Pastrana Enters 2004 Maxxis U.S. Open - Feature Review - Dirt Rider Magazine

LAS VEGAS (July 28, 2003) - Clear Channel Entertainment's Motor Sports division announced today that Suzuki's Travis Pastrana has officially entered to race the 2003 Maxxis U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena October 10-12.Pastrana, who was recently injured in a car accident in Davidson, Md., has made a full recovery and has begun training for the race."Travis has decided to do the Maxxis U.S. Open because it's a fun, one-off event that involves no stress," said his agent, Steve Astephen. "The great thing about this race is that he can go to the MGM Grand Garden Arena, race and not have to get ready for another race the next weekend."The Maxxis U.S. Open is a way for Pastrana to ease his way back into competition. Since winning the 125cc Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Series in 2000, he has struggled with injuries."Travis will be able to compete without a points race involved," said Astephen. "He's currently taking advantage of some opportunities that have come out, such as freestyle motocross, rally car racing and doing some public relations work."The Maxxis U.S. Open, founded in 1998 is an invitation-only motocross race held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, featuring the world's top supercross/motocross racers in the world competing for $300,000 - the single largest payout in motorcycle racing. In addition to the premier open class of racing, the Maxxis U.S. Open also offers a variety of racing including minicycles and KTM Junior Supercross Challenge racing. Past winners include: Damon Huffman ('98); Jeff Emig ('99); Ricky Carmichael ('00&'01); Mike LaRocco ('02).Tickets for the sixth annual Maxxis U.S. Open presented by Thor/Parts Unlimited on October 10-11, and the Amateur Arenacross World Finals, which will be held at the MGM Grand on Sunday, October 12, 2003, are currently on-sale through the MGM Grand box office and Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 702-479-4000. For more information, log on to www.ussx.com < http://www.ussx.com >. The Maxxis U.S. Open is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.