The action in the 2010 AMA Arenacross Series continues to heat up and last weekend, Babbitt’s Monster Energy/TiLube Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers made a statement by sweeping the premier AMA Arenacross class main events on Friday and Saturday night from Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena.

Bowers is making his return to the arenacross circuit after spending a few years in Monster Energy Supercross. Acknowledging that he would make a return to the discipline that helped him hone his talents at some point in his career, the state of the sport during such tough economic times prompted a quicker comeback and he has made the best of the experience so far this season.

Despite carrying a 16-point advantage heading into this weekend’s Hampton AMA Arenacross Series from the Hampton Coliseum in Virginia, the series is still in just its third round of a scheduled 12 for the 2010 season. That means there are still nine rounds and 15 races, including two this weekend, for challengers like Ezra Lusk, Chad Johnson, Nathan Skaggs and Josh Demuth to make a run at the title. In a sport as unpredictable as the AMA Arenacross Series, the perception of control is virtually non-existent as anything can happen at any moment.

Despite currently sitting sixth and ninth in the season standings, don’t count out the potent duo from Tuf Honda in defending AMA Arenacross class runner-up Brock Sellards and reigning AMA Arenacross Series champion Jeff Gibson. Both riders have experienced a slow start, but it will only be a matter of time before they find their way to the front of the field and look to give Tuf Racing its fourth consecutive title.
Additionally, Spinechillers/Storm Lake Honda youngster Zach Ames has put forth a series of impressive rides so far in 2010 and currently sits fifth in the standings and is on the cusp of capturing that elusive first career victory.

Two rounds into the AMA Arenacross Lites Eastern Regional Championship, Foremost Insurance Yamaha’s Tyler Bright is clinging on to the points lead, but by the slimmest of margins. Hungry rookie Devon Pilkington is looking to make a name for himself and heading into his hometown race this weekend, he can grab the series points lead, sitting just one point behind. The pair have put a small gap between themselves and the rest of the field, but Daniel Aulsaybrook and Chad Wages aren’t far behind and will be looking to make some noise of their own as the Eastern Regional hits the halfway point this weekend.

The Hampton Coliseum is one of the most legendary venues in the country. More known for its hosting of special events like professional wrestling, concerts and racing like the AMA Arenacross Series, it celebrates 40 years in 2010.

A regular venue on the AMA Arenacross Series schedule for many years, the coliseum last hosted the world’s most intimate form of motorcycle racing in 2008. It can hold a maximum occupancy of 13,800, but will be limited to no more than 9,777 this weekend.

The unique, crown-like structure of the arena makes it one of the more distinguished venues on the AMA Arenacross Series schedule in addition to being one of the most picturesque with the Chesapeake Bay on the horizon.

The first gates drop on the Hampton Arenacross Friday, January 22 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The action continues Saturday night from the Hampton Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. for night two, followed by Amateur Day on Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m.

A limited number of Gold Circle seating is available for just $25. Kid’s seats just $9 (excluding Gold Circle). Tickets are available at the Hampton Coliseum box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com and arenacross.com.

Fans in attendance also can take part in the Track Party on Saturday from 5-6 p.m. for the chance to meet the riders and get autographs. Simply recycle any MONSTER ENERGY can at the gate entrance for FREE admission. Must have valid Saturday event ticket to enter.