ArenacrossNews

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Mahindra Tractors becomes Primary Sponsor for 2-time defending champion RWR/Tuf Honda team

January 2nd, 2009

RWR/Tuf Honda is proud to announce that Mahindra Tractors will be the primary sponsor for riders Josh Demuth and Jeff Gibson for the AMA

Arenacross in 2009. ”We are extremely happy to have a organization like Mahindra Tractors come aboard our organization”, claimed Rick Ware. “Mahindra knows the value of performance with their strong line of compact, utility and full-size tractors, and we look to carry that value with our motorsports program.”

Mahindra Tractors will also become the “Official Tractor of the 2009 RWR US Tour” which comprises of 110 race events in 29 states in NASCAR, AMA and Allison Legacy Series’.

RWR/Mahindra/Tuf Honda leads Points with Gibson

January 2nd, 2009

Jeff Gibson and the RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Bad Boy team took center stage in front of the fans at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan this past weekend. Gibson, lead the charge for the RWR 2009 Tour with podium finishes on both nights, and taking the points lead for the series.

The duo of Jeff Gibson and Josh Demuth looked strong out of the gate Friday night finishing 2nd and 3rd in the first heat race. The Feature witnessed the two-time defending Championship team battle through the field with Gibson edging Demuth for third place.

“This is very strong field and our RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf Honda’s were very stout.” Both Josh and myself stayed out of trouble and got a great points night out of the deal”, claimed Gibson

Saturday night at Van Andel was even more dramatical. Gibson and Demuth were running one-two when Demuth took a nasty spill on the closing lap of the first heat, regulating him to the “Last Chance” Qualifier race as Gibson took the checkered flag. “It was not how that landing was suppose to go. I’m a little tweaked, but I have to shake it off”, stated the two-time Arenacross Champion.

Demuth’s qualifier saw the tons of wreckage, which one collect him. “Wrong place, wrong time, but I will bounce back next week! Demuth proclaimed.

In Saturday nights AMA Arenacross Feature, Gibson looked strong in the 25 lap event finishing with his second straight podium in the runner-up position and grabbing the early point lead. “I couldn¹t be happier right now. I¹m walking out of here secure; the Lord blessed me and kept me safe. To be the points leader, I¹m pretty pumped right now. Of course, it¹s only the first round and it¹s a long series, so I have to stay smart and consistent and keep it up on the box like this.”

The RWR US Tour now heads to the Baltimore Arena in Baltimore Maryland on Friday night for the 2nd weekend of the AMA Arenacross. The RWR US Tour consists of 110 events in 29 states competing in the AMA and NASCAR Series’.

Mahindra/Tuf Dominance at Baltimore Friday Night

January 9th, 2009

Baltimore, MD

The RWR/Mahindra/Tuf Honda team was dominate on Friday night in front of 10,000 fans in Baltimore, Maryland. Josh Demuth started the night with a win in the Lites heat race and backed that up with a win in the Arenacross Heat race. Not to be outdone, Point Leader and RWR/Mahindra/Tuf Honda teammate, Jeff Gibson won his Arenacross Heat race as well.

Three for Three on the night for the team, Demuth entered the Lites Main Feature. After a stumble early in the 18 laps race, “The Sheriff” had only 12 laps to come from a half lap down and 16 riders to capture the point again. Demuth put on perhaps the greatest comeback in Arenacross history by coming through the field in quick fashion and taking the lead on the last lap, capturing the fourth win for the RWR/Mahindra/Tuf team.

The stage was set for a showdown in the Arenacross Main Feature between teammates, Gibson and Demuth.

Gibson captured the point on lap one and steadily increased his lead in the 25 lap feature. Demuth’s rough start, put him in 8th and he quickly moved into 2nd by halfway mark. A competitive battle with the 3rd place rider, Tyler Bright, got Demuth off course and back to the 9th position with only a handful of laps remaining. The Two-Time Series Champion, Demuth put on another show as he cut through the field and finished 3rd on the evening. Gibson looked unmatched as he took the win after lapping the competitors up

to the 7th position.

Gibson increases his point lead and captures his first AMA Arenacross win on the opening night that had the crowd in awe of the 5 wins in 5 events for the RWR/Mahindra/Tuf organization.

The series continues on Saturday night at the 1st Mariner Arena, in Baltimore, Maryland

Mahindra team looks dominate in Baltimore

January 13th, 2009

Baltimore, MD

The RWR/Mahindra/Tuf Honda team was dominate Friday night, in front of 10,000 fans in Baltimore, Maryland, winning all 5 events in which they were entered. Saturday night witnessed the Mahindra team win another event and another podium, as Jeff Gibson continues to lead the Championship points standing.

On Friday night, the RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf team competed in front of 10,000 fans in Baltimore, Maryland. Josh Demuth started the night with a win in the Lites heat race and backed that up with a win in the Arenacross Heat race. Not to be outdone, Point Leader and RWR/Mahindra/Tuf Honda teammate, Jeff Gibson won his Arenacross Heat race as well.

The stage was set for a showdown in the Arenacross Main Feature between teammates, Gibson and Demuth.

Gibson increases his point lead and captures his first AMA Arenacross win on the opening night that had the crowd in awe of the 5 wins in 5 events for the RWR/Mahindra/Tuf organization.

On Saturday night, Gibson grabbed another heat victory as teammate Demuth put the Mahindra Tractors sponsored Honda in the runner-up position. In the Feature, Gibson looked strong and finished with his 4th straight podium finish in 3rd. Demuth ran into some issues and had difficulty restarting his stead and finished 16th after running in the top 5 all evening.

The 2009 RWR US Tour continues in Fairborn, Ohio at the Ervin J Nutter Center. The AMA Arenacross is scheduled for Saturday night.

Gibson maintains his place atop the Champions standings as Demuth rises to 12th on his way to the front. So far the RWR/Mahindra team has (8) wins, (2) runner-ups, and (2) third places, and one fourth place finish in 14 events entered so far including heat races.

Mahindra Tractors, RWR, Tuf Team Sweep Dayton!

January 17th, 2009

Dayton, Ohio

The Mahindra Tractors, RWR, Tuf Honda team to took the track Saturday night in front of a “Sold Out” crowd of 12,000 at the Ervin J Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio and put on a show.

Josh Demuth started the evening off on his #45 Mahindra Tractors, Arenacross Lites ride and won heat number one. Point Leader Jeff Gibson followed that format on his #64 Honda with a win in his heat and Demuth finished 3rd in the same on the Mahindra Tractors #15.

“We are really hitting our stride and if we can stay out of trouble, we should have a good night”, claimed Gibson.

In the AMA Arenacross Lites Feature, Demuth took the point early and held the lead on his way to his second Lite win in two weeks. “Im really excited about this team, the guys all work great together and we are getting better each week!”. stated Demuth

In the AMA Arenacross Main, Gibson took the lead on lap 4, and pulled away to capture his second feature in back to back weeks as teammate Demuth battled through traffic to finish fourth.

“I got in the lead and I was riding good,” said Gibson “I want to thank my family and friends. With these one night races, you can lose a lot or make a lot and I made a lot. I’m trying to take it one race at a time.”

Gibson now holds a 17 point lead as Demuth climbs from outside the top ten to sixth in the standings.

The AMA Arenacross now heads to the Broadbent Arena in Louisville, Kentucky on January 23rd and 24th.

Mahindra cultivating a dream season with RWR/Tuf Honda’s Jeff Gibson

January 24th, 2009

AURORA, Ill.

RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf Honda’s Jeff Gibson is making it clear to his competitors in the AMA Arenacross Series that the 2009 championship goes through him. The Westerville, Ohio native grabbed his fourth win of the season and third win in a row on Saturday night at Broadbent Arena in Louisville, Ky.

Gibson was in control throughout the 25-lap main event, much like the prior night. He still has yet to finish off the podium in what is shaping up to be one of the most impressive performances in AMA Arenacross Series history.

“I just need to keep being consistent”, said Gibson. “I try not to think about the points chase at all and take things race-by-race. There is still a long season to go and anything can happen. I really just want to thank my RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf Honda team.”

Not to be forgotten, Two-Time Arenacross Champion and RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf Honda teammate Josh Demuth looked just as impressive over the weekend, finishing 2nd to Gibson on Saturday night.

Demuth is steadily climbing back into the Championship point standings after a disappointing weekend back in Grand Rapids. In fact, the only rider averaging more points each weekend is teammate Jeff Gibson.

The RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf Honda team, now look towards Greensboro, NC for the next round of the AMA Arenacross Series as Gibson holds an impressive 47 point lead and the opportunity to continue his winning streak.

Gibson stopped but maintains Point Lead

January 31st, 2009

Greensboro, NC

Jeff Gibson was poised to win his fourth consecutive AMA Arenacross event but Chad Johnson had other plans. Gibson, who started out of the gate in 3rd place made quick waste of of his leaders and took point in the feature Saturday night in Greensboro by mid-race.

“I had made a mistake in the rhythm section and gave Chad a chance”, claimed Gibson. With only two turns to the checkered flag, Defending Champion and former RWR/Tuf Honda rider Chad Johnson took aim at Gibson’s Mahindra Tractors front wheel. “He cleaned me out but I shouldn’t have given him that chance!”. stated the #64 rider.

Gibson, thrown from his bike, hopped back on and finished 7th on the evening in front of 10,000 North Carolina fans, keeping the damage to a minimum. Teammate Josh Demuth rallied from the LCQ to finish 4th on the evening for the Mahindra Tractors/RWR/Tuf Honda team and moving into a tie for fifth in the standings.

Jeff Gibson now holds a 39 point lead in the Championship standings as the AMA Arenacross heads to Tulsa, Oklahoma over Honda rider, Nathan Skaggs.

When asked about the incident between himself and Johnson, Gibson was precise. “I just have to continue to push on, and ride smart. I’m racing to win. It is his job to catch me.”

Gibson wins again! Returns to Championship form

February 15th, 2009

Fresno, California

RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf rider Jeff Gibson returned to championship form Saturday night in Fresno, California, winning his 5th feature of the season. Gibson took the point on lap 5 and never looked back and expanded his point lead back to 40 over Nathan Skaggs.

“I am glad to get over this “mini-slump” the past two weeks but we still have alot of racing in front of us”, stated Jeff.

Gibson’s teamate Josh Demuth finished 7th on his Mahindra Tractors Honda. “I lost a little ground on the point leaders but I am within striking distance of second. I won’t stop til I get there.”

The AMA Arenacross now heads to th Arco Arena in Sacremento for action on Saturday night and looks to meet up with the Rick Ware NASCAR team who will be in Fontana this weekend.

Gibson and Demuth rally in Sacramento

February 23rd, 2009

Sacramento, California

RWR riders, Jeff Gibson and Josh Demuth rallied infront of a sold out crowd in Sacramento to a 4th and 5th place finish on Saturday night.

Gibson powered his Mahindra Tractors sponsored Honda through the tight field with teammate Josh Demuth in tow. The strong finish kept Gibson in the Championship point lead by 37 points and Demuth remains in 5th place, just 15 points from 3rd.

The RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Tuf Honda team now head to Reno, Nevada for racing on Saturday evening

Gibson closes in on 1st Championship

March 3rd, 2009

Reno, NV

Jeff Gibson is just two weekends away from his first National Championship. Gibson atop his Mahindra Tractors/Tuf Honda scored a 5th place finish and maintained a 39 point championship lead. With a solid performance next weekend at Wilkes-Barre, PA, Gibson can seal the Championship for RWR.

Teammate Josh Demuth rallied to a 7th place finish Saturday night and holds steady in 5th but is within reach of 3rd with strong finishes in the remaining races.

Demuth wins at Wilkes-Barre

March 13th, 2009

Josh Demuth rallied on his birthday to win his first feature of 2009 on his RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Interush/Tuf Honda.

Teammate Jeff Gibson finished the night right behind him in 2nd almost clinching the 2009 AMA Arenacross title

Gibson 3rd on Saturday night

March 14th, 2009

Jeff Gibson is a mere 2 points from clinching his first ever AMA Arenacross Championship. Gibson was calm and collective and rallied to 3rd on the night. “We are so close I can’t wait to get to Highland Heights next weekend.

Teammate Josh Demuth was poised for the win in the main event until a crash with two laps to go took him out of the win and a podium finish

Champions AGAIN!

March 20th, 2009

Jeff Gibson needed just to make the main event to clinch the 2009 AMA Arenacross Championship. Gibson did not care! The RWR/Mahindra Tractors/Intrush rider dominated for a win in the heat race, giving him a spot in the Main. Still not pleased, the Thornville, Ohio native dominated the feature and won the event in style, giving RWR/Tuf Honda its 3rd consecutive title in the series and 5th overall.

“It was a pleasure to ride for this team, and I give God all the Glory!” stated the emotional Gibson.

Josh Demuth did not disappoint either, finishing 2nd on his Mahindra Tractors/Intrush stead. The 1-2 finish is the 3rd time this season for the duo!

Out in Style!

March 21st, 2009

The RWR/Mahinda Tractors/Interush/Tuf Honda team knows how to do things in style. After clinching the 2009 AMA Arenacross title the night before, the team came into Saturday nights event relaxed.

Josh Demuth rallied to his 2nd Feature win and Champion, Jeff Gibson had the best view in 2nd. For the 4th time this season the RWR/Mahindra/Interush team finished 1-2, showing the world they are the class of the field.

Gibson clinched the title the night before and Demuth made a late points rally to finish 3rd in the final standings just a mere 2 points from a RWR 1-2 for the title.

The team now focuses on the 2009 AMA Outdoor Motocross, preparing the 450cc bikes for a run at another title in 2009.

Rick Ware Racing

Gibson begins Championship defense at Grand Rapids on January 8th

Jeff Gibson looks determined! After a long break from the AMA Arenacross season, Gibby is ready to defend his Championship he claimed with such dominance in 2009.

"I can't wait to get started", claimed Gibson. "I am completely healed after an off season accident that caused me to have surgery. I have lost some weight and ready to take on the new 450cc bikes."

2010 will mark the change for the common 250's to the 450's in the close quarter racing of the AMA Arenacross Series. "It's going to be tough. These bikes have alot of power and it wont take much to end up in the stands, but thats what makes it exciting", stated Gibson.

The opening round starts Friday night at the Van Arden Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the 19 race season. "We have everyone back and we are going after our 4th straight title! The odds are against us but we wouldnt have it any other way!"

Gibson finishes 2nd in opening night defense of AX title

1-8-20 Grand Rapids, MI

Jeff Gibson stood out in the crowd of competitors Friday night at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids for many reasons. First off he is boasting the #1 National Champion number on his back and bike, drawing a perfect bullseye for his competition. Perhaps even more noticing was Gibson was the lone rider deciding to ride the Honda 250 while the entire field rode the new improved 450cc bikes.

"Right now, I feel stronger on it and until me or my team sees a reason to change, I will be on the 250", claimed the Champ.

Gibson's teammate, Brock Sellards started the night off for RWR/Tuf in the first heat and finished 2nd to former RWR Motocross rider Tyler Bright moving him into the Main event. Gibson competed in Heat #2 and also finished 2nd and ironically to former RWR/Tuf teammate Josh Demuth moving him into the Main as well

During the main, Brock grabbed the "Hole Shot" with Gibson on his tail for the first lap. By lap 3 Gibson took the point as Brock slipped back to 4th. Jeff Gibson powered his FuelDoctorUSA.com bike in the lead for 23 laps as Chad Johnson, another former RWR rider and Champion closed in on him. On lap 24 of the 25 lap feature, Johnson passed Gibson and went on for the win as Gibson finished 2nd and Brock in 8th.

"This was a good night for us", claimed Gibson. "Last year we finished 3rd in the opener. We grabbed the hole shot and three top 2's tonight and 4 top 10's. Thats big and Im sure Saturday will be exciting as well."

Gibson returns to Championship form once again

Jeff Gibson is back! After several weeks on the new 450cc Honda, Gibson has found his groove and finished 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th this past weekend in Youngstown.

"Im really getting used to this 450. It is much slower and we have had to basically run a stock bike which is not what we should be doing. Either way, I think with some luck, I can get back to the top before the seasons over," stated Jeff.

Gibson's teammate, Brock Sellards, is hoping for the same. "I have had to sit out after an injury this week but I should be back with Jeff and the two of us will be 1-2 on the podium very soon," claimed Brock.

The Fuel Doctor Honda team is nearing the halfway mark and Gibson is now currently in 3rd just a few points from 2009 teammate Josh Demuth.

"Josh is running really good, but I feel I can get him. Bowers on the other hand has got a big lead and if I can put some pressure on him, we will see how it works out."

The FD team now heads out west for the mid season of the AMA Arenacross season.

Gibson grabs win and another Top 5 while closing in on championship

Jeff Gibson grabbed another win and an additonal Top 5 this weekend in Reno, Nevada on his Fuel Doctor USA Honda.

"We are really starting to figure out these crazy 450's. We have stipped the bikes down to less than a stock bike to make them work in this series. The 450s are too powerful for these little tracks and I have learned to slow down to go fast," claimed Gibson.

Gibson looked unbeatable Saturday night but point leader Nathan Bowers saw an opening a took it with just 5 laps remaining.

"Thats Arenacross racing at its finest. There isnt much room to pass in close quarters and if there is a shot of daylight you take it. Luckily the hay bales are there to keep us in the track but it can also slow you down when you end up on one", Gibson stated.

Gibson and the Arenacross will take a short week off before heading to Council Bluffs, Iowa for the next round of AMA Arenacross.

"Reno is fun but Im a farm guy and Iowa sounds like home to me. Being from Ohio, the dirt will not be as sandy as we raced on the past few weeks and it will be good to sling some good ole fashion midwest mud!"

Gibson now sits in the 4th position but is just a handful away from the runner up position.

"I feel we still have a chance and if everything goes right and I can return a few favors we might just be holding that #1 plate once again. Bowers will not give it away. It is up to us to take it!"

Gibson snags two Top 5's at Dayton

Jeff Gibson returned to his home state in hopes of stopping point leader Tyler Bowers from sealing the 2010 Arenacross Championship. Gibson was successful with a 2nd and 4th place finish on the evening. The flip side is the Kawaski Monster team continues its dominance this season with its 3 riders, keeping Gibson off the Main Featue Podium once again.

"I dont know what else we can do. Its three on one and each though we have been so strong on years past, the Kawaski team just has everything they need and going in their favor to be at the point this year."

"We are not giving up but we have to hit the board again for next year to gain our top spot back in this Series. We have the team and I know I can get it done but we have to get some more support. Monster is throwing mad money and support that we dont have this year but we can overcome, we just need to test through out the summer and winter", claimed Gibson.

The series now heads to Denver, Colorado with just a few weeks left in the season.

"Our Fuel Doctor USA team has been good all year but we havent been great. Monster has but we plan on ruining some happy weekends for them in the next couple weeks!"