AURORA, Ill. – Feld Motor Sports® announced today, following this past weekend’s Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s, that the top-eight riders from 250 A and 250 B Modified classes have solidified a spot in the Amateur All-Star class at the Monster Energy Cup. The Inaugural Monster Energy Cup is set to take place from Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium on October 15.

The top-eight riders from the Loretta Lynn’s 250 A and 250 B modified classes will be highlighted on the world stage as the best amateur riders compete for the prestigious honor of being crowned Monster Energy Cup Amateur All-Star Champion. This class will provide us with a rare glimpse of the talented athletes who will be the new class of super stars.

The Amateur All-Star class main event will follow a two-moto, six-lap format. Overall results will be determined by combined main event results.

Leading the way into the Monster Energy Cup from the 250 B Modified race at Loretta Lynn’s is Kawasaki’s Thomas Covington, finishing 3-1-2 on the weekend, which was good for the overall win and championship.

“I'll probably be the youngest guy in the 250A/B class so I am already training hard for it,” said Covington. “I was going to take a few weeks off after Loretta's but I have been riding all week in Alabama because I need to get faster to win this race. To find out I can race this event, which will be broadcast live on television is just really cool.”

Like many other amateur racers, Covington grew up watching Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael, who are designing the track for the Monster Energy Cup, and looks forward to competing on the track his heroes create.

“Knowing those two guys, I am expecting a really good track, said Covington. “If those two don’t know what a good track is, nobody does. I'm kind of expecting it to be a track that can get rough as the night goes on.  I know RC (Ricky Carmichael) always did better than the rest when the track was at it roughest. I expect MC (Jeremy McGrath) to build some cool jumps and stuff.  Both of them are my heroes and are so nice to their fans.”

Covington will square off against the top riders in the 250 A division in the All-Star Class race, which is led by Yamaha’s Kyle Peters.

“I know that I’ll be racing against the best guys and I’ll have to step up my game,” said Covington. “I want to come in as an underdog and do well. There are so many guys that can win this race. Coming out of the B Class, the competition level is going to be the best I have ever raced against.  For the A Class guys, it will be a big chance for them to show they are ready for the pros, so they will be hanging it out.”

Amateur All-Star Class Lineup

250 A Qualifiers
Kyle Peters, Greensboro, N.C., Yamaha
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda
Jessy Nelson, Templeton, Calif., Honda
Grand Ransdell, Milner, Georgia, Yamaha
Jesse Wentland, Elk River, Minn., Yamaha
Gavin Faith, Duncombe, Iowa, Honda
Preston Tilford, Fontana, Calif., Yamaha
Chris Plouffe, Castaic, Calif., Honda

250 B Modified Qualifiers
Thomas Covington, Temecula, Calif., Kawasaki
Blake Savage, Washington, Utah, Kawasaki
Zack Williams, Elko, Minn., Honda
Vann Martin, Houston, Texas, Honda
Justin Summers, Milton, Fla., Suzuki
Cody Chisholm, Seminole, Fla., Yamaha
Chris Carrillo, Simi Valley, Calif., Honda
Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Georgia, Suzuki


The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence, making it unlike any other stadium race in the world. This track will be the perfect blend of supercross and motocross combined and created into the ultimate battleground. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and for the “first time ever” $1 Million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.

Tickets for the 2011 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, the Galleria at Sunset, all Stations and Fiesta Casinos, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.supercrossonline.com or by phone at (866) 8-FINALS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only.

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz℠, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.