RK Excel America

The hot and humid weather at Budds Creek Raceway didn’t stop Ben Townley and Wil Hahn from having impressive rides at round four of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Even team rookie, Cole Seely, logged his best overall finish outdoors with an eleventh place.

Ben Townley opened the day with a solid ride in moto one of the 450 class. After working his way up to fourth position, Townley looked to have a firm grasp of the position. Then, with only a few laps to go, something went wrong. Townley began to slow and would lose time and positions due to a malfunctioning fuel pump. The fluke incident dropped Ben from fourth to fourteenth by the time the race was over. He came out firing in moto two and again charged towards the front, this time settling into the third spot. Josh Grant would challenge for the position late in the race but Ben held on to put his TLD/ Lucas Oil/ Honda ride up on the podium and earn the Muscle Milk Recovery Ride of the Day award.

“It feels good to end the day on the podium,” said Townley. “I’ve not been able to put two solid motos together yet, riding the way I know how to ride and that is frustrating. Today was just one of those things that happens sometimes in racing. I feel like I was in good position to be on the podium overall but it will have to wait. Colorado will be tough but if we can have a good week I think we can accomplish our goal there.”

Wil Hahn continues his hot streak off the gate by running near the front in the first 250 moto. He proved that he is fit enough and fast enough to run at the front by holding fifth position down in the first moto. The second moto was even more impressive as Wibur pulled a big holeshot and led the first several laps of the race. He would drop to fourth by hold off Christophe Pourcel for fourth in the moto, an impressive ride for the Texan. Wil’s 5-4 motos landed him fifth overall on the day.

Cole Seely struggled with his endurance in the heat but still went 13-11 for eleventh overall on the day. The talented rider is still learning what it takes to compete at the absolute highest level of motocross racing.

You can come meet the team at round five of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Denver, Colorado this weekend.

The Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda race team would like to thank all of the companies that have supported our racing efforts over the years. They include Lucas Oil, American Honda, Red Bull, PPG, Wings for Life, Alpinestars, Avia, Couts Heating and Cooling, Dunlop, Epic Action Video Cam, Leatt Brace, McQueen Racing, Oakley, Pacific Collision, Pro Circuit, Rossignol, Santa Cruz, Selle Italia, Skullcandy, All Sport Dynamics, Cycra, Fasthouse, Flexfit, Hinson Clutch, Hot Wheels, Kahne Racing, Light Speed, Muc-Off, N Style, Nameplate, ODI, Primm, QTM, Renthal, RK Chain, Excel, Twin Air, Vasser Racing and VP Racing.

Follow the Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda team at www.troyleedesigns.com

Nellis Air Force Base – Las Vegas, NV

The following press release comes from Greg Primm, a long-time friend of Troy Lee and proprietor of the Primm MX Collection in Las Vegas.

I have been a strong supporter of Nellis Air Force Base here in Las Vegas for as long as I can remember. I try and give back as much as possible to those who keep us safe. Four years ago I met Colonel Terrence “SkinS” Fornof who, like myself, has been a fan of motocross his whole life. Through my love for the Air Force and “SkinS” love for MX we have built a great friendship. Three years ago “SkinS” put a tour of Nellis Air Force Base together for Heath Voss and his family and extended an invitation to me. I rarely pass up a chance to see fighter jets fly!

This tour was designed to show the supercross industry what the military does on a daily basis to keep us all safe and allow us to do what we love. The Air Force’s professionalism and patriotism is second-to-none, which is why it is imperative for the supercross industry to be conscious of it.

In three years the tour has gone from fourteen people to over fifty this year. For this tour we wanted to take another step forward and add a charity component to raise money for a Nevada based military charity. The non-profit charity we have chosen is Nevada Military Support Alliance.

The Nevada Military Support Alliance (NVMSA) is designed to provide support and coordinate integration to all Nevadans who have served or are presently serving in the United States military at a level that has not been achieved until today. The Nevada Military Support Alliance works with all aspects of the military to identify gaps in service and create the bridges to close those gaps.

The Nevada Military Support Alliance was “created by the leaders of The Nevada Patriot Fund and the Nevada Military Support Alliance, who recognized the missions of their organizations overlapped and neither offered the full complement of services that Nevada’s soldiers, sailors, marines or airmen require, decided to combine both organizations to create a single entity that will offer an unprecedented level of assistance and support to Nevada’s military members and their families” (The Nevada Military Support Alliance).

My friendship with Troy Lee goes back many years, as a result I knew that he was the only person who could design something that would look as cool and go as fast as the United States Air Force. Troy designed an amazing tribute helmet and is launching his 2011 gear line with a tribute to the United States Air Force in support of the Nevada Military Support Alliance. Troy and his amazing staff of dedicated people at Troy Lee Designs (TLD) have given 100% to make sure this tour and charity auction are a success.

TLD will auction off one set of race worn gear, including this one-of-a-kind tribute helmet of the United States Air Force. The helmet will be signed by pilots of an F-15 Eagle, F-16 Viper, F-22 Raptor, A-10 Warthog, C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globe Master III, MQ-1 Predator UAV as well as the TLD race team.

I look forward to seeing Team TLD and the United States Air force Tribute TLD gear on the podium this Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium. If you are a supporter of our troops, please consider making a bid.

Auction Information

SE2 Helmet / SE Jersey / SE Race Pants
eBay item number: 250627670999
Auction Begins: 5/10/10 – 12pm PST
Auction Ends: 5/20/10 – 12pm PST
You can follow this auction at: www.troyleedesigns.com/auctions.

Tarah Gieger joins the Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda Race Team

To Compete in the 2010 Lucas Oil Women’s Motocross Championship

Troy Lee Designs/ Lucas Oil/ Honda welcomes their newest rider to their 2010 Motocross racing team roster with the addition of top-ranked female racer Tarah Gieger. She will be competing in all eight stops of the Lucas Oil Women’s Motocross Championships on her #18 Honda CRF250R, starting May 22 at the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova, Calif. Tarah will be joining the TLD squad which includes former World Champion and 250 Supercross champion Ben Townley, Wil Hahn, Cole Seely and Christian Craig.

“I am super excited to be on the Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Red Bull team,” said Gieger. “Everyone on the team and at the shop has been very supportive of me being on the team. The bikes are awesome, and I know they will be very competitive.”

One of the most recognizable names in women’s motocross, Tarah Gieger’s success can be measured in podiums and accomplishments. Since her pro debut in 2003, Tarah has won at every major contest and, in 2008, took home the gold medal at the X Games, the very first Women’s Moto X event. Her past achievements include 2nd Overall in 2007 AMA/WMA series, taking 1st Place at the famous AMA Loretta Lynn’s Championship in 2006 and 2007 and as well becoming the first female in history to compete in the Red Bull Motocross of Nations in 2007, representing Puerto Rico. Injuries prevented her from competing for a majority of the 2009 season, but she is now back, healthier and more focused than ever on winning a championship.

“I’m really excited to have Tarah on the team,” added David ‘Ping’ Pingree, TLD team manager, “For me, racing is racing and if she’s running up front it’s going to be fun. I think she’ll be in the hunt to win every weekend with the Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda team on her side.”

“I am also glad to see that several teams are taking on female riders,” said Gieger. “It just helps validate our series. We have been racing in our own series for some time, and now we are able to get the support that the men have enjoyed. It’s going to be refreshing pitting with a real team, especially one that is as well respected as the TLD team. I am looking forward to the upcoming season and want to thank everyone that helped make this a reality.”

Besides her racing, Tarah will also be the face of Troy Lee Designs Women’s motocross and casual product line, as she will be featured through the brand’s advertisements, in-store displays and select events.

The Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda race team would like to thank all of the companies that have supported our racing efforts over the years. They include Lucas Oil, American Honda, Red Bull, PPG, Wings for Life, Alpinestars, Avia, Couts Heating and Cooling, Dunlop, Epic Action Video Cam, Leatt Brace, McQueen Racing, Oakley, Pacific Collision, Pro Circuit, Rossignol, Santa Cruz, Selle Italia, Skullcandy, All Sport Dynamics, Cycra, Fasthouse, Flexfit, Hinson Clutch, Hot Wheels, Kahne Racing, Light Speed, Muc-Off, N Style, Nameplate, ODI, Primm, QTM, Renthal, RK Chain, Excel, Twin Air, Vasser Racing and VP Racing.

Follow the Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda team at www.troyleedesigns.com. Check out video of Tarah riding her TLD/Lucas Oil/Honda CRF250R at http://www.youtube.com/user/troyleedesigns

Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda Riders Fill The Podium at San Diego

Cole Seely 2nd, Wil Hahn 3rd in Supercross Lites

Once again, Wil Hahn, Cole Seely and the entire Troy Lee Designs/ Lucas Oil/ Honda team proved they are a force to be reckoned with. “There’s really only one place to go from here,” was the comment Troy Lee, team owner, made after last Saturday night’s race inside Qualcomm Stadium at round 5 of AMA Supercross Series in San Diego, California. His riders fought hard for second and third place podium finishes, running some of the quickest lap times of the night in the process. The entire crew is now narrowing its focus on getting a win before the season ends.

Wil Hahn started the night off right by making his move into the lead on lap three and easily riding to victory, claiming his first heat race win of the season. His teammate Cole Seely went down early in the heat, a victim of the slimy track conditions early in the night. He was up quickly and worked his way into seventh by the end. It wasn’t where he wanted to be but it would put him into the final.

The main event saw both of the Troy Lee Designs/ Lucas Oil/ Honda riders round turn one side-by-side near seventh and eighth positions. Seely sprinted his way towards the front and found himself in third in the early stages of the race. At one point Cole was looking to set up a pass second while Wil was steadily making his way to the Cole’s back tire. With two laps to go the teammates began an epic duel that would prove to be the most exciting part of the race. They passed each other back and forth several times, making contact in the process as they wrestled for position. Hahn made a last ditch effort in the last turn but it was Seely getting the nod for second by a scant five one-hundredths of a second at the line. With both team riders on the podium [a feat not accomplished by any other lites team this year] it was a milestone night for the team.

“This doesn’t even feel real right now,” said an elated Seely. “I’ve been working so hard and just wanting to get on the box so I am just pumped to be standing here in second. The whole team has worked so hard so it feels great that it’s paying off for all of us.”

Wil Hahn was not quite as happy with his night. “Man, I just didn’t get the start I wanted and then I honestly feel like I didn’t ride that well tonight,” Hahn explained. “I just don’t like feeling like I left anything on the track and that’s the way I feel right now. Still, to be standing on the podium at the end of a bad night isn’t too bad I guess. I moved closer to second in the standings and I know what I need to do for next weekend.”

The Troy Lee Designs/ Lucas Oil/ Honda team now heads back to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA for the sixth round of the series. This race will be dedicated to those living with Breast Cancer. Troy Lee Designs will be doing their part to help raise awareness by wearing special “pink” gear and partnering with Keep A Breast Foundation. Both Wil and Cole will once again be battling for the podium and one step closer to a race win.

The Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda race team would like to thank all of the companies that have supported our racing efforts over the years. They include Lucas Oil, American Honda, Red Bull, PPG, Wings for Life, Alpinestars, Avia, Couts Heating and Cooling, Dunlop, Epic Action Video Cam, Leatt Brace, McQueen Racing, Oakley, Pacific Collision, Pro Circuit, Rossignol, Santa Cruz, Selle Italia, Skullcandy, All Sport Dynamics, Cycra, Fasthouse, Flexfit, Hinson Clutch, Hot Wheels, Kahne Racing, Light Speed, Muc-Off, N Style, Nameplate, ODI, Primm, QTM, Renthal, RK Chain, Excel, Twin Air, Vasser Racing and VP Racing.

Follow the Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda team at www.troyleedesigns.com

Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda gains momentum at Phoenix

Wil Hahn finishes 4th & Cole Seely 6th in SX Lites

Round Two of the 2010 AMA Supercross Series rolled into Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ, and Team Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda again showed they are a team to be reckoned with.

Wil Hahn, #49, continues to be the biggest surprise of the 250 class this year. After finishing a close second in his heat race, Wil charged all race long to wind up fourth at the checkers. Hahn actually made the pass for third on the last lap but couldn’t make it stick. He’ll have to wait one more week to put his TLD/Lucas Oil/Honda up on the podium. Wil posted the quickest lap in the main event until lap 14 when Jake Weimer just edged him out.

“I feel so good out there,” said Wil. “I’m a little bummed out at myself for not closing the deal on that pass with one lap to go though. The bike is working great and the whole team is working hard so we’ll get there. I’m already looking forward to next weekend.”

Posting up the best finish of his young career was Hahn’s teammate, #200 Cole Seely. Cole finished right behind Wil in his heat for third and was confident going to the line for the main event. When the gate dropped for the main event Cole’s quiet confidence became obvious. He headed straight to the front and even passed his teammate Hahn at one point while running fourth. Seely would tighten up slightly and drop to sixth by the end of the race. It was a very big step for the talented young rider.

“I’m really happy with the way things went tonight. I’ve never been in the top ten and that the first goal I set for myself. Now that I’ve reached that, I want to be in the top five next weekend. I ran right there for a good part of tonight’s main so I know I can do it. I’m stoked right now.”

Team rider Christian Craig, who suffered a back injury late last year during testing, is still recovering but was again on hand at the races to sign autographs and support the team. If you would like to donate to the Christian Craig Recovery Fund, visit: www.road2recovery.com

The Troy Lee Designs/ Lucas Oil/ Honda team rolls back into Anaheim this weekend for the third round of the AMA Supercross series with only one thing on their mind: Podium.

The Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda race team would like to thank all of the companies that have supported our racing efforts over the years. They include Lucas Oil, American Honda, Red Bull, PPG, Wings for Life, Alpinestars, Avia, Couts Heating and Cooling, Dunlop, Epic Action Video Cam, Leatt Brace, McQueen Racing, Oakley, Pacific Collision, Pro Circuit, Rossignol, Santa Cruz, Selle Italia, Skullcandy, All Sport Dynamics, Cycra, Fasthouse, Flexfit, Hinson Clutch, Hot Wheels, Kahne Racing, Light Speed, Muc-Off, N Style, Nameplate, ODI, Primm, QTM, Renthal, RK Chain, Excel, Twin Air, Vasser Racing and VP Racing.

Follow the Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda team at www.troyleedesigns.com.