The MotoSport.com AX Tour returns with 10 stops in the southeast and the gates to Round 1 drop Saturday at Hyder-Burks Arena in Cookeville, TN.
This year's tour keeps the "Clash for Cash" event where the best riders from the AX and AX Lites class races compete head-to-head in a 20-lap main event. Riders earn points in each class as well as the 20-lap Clash for Cash, which offers the highest payout of all the races. Record turn-out helped make the 2013-14 season a success and organizers expect bigger crowds and increased competition as more than $175,000 in cash and contingencies is up for grabs this season - far more than the $70,000 doled out last year.
Sponsor Jetwerx, a company that builds dirt bike race tracks, is also introducing the "Engine Ice Triple Cup" which kicks up the amount of cash and awards during three select rounds this season. Engine Ice is the official coolant of the tour.
"Motosport has long supported the people who love to ride and race. We're riders and racers ourselves. We share the same passion and visions as Jetwerx in supporting the grass roots of the sport and the stars of tomorrow. MotoSport proudly puts our name on the AX Tour," said Jarrod Rogers, Motosport.com Director of Marketing.
The 2014-15 MotoSport.com AX Tour brings Supercross-style racing back to familiar places including three stops in Tennessee, five stops in Mississippi and, new this year, Macon, GA. Check out the animated track map for Round 1 in Cookeville:
Last year, spectators got to see 2013 AX Tour Champion Cole Thompson take a commanding lead before he left the series to join 2014 Supercross season which helped pave the way for Johnny Moore to win in overwhelming fashion with 177 points. Zac Bishop-Burnett took second with 120 points and Thompson finished in third with 106 points. Other notable riders in the 2014 season included Tyler Medaglia, Maxx Malatia and Heath Harrison.
Doors to Round 1 open at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7 p.m. Saturday at Hyder-Burks Arena at Tennessee Tech University, 2390 Gainesboro Grade in Cookeville, TN. Cost is $18 at the door or $15 advance purchase.
