world. Sherwood, the 17-year-old debutant, took a stunning victory. Second place went to Sato, a competitor almost twice his age. Red Bull X-Fighters heads to Calgary for the series’ first event in Canada on May 30 at the Calgary Stampede.
After the Fort Worth event, the series will pack up for the Madrid’s Las Ventas bullring, hosting its eighth-consecutive event, on July 16-17. The 2009 series finale will take place in London on August 22.
Red Bull X-Fighters was created in 2001, debuting in Valencia, Spain at the bullring where the legendary ‘Mad’ Mike Jones claimed victory. Since that historic night, Red Bull X-Fighters events have taken place in the world’s most legendary locations, including the famous bullrings in Madrid and Mexico City, Slane Castle in Ireland, the Sambodromo in Rio de Janeiro, a massive stone quarry in Wuppertal, Germany and the Stadion X-Lecia in Warsaw, Poland.
For additional information on Red Bull X-Fighters, visit www.redbullxfighters.com.
Source: Red Bull
650 Motocrossers Took Part, 102 Made it to the Finish Line
Belgian Steve Ramon is the winner of the Third Red Bull Knock Out
After a fervent battle between Dutch and French racers, a Belgian has finally finished in first place in the third Red Bull Knock Out. Steve Ramon (28) was too quick for all the others during the two 90 minute rounds of the toughest beach race in the world. Frenchman, Arnaud Demeester, came in second and the Belgian Johan Boonen took third place.
One of the hobbyists, TJ, number 387 said: “I managed an hour of the first round. It was awful, I was literally Knocked Out.” For the other 548 participants who dropped out, it was a real battle. Many of the world’s top riders who took part, were either literally or figuratively “knocked out” of the dramatic race. The battle against the elements was tough. Erik Eggens (NL) was in pole position when he was unlucky enough to fall. David Knight (UK), Marc de Reuver (NL) and Timotei Potisek (FR) were all in leading positions when their bikes broke down. RTL GP commentator, Allard Kalff, who also had the guts to take part, fell and broke his wrist in two places.
Jurgen van den Goorbergh, the tough man from Breda, whose motor sport career knows no bounds, is training for the up-coming Dakar Rally and just conquered the Knock Out in the meantime. He said “I’ve found the ultimate kick in my motor sport career.” He finished in a respectable 51st place.
Everyone with a lot of guts and a motocross bike can take part in this unique and immeasurably difficult beach race. Even if they still have not signed up for the race two days before the start, but are brave enough to give the organisers a call, as in winner Steve Ramon’s case. “The timing of the race wasn’t very good for me, but I just really like beach races, so that’s why I decided so late. I rode the race steadily at my own pace and never forced it. The most important thing is concentration,” said the Belgian, who finished in second place in 2006.
Just like last year, the third Red Bull Knock Out on Scheveningen beach was attended by 150,000 people. The 650 participants were from eight different countries. Amongst them were 50 of the world’s top riders and a handful of Dutch celebrities, whilst the rest were fanatical amateurs. They were not only battling against each other, but also, first and foremost, against the elements of sand, sea and wind.
Racing driver, Tim Coronel, is really sour after the race: “But it’s become my new hobby,” he announced triumphantly. “I beat my performance from last year, six laps!”
Other Dutch celebrities didn’t escape the race unhurt. SBS presenter Sjimmy Bruijninckx bruised her thumb. Boer Frans injured his elbow and Rintje Ritsma had to drop out due to engine trouble.
Source: Red Bull
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., Announces 2009 Factory Race Teams
Top Names in Motorcycle Road and Supercross/Motocross Racing, ATV Racing and Snocross Announced at Yamaha Headquarters in Cypress, Calif.
Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., is proud to announce the 2009 Yamaha Factory Race Teams. Yamaha, a leader in the motorsports market, announced its official race teams for American Superbike and Daytona Sportbike road racing, Supercross/Motocross off-road racing, ATV cross country and motocross racing and Snocross racing. The announcement was made at Yamaha’s corporate headquarters this morning in Cypress, Calif.
“Yamaha is excited to announce our 2009 Factory Race Teams across all of the thrilling motorsports that we support,” said Keith McCarty, Yamaha’s racing division manager. “From top talent to up-and-comers, these riders have proven that they have what it takes to compete at the highest levels. Yamaha is a leader in racing technology and innovation, and we’re proud to support these riders and have them represent our brand.”
Yamaha Factory Road Racing:
Yamaha’s 2009 Road Race team includes returning riders Ben Bostrom and Josh Herrin, who are joined by new members Josh Hayes and Tommy Aquino.
Fresh off the 2008 AMA Supersport Championship, Ben Bostrom will compete on the all new cross plane crankshaft YZF-R1 prepared by Yamaha Factory Racing in the American Superbike class. Joining Bostrom on the YZF-R1 is multi-time Formula Extreme Champion Josh Hayes.
Competing in the AMA Daytona Sportbike Championship will be third year professional Josh Herrin aboard the Graves Motorsports prepared YZF-R6, and Tommy Aquino, the 2008 AMA Road Race Rookie of the Year.
Yamaha Factory Supercross/Motocross:
The Yamaha Factory Supercross/Motocross team includes Broc Hepler, Josh Hill and Grant Langston. Both Hill and Hepler are eager to begin the new season after strong finishes in 2008, and Langston plans to mentor the young riders as a team advisor until a vision problem improves.
Team L&M/San Manuel Band of Mission Indians made one of the biggest moves of the off season signing James Stewart to ride under their tent. In 2008 Stewart had a perfect outdoor season, a U.S. Open victory and a dominating Bercy Supercross performance. Fellow Floridian Kyle Chisholm moves up to the 450 Class as the team’s second rider.
After a solid freshman effort the Joe Gibbs’ Racing/Spike Energy/Toyota team has signed Josh Grant and New Zealander Cody Cooper to lead their 2009 charge.
For the 2009 season, Star Racing will be Yamaha’s official 250F team. Having worked together since 2005, Star Racing has proven itself a legitimate competitor and a great ambassador for the Yamaha brand. The team will consist of Matt Lemoine, Broc Tickle, Darryn Durham and Michael Hall.
Yamaha Factory ATV Racing:
Yamaha’s ATV race team is comprised of record-holding and nine-time Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) champion Bill Ballance, who is considered widely as the best ATV racer of all time.
Joining Ballance on the GNCC circuit again for Yamaha in 2009 is Traci Cecco, who holds an unprecedented seven GNCC women’s titles, and Brandon Sommers, who won the 2007 GNCC XC2 championship and finished fifth in his inaugural XC1 Pro level series this year.
Representing Team Yamaha on the ATV motocross tracks again in 2009 are Pat Brown, who won the Montreal Supercross at the Montreal Olympic Stadium this September, and Dustin Nelson, the 2008 Yamaha/ITP Quadcross MX Pro Class champion. Both riders will compete on the all-new motocross-inspired YFZ450R.
Yamaha Factory Snocross:
For 2009, professional racers Steve Taylor and Iain Hayden will pilot their race-modified FX Nytro sleds in the premier Pro Open class.
Taylor returns for his second season on the track for Team Yamaha. His highlights last year include two wins at the WPSA races in Cadillac and Gaylord, Michigan, as well as putting the first 4-stroke sled into the main competition at ESPN’s Winter XGames.
Hayden is new to the Yamaha team this season. In 2006 he finished a perfect season on the Canadian National circuit, CSRA, going 16-for-16 and earning both the title and the Racer of the Year award that year.
More information on the entire 2009 Yamaha Factory Race Team is available at: http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/events/racinghome/home.aspx