Michael Byrne to Race Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open

 AURORA, Ill. (August 22, 2007) – Rockstar Energy Drink Suzuki rider Michael Byrne announced today that he will race in the 10th Annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open inside Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena October 12-14.

Byrne, 28, came to the U.S. from Australia in 2001 to compete in his first full season of professional AMA Supercross/Motocross. Finishing in the top 10 during the 2007 AMA Supercross Series, Byrne finished seventh overall in AMA Supercross. At the 2005 U.S. Open, Bryne finished 2-3 for second overall to Ricky Carmichael.

“This is a tight race,” said Byrne. “You need to have a good start and stay out of trouble for two-nights. In 2005, when I finished second, I had great starts and didn’t have to spend the early part of the race banging bars with the other riders. When you are out front, you get to ride in clear traffic and start to pull away.”

Although the Rockstar Energy Drink offers a huge purse, Byrne looks at the race as a way to prepare for the up-coming AMA Supercross season.

“This race allows us to test new equipment for the new supercross season,” he said.

The new open-class format where riders can compete on either the 250F or 450F four stroke motorcycles poses the question: Which bike is better?

“The track layout will determine if which bikes have the advantage or disadvantage,” added Byrne. “By adding in the top lites guys to the race, the main event will have a much deeper field of talent.”

More exciting announcements about the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open will be made shortly. Stay tuned to www.ussx.com for more news and information.

Tickets are now available for the 10th annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas October 12-14, 2007 at www.ussx.com, www.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 702-474-4000 or the MGM Grand Garden Arena box office. Regarded as one of off-road motorcycling’s premier races, the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is the final ‘major’ race of the motocross season. Tickets are available for as low as $20 through Ticketmaster.com. All tickets subject to 5% Las Vegas Entertainment tax.

About The Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open

The 10th-annual Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open is an invite-only indoor off-road motocross race inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena October 12-14, 2007, featuring the world’s top supercross/motocross racers. Live Nation is the world's largest live music company. Our mission is to inspire passion for live music around the world.  We are the largest promoter of live concerts in the world, the second-largest entertainment venue management company and have a rapidly growing online presence. We create superior experiences for artists and fans, regularly producing tours for the biggest superstars in the business, including The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, U2 and Coldplay.  Globally, we own, operate, have booking rights for and/or have an equity interest in more than 160 venues, including House of Blues® music venues and prestigious locations such as The Fillmore in San Francisco, Nikon at Jones Beach in New York and London’s Wembley Arena. Our websites collectively are the second most popular entertainment/event websites in the United States, according to Nielsen//NetRatings.  In addition, we also produce, promote or host theatrical, specialized motor sports and other live entertainment events.  In 2006, we connected nearly 60 million fans with their favorite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world.  Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol “LYV.”

About AMA Racing

AMA Racing is the competition arm of the American Motorcyclist Association and is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its professional properties include the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF, the AMA Superbike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited, the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship, the AMA Supermoto Championship and the AMA Pro ATV Championship. In amateur and pro-am competition, AMA Racing sanctions over 4000 events in 24 different disciplines and supports over 110 thousand active members. For more information about professional racing, visit www.amaproracing.com. Accredited media outlets can also access an on line Press Room at www.amaproracing.com/pressroom. For amateur racing information visit www.amadirectlink.com/amrace/amasports.asp.