RIDERS CUP SLOTS ON THE LINE AT ROAD
ATLANTA FOR RED BULL AMA U.S. ROOKIES
 

Braselton, Ga. (August 29, 2008) -- The Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup returns to action at Road Atlanta this weekend. Up for grabs is a shot at the Riders Cup, a series of two races at Indianapolis and Valencia that will see the top ten Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies take on their counterparts from the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup. The line-up for the Rookies will be determined after this weekend's race, placing even more importance on the weekend.

The series for the brightest young motorcycle racing stars in North and South America will race with a heavy heart as this is the first race after the passing of Toriano Wilson, a talented racer and good friend to all. Luciano Ribodino was also injured in the crash and continues to recover.

"We're without two of our fellow competitors this weekend in Toriano Wilson and Luciano Ribodino. What happened has made a deep impact on all of us," said Rider Coach Kevin Schwantz. "We're all trying to recover from the tragedy. Our deepest condolences go out to Toriano's family, friends, and fans. We also give 'Lucho' our best wishes as he goes through his recovery. We will race this weekend like Toriano would have wanted, but we'll do so with both Toriano and 'Lucho' in our thoughts."

The Road Atlanta circuit will prove to be a challenging one for the Rookies and the circuit will add to that. The track has it all, long straights, heavy braking zones, and technical sections that promote passing and close racing -- something the Rookies Cup has seen plenty of this year.

The Road Atlanta circuit has been revised for this race. Most notably, track officials have changed the final turn at the 2.54-mile circuit to increase safety.

Three Rookies hail from the greater Atlanta area, Jake Morman, Huntley Nash, and Jesse Stevens.

Huntley Nash of Marietta, Ga., has shown flashes in what is his first full season of racing. He has shown plenty of speed in the races and his season has been a challenge for consistency and putting it all together. "Hunt" earned fourth place in Wisconsin and has other top- ten results to his credit. He is one of the riders in contention to earn one of the final spots in the Riders Cup. Nash says he wants to make his home event his best one this season.

"It's exciting to race in front of my family and friends, and hopefully I can put it on the box or at least get a top five this weekend," said the 16-year-old. "Lately, I have been qualifying better and I hope to see that trend continue. This is really my first year racing and learning how to be a better racer has been my goal. I'm used to the KTM RC 125 and once I got some idea on the setup, it's going better. I have learned how to communicate what I need with my mechanic and we've gotten some good results. I'll really be pushing hard to get it done again this weekend."

Jesse Stevens of Lawrenceville, Ga., says he's learned a lot this year in the Rookies Cup. Stevens' season started out to be a trying one after a Barber crash but Stevens has been steadily improving throughout the season. The 16-year-old is one of the riders fighting for a spot in the Riders Cup this weekend.

"We're all good friends off the track but it's a battle royale out there on the track," said Jess. "It would definitely be cool for me to make the Riders Cup because I know (Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup champion) J.D. Beach and it would be fun to race him, and it would be great to meet some of the other kids, too. I think it will take more than just a top ten to get in the Riders Cup, which for me is possible at this track. It's my home circuit but a lot of the other guys have been there too, so that should make it interesting."

Jake Morman of Loganville, Ga., missed the last round due to injury from a non-Rookies Cup event, but the popular teen is ready for action at his home race. "I'm feeling really good, I got the stitches out of my hand and I am super stoked to get back out there," said the 14-year- old. "I'll have a lot of family and friends at the race and I want to get a top-five, for sure. Road Atlanta is a really good track. I like the way it flows and it has some nice off-camber turns that are challenging. There should be a lot of passing going on. I have checked out the new section and it looks like a turn I would like, a lot of hard braking down the hill."

Schwantz feels the Rookies Cup line-up being determined after this race will affect the way the Rookies approach the weekend. "We have quite a few Rookies that can earn one of the Riders Cup slots with a good result at Road Atlanta," said the Rookies Cup Riders Coach. "I think we'll have more riders concerned about the points more than ever. We have a tight spread for those last couple of spots. It will be a challenging race. Some of the Rookies have some experience here but they have never ridden the track on these bikes and the circuit is also a bit different."

Benny Solis of North Hollywood, Calif., leads the series point race over Leandro Mercado of Argentina. Solis has a 32-point margin with just three races to go. Hayden Gillim (Owensboro, Ky.) has risen to challenge Mercado for second pace after two consecutive wins at Mid- Ohio and VIR. Gillim has closed to within six points of Mercado.

The Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race will be held on Sunday at noon local time.

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Points (after seven races)

1. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California 140 points
2. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina 108
3. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 102
4. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California 74
5. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia 63
6. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California 61
7. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California 56
8. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario 52
9. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California 43
10. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda 40
11. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York 40
12. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia 31
13. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia 28
14. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California 27
15. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 25
16. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma 24
17. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia 22
18. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin 17
19. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York 13
20. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York 12
21. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina 6
22. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas 4
23. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil 1

For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup.

All,

Thank you so much for the outpouring of support during the Wilson Family's tragedy. I can tell you firsthand that the family is sincerely touched by all of the calls and prayers. Alex Dunstan and myself have put into place a couple of tools for communication with the family. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, August 26 in Bermuda, a time is being determined. The services will be held at the race track, Bermuda Motorsports Park, Southside, St. Davids, followed by a motorcycle processional to the St. George Cemetary, then returning to the Wilson Family property for a repasse.

For those planning on attending services, a special hotel block and rates have been setup, please email me directly for more information.

Please disseminate this information to the Red Bull Rookies Cup family and the motorcycling community at large.

The first is a website for Toriano's Memorial Fund, included on the site is the address cards and flowers can be sent to. The purpose of the Memorial Fund is to first assist the Wilson Family with the unforeseen expenses related to this situation, and then to help other racing families that experience similar tragedies, also for contributing to track safety efforts around North America. Thoughts and comments can be left here as well.

www.torianowilson26memorial.blogspot.com

The second is an email address:
remembering.toriano26@gmail.com
 

August 18, 2008

Statement regarding the accident at the Virginia International Raceway Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup event:

Toriano Wilson, a road racer from Bermuda, fell on the track during the first lap and was accidentally struck by another rider while attempting to get out of the way.

Toriano was airlifted to UNC Medical Center for treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead early Monday morning. The other rider was transported to Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC and suffered a broken left arm and broken left femur. He is in a stable condition.
 

The AMA and Red Bull have a long history in racing and every effort is made to create the safest possible environment for all participants. Unfortunately, racing also carries inherent risks. This was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with both families at this time.

Please direct further media inquiries in writing to: jordan.miller@us.redbull.com
 

For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup.
 

Gutsy Ride As Hayden Gillim Wins Second
Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Race In A Row

Alton, Virginia (August 17, 2008) -- Hayden Gillim of Owensboro, Ky., won the Virginia International Raceway Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race on Sunday, taking a narrow victory in a race featuring a four-rider pack fighting for the win. Gillim's margin of victory was a slim 0.091 seconds, falling in with the other highly competitive Rookies Cup contests of 2008. Benny Solis, Jr., of North Hollywood, California led on the final lap but could not hold off Gillim's move exiting the final turn. Bryce Prince of Bakersfield, Calif., bested Emerson Connor for the final podium position in the race stopped twice for red flags.

Gillim won the race despite having surgery to repair his left collarbone last week.

 "It hurt, but the adrenaline started flowing and I felt a lot better as the race went on," said Gillim. "We were going back and forth and I was looking to make a strong push at the end of the race. I got a better drive than Benny (Solis) did and I was able to get the win. It feels really good to get two in a row and it was a lot of fun for me to get to race with these guys. It was a lot harder (than Mid-Ohio). Battling with people is really fun. You don't know when they're going to pass you or when you're going to pass them."

Solis, the winner of four races this year, led on the final lap but could not hold off Gillim. "I rushed the last corner," said Solis. "I went wide when I went through the double corner and I didn't have enough power to get back to the line first. I tried my best and ended up second. I'm pretty happy with my lead in the championship but the next couple of races I will try to get more podiums or wins." Benny now leads the championship by 32 points on the strength of four wins and a pair of second place finishes.

Bryce Prince earned his first podium finish of the year with a charge through the field. The Bakersfield, Calif., racer moved from seventh on the first lap to the top three at the checkered flag. "With the two red flags, I felt I had to get a good start. After that, I had a good battle with Huntley Nash for a couple of laps. By about halfway, I was able to catch up with the lead pack and trade positions a little bit. I almost highsided on the last lap and I thought 'There goes my shot at a win.'  I really enjoyed the race today and would like to thank all my sponsors for helping me. Everything was overall just amazing "

Emerson Connor from Burlington, Ontario, Can., was in the top three for virtually the entire race but ended up fourth in what was a fantastic weekend for him. Connor showed consistent speed in Virginia and was just 1.256 seconds back of the winner. "I rode strong and the KTM RC 125 was great. I was fourth today and I wanted to be a little higher but it was a good race and a lot of fun. All of the guys at the front rode really well today. I feel good about the result and I want to thank everyone that helps us race."

Leandro Mercado had an eventful race. The Argentine started on the backup bike after his machine developed an issue on the sighting lap, but still managed fifth place. He remains second in Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup points. "I got a terrible restart," said Leandro, who said the different settings of the bikes slowed him somewhat in the last leg of the race. "It's okay because I ended up fifth and I am happy for the points and the championship."

Jake Gagne of Ramona, Calif., was sixth on Sunday, ahead of Huntley Nash of Marietta, Ga. Austin DeHaven of Los Angeles, Calif., qualified 19th but rose eleven spots to earn eighth place. Cory Rech of Liverpool, N.Y., won a battle of New York riders when he beat Travis Wyman (Macedon, N.Y.) by less than a second for tenth spot.

Polesitter Tomas Puerta of Colombia led the race at one point but crashed. He remounted and finished 14th.

The race was delayed until the end of the day, necessitated by a red flag due to an incident involving Toriano Wilson of Bermuda, Luciano Ribodino of Argentina and Garet Tomlinson of Aledo, Texas. Wilson and Ribodino were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and treatment.

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Race Results From Virginia International Raceway

1. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
2. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California
3. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California
4. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario
5. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina
6. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California
7. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia
8. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California
9. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin
10. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York
11. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York
12. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia
13. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
14. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia 1:34.981
15. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California
16. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil
17. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York
18. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California
19. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma
20. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda
21. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina
22. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Points (after seven races)

1. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California 140 points
2. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina 108
3. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 102
4. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California 74
5. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia 63
6. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California 61
7. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California 56
8. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario 52
9. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California 43
10. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda 40
11. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York 40
12. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia 31
13. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia 28
14. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California 27
15. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 25
16. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma 24
17. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia 22
18. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin 17
19. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York 13
20. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York 12
21. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina 6
22. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas 4
23. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil 1

For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup.
 

Superbike Planet interview with Kevin.  Click here.

Bull's Eye In The Buckeye State For Hayden Gillim
 

Lexington, Ohio (Aug 3, 2008) -- Hayden Gillim of Owensboro, Ky., won his first Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race at Mid-Ohio on Sunday. Gillim led every one of the 16 laps to take a runaway win by 3.301 seconds at the finish line. A five-rider pack fought for the runner-up spot, with points leader Benny Solis of North Hollywood, Calif., finishing second and Leandro Mercado of Argentina earning third place.

Gillim, who won pole for the sixth Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race of the year on Saturday, jumped ahead at the start and had a lead of more than one second by the end of the first lap. Hayden, 13 years old, was never challenged. By lap 13, he had pushed ahead to a 5.6-second lead in a race and looked unbeatable. Gillim won the first-place trophy, a "#1" made by artist Bill Secunda from a Rookies Cup chain used earlier in the season.

Hayden was more than a second in front in qualifying, and thought he could get away from the others in the race if he did not lose positions in the beginning. "I was just hoping to get a good start. I was second going into the corner but I got around Benny. From there, I was just trying to go smart and be consistent. I got a good lead and ran a strong pace, and in the end I was able to win this one. I was on pole at Road America and in the lead, but I crashed out. I tried not to think about it today once I got out in the lead. I was focused and I really like this track a lot. It feels great to get a win and it's something I am really proud of. I'd like to thank everyone who helped me."

Solis and Mercado emerged on top of the five-rider battle for second. Joining them in the dogfight were Jake Gagne of Ramona, Calif., Joey Pascarella of Vacaville, Calif., and Tomas Puerta of Colombia. This group of Rookies even went five-wide into Mid-Ohio's turn six on one lap, thrilling the spectators in that area of the track.

Benny earned his fifth podium of the year at Mid-Ohio. "I wasn't able to keep up with Hayden but I was really happy to get more points and keep the points lead," said the 13-year-old. "Leandro and I had a good battle and there were some other riders up there with us, too. Leandro had some stronger spots on the track than me and I was quicker in some others. In the end, it just about evened out. I had a lot of fun."

Mercado has challenged for the win in each race and this was the first event in 2008 that he did not lead at some point. Still, Leandro managed to come back from fifth place on lap one to battle with Solis. The 16-year-old was just 0.467 behind Solis. "I got a bad start and the pace was very fast," said Mercado. "I made a suspension change this morning and wasn't sure how it would affect things. We had a very competitive race and it was good to rise up through the pack and finish on the podium at a track I did not know very well."

Gagne finished fourth. The 14-year-old rode his trademarked race with calculating strategy as he moved up to spots on the final laps. He was able to make it by the very aggressive Joey Pascarella, who made a strong move on Mercado for third place on the penultimate lap. Tomas Puerta ran yet another strong contest and held third position for the early laps. The Colombian eventually took sixth place.

Austin DeHaven (Los Angeles, Calif.) and Emerson Connor (Burlington, Ont.) had a spirited fight for seventh place. The two riders, both of whom have finished on the podium this season, finished within 0.6 seconds at the line, with DeHaven crossing the line first.

Another two-rider pack rounded out the top ten. Jake Morman of Loganville, Ga., and Cameron Gish of Shingle Springs, Calif., both earned solid results. Gish is now tied for tenth in the points standings -- important because only the top ten racers will compete in the Riders Cup races at Indianapolis and Valencia later this season.

Importantly, none of the Rookies crashed or had mechanical failures this weekend, as the crew and riders did an excellent job at Mid-Ohio.

The next Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race will be held at VIR Aug 17th.

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Results from Mid-Ohio

1. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
2. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California
3. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina
4. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California
5. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California
6. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia
7. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California
8. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario
9. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia
10. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California
11. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda
12. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma
13. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York
14. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia
15. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
16. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York
17. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin
18. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California
19. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York
20. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia
21. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina
22. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil
23. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Points (after six races)

1. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California 120
2. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina 97
3. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 77
4. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia 62
5. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California 62
6. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California 55
7. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California 53
8. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda 40
9. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario 39
10. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California 27
11. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California 27
12. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York 26
13. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma 24
14. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia 24
15. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia 22
16. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 22
17. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia 22
18. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York 12
19. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin 10
20. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York 8
21. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina 6
22. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas 4
23. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil 1


For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup.

Click here and check the photo at the bottom...

Top people from the motorcycle industry give their uncut opinions and race stories. Get your weekly motorcycle news live from Pit Pass Radio.

Free Moto 1 merchandise and free tickets to the Suzuki Big Kahuna Superbike Race for some lucky listener tonight. We continue the Suzuki Big Kahuna giveaway program tonight. Pit Pass Radio will be giving away two free tickets and a free hat or shirt from Moto 1 apparel tonight and every week until the races on August 15 - 17, 2008. Check out the hats and t-shirts at www.moto1usa.com.

7 PM to 9 PM Central - streaming from www.pitpassradio.com, or download the program from our archives to your ipod or mp3 player anytime. The archive is posted 15 minutes after we finish the live show.

- First Hour -

Jamie Hacking, Road Racer - Monster Kawasaki

Jamie had his first MotoGP race this past weekend at Mazda Laguna Seca and he got the job done finishing 11th after starting in last place. In the Superbike race he finished 4th and currently stands in 3rd place overall. He is having a great season in Superbike with six podiums in 12 races. Jamie is a two-time Supersport champion and Superstock champion.

www.jamiehacking.com

Erin Bates, TV Host

Erin started her career in motorsports as a trophy girl in the International Freestyle Motocross Association in 2000. She has come a very long way since then and now is one of the commentators we see each week on Speed Channel covering professional motocross. She rides and has a great understanding of the sport.

www.erinbates.com

- Second Hour -

Kevin Schwantz, World Champion and Owner - Kevin Schwantz Riding Schools

Kevin is the 1993 500CC Grand Prix World Champion. He has 25 Grand Prix wins, 21 lap records, 29 pole positions. The FIM even retired his signature competition number 34 - first time in the history of the sport that a rider has been so honored. In 2001, he started the Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School. In addition to running his school and working with Suzuki riders, he is the 2008 Red Bull U.S. Rookies Cup Coach. He joins us to discuss the Red Bull Rookies Cup, his riding school and to tell us his thoughts about the 2008 road racing season.

Miguel Duhamel, Road Racer - Honda Team

Miguel has established himself as a highly accomplished motorcycle road racer with eight AMA national road racing championships, five Daytona 200 wins and 86 AMA career wins. In 2007 Miguel survived a horrific crash at Road Atlanta during a testing session when one of his tires overheated. He healed and is backing racing in the Superbike class. He finished in 10th place this past weekend and is 8th overall in the Superbike series.

www.hondaredriders.com/roadracing

Mike Wendricks, MX Websites provides the software that allows anyone with a computer to build a site in a couple hours or less. They make it easy for riders to promote their sponsors and attract new ones. Mike is the founder of this company and will be on to tell us more about it.

www.mxwebsites.com

Crew at Pit Pass Radio Scott Casber, Tony Wenck, Tony Tice, Jack DeLeon and Ed Kuhlenkamp, Build-Momentum

Pit Pass Radio is a syndicated motorcycle talk-radio show heard across the U.S. on radio stations and around the world via the internet at www.pitpassradio.com. The show airs every Tuesday from 5-7 pm Pacific, 6-8 pm Mountain, 7-9 pm Central, and 8-10 pm Eastern at www.pitpassradio.com.

Solis Doubles At Laguna, Wins Three-Way Fight In Race Two
 

Monterey, Calif. (July 20, 2008) -- Although his margin of victory was larger than on Saturday, Benny Solis of North Hollywood, Calif., had a very difficult race as he took his fourth Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup victory of the season on Sunday at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Solis had to fight Hayden Gillim of Owensboro, Ky., and Leandro Mercado of Argentina for 17 hard laps to win the contest by just 0.927 seconds -- a slightly larger margin than the past two Rookies Cup races, which both required photo finishes to determine the winner.

The three-way battle for the victory left the crowd of over 46,000 at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix wondering which of the talented Rookies would come out on top. Four racers led the event at the 2.2-mile circuit, with Tomas Puerta of Colombia leading the first two laps before the Solis/Gillim/Mercado group took over.

Solis made his mark late in the race with a move to the lead; from there, "Benito" was able to work through his rivals and lapped traffic to increase his series points lead to 19. "It was fun and the pace was fast," said the 13-year-old. "I studied Leandro and Hayden for a while. I knew what I was going to try to do to make it out front, but there were points where they were faster than me on the track and points where I was faster than them. With three or four laps to go, I put my head down and never looked back. When I got out in front, I was able to use my own lines. We came up on some lapped traffic near the end, but I made it through. Also, I want to dedicate the race to my sister, Eleana Solis, who has a birthday coming soon."

Mercado held second place on the final lap but Gillim made the pass and was barely able to hold the position as they crossed the line. "I just had more of a drive today," said the 13-year-old Gillim. "Yesterday I needed to finish and get some points, but today I wanted to put it all out there and get a win. Benny and Leandro are very fast, and I felt lucky to keep up with them. I'd like to thank them for giving me such a good run today. I'm happy with my result and want to be on top of the box at Mid-Ohio."

Mercado rode a great race but again came up just short at the Laguna Seca finish line. After finishing 0.0008 seconds shy of a victory yesterday, the rider nicknamed "Tati" finished 0.01 seconds behind runner-up Gillim today. "The race was fun, and I am happy to get points for the championship. This race was really hard. I tried hard to keep my eyes on first place. The last lap, I made a couple of mistakes," said the 16-year-old. "First, a lapped rider was right on my line and that allowed Benny to get a little distance. Then in the last corner, I didn't get it right and got a little wheel spin. That helped Hayden get by me."

Puerta took the fourth spot, holding off Joey Pascarella of Vacaville, Calif., by a little more than one second. "I was fast yesterday and ran with the lead group but crashed. Today, I made sure I got the points," said Puerta, now fourth in the series standings.

The next group of riders saw a fiercely contested battle for sixth spot. Austin DeHaven of Los Angeles crossed the line first, having cleared fellow competitors Jake Gagne of Ramona, Calif., and Emerson Connor of Burlington, Ont., Canada. Bryce Prince from Bakersfield, Calif., was ninth and just 0.1 seconds in front of Jesse Stevens of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Garet Tomlinson of Aledo, Tex., completed a courageous race, managing to finish despite painful injuries from crashes at both Road America and earlier this weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

The next Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race will be held at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 3.

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Results
1. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California
2. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
3. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina
4. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia
5. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California
6. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California
7. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California
8. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario
9. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California
10. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia
11. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia
12. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York
13. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California
14. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
15. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin
16. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina
17. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York
18. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia
19. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil
20. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas
21. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma
22. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda
23. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Points (After five races)

1. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California 100
2. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina 81
3. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 52
4. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia 52
5. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California 49
6. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California 44
7. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California 44
8. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda 35
9. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario 31
10. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California 27
11. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York 26
12. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia 22
13. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia 22
14. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 21
15. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California 21
16. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma 20
17. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia 15
18. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin 10
19. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York 9
20. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York 8
21. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina 6
22. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas 4
23. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil 1

For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup.
 

0.0008: Solis And Mercado Lock Horns In Race One At Laguna
 

Monterey, Calif. (July 19, 2008) -- Benny Solis of North Hollywood, Calif., won his third Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race of the season on Saturday, winning a thrilling battle with Argentina's Leandro Mercado by a mere 0.0008 seconds after 17 exciting laps. Solis and Mercado bumped their way to the finish line, sending the AMA officials to the photo finish image for the second race in a row in the Rookies Cup. Hayden Gillim of Owensboro, Ky., earned his second podium result with a fine third place finish in the first of two Rookies Cup races on the weekend.

The last turn and run to the checkered flag goes down as an instant racing legend. With two laps to go, Mercado led Solis by the slimmest of margins. Solis followed and used his chosen strategy. "I wanted to wait for the last turn," said the 13-year old Solis, who now leads the points by 10. "Leandro was faster than me in some corners but I thought I could pass him in turn 11. We bumped all the way back to the line and we had some elbows out. It was a great race and Leandro did a great job out there. I needed a win because we would have been tied in points if Leandro had won and I finished second. Hopefully, we can put on another good show tomorrow."

Mercado came close to his second Rookies Cup win in a row and led 14 of the 17 laps. "I tried to do the last lap at the same pace as the other laps near the end of the race, pushing hard but not making any mistakes," said the 16-year-old. "The next to last corner, I did not quite get it perfect. I lost some speed in getting out of the corner. I tried my hardest but I wasn't able to win it this time but am very happy to have been in such a competitive race with Benny. I hope the fans enjoyed it as well. I'll think about it tonight and try to come up with some new strategies but I expect another difficult race tomorrow."

Hayden Gillim posted a solid performance, earning another podium finish. He was able to hold off Joey Pascarella of Vacaville, California for third spot. "I was just trying to run my own race and keep it up on two wheels after I lost the leaders. I wanted to get a good result and some points," said the 13-year-old. "I was happy with the way I rode and I thought I made some good progress in the race."

Toriano Wilson from Bermuda took fifth place, just two seconds behind Pascarella.

Tomas Puerta's race was exciting as well. The racer from Medellin, Colombia ran with Solis and Mercado at the front, but highsided spectacularly in turn 11 with just a few laps to go. Puerta showed his fighting spirit by jumping back on his bike and he finished sixth after remounting. "I had an excellent start and was having a good race but I crashed in the last turn," said the 15-year-old. "I had a highside but I got back up and finished the race. Tomorrow is another day and I hope to run at the front again. It was very fun."

Corey Rech of Liverpool, N.Y., earned seventh, followed by Austin DeHaven of Los Angeles, Calif. DeHaven rebounded from a morning crash to secure his finish. Jake Gagne of Ramona, Calif., was ninth and remains third in the series points. Jesse Stevens (Lawrenceville, Ga.) rounded out the top ten.

The next Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race is Sunday at 1:45 PM local time.

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Results
1. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California
2. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina
3. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
4. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California
5. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda
6. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia
7. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York
8. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California
9. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California
10. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia
11. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California
12. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia
13. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California
14. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York
15. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky
16. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia
17. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York
18. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario
19. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin
20. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil
21. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina
22. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma
23. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas

Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Points (After four races)

1. 35 Benny Solis, North Hollywood, California 75
2. 36 Leandro Mercado, Cordoba, Argentina 65
3. 32 Jake Gagne, Ramona, California 40
4. 12 Tomas Puerta, Medellin, Colombia 39
5. 26 Toriano Wilson, St. Davids, Bermuda 35
6. 56 Austin DeHaven, Los Angeles, California 34
7. 25 Joey Pascarella, Vacaville, California 33
8. 69 Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky 32
9. 34 Corey Rech, Liverpool, New York 26
10. 50 Emerson Connor, Burlington, Ontario 23
11. 75 Huntley Nash, Marietta, Georgia 22
12. 74 Bryce Prince, Bakersfield, California 20
13. 7 Austin Medrano, Mustang, Oklahoma 20
14. 95 Frankie Lee Gillim, Owensboro, Kentucky19
15. 31 Cameron Gish, Shingle Springs, California 18
16. 13 Jesse Stevens, Lawrenceville, Georgia 16
17. 66 Jake Morman, Loganville, Georgia 10
18. 23 Corey Alexander, Ossining, New York 9
19. 94 Jacob Cunningham, Kimberly, Wisconsin 9
20. 11 Luciano Ribodino San Francisco, Cordoba, Argentina 6
21. 22 Garet Tomlinson, Aledo, Texas 4
22. 3 Travis Wyman, Macedon, New York 4
23. 82 Otavio Lucchini, Jundiai, SP, Brazil 1

For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com and www.redbullusa.com/rookiescup.