Irvine, Calif. - Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green finished off its two-week stretch of racing by celebrating an extraordinary 17 championships and 24 podium finishes at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in hot Hurricane Mills, Tenn. No other manufacturer came close to the domination Kawasaki put on at the ranch, leaving Kawasaki as the only one to score double-digit championships. Double winners included pro rider Dean Wilson, vet Keith Johnson, and young guns Adam Cianciarulo and Zach Bell. Along with Wilson's two championships, he was awarded the esteemed Horizon Award.
Never Give Up
The racing week started off with a bang on Tuesday and was full throttle till Saturday. When the final moto was finished Saturday afternoon Kawasaki walked away with an incredible 17 championships.
"The 2009 season has been a great year for Team Green and to cap it off with 17 championships at Loretta Lynn's is incredible," said Team Green Supervisor Ryan Holliday. "Our riders really stepped it up in the final motos to earn championship after championship."
Horizon Award
For the second straight year, a Canidae Motosport Kawasaki rider produced the prestigious Horizon Award. Last year it was PJ Larsen and this year Dean Wilson claimed the honor.
"There were a lot of deserving riders," said Wilson. "It's such a great honor to receive the award knowing the competition is so good. It feels awesome."
Podium Finishers
Even though the podium finishers didn't get a championship plate, their efforts were greatly noticed. Kawasaki had 24 riders stand on the podium, which was more than any other manufacturer. In the Junior 25 Plus, Vet 35 Plus and Women Plus 14, Kawasaki covered the podium in green by sweeping all three classes.
Moto Domination
With 17 championships to show off, the Kawasaki riders also racked in an impressive honor with 41 moto wins in 31 entered classes. The next manufacturer only had 15 moto wins to their name.
Coming Out of the Shadow
Cianciarulo's week wasn't perfect, but he knows what it takes to be a champion, having earned over 50 championships to his name. With a nearly perfect showing in the 85 (12-13) Stock class, Cianciarulo had his work cut out for him in the modified class. With a 3-6 in the first two motos, it was up to him to bring home a win to earn the championship. He did just that, claiming both championships in the 85 (12-13) Stock and Modified classes.
Another Award for Green
Just like Kawasaki's Wilson, youngster Zach Bell earned five out of six moto wins. With his impressive showing at Loretta Lynn's, Bell was presented with the Youth Motocrosser of the Year award.
Fun in the Midst of Competition
Every year, Kawasaki treats its loyal riders to a fun-filled dinner in the Greenville area. With the theme "Greenwood", many of the riders dressed up like famous people and characters to celebrate. Check back soon for a gallery of images on the widget.
Bringing in the Big Guns
With the 2010 Kawasaki KX(tm)250F and KX(tm)450F just being released, the riders and fans got a chance to see the new machines up-close on Wednesday. Team riders Timmy Ferry and Ryan Morais displayed the bikes during a hot lap around the famous Loretta Lynn's track, while Ryan Villopoto cheering them on.
Amazing Support
All week long, the Team Green staff was available for the riders to purchase parts and receive service from the team mechanics. This is a valuable service that many Kawasaki riders take advantage of at Loretta Lynn's and at other staffed races.
Results
AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship
Loretta Lynn's Ranch- Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
Aug. 3-9, 2009
Overall Championships
Dean Wilson- 250A
Dean Wilson- 450A/ Pro Sport
Blake Baggett- 250A/ Pro Sport
Blake Barnes- 450C
Heath Harrison- Four Stroke
Keith Johnson- Junior 25 Plus
Keith Johnson- Vet 35 Plus
Glen Myatt- Vet B/C 30 Plus
Matt Tedder Sr.- Masters 50 Plus
Chase Bell- 65 (10-11) Stock
Blake Green- 85 (9-11) Stock
Adam Cianciarulo- 85 (12-13) Stock
Adam Cianciarulo- 85 (12-13) Modified
Zach Bell- Super Mini 1 (12-15)
Zach Bell- Super Mini 2 (14-16)
Jacob Hayes- Schoolboy 1 (12-16) B/C
Shelbie Brittain- Women (14 Plus)
Second Place Overall
Malcolm Stewart- 450A
Malcolm Stewart- Four Stroke
Jon Boruff- Junior 25 Plus
Mike Treadwell- Vet 35 Plus
Mike Treadwell- Senior 40 Plus
Earl May- Senior 45 Plus
Blake Green- 85 (9-11) Modified
Thomas Covington- 85 (12-13) Stock
Justin Bogle- Schoolboy 2 (14-16) B/C
Sara Price- Women (14 Plus)
Third Place Overall
Blake Baggett- 250A
Zach Freeberg- 250B Modified
Les Smith- 450A
Randy DiBartolo- 450A/ Pro Sport
Heath Harrison- 450B Modified
Dillon Toomer- 450C
Josh Mast- Junior 25 Plus
John Grewe- Vet 35 Plus
John Grewe- Senior 40 Plus
Chase Bell- 85 (9-11) Stock
Mark Worth- 85 (9-11) Modified
Dillan Epstein- Super Mini 2 (14-16)
Elizabeth Bash- Women (14 Plus)