May 10 2009
Every year, thousands of motocross fans and enthusiasts make their way to Las Vegas for the finals of the Supercross Race series. At the 2009 event, 5,000 excited fans gathered at the Orleans Arena for the much anticipated Mini AMA/Maxxis Supercross race. Many of those in attendance were unaware that history was about to be made. To promote greener sport riding, event coordinators were holding the first ever electric motocross event.
Two companies, Quantya and Zero came with a fleet of electric motocross dirt bikes and competed head to head in a 6 lap race. As the crowd cheered for the legendary riders such as Mike Metzger, riding for Quantya and Ryan Dudek, riding for Zero, the race started amazingly quiet. With all electric motors, the competing motorcycles generated little noise and no gas fumes. As the bikes raced around the tracks, spectators could actually hear the bikes kicking up the track dirt.
Out of 11 riders in the race, Brian Roth and David Lodermeier, both riding for Quantya, celebrated as they came in first and second respectively, leaving the other riders far behind them. Even Metzger, who had troubles at the start of the race, had caught up and ended the race in fifth place for team Quantya.
This race offered a completely new and exhilarating experience for the viewers and the riders alike, giving a significant push towards a new wave of cleaner sport riding.
"We are proud to be a part of the first ever electric motocross race and dedicate this momentous win to our loyal customers and the entire Quantya Team. We want to extend our most sincere thank you to our sponsors, No Fear and Fox Shox for their support!" said Dario Trentini, CEO, Quantya USA.