by: Andy Bowyer
Monday August 11th, 2008

Thomas Brown Captures Pro Am Production Championship

Yamaha mounted rising star to make jump to Pro class in 2009.

HURRICANE MILLS, Tenn. (August 11, 2008) -- Factory Yamaha/Golden West Cycle rider Thomas Brown won both motos Sunday and the overall Pro-Am Production victory at ATV Dirt Days, clinching the Pro Am Production class championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch. The event was the final round of the 10-round ITP/Moose AMA/ATVA National MX Championship.

The AMA advancement system requires a rider to earn at least 150 points in the Pro Am divisions before qualifying to move up to the Pro Class. Brown accumulated 224 points in 2008, which is more than sufficient to advance.

“We’re not completely sure on what we are going to do next year, but we’re looking at going pro,” said Brown. “There are some things that are up in the air that we’ll work on over the winter, but you guys can probably look for me on the starting line in the Pro class in 2009.”

The tall and lanky Texan has a unique riding style where he moves around on the quad more than most riders. Brown indicated his riding style worked into his favor on the challenging Loretta Lynn’s course.

“The track got pretty rough and technical,” said Brown. “I gained time on guys through the timing sections and it helped me pull ahead for the win. I think the track today definitely played into my riding style.”

Brown won the first and last rounds of the 10-round series, but it was his consistency throughout the 10-race Amateur Championship that put him ahead of of Nick DeNoble by 32 points for the class championship.

This weekend's race represented the regular season finale for ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA National Motocross Championship. The next race for the tour, the invitation-only Steel City ATV Open, is scheduled for Aug. 30 at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa.

2008 Champions: