New major sponsor for 2012 MX Nationals

Monster Energy has been confirmed as the title sponsor of the 2012 Australian Motocross Championship, with all the action to commence on April 1

The 2012 MX Nationals, the battle for the Australian Motocross Championship, will kick off in Queensland on April 1 with a new title sponsor – Monster Energy.

“We are very excited to welcome Monster Energy onboard and are very encouraged by the growth in participation for 2012,” said Kevin Williams, the principal of championship promoter WEM. “Collectively we will give away 30,000 free kids’ tickets during the series and also create further opportunities for fans to win tickets, as well as money can’t buy experiences via promotions.

“We have an improved Tag Heuer timing system with the broadcasting of live results online, and will be working closely with the clubs to further promote the series on a local level.

“A true champion will be crowned after 10 rounds of racing and it really is a world class field – a great platform to develop Australian riders for the pinnacle of the sport in America. This year’s series will be closely monitored worldwide as a stepping stone for the next international stars.”

In 2012, the Monster Energy MX Nationals will travel to five states for 10 rounds over five months, featuring some of the world’s top two-wheel talent.

Defending MX1 (Pro Open) champion Jay Marmont has joined Monster Energy Kawasaki in 2012 after winning four titles on the trot with Yamaha from 2008-2011, and he’s now more determined than ever to make it number five.

“I’ve been able to get a feel for the surroundings around me during the pre-season and have had a good amount of seat time on the Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F,” said the 28-year-old Marmont. “Every championship is tough in its own right and I’ve had to work for every one of them since 2008.

“It’s all been a building platform for this and I feel like this year will be the hardest yet. The depth of the field is easy to see and we all respect one another as rivals, but at the end of the day I’m prepared and I look forward to the new challenges with these internationals coming to try and win our Australian championship – bring it on.”

Not only has Marmont got to learn the ins and outs of the factory KX450F, he has new competition in the form of ex-MX2 (Lites) world champion Ben Townley, who has signed for Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing. The Kiwi has been in devastating form back home in the New Zealand nationals and will enter 2012 as a clear title threat.

Another newcomer to Australian shores is defending dual British champion Brad Anderson, who has also signed for Honda in an all-star international line-up. The last time Anderson appeared in Australia was during a MX Nationals cameo in2010, when he won three motos from as many starts at Raymond Terrace (NSW).

Marmont’s former teammate Josh Coppins is back with Yamaha and is determined to win the title in what is his anticipated final year of professional competition, while Marmont’s new Kawasaki teammate Billy Mackenzie, of Scotland, will enter his third season in Australia. Between them, the former GP race winners have what it takes to challenge Marmont for the title.

Replacing Marmont alongside Coppins at Yamaha is Aussie rising star Lawson Bopping, who won races as a rookie last year, but now has the resources and factory equipment to really show his strengths in the premier class.

Motul Pirelli Suzuki has another Aussie young gun in Todd Waters, who has joined Cody Cooper as the team expands to two entries in the MX1 ranks. Between them, consistent podiums and multiple race wins during the season aren’t out of the question.

A wildcard for the title will be experienced Queenslander Dan Reardon aboard the JDR/KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F. Former JDR member Tye Simmonds will campaign a privateer Honda this year after a full season in the U.S, as will another New South Wales-based returnee in Jake Moss as part of his very own Campbell Mining/TLD/Maxima/Honda program.

Other championship classes on the 2012 schedule are MX2, MXD (Under 19s), Veterans, Juniors and ATVs.

The 2012 calendar is as follows:

2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals calendar:

Rd1 April 1, Conondale, Qld ?
Rd2 April 14-15, Coonabarabran, NSW?
Rd3 April 28-29, Wonthaggi, Vic?
Rd4 May 12-13, Wanneroo, WA?
Rd5 May 20, Murray Bridge, SA?
Rd6 July 1, Hervey Bay, Qld?
Rd7 July 15, Barrabool, Vic
Rd8 July 29, Appin, NSW?
Rd9 August 19, Moree, NSW?
Rd10 August 25-26, Coolum, Qld

Visit www.mxnationals.com.au for more information on the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals.

New major sponsor for 2012 MX Nationals

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