AMA Press Release: World Champ Albertyn Poses Threat at Troy AMA Motocross
07/29/96
R96101 Contact: Larry Lawrence July 22, 1996 Phone: (614) 891-2425 For Immediate Release Fax: (614) 891-7368 ALBERTYN: A NEW THREAT AT TROY AMA MOTOCROSS WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- Three-time World Motocross Champion Greg Albertyn of South Africa added his name to the list of AMA National Motocross Series winners last week in New Berlin, New York, as the Team Suzuki rider took a surprise win over series leader Jeremy McGrath of Team Honda and Kawasaki's Jeff Emig. Albertyn's victory was the first AMA 250cc National Motocross win for Suzuki in 15 years. The 23-year-old Albertyn brought with him very impressive credentials when he came to race in the United States at the beginning of 1995, having earned world titles three straight years: first in the 125cc class in 1992, followed by back-to-back 250cc titles. With Albertyn's impressive record, and his new Team Suzuki association with five-time world champ Roger DeCoster as team manager, "Albee" figured to be an immediate threat on the AMA circuit. But what Albertyn fans didn't count on was injuries. The AMA Supercross Series and its extremely technical tracks took their toll on Albertyn, who despite his impressive record in motocross was largely new to the tight confines and spectacular jumps of indoor racing. Albertyn suffered a separated shoulder in the 1995 Orlando Supercross, his very first race here. Struggling with injuries all year, Albertyn finished the season ranked just 12th in Supercross and 10th in the AMA National Motocross Series. After his disappointing 1995 season, some riders would have been tempted to pack in their U.S. racing aspirations and head back to the more familiar European circuits. And Albertyn would have no problem landing a top ride on the international scene, where his services are still sought after. But he persisted, fought through the pain of a re-injured shoulder early this season, and finally got the payoff he was looking for, his first major AMA victory, last weekend. It seems ironic that a broken wrist suffered in the Troy, Ohio, round of the '95 National Motocross Series prematurely ended Albertyn's 1995 season. Because based on his win last Sunday in New York, Albertyn will return to Troy and the rugged Kenworthy's Motocross Park as one of the favorites to win the AMA National this Sunday, July 28. If Albertyn manages to win the Troy National, it will continue a string of new 250cc class winners there dating back to the event's debut in 1989. But the circuit figures to favor American riders more comfortable with the multiple jumps of Supercross. Because it's located on relatively flat countryside, the designers of Kenworthy's Motocross Park opted to build numerous man-made jumps, and in doing so produced the most "Supercross-like" track in the AMA Motocross Series. And so riders like defending 250cc National Motocross Champion Jeremy McGrath--widely recognized as the greatest Supercross rider ever--figure to be the ones to beat. McGrath's Honda teammate Steve Lamson won the 125cc class at Troy in 1995 and is favored to repeat again this year. Lamson has won six of the eight 125cc Nationals so far this season and has a solid lead in the series point standings. PAST WINNERS 250cc Motocross Date Winner Hometown Machine -------------------------------------------------------------------- July 16, 1995 Jeremy McGrath Murietta, CA Honda July 24, 1994 Mike LaRocco South Bend, IN Kawasaki July 25, 1993 Mike Kiedrowski Canyon Country, CA Kawasaki July 26, 1992 Jean-Michel Bayle Redondo Beach, CA Honda July 28, 1991 Jeff Matiasevich LaHabra Heights, CA Kawasaki July 29, 1990 Jeff Ward San Juan Capistrano, CA Kawasaki July 16, 1989 Ron Lechien El Cajon, CA Kawasaki 125cc Motocross Date Winner Hometown Machine ------------------------------------------------------------------- July 16, 1995 Steve Lamson Pollock Pines, CA Honda July 24, 1994 Damon Huffman Saugus, CA Suzuki July 25, 1993 Jeff Emig Highland Rance, CA Yamaha July 26, 1992 Jeff Emig Highland, CA Yamaha July 28, 1991 Guy Cooper Stillwater, OK Suzuki July 29, 1990 Jean-Michel Bayle France Honda July 16, 1989 George Holland Kerman, CA Honda July 31, 1988 George Holland Kerman, CA Honda August 9, 1987 Donny Schmit Bloomington, MN Suzuki