October 12, 2002
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Las Vegas, Nevada

Mike LaRocco is the winner of the prestigious 2002 US Open. The win snaps the consecutive win streak of Ricky Carmichael. LaRocco won Friday night's main event and followed that up with third on Saturday night to take the overall championship. Michael Byrne of Team AMSOIL stood with LaRocco on the podium on the first night with a third place finish. In fact, Byrne at one time posted the fastest lap times of the weekend. “Byrner” finished the US OPEN in ninth overall.

Departing from the four-stroke he rode during the motocross season "The Rock" rode a Honda CR 250 two-stroke to the championship. Fellow Honda rider Ricky Carmichael finished second overall. Third overall went to Tim Ferry. LaRocco now turns his attention to overseas racing. Plans are to have LaRocco compete in the World Motocross Championships, of which he is a former title holder, in December before beginning the 2003 supercross season.

The US OPEN will be televised October 27 at 4:00 pm Eastern Time on ESPN 2.

News Contact:
John Schuldt
Racing Coordinator
(715) 392-7101 ext. 220