A 125 JACKPOT
11 October 2004 - Amsoil

Las Vegas - The biggest race of the year took place October 9 in the brightest city on the planet, and Team AMSOIL/Chaparral/Honda/Factory Connection was standing in the spotlight.

The seventh annual Maxxis U.S. Open took place in Las Vegas over the weekend. In the main event, defending champion Chad Reed captured his second consecutive title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Standing on the podium with Reed was Team AMSOIL/Chaparral/Honda/Factory Connection rider Mike LaRocco. The 33-year-old placed third overall. LaRocco started the weekend strong by finishing third on Friday night. The former U.S. Open champ then finished in sixth on Saturday, giving him enough points for the top-three finish and a $20,000 payout.

The results would be even better for Team AMSOIL/Chaparral/ Honda/Factory Connection in the 125cc class. Greg Schnell was able to place first in both heats to take home the championship. On Friday, Schnell was able to take advantage of bobble by leader David Millsaps on lap seven. The California kid was able to hold off the competition for the remainder of the 20-lap race.

''Our whole team works together each week to put in strong results,'' said Schnell. ''I took advantage of Millsaps'' mistake and moved into the lead.''

Schnell would find lady luck on his side again Saturday night in the main. He led the entire race, but not without a little trouble early on.

''It''s much easier to have good results when you get a start here,'' said Schnell. ''I actually stalled the bike on lap seven or eight, but luckily I was able to get it re-started and win the race. This gives me a big boost of confidence leading into my supercross season.''

Schnell was joined on the podium be one of the newest members to Team AMSOIL/Chaparral/ Honda/Factory Connection. The U.S. Open was Thomas Hahn''s first race as a Factory Connection rider. The Belpre, Kan. Native would finish second on Friday and third on Saturday for a third place overall finish.

Team AMSOIL/Chaparral/Honda/Factory Connection riders Joaquim Rodriguez and Josh Grant finished 12th and 13th respectively.

The AMA Supercross season begins January 8 in Anaheim, Calif. For more details on AMSOIL racing and AMSOIL subscribe to The AMSOIL Checkered Flag Report.

www.amsoil.com

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