This Week @ NJ Motocross

1. Get Well Soon…Harold Glissen
2. 2010 BAD BOYS OF ARENACROSS SERIES Returns to Trenton…This Weekend

Thunder in the Sand Returns to Wildwood NJ...this weekend

Check out this press release from the crew at Thunder Moto. Coming to the sands of Wildwood, New Jersey this upcoming weekend.

The Wildwoods, NJ- The thrill and excitement of motocross comes to the Wildwoods on May 29-31, 2009. The “Spring Thunder in the Sand” consists of AMA-sanctioned Pro-Am motocross races which range from beginner level to professional. All races take place on the pristine Wildwood beach between Schellenger and Spencer Avenues, which happens to be voted the best beach in New Jersey. This is the only time you can camp on beach and have the back drop of the ocean. Fri kicks off with practice 1-4 price $10 with a drag race at 6:30pm class are $30amature and $40 pro Saturday’s race events start at Noon and Sunday’s events start at 10 a.m.$7.00 for spectators, racers check website for sat and sun practice time gates open Thurs at 6:00pm For additional information and ticket prices, visit www.ThunderMoto.com or call 609.523.8051.

This event held twice each year is excellent for both spectators and competitors alike. Lukaitis Photo has been on hand for the past several years and will once again be in attendance.

Mark this event on you calendar of things to do this weekend.

Help Overturn the Lead Law

Blue Ribbon Coalition press release on helping to overturn the lead law.

House Bill to Overturn Ban on Youth ATVs and Dirt Bikes Introduced!
Weigh in to Have Your Voice Heard!

Youth sized ATVs and dirt bikes are still banned. We need your help to continue to build enough pressure to get the ban overturned. It is unlikely that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will act to approve the Motorcycle Industry Council's petition to grant regulatory relief. This means we need Congress to act.

Representatives Rehberg (R-MT), Burgess (R-TX), Pomeroy (D-ND) and Simpson (R-ID) have introduced legislation that will stop the ban. Please click the Take Action button below to urge your Representative and Members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to support and cosponsor H.R. 1587.

ARRA members have responded in huge numbers on this issue already, but it is important that you continue to have your voice heard.

After you weigh in, please use the Tell-A-Friend feature to forward this alert to everyone you know that rides. It is imperative that the voice of every rider be heard!

For more information visit www.stopthebannow.com.

Take Action

Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
House Committee on Energy and Commerce
U.S. House

Below is the sample letter:

Subject: Please Cosponsor H.R. 1587

Dear,

I'm writing today as a citizen who enjoys riding ATVs / dirt bikes. I urge you to co-sponsor and support H.R. 1587 which will exempt youth model all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles from the lead content provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Although the powersports industry has demonstrated that the lead content in the metal parts of ATVs and dirt bikes pose no risk to children's health, the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) recent approval of a final rule imposing strict standards for excluding products from the new lead content limits makes clear that CPSC will not provide relief for youth model ATVs or dirt bikes. Congress needs to step in and make immediate amendments to the CPSIA to ensure that reasonable exclusions can be made for these products, which are piling up in stores and dealerships across the country, needlessly resulting in millions of dollars in lost sales and costs at a time when our economy and these small businesses can least afford it.

But the unintended consequences of this ban go way beyond the business and financial ramifications - it affects me personally, and it affects family and friends who ride with their children, because it destroys the chance for families to enjoy these outdoor recreational activities together. AND it poses a potentially huge safety risk if, as an alternative to having the kid-sized vehicles available, parents opt to put their kids on larger, adult-sized vehicles. PLUS, there is mass confusion. Should kids who race in off-road competitions even go to events? Will parents be able to buy critical replacement parts for their kids' ATVs or dirt bikes, like brake pieces or valve stems? Everyone suffers: dealers, manufacturers, aftermarket, motocross event operators, and especially families with children who are being denied their right to ride. And ride safely.

When the new lead standard took effect on February 10, 2009, youth models of ATVs and dirt bikes designed and intended primarily for children 6 to 12 years of age became classified as banned hazardous substances and dealerships in our area were forced to remove these perfectly good products from showrooms. Components in youth model ATVs and dirt bikes that contain small quantities of lead such as valve stems on tires, aluminum in some brake components, and terminals on batteries, do so to address safety (such as machining the deep grooves on tire valves to assure tire air retention) or for functionality (such as the lead in battery terminals, needed to conduct electricity).

The sad irony is that these youth models were created with the support of the CPSC and consumer advocates to give children a safer alternative to larger, faster adult size models. These long-term efforts to promote child safety are now seriously jeopardized. In addition, youth rider training to encourage the safe and responsible use of ATVs and dirt bikes is jeopardized because new youth models and parts and accessories for them are no longer available. As an ATV / dirt bike rider, and one who has respected the law and encouraged responsible riding, I find this to be unacceptable. The lead in those vehicles does not pose a risk to children 's health. Congress needs to stop this ban - NOW.

I respectfully ask that you co-sponsor and support H.R. 1587 so youth ATVs and dirt bikes again will be available for sale and safe and responsible use.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Address

About BlueRibbon Coalition
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. It represents over 10,000 individual members and 1,200 organization and business members, for a combined total of over 600,000 recreationists nationwide. 1-800-258-3742. www.sharetrails.org

Congress Votes to Close More than 2 Million Acres Nationwide to Off-Highway Vehicles

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House members on March 25 approved a bill that closes more than 2 million acres of public land nationwide to off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized vehicles, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated just a couple weeks earlier, the lawmakers approved H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.

Congress' first attempt to pass this measure, S. 22, was defeated two weeks ago in the House. However, following that defeat, the Senate leadership brought H.R. 146 to the floor, inserted the language from S. 22, and passed the bill on March 19 by a vote of 77 to 20.

It then went to the House for the March 25 vote.

"The measure unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public lands by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "This is a sad day not only for responsible motorized recreation but also for a democratic process that is supposed to welcome public input and the opportunity for congressional review.

"For example, House members never debated more than 70 of the bills included in this package before the vote," he said.

The measure, which now goes to President Obama to be signed into law, consists of a daunting collection of more than 160 pieces of legislation and more than 1,300 pages of text.

Under the bill, areas where motorized vehicles won't be allowed include parts of the Monogahela National Forest in West Virginia; Jefferson National Forest in Virginia; Mount Hood, Badlands, Spring Basin and Copper Salmon areas in Oregon; Sabinoso in New Mexico; Riverside County in California; and Washington County in Utah.

U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) noted in a House floor speech on Feb. 9 that "there are recreation restrictions in this bill.

"These (the AMA and other responsible recreation) groups' members include millions of off-highway enthusiasts, vacationing families, and small businesses involved in the system. And what they have pleaded with us to do is, quoting from the letter that many groups signed, 'It is our sincere hope that this Congress will develop a thoughtful approach to managing our public lands more than simply eliminating public access and creating additional layers of bureaucracy. Continued reasonable access to public lands is vitally important for current and future generations.'

"So why the rush on this particular bill?" Bishop asked. "And who are the losers, other than Americans who enjoy recreating on public land?"

Moreland warned that these kinds of threats aren't going to end.

"This land grab is just the latest effort by the federal government to restrict recreational access to America's public lands," he said. "AMA members responded to our calls to action and helped us shape the debate of this legislation.

"Our voice must grow stronger if we are to head off these and other threats in the future, and I encourage all motorcyclists to sign up for AMA's legislative alerts," he said.

Through the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list, riders can be notified by e-mail when they can make a difference on important issues. To sign up, go to the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and then "Action E-list."
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has promoted and protected the motorcycling 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 motorcycle organization with nearly 300,000 members, 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 events than any other organization in the world. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Lucas Oil Sponsors AMA Pro Motocross Championship

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – As the new era of professional motocross in America continues to take shape, a large piece of the puzzle was revealed this morning when Lucas Oil announced it will serve as the AMA Pro Motocross Championship title sponsor for the next three years. This announcement comes on the heels of the groundbreaking marketing and media partnership formed between MX Sports and Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, around what will now be known as the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

No stranger to motorsports, Lucas Oil will continue to broaden its exposure by joining one of the most historic racing series in the country. In turn, the AMA Pro Motocross Championship will achieve new levels of publicity, reaching a much broader fan base throughout the motor racing and action sports communities.

“Lucas Oil is the perfect partner to help us fulfill our promise to our athletes and teams, our fans and the entire motorcycle industry that we would take this series unprecedented levels of television coverage and exposure,” said MX Sports Vice President Davey Coombs. ”MX Sports could not be prouder to work with Forrest (Lucas) and his company; their commitment to the quality of their products, as well as to motorsports racing at all levels, is remarkable.”

“We’re thrilled that the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is a part of the Alliance”, said Alli president Wade Martin. Lucas Oil is a perfect compliment to the series. We look forward to working with both of these great companies in elevating the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship through the wide range of media and marketing platforms Alli will provide.”

Now an official series sponsor for nine racing properties from off-road, to drag boat, and even AMA EnduroCross, Lucas Oil gladly welcomes AMA Pro Motocross into its diverse racing family. Officially titled the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Lucas Oil’s involvement subsequently thrusts the series into the national spotlight with live television coverage on both NBC and SPEED, as well as same-day tape-delayed coverage. MX Sports will also be announcing a comprehensive international television package that allows fans all over the world to follow the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

“Lucas Oil is excited to be a part of the revitalization of motocross,” explained Lucas Oil Executive Vice President Bob Patison. “This is an opportunity to bring motocross to a large worldwide audience that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience the excitement and tremendous skill involved in this sport.

“On our behalf, this is not only a commitment to sales and marketing, but truly bringing the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into the upper echelon of motorsports. We are putting our best resources from Lucas Oil into our involvement with the series and we will do everything in our power to help the sport grow. We are dedicated to making American motocross as good as we possibly can.”

“(MX Sports) is also proud to announce that longtime series sponsor Toyota will continue its involvement as the Official Truck of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship,” stated MX Sports Director of Operations John Ayers. “Their support is invaluable to the sport and without their involvement motocross would not be where it is today.”

For more information, please contact Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship media coordinator Brandon Short via email at brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com or by telephone at (949) 365-5752.

About MX Sports

MX Sports, LLC, owns, manages and produces the two most prestigious and world-leading motocross

championships – the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship and the Air Nautiques AMA Amateur

National Motocross Championship.

MX Sports is a second generation family owned business that has been in operation for well over 26 years and is an industry leader in the segment of off road/action sports race promotion in the United States.

Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports fields more than 60,000 action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of active fans, spectators and enthusiasts. For more information on MX Sports, please visit www.mxsports.com.

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, Maloof Money Cup, Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, King of Wake series, and the Free Flow Tour; Alli Productions, which creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000 spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. More information can be found at www.allisports.com.

Lucas Oil Products

Lucas Oil is a worldwide leader in the production of oils, greases, and additives. Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest-growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, featuring a premium line of oils, greases, and problem-solving additives. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top-selling additive line in the American truck-stop industry.

Forrest Lucas and his wife, Charlotte, founded Lucas Oil Products in 1989 after he spent 20 years as a truck driver and owner of a nationwide long-haul trucking fleet. They experienced firsthand the need for better lubricants and fuel treatments to maintain their equipment.

Lucas Oil is involved in an array of motorsports sponsorships, including the “Official Motor Oil of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.” For more information on Lucas Oil, please visit www.LucasOil.com.

Husqvarna announces "Guest Factory Rider for a Day"

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December 1, 2008 -- Woodcliff Lake, NJ - Husqvarna has officially announced a unique "Guest Factory Rider for a Day" program that will coincide with the 2009 GNCC Series, this according to Sales and Marketing Manager Scot Harden.

"The "Guest Factory Rider for a Day" program will showcase past Husqvarna National Champions and Legends, young up and comers, industry icons, and members of the Armed Services," said Harden. "It'll be a great way to educate people about the history of our brand and the sport of off-road racing. It also gives us a way to reward a few very deserving members of our armed services for the sacrifices they make to protect the lives we enjoy as Americans."

Headed by Husqvarna's factory GNCC rider Glenn Kearney with support from technician Wyatt Seals, the Guest Factory Rider program will provide a specially prepared Husqvarna TXC 450 at each event to various Guest Factory Riders selected by Harden and the Husqvarna management team. Selected riders receive full factory treatment for the day thanks in large part to the program's designated factory mechanic Seals who will support them through every phase of the GNCC event as they compete alongside their fellow Husqvarna teammate Kearney.

"I'll be pleased to have so many great people racing the GNCC's with me during 2009," offered Kearney. "It's an honor for me to play a role in the program and I'm really looking forward to associating with some very deserving folks."

Tech Wyatt Seals will have your 2009 Husqvarna TXC 450 ready to go.

Beginning with GNCC round 1 at Daytona in March, a different rider will be showcased Husqvarna's "Guest Factory Rider for a Day" at every GNCC event throughout the season. Typically, Guest Factory Riders will compete in the Sunday morning 2-hour amateur race.

Those interested in participating in the Husqvarna "Guest Factory Rider for a Day" program should apply via email to scot.Harden@husqvarna-motorcyclesna.com

Husqvarna Motorcycles. Tradition on two wheels since 1903.
Husqvarna Motorcycles, a part of the BMW Group since October 2007, are widely known and respected in the off-road world for a heritage of competition and numerous motocross and enduro world championships. Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna motorcycles have been designed and manufactured in Varese, Italy since 1987.

Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC
Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC is part of BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America is located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Husqvarna Motorcycles NA, LLC returned to off-road racing competition in 2008 and during 2009 Husqvarna will expand its professional race team to compete in AMA GNCC, Endurocross, National Hare & Hound, the AMA Hare Scrambles Series, and WORCS competition. Husqvarna team riders will compete in the premier classes of each series aboard 2009 Husqvarna TXC 450, TXC 510, and WR 300 off-road models.

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