AMA congratulates U.S. Junior Motocross Team on 2011 FIM World Championship - Dirt Rider Magazine

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) congratulates the U.S. Junior Motocross Team for its title at the 2011 FIM Junior Motocross World Championships in Cingoli, Italy, on Aug. 13-14. The teams from Great Britain and Italy finished second and third, respectively.In addition to the team title, U.S. rider Joey Savatgy earned the individual world championship in the 125cc class at the event.

Savatgy, who is supported by Rockstar Energy Suzuki, was joined on the team by Yamaha amateur support rider Chris Alldredge from Powell Butte, Ore., in the 125cc class; Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green riders Mark Worth from Queen Creek, Ariz., and Chase Bell from Cairo, Ga., in the 85cc class; and Gabriel Jairala from San Antonio, Texas, and Derek Drake from San Luis Obispo, Calif., competing in the 65cc class on KTM 65s.Other U.S. riders were Rockstar Suzuki Josh Mosiman from Sebastopol, Calif., and Red Bull/Yamaha sponsored Matt Bisceglia from Weatherford, Texas, both in the 125cc class. In the 85cc class were Rockstar Suzuki rider Michael Mosiman from Sebastopol, Calif., and Suzuki rider Tyler Rosa from Perris, Calif.

"Winning back-to-back team world championships is an unbelievable accomplishment that requires a tremendous amount of effort from everybody involved," said AMA Motocross Manager Kip Bigelow, referring to the 2010 title the team won in France. "The riders represented the United States with honor, and I am so proud of each one of them. This accomplishment could not have happened without the support from our sponsors: Cernics Racing, Dunlop Tires, Monster Energy Team Green Kawasaki, Yamaha Motor Corporation, KTM and Bonamigo Suzuki."The title race went down to the closing moments of the final 125cc moto, which Savatgy won despite suffering a flat tire with four laps to go."Obviously the event was a success for our team," said U.S. Team Manager Ryan Holliday, Kawasaki Team Green's motocross supervisor. "The goal was to win, and we accomplished that. Each rider played a part in the team's victory, and it was great to see everyone work together for a common goal. It was fun to be a part of this, and hopefully the riders will have great memories of this experience."Bell finished second in the 85cc class with a 3-1 moto score, just losing out on the overall to Latavia's Pauls Jonass. Another notable ride was put in by 65cc rider Jairala, Bigelow said. Jairala struggled with poor starts but remained focused on the team title, finishing 9-16 in his motos and 10th overall."After track watering during intermission, all the 65cc riders found the conditions less than perfect," Bigelow said. "Jairala came into the mechanic's area with his goggles full of mud. He pulled back onto the track in 35th place with just 10 minutes to go, and it all seemed lost for the U.S. team. If it weren't for Jairala's fierce competitiveness and his ability to move past 19 riders by the end of the race, we wouldn't have made it to the podium."As for Savatgy, he made it clear that he won't forget his world championship anytime soon. The Thomasville, Ga., rider was thrilled with both his individual accomplishment and the team effort that brought home the world title."Winning the world championship was a big deal, and if I could explain feelings I would, but it is probably one of the most memorable wins of my amateur career," Savatgy said. "The feeling when I crossed that finish line and knew I had won was amazing, a loss for words. Especially knowing that I just rode the last four laps with a rear flat, I never in a million years would of guessed that I could ride four laps with a flat tire and still be able to win the overall."Of course, we had a great team, and everyone put in an amazing effort, an effort in which was good enough for the team overall," he added. "The competition over there, like the year before, was stacked. There were so many fast kids, and to come out on top is a good feeling."For more about AMA team competition in international championship events, see

AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Racing/.About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.