Courtesy of NPG
The high-flying action out of Gravity Cavity will return to the AMA Motocross schedule this weekend.
The first-ever AMA-sanctioned motocross event at Unadilla Valley Sports Center was held in 1972 and every year since the natural terrain circuit has been a fixture of American motocross. This season, the Monster Energy National at Unadilla Presented by Renegade Haulers will host round eight of the 12-race AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF on July 19-20.
For 2008, track promoter Ward Robinson is introducing three new sections to the circuit, while also resurfacing the layout. However, the old-school elements of Gravity Cavity, the Wall and Skyshot, all appropriately named sections of the track that are loved so dearly by riders and fans alike, return to provide high-flying action. Additionally, 13,000-cubic yards of sand has been brought in to challenge the riders. That's enough sand to fill a football stadium three feet deep.
Monster Energy Kawasaki's James Stewart continues his push towards a perfect season. The series points leader missed out on the action in New York last season due to injury but is eager to return and solidify his spot in second on the all-time win list at the circuit.
In AMA Motocross Lites, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto holds a healthy points lead as he makes his run at a third-consecutive title. An overall winner at Unadilla his rookie year, he had a rough outing in 2007 and hopes to return to the top step of the podium.
As the dust settles after the pros finish with practice on Saturday evening, New York's very own Ten Man Push will bring Unadilla Valley Sports Center to life with the first of two concerts supporting the event. Playing tracks from their album "Kingdom of Fools" along with covers of some of the most popular mainstream hits, this fast rising foursome will set the tone for an energized evening with a 7 p.m. show. On Sunday, the band will bring the excitement to a boil with an 11:30 a.m. performance leading into the opening ceremonies.
Monster Energy steps up in 2008 as the event's title sponsor while Renegade Haulers makes its return for the third year in a row as the presenting sponsor.
We saw a little mix-up in the top riders last weekend with Ryan Sipes putting his KTM towards the front and into sixth overall.
On track action can also be seen in the form of amateur racing on Friday and Saturday. One of the largest programs for a AMA Toyota Motocross Championship weekend, over 1,000 riders are from the United States and Canada are expected to compete.
Additionally, the inaugural Road to Recovery Golf Tournament on Friday, July 18 brings in local support and interest to the sport of motocross. Registration and lunch for the tournament are at 11:30 a.m. ET with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. ET. All the festivities take place at the Shenandoah Golf Club at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Television coverage of the Monster Energy National at Unadilla Presented by Renegade Haulers can be seen on SPEED, with an AMA Motocross class one-hour broadcast on July 26, at 10 p.m. ET and an AMA Motocross Lites one-hour show on July 29, at 2 p.m. ET.
Ticket Information
Friday-Sunday
Adult $65
Children (6-12) $25
Saturday-Sunday
Adult $40
Children (6-12) $15
Sunday Only
Adult $30
Children (6-12) $15
