Alessi to Europe
By TMX Archives on 6th Dec 04
Mikey goes for GP shakedown SUPER TALENTED - and equally controversial - American 16-year-old Mike Alessi will race the first three MX2 GPs of the '05 season as part of his preparation for a full-on assault on next year's AMA 125cc championship. Racing against the likes of Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed in the 250cc class, Alessi bombed in his much-hyped pro racing debut at Millville last August - despite predicting great things for himself. A number of top US stars were angered by his pre-race predictions and arrogant attitude - typified by the target sewn onto the back of his race pants. But he let his riding do the talking when he took a race two podium in his next AMA National appearance - proving that there was some substance behind the hype. Alessi followed this up with an incredible SX debut at Bercy before being disqualified from the final night's results for alleged 'dirty riding'. See what we mean about controversy! "I'm excited about the prospect of racing in Europe. I enjoyed the race I attended in Belgium this year and found the people to be very friendly." Catch Mikey banging bars with the GP regulars at Zolder on April 4, Bellpuig on April 17 and Agueda on April 24 before returning to the States.