WIND
IN THE
P24
Ryan Villopoto is back with Kawasaki as a brand ambassador,
and Thor, the gear he wore during his Hall of Fame career.
AMA Mourns
One of Its Own
A
MA Supercross official John Welch
passed away over the weekend following
the Indianapolis round of the AMA Monster
Energy Supercross Series.
"A longtime member of the AMA's Pro Rac
-
ing operational team, John was respected and
well-loved among our staff. He will be missed.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to
John's daughters, McKenna and Brittany, and
his extended family and friends during this
period of mourning."
CN
AMA Supercross official John Welch
passed away over the weekend.
Villopoto Back
With Kawasaki
R
yan Villopoto is going back to where it all
began for him as he rejoins the Kawasaki
brand. The four-time 450 AMA Supercross
and five-time Pro Motocross Champion is
reconnecting with the brand that defined his
professional racing career. Throughout his
Hall of Fame run, Villopoto raced exclusively
for Kawasaki, winning 10 major professional
championships and 83 race wins before
stepping away from professional competi
-
tion in 2015. In 2018, he joined Yamaha as
a brand ambassador and continued to ride
in select events. RV also announced he'll be
back in Thor gear, the same look he ran dur-
ing his professional career.
Yamaha thanked Villopoto via social me-
dia, saying, "Since joining the Yamaha family
back in January 2018 as a brand ambassa-
dor, Ryan Villopoto has been a big part of the
bLU cRU family. Yamaha would like to thank
him for all his work and dedication, repre
-
senting our brand and engaging with fans at
our bLU cRU Invitationals and tons of media
events, OAI and All Kid Bikes events."
This was quickly followed up by Kawasaki,
saying, "Welcome home, RV."
Villopoto will likely serve a similar role as a
brand ambassador to Kawasaki by riding and
racing in select events throughout the year.
CN
