AURORA, Ill. (April 2, 2009) - With the inaugural Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, race headed to Jacksonville Municipal Stadium this Saturday, the city of Jacksonville will become the fifth different city in the state of Florida to host an AMA Supercross race. This weekend's race also marks the 60th AMA Supercross race in the state of Florida.
Daytona was the first city in Florida in to host an AMA Supercross race back in 1974. In 1983 Orlando hosted its first race, and Ron Lechein won his first-ever AMA Supercross main event. In that same race in 1983 Bob Hannah, who led the points race heading into Orlando, broke his wrist and the injury ended his championship hopes. From 1991-1996, Orlando was the site of the championship's opening race.
In 1987, the city of Miami hosted its first-ever AMA Supercross race, and Ricky Johnson won the main event. Two years later in Miami, Johnson won the last AMA Supercross class main event of his career.
Tampa hosted its first AMA Supercross race in 1988 and Johnson won that race as well. The following year Daytona, Miami, and Tampa were all on the 1989 season schedule. In 1996, Jeremy McGrath swept all of the Florida races with wins in Daytona, Orlando, and Tampa.
Nine Different Riders Won Their First-Ever AMA Supercross Class Race in the State of Florida
1974: Pierre Karsmakers, Daytona, Yamaha
1976: Tony DiStefano, Daytona, Suzuki
1980: Rex Staten, Daytona, Yamaha
1983: Ron Lechein, Orlando, Yamaha
1987: Rick Ryan, Daytona, Honda
1993: Mike Kiedrowski, Daytona, Kawasaki
1994: Mike Craig, Tampa, Yamaha
1997: Ezra Lusk, Orlando, Yamaha
2000: Ricky Carmichael, Daytona, Kawasaki
Number of Starts Per Florida City
Daytona: 36
Orlando: 13
Tampa: 8
Miami: 2
For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.
About Feld Motor Sports
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA Nitro Jam. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world's largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.