Kawasaki press release:

Monster Energy Kawasaki has tabbed Billy Laninovich to ride the final six rounds of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship. Laninovich has been testing with the team and is now ready to compete.

“Billy has been great for us at the test track,” said Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Manager Mike Fisher. “He has shown good speed and also continues to give us great feedback as we develop the 2009 KXT450F.”

Laninovich is no stranger to the front of the field. Though he will be racing in the supercross class, the 26-year-old rider has five podiums and one win in the AMA Supercross Lites class.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Laninovich. “It’s an awesome feeling. Mike (Fisher) called me while I was testing and told me I would be racing this weekend. I want to race for a factory team and the Monster Energy Kawasaki team has a strong history of being one of the best in our sport.”