Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, and NASCAR® have teamed up to create the first-ever Monster Energy Supercross Holeshot Challenge at Saturday’s annual visit to Atlanta’s Georgia Dome on February 27. Fans will see Danica Patrick, the most prolific woman in auto racing history; six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson; 19-race Cup winner Greg Biffle; eight-race Cup winner Clint Bowyer; rising star Ty Dillon and two-time Xfinity Series Champion Ricky Stenhouse, Jr.; engaged in one of the most compelling elements of any Monster Energy Supercross race, the holeshot.
Monster Energy Supercross racers have long been recognized as some of the world’s most well-conditioned and gifted athletes, particularly within the world of motorsports. NASCAR drivers are routinely enamored with the talents of the riders and serve as some of the Monster Energy Supercross’ strongest supporters. On Saturday night, a handful of NASCAR’s biggest names will experience first-hand what these athletes go through at the beginning of every race in a truly unique crossover event. The holeshot is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and important parts of each Monster Energy Supercross race, as the rumble of 22 bikes builds an unparalleled level of energy that culminates with riders exploding off the gate in a stampede towards the first turn. It’s where races are often won and lost and proves to be a crucial piece to any rider’s hopes for victory.
Patrick, who drives the #10 Stewart-Haas Racing car, will set the stage for the Holeshot Challenge by holding the 30-second board, while Johnson, driver of the #48 Hendrick Motorsports car, will occupy the important role of dropping the gate. Four additional drivers – HScott Motorsports’ #15 Clint Bowyer, Richard Childress Racing’s #3 Ty Dillon and Roush Fenway Racing’s #17 Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and #16 Greg Biffle – will strap on a helmet, suit up in custom-designed gear and swing a leg over a motorcycle, and race from the start gates to the holeshot line to determine who is the fastest NASCAR driver on two wheels.
Reigning Monster Energy Supercross Champion and current points leader Ryan Dungey will host Stenhouse, while KTM provides him with a 250 SX-F. Dunlop will host Bowyer, who will ride a Kawasaki KXF 250, while KTM will support Dillon and provide a 250 SX-F for him to ride. In addition, Greg Biffle will ride a CRF250F provided by Freewheeling Motorposts of Douglasville, GA. The Holeshot Challenge will take place during intermission prior to the 450SX Class Last Chance Qualifier.
“Many of NASCAR’s best drivers grew up racing motocross and have a deep appreciation for Monster Energy Supercross and what these athletes do on a weekly basis,” said Todd Jendro, Vice President Operations – Two Wheel, Feld Entertainment. “The holeshot is one of the most important and intense aspects of the race, and the Holeshot Challenge is designed to illustrate that element in a fun and entertaining way.”
Monster Energy Supercross and NASCAR will be engaged in race related festivities throughout the weekend as many more stars of stock car racing will be on hand to watch the world’s best riders do battle inside the Georgia Dome starting Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET. On Sunday, February 28, Monster Energy Supercross’ biggest names will watch the wave of the green flag at 1:00 p.m. ET at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in nearby Hampton, Georgia.
5-Hour Energy/HScott Motorsports #15 Sprint Cup driver Clint Bowyer offers, “This is an exciting and unique opportunity to return to my first passion in motorsports. My family traveled the country for many years chasing amateur national championships, and I’ve been a lifelong fan of Supercross. I actually went out and bought a bike to practice for this, and I hope some of those old reflexes come out to shine this Saturday night. It’s going to be fun!”
The entire 2016 Monster Energy Supercross Championship will air live on FOX Sports, including two races on the FOX broadcast channel. In addition, the authenticated FOX Sports Go app will live stream each race.
