www.cyclenews.com/articles/supercross_motocross/2012/05/08/rattray-to-replace-villopoto

With Ryan Villopoto's knee injury knocking him out of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Kawasaki has raided the Pro Circuit Kawasaki team and has come away with South African Tyla Rattray to take his place.

Rattray, the former World Champion who finished second in the AMA 250cc Motocross Championship last year, will team with Jake Weimer in the 450cc class on the Monster Energy-backed team.

"I'm pumped to race the 450cc class with Monster Energy Kawasaki," said Rattray in a team release. "I know both the team, and the bike can win championships. I couldn't be more thankful to everyone allowing me to have this opportunity."

Rattray missed the majority of the Supercross Lites Series after suffering a concussion and a fracture of his C-7 vertebra in a crash in the Oakland Supercross at the end of January.

"We are excited to welcome Tyla to the team," said Reid Nordin, Monster Energy Kawasaki Senior Manager. "He has proven to be a contender for a National Championship each and every year, and we are confident he can put Kawasaki up front this summer."

According to the team, Rattray has spent the last two weeks preparing for the outdoor on the KX450F.

The 2012 AMA Pro Motocross Championship kicks off with the Hangtown Motocross Classic in Sacramento, California on May 19.