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Press Releases Mark Burkhart / Burkhart Racing For Immediate Release Burkhart Takes Third on Monster Energy Burkhart Racing KTM at Auto Club Raceway Front Wheel Washout Costs Rider Possible Victory Advance, NC (March 23, 2009) - Mark Burkhart, the 2008 Moto X World Supermoto Champion, 2007 X-Games Supermoto Gold winner, and 2007 AMA Supermoto Champion had his first race on his Monster Energy Burkhart Racing KTM at Auto Club Speedway located in Fontana, California on Sunday, March 22, 2009. In the main event, a bad start put him in a pack of five riders and having to work his way to the front. Unfortunately, a simple mistake and crash early in the race cost him valuable time and his chances of winning the first round with his new team. Despite missing out on the inaugural victory, Burkhart rode an amazing race as he blistered the course coming back from twelfth place to finish third overall. "I am excited to be on the podium (given that I crashed) for this first round. I am feeling strong and the bike is amazing. The last few weeks have been a rollercoaster, so it will be good to have some time before the next round to dial everything in and get used to the new bike. I am looking forward to putting in a better showing at Infineon Raceway," commented Burkhart. The next race for Burkhart is May 17, 2009 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. About Burkhart Racing Burkhart Racing is a professional Supermoto team owned by Mark Burkhart. Mitch Hansen of HMC Racing is responsible for the preparing and maintaining the bikes along with crew chief Uli Toporsch. Mark Burkhart has won numerous supermoto championships including the 2008 Navy Moto X Games World Championships Gold, the 2007 X Games Gold, 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship, 2006 X Games Silver and 2005 AMA Supermoto Lites Championship. Team sponsors include Monster Energy Drink, Foremost Insurance, Arai, Scott, Dunlop, Sidi, KTM, Cycra, Vortex, Fuchs Silkolene Oil, DID Chain, Beringer Brakes, Akrapovic Exhaust, Millennium Technologies, EBC Brakes, Wiseco Pistons, Cometic Gaskets, Hot Cams, Pivot Works. Additional information about Mark Burkhart can be found on his web site at www.markburkhart.com. About Monster Energy Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, surf, snow, BMX - name it - the athletes are rockin' Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types - Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, Monster's fruit juice hybrid dubbed "M-80," the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with our Monster Energy blend, along with the new Monster Energy "Hitman" energy shot. The Monster Energy guys running the Monster Energy Supercross series dig 'em - so will you. On the 'Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com Contact: Ed Kuhlenkamp President Build-Momentum 336-293-9103 office 336-413-9925 cell ed@build-momentum.com www.build-momentum.com Release from Monster web site - Monster Army Monster Energy’s Mark Burkhart & Brandon Currie Set To Open AMA Supermoto This Weekend In Calif. Thursday, March 19, 2009 Monster Energy’s Currie, who went undefeated in last year’s Supermoto Lites division, moves up to join Burkhart in 450 class’ championship chase CORONA, Calif., (March 19, 2009) – The much-anticipated AMA Supermoto battle between former teammates - yet still Monster Energy-backed racers - Brandon Currie (Graves/Yamaha) and Mark Burkhart (Monster Energy/Burkhart Racing/KTM) is set to go off this weekend at the opening round of the 2009 AMA XTRM Supermoto Championship at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (March 22). Currie, who won two-straight Supermoto Lites championships (2007-’08), is stepping up to race with the big dogs of the sport – including former premier Supermoto class champion, Burkhart (’07). And greeting him first will for sure be Burkhart, who also had a much-heralded Lites career before stepping up to the bigs as well – sweeping five races against no defeats to win the 2005 Supermoto Lites title. With similar motocross-based riding styles, about the only thing that’ll separate Currie and Burkhart this year will be their bikes. Currie will again be aboard the Yamaha YZs – a bike he’s ridden in the past, while Burkhart’s moving over to the KTMs – the bike defending Supermoto class champ Troy Herfoss won on last year. Said Currie last year of the impending match up with Burkhart on the 450s: “Well, when I’m on a 250 and he’s on a 450 I’m usually within about two seconds. On a 450 (Currie smartly pauses) – hard to say. We really don’t get to ride 450s much together.” While Currie was dominating the Supermoto Lites class last year, Burkhart and Herfoss brought the 450 class right down to the last race with Burkhart playing ‘hunter’ role at the Sonoma (Calif.) doubleheader. Down eight points to Herfoss (95-87), Burkhart won the first round (Monroe, Wash.), then saw Herfoss reel off three straight victories. To his credit Burkhart hung in there and made the podium at each event that Herfoss won – even at the last rounds in Wisconsin and Utah when he was banged up after that spectacular crash at X Games 14 in Los Angeles. Burkhart was winning the Saturday round of Sonoma, only do suffer a mechanical failure which, for all intents and purposes, handed the title over to Herfoss. For ’09 Burkhart formed his own team, Burkhart Racing, and has teamed with Mitch Hansen and the factory KTM program to win back the title that eluded him last year. “I’m pumped to have Monster Energy back with me as the team’s title sponsor and am looking forward to working with Mitch this year and racing the factory KTM bikes,” said Burkhart. I raced the KTMs for the first time a couple weeks ago in Florida and loved the way they handled. I am feeling strong and looking forward to racing again.” Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it supermoto, road racing, SX, rally, insane distance jumping, MX, MotoGP, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, rock crawling, wake, mini bikes, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, Monster’s fruit juice hybrid dubbed “M-80,” the party-friendly MIXXD, the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream drink line supercharged with our Monster Energy blend, along with the new Monster Energy “Hitman” energy shot. Burkhart and Currie dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterarmy.com and www.monsterenergy.com For Immediate Release Foremost Insurance Sponsors Burkhart Racing Supermoto Team Foremost Insurance to be Associate Sponsor of Team Advance, NC (March 19, 2009) – Mark Burkhart, the 2008 Moto X World Supermoto Champion, 2007 X-Games Supermoto Gold winner, and 2007 AMA Supermoto Champion has picked up another sponsor for his new supermoto team. Foremost Insurance has agreed to support the team as an associate sponsor for the 2009 season. “I am really excited about Foremost Insurance getting involved with my team. They are a quality company with a serious commitment to the motorcycle industry. I have seen up close how their involvement can impact a race team’s program. This is a big boost to the Burkhart Racing Team and we are looking forward to working with them to win championships,” commented Burkhart. “Mark Burkhart and the Burkhart Racing Team are the perfect addition to our other teams and athlete sponsorships. Burkhart is a fan favorite and his accomplishments speak for themselves. We are looking to help him get his team off the ground and add to his numerous championships,” added Randy Slotten, Director Marketing for Foremost Insurance. Other Foremost Insurance sponsorships include the Foremost Pegram Ducati Superbike Team, Foremost Insurance Jim Neese Racing Arenacross Team, supercross racer Justin Brayton and X Games Gold winner, Tarah Gieger. Foremost is also the official insurance for the Suzuki Big Kahuna Superbike Nationals. Mark Burkhart will be racing this upcoming weekend in the first round of the XTRM AMA Supermoto Series. The race will be held at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California in conjunction with the National Guard AMA Superbike event. Burkhart will practice on Friday, March 20, and race on Sunday, March 22. About Burkhart Racing Burkhart Racing is a professional Supermoto team owned by Mark Burkhart. Mitch Hansen of HMC Racing is responsible for the preparing and maintaining the bikes along with crew chief Uli Toporsch. Mark Burkhart has won numerous supermoto championships including the 2008 Navy Moto X Games World Championships Gold, the 2007 X Games Gold, 2007 AMA Supermoto Championship, 2006 X Games Silver and 2005 AMA Supermoto Lites Championship. Team sponsors include Monster Energy Drink, Foremost Insurance, Arai, Scott, Dunlop, Sidi, KTM, Cycra, Vortex, Fuchs Silkolene Oil, DID Chain, Beringer Brakes, Akrapovic Exhaust, Millennium Technologies, EBC Brakes, Wiseco Pistons, Cometic Gaskets, Hot Cams, Pivot Works. Additional information about Mark Burkhart can be found on his web site at www.markburkhart.com. About Foremost Insurance Foremost Insurance Group is a single source for property, casualty and commercial small business insurance. A member of the Farmers Insurance Group®, Foremost has been a leader in the insurance industry since 1952. Through Foremost or an affiliated company, programs for auto, home, umbrella, manufactured home, motor home, travel trailer, luxury motor coach, specialty homeowner, vacant property, seasonal property, landlord and rental properties, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, snowmobile, boat, personal watercraft, and collectible auto are offered. Through Farmers' relationship with Zurich Small Business, Foremost also offers commercial small business programs for retail, wholesale, office, service, industrial, restaurant and habitational businesses. Foremost is headquartered in Caledonia, Michigan. To learn more, visit www.Foremost.com. Contact: Ed Kuhlenkamp President Build-Momentum 336-293-9103 office 336-413-9925 cell ed@build-momentum.com www.build-momentum.com For Immediate Release Mark Burkhart Weighing Options for Supermoto Season Advance, NC (February 12, 2009) – Mark Burkhart the 2008 Moto X World Supermoto Champion, 2007 X-Games Supermoto Gold winner, and 2007 AMA Supermoto Champion is weighing his options for the upcoming supermoto season. At this point he does not have any firm plans in place. He is currently exploring the possibility of forming his own supermoto race team to compete in the X Games, the Proximus Superbiker event in Belgium and the AMA Supermoto Series. “This is a crazy situation, but I am sure it will work out. It is great that we finally have the dates for the AMA Series; however, they waited so long, it has put some of us in a challenging position to get deals done in time for the first event next month in Fontana. A few of my loyal sponsors and supporters like Monster Energy, Dunlop, Arai, Scott Goggles and Sidi have already committed to helping me, but finding a title sponsor will make the team a reality,” commented Burkhart. Burkhart added, “I am a strong believer in supermoto racing and know that it can be as big as the other motorcycle racing sports in the United States. Events like the X Games and the Superbiker event in Europe demonstrate that there is a market and huge demand if supermoto racing is promoted correctly and given the proper attention. The X Games has provided the perfect platform to build upon; I saw that this weekend at the Sports Trivia event which was presented by Budweiser. I was teamed up with some of the biggest names in professional sports and there was plenty of interest in my sport and my achievements in supermoto racing. That tells me supermoto is currently only scratching the surface as far as mainstream recognition.” Companies interested in sponsoring Mark and his supermoto team should contact his agent, Ed Kuhlenkamp at Build-Momentum. He can be reached at 336 293-9103, additional contact information can be found at www.Build-Momentum.com About Mark Burkhart Mark Burkhart is a professional Supermoto racer. He is the 2008 Navy Moto X Games World Championships Gold winner, 2007 X Games Gold winner, 2007 AMA Supermoto Champion, 2006 X Games Silver winner and 2005 AMA Supermoto Lites Champion. His sponsors include Monster Energy Drink, Alpinestars, Arai, Scott, Dunlop and Sidi. Additional information about Mark Burkhart can be found on his web site at www.markburkhart.com. Contact: Ed Kuhlenkamp President Build-Momentum 336-293-9103 office 336-413-9925 cell ed@build-momentum.com www.build-momentum.com For Immediate Release Mark Burkhart to be Celebrity Guest at Sixth Annual Sports Trivia Championship Presented by Budweiser Largest Sports Trivia Event Ever Raises Money for Homeless in St Louis Advance, NC (February 5, 2009) – Mark Burkhart the 2008 Moto X World Supermoto Champion, 2007 X-Games Supermoto Gold winner, and 2007 AMA Supermoto Champion will attend the Sixth Annual Sports Trivia Championship presented by Budweiser at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri as one of the celebrity guests on Saturday evening, February 7, 2009. Billed as the “largest sports trivia event ever staged,” this event, presented by Budweiser, will bring together sports junkies from across the region to determine who will take home bragging rights as the most knowledgeable sports fans in St. Louis. Mark will be joined by Chris Rose from The Best Damn Sports Show and Laurence Maroney of the New England Patriots, who is this year’s celebrity chair. In addition, dozens of other celebrities, broadcasters and sports personalities will also be participating. As one of the celebrity guests, Mark will be responsible for reading select Sport’s Trivia questions to the audience. He will also ride his Graves Yamaha Supermoto bike onto the stage at some point in the evening, providing a little more action for the guests. “I am looking forward to participating in this special event that raises money for such a worthwhile cause. During these challenging financial times it is important that we all do what we can to help others that are less fortunate and in need of our assistance. I am also glad that I will have an opportunity to represent the X Games and action sports while participating in this event with athletes from other sports, commented Burkhart. The event is organized by the St. Patrick Center. The St. Patrick Center is committed to feeding, clothing, counseling, educating, training, employing individuals and families in the St. Louis area. The organization’s 24-year mission has brought hope to over 9,000 people annually who have faced poverty and homelessness. This Sixth Annual Sports Trivia Championship features live music, a high-tech question-and-answer presentation and other elements that make it the absolute biggest and the best. Additional information about St Patrick Center and the Sixth Annual Sports Trivia Championship can be found at www.stpatrickcenter.org. About Mark Burkhart Mark Burkhart is a professional Supermoto racer. He is the 2008 Navy Moto X Games World Championships Gold winner, 2007 X Games Gold winner, 2007 AMA Supermoto Champion, 2006 X Games Silver winner and 2005 AMA Supermoto Lites Champion. He rides for the Graves Motorsport Yamaha Team and his sponsors include Monster Energy Drink, Alpinestars, Arai, Scott, Dunlop and Sidi. Additional information about Mark Burkhart can be found on his web site at www.markburkhart.com. About St. Patrick Center St. Patrick Center is the largest provider of homeless services in Missouri, with more than 20 programs assisting more than 9.000 persons annually who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We help individuals and families move from homelessness to independence in a measurable, cost-effective manner. www.stpatrickcenter.org Contact: Ed Kuhlenkamp President Build-Momentum 336-293-9103 office 336-413-9925 cell ed@build-momentum.com www.build-momentum.com |