Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park Hosts 117 Young Racers Leeds, Ala. (October 4, 2008) — The Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup Selection Event kicked off on Saturday at Barber Motorsports Park. More than 400 teens applied online for a chance to join the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup for next season, and 117 were invited to the Selection Event. More than 50 young racers auditioning for the 2009 edition of the series for 13-to-17 year-old racers rode in two sessions on Saturday. Tomorrow, the other half of the riders chosen to participate in the Selection Event will give it their best shot at Barber. Monday will see the semi-finalists chosen by the judges take to the track once again, with the judges making their final selections on who will join the dynamic series aimed at developing the next wave of racing talent and future champions. Like the inaugural Selection Event last fall, Barber Motorsports Park is the host circuit. One of the finest tracks in the US, the circuit just east of Birmingham, Ala., and the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup have developed close ties. Barber was the site of the first Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race in April, a close race won by this year’s champion, Benny Solis, Jr., after a race-long duel with rival Leandro Mercado. The track also hosted two pre-season tests for the Rookies in 2008. The judges for the Selection Event are 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. “It went really well today,” said Schwantz. “I think we have a good group of kids. I think we have some fast young riders out there. All in all, the kids today had a lot of composure. I saw some sliding out there a little bit in the turns, but most everyone kept it up on two wheels. It’s good to work with all the kids and helping them learn and improve.” The Selection Event participants rode the track in both the morning and afternoon in warm and sunny fall conditions. The morning session allowed the young racers to familiarize themselves with the circuit, as they rode without transponders used to time the machines. The afternoon session was timed, however, several factors besides lap times will be considered by the judges when making their final rider selections. Chris Smith, 16 years old and from Covington, Kentucky, was one of those who tried out on Saturday. “It was a great experience. It was really cool,” said Chris. “The bike was great, the mechanics, and the competitors, too. Even if I don’t make it, we all had a great time.” For the Selection Event, Metrakit 125cc machines replace the advanced KTM RC 125 bikes utilized in the Rookies Cup races. Elena Myers, of Discovery Bay, Calif., also rode on the first day. “I thought it was a lot of fun,” said 14-year-old Myers. “I’ve never been to Barber before but now it is one of my favorite tracks.” The Selection Event continues Sunday and Monday. For more information on the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup, please visit www.redbullrookiescup.com.