PICKERINGTON, Ohio (October 31, 2007) – The AMA Supermoto Championship returns to the Lone Star State on Nov. 2-4, for the Armadillo Supermoto to be held at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas.

This year’s event marks the first time the series has visited Texas since 2003 and combined with an intense championship battle in the premier AMA Red Bull Supermoto class, excitement has already hit the Galveston area.

“We are very excited to bring the AMA Supermoto championship to Southeast Texas”, commented John Hessinger, Moody Gardens, Marketing Operations Director. “The weekend is already shaping up to be a huge success as motorcycle enthusiasts are beginning to cruise in for a weekend full of entertainment. Whether you're an avid supermoto fan or a curious first-timer, we have an exciting weekend of activities planned for everyone”.

The Armadillo Supermoto track is about 0.8 miles in length, features 16 turns, and an approximate 80/20 pavement to dirt ratio. The unique Parts Unlimited UrbanCross obstacles will be positioned in a high visibility area to ensure high flying action for the crowd. The track is nestled in the corner of the Moody Gardens, where the water park’s unique waterfront location will provide the perfect backdrop for racing.

The championship battle in the AMA Red Bull Supermoto premier class is reaching a fever pitch between Graves Yamaha’s Mark Burkhart and Troy Lee Designs Honda’s Jeff Ward. Both riders are separated by only three points with only three races remaining.

Burkhart captured his fifth victory of the season at the last round in Oregon and took over the lead point standings. 

 “I am glad to be out front in the series lead”, said Burkhart. “With only three races remaining my goal is to just stay consistent. My Yamaha has been running great and the team have been working very hard, I want to end the season on top and it is going to be a battle until the finish that’s for sure.”

Ward, who is the defending AMA Supermoto champion, has one win and five runner-up finishes on the season.

“Back in 2003, I won the last AMA Supermoto in Dallas,” stated Ward. “The track looks like it will be good this weekend and there are still two rounds near my hometown in California. There is time to prevail in the championship, I just need to stay out of trouble and capture a few wins.”

Factory Aprilia Rip It Energy’s Darryl Atkins won his first-ever AMA main event in the PPG Supermoto Unlimited presented by M&R Products class in Redmond, Ore., last month which elevated him to second place in the point standings behind teammate Ben Carlson. Carlson has dominated much of the competition picking up five out of seven wins on the season and holds a 40 point lead over Atkins in the championship standings. Husaberg rider Robert Loire is in third, trailing by 45 points.

“Oregon’s track was great. I thought it was the best track we have visited this year.” stated Atkins, “My Aprilia has really been phenomenal. The support we have from everyone at Aprilia has been just incredible. I cannot wait to race this weekend in Texas”.

The AMA Hot Wheels Supermoto Lites series has been a grueling battle between Troy Lee Designs Honda rider David Pingree and Graves Yamaha’s Brandon Currie. But in Oregon, Pingree’s title hopes were dealt a blow in a nasty crash that resulted in broken bones to his left arm and both wrists.

Currie went on to win in Oregon and extended his lead to 19 points over the injured Pingree. However, Pingree has stated that he plans to return before the season’s end to keep himself in the title hunt. Currie will want to do everything in his power to pad his lead this weekend.

Advance Tickets can be purchased at participating local Houston motorcycle dealerships, where you can save $10 on a weekend pass. Tickets are also available online at www.armadillosupermoto.com Tickets are $35 for Adult Weekend Passes (Ages 8+), and $12 for Youth Weekend Passes (Ages 3-7). Children 2 and under are free. All single day tickets are available for $25. Pit Passes are free with weekend pass or advance purchase at a local Houston dealership.

The 6th Annual Lone Star Rally will be held at the Galveston Convention Center all weekend. The Lone Star Rally will feature a wide variety of motorcycle festivities for all ages. Every night there is a live concert scheduled, for more information on these events visit www.lonestarrally.com.

For more racing information and ticket information please visit the website www.armadillosupermoto.com .

from AMA Pro Information