Osborne Wins USGP Moates Cup Again!
Zach Osborne won the coveted Moates Cup at the U.S. Grand Prix for
the second year in a row. Established last year to celebrate
America's return to the FIM Motocross World Championship GP
schedule as well as commemorating 30th anniversary of Marty Moates
becoming the first American to win the USGP, the Moates Cup is
presented to the "Top American" finisher on the day. Making the
deal even slicker is a big check, literally as well as
figuratively, for $5,000 presented by Lucas Oil.
"It was a game-time decision," said Osborne after crashing in
Saturday's qualifiers. "I was in a lot of pain, but X-rays showed
that my wrist wasn't broken, so I decided to go for it." Making
things even tougher for the Bike-It Cosworth Yamaha rider were the
muddy conditions, compounded by tangling with another rider in the
second turn and crashing right onto his injured wrist! "The Moates
Cup was on my mind the whole race and it helped me ride through the
pain," added Zach. He battled through the pack and the sloppy track
conditions from last place up to 9th in the first moto.
The second moto was even tougher... "pretty much just a matter of
survival," said Zach. A better start and a dramatic pass of Pro
Circuit Kawasaki rider Max Anstie for 4th place just after the
2-lap board came out combined to give Osborne 5th overall for the
day, and more importantly, 30 crucial points towards his World
Championship title aspirations. "Obviously I wanted to win my home
GP, but given the circumstances, I'm pretty happy with how things
turned out... and I get to keep the Moates Cup for another
year!"â¨â¨"
Zach Osborne is an outstanding young man and his courageous charge
in the first moto was truly worthy of Marty Moates' legacy," said
Cup co-founder Scott Cox. "Despite riding hurt, Zach proved that he
is indeed 'Top American' and certainly deserving of the award for
the second year in a row." Fellow Moates Cup co-founder Todd
Huffman added, "We owe a debt of gratitude to our friends at Lucas
Oil for stepping up with financial backing of the Moates Cup
award."
"We want the U.S. riders like Zach to know we are behind them back
home," concluded Bob Patison, Executive Vice President of Lucas Oil
Products. "Lucas Oil is honored to be part of the Moates Cup award
and to support American GP riders."
Lucas has long been directly involved in the American racing
industry through multiple vehicle sponsorship's and racing event
promotions, at all levels, including the AMA Motocross Nationals.
The end result is a line of high performance engine oils and gear
oils that are second-to-none in the racing industry. In addition to
our dealer network and distributors, Lucas Oil has created a
special partnership with hand-chosen motorcycle dealers referred to
as "Lucas Oil Pit Stops". This concept has created great partnering
with some of the best in the motorcycle industry. We are indeed
most proud of the dedication Lucas Oil Pit Stops have shown to
Lucas Oil Products.