The rider list for 2009 GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross reads like a who's who of national and international enduro, cross country, desert racing, trials and motocross greats, beginning with the six-race series' defending champ and runner-up, Team Monster Energy/Kawasaki's Ricky Dietrich and Damon Huffman.

Dietrich, the AMA's Racer of the Year in 2008 thanks in part to his outstanding performance in EnduroCross, returns as the defending champion. But the racer who won the most main events (three) was his teammate, Huffman. The former Supercross star ended up losing the title when a crash and broken finger at Columbus (Ohio) kept him out of that main event. Dietrich and Huffman will no doubt again be the favorites to vie for the EX Pro class championship, but will certainly have their hands full when you look down the registered rider list.

"We've been in contact - and are expecting - a wide variety of riders from all areas of competition off road motorcycling," said Mike Karsting, VP of Events for Source Interlink Media. "And what's great for fans attending the live events is that every one of them has a legitimate shot at making an EnduroCross podium. Anything can happen in the sport of EnduroCross - and often does."

Registered riders for the 2009 GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross opener at Las Vegas' Orleans Arena, July 25, include:

Dietrich, Huffman, Taddy Blazusiak, Antoine Meo, Geoff Aaron, Rory Mead, Ty Davis, Colton Haaker, Nick Brozovich, Bobby Prochnau, Jamie Lanza, Phil Smage, Mike Brown, Kyle Calderini, Kyle Redmond, Patrick Smage, Destry Abbott, Wallace Palmer, Jason Raines, Cory Grafunder and Scott Watkins, just to name a few!

Note! Special ticket and hotel rates available for the OPENING ROUND, July 25th, in Las Vegas are NOW available at the Orleans Arena, 888-234-2334; or online at www.OrleansArena.com