Racing Kicks off at Loretta Lynn Ranch for 2012 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship

Hurricane Mills, Tenn. (July 31, 2012) After a full day of practice and preparation on Monday, nearly 1,500 racers took to the historic Loretta Lynn’s racetrack on Tuesday morning, kicking off day one of racing at the 2012 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by Amsoil. Twenty-two moto-winners were awarded over the course of the day”†ranging from Loretta Lynn’s first-timers to past champions in both pro and amateur ranks.

Race action from the opening day at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. set the stage for riders from all over the country to execute the final step in the Road to Loretta’s journey”†the National. Highlights from the premiere amateur divisions include Honda riders Matt Bisceglia of Weatherford, Texas and Zach Bell of Cairo, Ga., each of whom grabbed a pair of podium finishes in the first set of motos. Bisceglia took the Moto 1 victory in 450 B Stock, before also claiming a hard fought second place finish behind 250 B Mod winner Hector Rodriquez. Bell began his day with a win over a very stacked field of competition in the 250 A class, and then followed up with a third place finish in Open Pro Sport.

Newport, N.C.’s Cooper Webb slated two podium finishes in his first day of racing, taking second place in 250 B Stock before accomplishing an effortful comeback in the 250 B Mod class. Webb’s performance gave him a third place spot on the Moto 1 podium. Dakota Alix came into the day with hopes of contesting Webb, but after a setback on the opening lap of the 250 B Mod Moto 1, Alix wasn’t able to put himself into a podium position, although he did secure a third place in 250 B Stock Moto 1.

Florida’s Adam Cianciarulo claimed the Super Mini 1 (12-15) class-win over Kawasaki teammate Mitchell Harrison in Moto 1. After taking four of six moto-wins in 2011, Cianciarulo is going for a perfect slate in his final year in the Youth division, before graduating to the Amateur ranks next season.

Perhaps some of the biggest excitement of the day was based around the 25+ class, where 15-time professional champ Ricky Carmichael competed at Loretta Lynn’s for the first time since 1996. Pine Grove, Pa.’s Casey Clark pulled the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Holeshot Award atop some of the most decorated riders in the sport, but it didn’t take long for the G.O.A.T to charge to the front on the opening lap of Moto 1. From there, Carmichael gapped the rest of the field, where most of the race battles were taking place.

““For me, it’s just about coming here, having fun and experiencing this race in a different kind of light,” Carmichael said. ““When I was here at Loretta Lynn’s during my younger years, it was a different kind of pressure. Now it’s more about bringing my family and really just doing it for my sponsors and all the fans that have been following me throughout my amateur and professional career. I appreciate the support and I’m looking forward to two more races this week!”

Other highlights from Tuesday’s racing include Fayetville, Ga. native Andrew Matusek’s emotion-filled second place finish in the 25+ class, where he came in only 10 seconds behind Carmichael. Oklahoma’s Robbie Reynard took home the Moto 1 victory in the Vet 35+ class, while picking up an eighth place finish in 25+ after experiencing issues on the opening lap.

Racing resumes Wednesday morning, beginning with the Women (14+) class at 7:30 a.m. The 2012 Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship presented by Amsoil takes place Sunday, July 29 - Saturday, August 4 at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. For more information, visit the series website at www.mxsports.com.

About the Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship

The Red Bull AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship is the world's largest and most prestigious amateur motocross racing program. The national qualifying program consists of 50 Area Qualifiers (February through May) and 12 Regional Championships (June), hosted at select motocross facilities across the country. The qualifying system culminates in the National Final (first week of August) hosted annually since 1982 at the home of country music star Loretta Lynn in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Nearly 20,000 racers attempt to qualify in 36 classes for the 1,446 available positions at the National. Christened "The World's Greatest Motocross Vacation", the National event serves as a launch pad for some of the biggest names in professional motocross and supercross, including Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto, and Ryan Dungey. The national program is produced by MX Sports, Inc., a West Virginia-based race production company. For more information, please visit www.mxsports.com.