With a first-time champion leading the way, the AMA Arenacross Series kicks off its 2010 season with two nights of exciting bar-banging action from Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. Tuf Honda’s Jeff Gibson returns to defend his 2009 crown with a long list of challengers ready to dethrone him, including a pair of past champions.

The action commences back-to-back on Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. as Gibson and his closest rivals blast out of the gates for the first time in 2010. As always, thousands of Michigan faithfuls will show their support, particularly for the Muskegon-based Babbitt’s Monster Energy Kawasaki team and its riders Chad Johnson, Josh Demuth and Tyler Bowers. Additionally, Ludington’s own Kelly Smith hopes to rebound from a rough 2009 season and get back atop the podium in his home state for Funmart Cycle Center KTM.

At last year’s season opener, Bobby J’s Yamaha’s Keith Johnson raced to his lone win of the 2009 season on Friday night while Spinechillers/Storm Lake Honda’s Nathan Skaggs captured his first career Arenacross class victory on Saturday to begin what would be a breakout season for the young rider.

In the AMA Arenacross Lites class, Codi Adams and Willy Browning claimed the overall victories. For Browning, it led to the Arenacross Lites East Region title.

A limited number of Gold Circle seating is available at just $25. Regular adult admission is $20 while kid’s seats are just $10 (excluding Gold Circle.) Tickets are available at Van Andel Arena Box office, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 616-456-3333. $5 discounts are available at Babbitt’s Sports Center.

Tickets are available online at www.arenacross.com and www.ticketmaster.com. For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.