International Line-Up Sees Teens From 10 Countries Participate In Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Selection Event Semi-Finalists Chosen For Final Day At Barber Motorsports Park Leeds, Ala. (October, 5, 2008) — The second day of the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Selection Event at Barber Motorsports Park saw great weather as more than 50 fast teenagers rode the scenic Alabama track. Riders from ten countries and every region of the U.S. have participated in the Selection Event that will complete the line-up for the 2009 Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup. Teens as far away as South Africa and Australia made the trip to Barber Motorsports Park to try out for the second season of the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup. “Everything was good. Riding for the first time in America and outside of Bermuda was a lot of fun for me,” said 15-year-old Shaquille Godfrey of Bermuda. “It seemed like it took me a long time to get here but it was worth it.” The judges, Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Riders Coach and 1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz, Red Bull MotoGP Riders Coach Gustl Auinger, Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Press Officer and MotoGP paddock insider Peter Clifford, and noted motorcycling instructor Danny Walker, watched the motorcycle racers ages 13-to-17 at the 2.54-mile track. The teens rode Metrakit 125cc machines, as opposed to the near-Grand Prix spec KTM RC 125 used for Rookies Cup racing. Over 50 racers, who applied online and were among the more than 115 riders invited to try out from more than 400 applications, rode the track on Sunday. A similar number took to the track yesterday. Like the previous day, the bikes did not use transponders in the morning session, as the teens were encouraged to become familiar with the bikes, tires and track. The afternoon’s sessions were timed, although lap times are not the only criteria used by the judges at the Selection Event. The young racers have enjoyed themselves on and off the track at this event. “It was a blast. I’ve been excited about this since two weeks before we sent in my application,” said 13-year-old Ryan Matter of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. “I’ve gotten to make a lot of new friends here and meet riders from Australia and South Africa. It has been very cool to get the ride the track and have fun.” The family and friends area saw plenty of notable racing figures in support of sons, stepsons, or friends this weekend. Former and current racers Bubba Shobert, Jeff Ward, Jake Zemke, Robbie Peterson, and Carlos Lavado all watched the proceedings with interest. The third and final day of the Selection Event will feature the semi-finalists once again riding in front of the judges. The selected riders from this weekend will join several Red Bull Rookies from the 2008 season to complete the grid for the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup’s second season. “It’s not going to be easy to make our selections,” said Rider Coach Kevin Schwantz. “We’re absolutely happy with the talent here at the Selection Event and we’ll have the semi-finalists back for another go at it tomorrow.”