Torrance, CA: American Honda is proud to announce that the all-new 2009 CRF450R will make its much-anticipated U.S. racing debut this weekend at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, October 10-11, 2008. Honda Red Bull Racing's Andrew Short and Ivan Tedesco will pilot the exciting new model in its first U.S. appearance at the 10th-anniversary race held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
The popular U.S. Open event gives Honda race fans the opportunity to see Honda Red Bull Racing's riders showcase the brand-new CRF450R in competition for the first time under Las Vegas' dazzling lights. Lighter and more powerful, the 2009 450R boasts a completely redesigned engine, entirely new frame and suspension, and electronic fuel injection to deliver 450-class-leading power along with CRF250R-style handling.
In 2007 Short finished the U.S. Open's two-night program with a 3-7 result, taking fifth overall for Honda. This year, equipped with the all-new 2009 CRF450R, Short is confident he can finish up front in both races.
"I can't wait to debut the new bike in competition alongside Ivan for the first time," said Short. "The new bike is awesome and I couldn't ask for a better machine to battle for the $250,000 that is up for grabs. It has great power from the get-go so we will be in great shape to look for the holeshot in each race. It's also really light so it's easy to maneuver and I think it will be to our advantage riding on the tight U.S. Open track." Tedesco last raced the U.S. Open in 2006 and is looking forward to his return this weekend aboard the machine he has spent considerable time developing in recent months.
"I'm really excited to finally have the opportunity to race the new bike after all the testing and development work I've been doing with Honda," said Tedesco. "I have a lot of confidence in the 2009 CRF450R and I'm looking forward to riding it for the first time in competition this weekend. Riding the new bike at the U.S. Open is the perfect testing platform as we prepare for the 2009 Supercross season. I couldn't think of a more fitting place to debut Honda's new bike than Las Vegas."