U.S. NOTCHES WIN AT 2001 FIM JUNIOR MX CUP

A01041
Monday, July 23, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hugh Fleming
Phone: (614) 856-1900
Fax: (614) 856-1920

                   U.S. NOTCHES WIN AT 2001 FIM JUNIOR MX CUP


     PICKERINGTON, Ohio - A U.S. rider carried his nation's colors to the top of

the podium at last week's Federation Internationale Motocyclist (FIM) Junior

Motocross Cup, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today.

     Broc Hepler of Kittaning, Pennsylvania, won the 85cc class aboard his

Suzuki, the first-ever win for a U.S. rider. Jimmy Nelson of Battle Mountain,

Nevada, rode his Yamaha to a fourth-place finish in the 85cc class, and Shane

Bess of Oxnard, California finished fifth in the 125cc class.

     The 2001 FIM Junior Motocross Cup was held on July 15 at the Talavera de la

Reina circuit, Spain's premier motocross venue. Riders competed for individual

honors in two classes: one for riders aged 12-15 on 85cc machines; and one for

riders aged 15-17 on 125cc machines.

     "The AMA is proud of Broc and his teammates," said Hugh Fleming, Director

of AMA Sports. "They've set a high standard for future U.S. riders."

     The FIM Junior Motocross Cup was established in 1999 as a showcase for

young motocross talent from throughout the world. The two previous events were

held at the long-time home of the German Grand Prix in Gaildorf.

     The AMA is the sole U.S affiliate to the FIM, the world-wide motorcycle

sanctioning body based in Geneva, Switzerland. The FIM comprises nearly 70

national organizations (called Federations) from countries around the world. The

FIM establishes and enforces racing rules and calendars for all types of

international competition, ranging from motocross and road racing to trials and

enduros.

     The group representing the U.S. at the 2001 FIM Junior Motocross Cup --

four riders and one official -- were sponsored, in part, by RacerX, MXSports,

and the North American Motorsports Union.



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