U.S. OPEN OF SX:

The Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open announced today that reigning Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class champion Ryan Dungey will compete in this year’s race at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“This is a huge race for me, and I am looking forward to competing against the sport’s top racers,” said Dungey.

Last year Dungey made his Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open debut in the one class one champion format. During the two-night race, Dungey went 5-4, which was good enough for third overall, giving him the highest result of any racer using the 250cc motorcycle.

“At the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open, you have to turn in two solid nights of racing to get the overall,” said Dungey. “I have been looking forward to racing with the top guys in the sport my whole life, and this race provides a great opportunity for me to line up against the best.”

While Dungey has not competed in a full AMA Supercross class season, he has raced in select events aboard the 450cc machine, finishing second at Minneapolis’ Metrodome in 2008. This year he will use the 450cc motorcycle at the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open.

“I have had some time on the 450cc bike, and Suzuki had done a great job with getting me a good base set up,” added Dungey. “With the 450cc bike, there is so much power, and when you need it, it’s there for you.”

Dungey, 19, captured the first major championship of his career this season, winning four main events and two additional podium appearances. During his three year professional career, Dungey has racked up 10 AMA Supercross Lites class wins. Throughout his 2008 campaign, he finished second in both the AMA Supercross/Motocross Lites class championship. This summer he captured the 250cc AMA Motocross championship.

As an amateur, Dungey earned a spot to compete in the 2003 U.S. Open’s 85cc Mini Invitational and finished a solid seventh place with 6-4-5-11 finishes on the weekend.