AURORA, Ill. (October 3, 2006) – After being a part of AMA Team USA’s second consecutive Motocross of Nations championship, Suzuki’s Ivan Tedesco, 25, will race in the 2006 Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open inside Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 13-14. This year’s Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open will air on CBS Sports Saturday, October 21, 2006 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. (EST) and boasts the most competitive line-up ever.

 

Tedesco, of Murrieta, Calif., is a two-time Regional AMA Supercross Lites champion and AMA Motocross Lites champion, and made his move into the premier AMA Supercross class this season, finishing fourth in both the Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP and Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series. Making his way to the podium twice in 2006, Tedesco expects to be a front runner at this year’s Rockstar Energy U.S. Open.

 

“My goal for the U.S. Open is to be up front and battle with the top guys,” said Tedesco. “I know all the competition will be good and there will be some good racing. I will be Suzuki’s top guy when Ricky’s not there so I need to step it up now for next year. I have a lot of good people around me to help me out, and I am going to do anything it takes to be ready for the challenges ahead of me.”

 

In 2002, Tedesco finished fifth in his first and only U.S. Open. During his AMA Supercross Lites career Tedesco earned 10 main event wins spanning from April 5, 2003 to February 5, 2005.

 

“I was really bummed I missed the whole outdoor season, but I am excited about next year and the U.S. Open” said Tedesco. “I have only raced the U.S. Open once in 2002 and I really enjoyed the race so I am looking forward to it. We have been testing the new bike and it feels good so it will be good to see how the bike works in a race situation to see where we are at.”

 

“It’s great to add Ivan to the starting list for the first time since his fifth-place finish in 2002,” said Dave Prater, director of operations for the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open. “He’s fresh off a big win at the Motocross of Nations and is comfortable on the more technical tracks, so look for him to be up front.”

 

Since joining Suzuki, Tedesco has enjoyed the learning experience of having 15 time AMA National champion Ricky Carmichael.

 

“Obviously Ricky is the best so he’s the guy to learn from, and he’s also a cool guy to be around,” said Tedesco.

 

Last Year’s top 3

1)       Ricky Carmichael

2)       Michael Byrne

3)       Kevin Windham

 

Past Champions

2005: Ricky Carmichael

2004: Chad Reed

2003: Mike LaRocco

2002: Ricky Carmichael

2001: Ricky Carmichael

2000: Ricky Carmichael

1999: Jeff Emig

1998: Damon Huffman

 

Built into this year's Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open format will be the three part Toyota Trifecta bonus program that will pay additional money to the fastest qualifier for each night's event, a bonus to each night's Progressive Direct Holeshot winner and a bonus for any rider that can complete the Toyota Trifecta challenge by being the fastest qualifier, getting the Progressive Direct Holeshot and winning the main event. Any rider that hits the Toyota Trifecta will earn a $50,000 bonus each night in addition to the regular event purse and any rider that can "Double Down" and hit the Toyota Trifecta both nights will walk away with $250,000 for the weekend. 

 

Tickets are now available for the ninth-annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas October 13-15, 2006 at www.ussx.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 702-474-4000 or the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Regarded as one of off-road motorcycling’s premier races, the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is the final ‘major’ race of the motocross season. Tickets are available for as low as $20 through Ticketmaster.com. Fans can upgrade their weekend experience with the X-Treme Package. X-Treme Packages include premium tickets for all 3 days, Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open t-shirt, hat, and weekend long pit pass. X-Treme Packages are only available through www.ussx.com.