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AMA: U.S. Open of Supercross - Ready to Rock Las Vegas

2 October 1998

WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- The stage is set and the excitement peaking for the richest single race in the history of AMA Supercross. On the nights of Oct. 10 and 11, the world's top riders will converge on the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden for the U.S. Open of Supercross.

With a luxurious locale, $250,000 in prize money and top-talent showdown, the U.S. Open of Supercross has created an air of anticipation akin to a heavyweight prize fight. The contenders are ready, each waiting for a shot at the $100,000 first-place prize.

Yamaha's Doug Henry -- fresh off of winning the 1998 Mazda Truck Motocross Nationals Championship -- will enter the U.S. Open of Supercross pitted against 1998 AMA Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath. Chaparral Yamaha rider McGrath will make his return at the U.S. Open, after sitting out most of the 1998 AMA 250cc Mazda Truck Motocross Nationals while recovering from a wrist injury.

Kawasaki's Jeff Emig announced this week that he is still recovering from surgery on his injured hand and will not be able to compete in the U.S. Open. "I'm looking forward to spectating and cheering my teammates on." said Emig. "It's going to be difficult to watch, knowing that I could have been out there competing for that purse, but I have to take care of myself now so I can be ready for the start of next year's AMA Supercross season."

While Emig will be missed in the running of the U.S Open, Team Green has another card up their sleeve in the form of Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Ricky Carmichael. Fans have eagerly awaited the 250cc class debut of the three-time 125cc Supercross/Motocross Champion, and insiders who have witnessed Carmichael practicing on a 250cc machine claim that his speed transcends the class differences.

In contrast to the hype encompassing the U.S. Open and his entry aboard a 250cc machine, the 19-year old Carmichael is approaching the high-stakes race with the calm demeanor of an accomplished pro. "The competition will be a little stiffer, but it'll be fun," said Carmichael. "I'm gonna give it a go."

The U.S. Open of Supercross will use a two race format: the first race will be held the evening of Sat., Oct. 10, and the second on Sun. Oct. 11. Riders will be scored as they would in a two-moto AMA National Championship race, with the overall winner taking home $100,000.

The U.S. Open of Supercross races will be broadcast live, Sat., Oct. 10, at 10pm Pacific time, on Speedvision, and again live, on Sun., Oct. 11, at 3pm Pacific time on Fox Sports Net. Race results will be available on the Pro Racing pages of AMADirectlink, at http://www.ama-cycle.org.

The U.S. Open of Supercross is sponsored by the following organizations: Fox Racing; Microsoft; Revlon Professional; Creative Nail; American Crew; African Pride; Maxxis Tires; Pro Circuit; Wiseco; Cometics; Chaparral; No Fear; 100%; IMS Products; Motocross Action; Dirt Bike; Motocross Journal and Mazda North American Operations.