Paul Coates Awaits Monster Energy Cup Amateur All-Star Class Debut

AURORA, Ill. (July 24, 2012) – Feld Motor Sports® announced today that Vance & Hines Yamaha’s Paul Coates, of Bishop Auckland, England, will race the Amateur All-Star Class at the 2012 Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium on October 20.

Coates, 18, is one of 22 top amateur riders at this year’s event that will represent the next generation of racers as they compete on the world’s biggest stage with 3.5 hours of live television coverage. Consisting of two, five-lap Main Events, the Amateur All-Star Class features the graduating class of top amateurs that will turn professional the following season.

“There’s nothing like the Monster Energy Cup,” said Coates. “I’ve always wanted to race in a big stadium in front of all those fans. I’ve been in the small ones back in England, but nothing like Sam Boyd. I’m excited to race the same track as the pros. I love all of that tension amongst the riders; it’s a good opportunity. Being from England, not many people get a chance to race with the likes of all the top guys like [Kevin] Windham and James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto.”  

Coates first started racing 11 years ago, earning multiple race wins in England, before coming to America. Throughout the three years racing alongside the top amateurs in the US, Coates has enjoyed several overall victories and countless podiums.

The 2012 Monster Energy Cup features an all-new track design inspired by five-time Supercross Class Champion Ricky Carmichael. The Carmichael-inspired track design will consist of supercross and motocross obstacles unlike any other racetrack design in the world. More than 200’ of the track will be built into the grandstands, and the riders exit the stadium and race through the Monster Energy Fan Zone outside of the stadium and through the pit area before they catapult back into the stadium. The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and any rider that wins all three Main Events will take home $1 million. 

For more information on the Monster Energy Cup, log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com.  For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305. To follow the Monster Energy Cup on Facebook and Twitter, log on to www.Facebook.com/VegasMECup and www.Twitter.com/VegasMECup.

Tickets for the 2012 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVtickets outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com,  or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only.

About Feld Motor Sports®
Feld Motor Sports®, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz®, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com .