Benny Solis wins AMA U.S. Rookies Cup championship

Benny Solis, a 13-year-old from North Hollywood, won the inaugural Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup championship with a fifth-place finish in the season finale at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on Sunday.
Solis finished nine points ahead of Hayden Gillim, Owensboro, Ken., to win the Rookies Cup championship.
"Last year when we went to the selection event, it was like a dream come true to make it to the second day," said Solis. "I was aiming for the top 10 in the championship but then after getting pole at [the first race at] Barber, I thought maybe I had a chance at this. Ever since then, my confidence has been boosted up and I've been trying to do my best all year. I ended up with four wins and a couple of podiums. I am really happy with how things have gone and it's been a fantastic year."
Solis will be on the 10-rider team for the United States competing against the Moto GP Rookies from Europe in Valencia, Spain, on Oct. 25. It will be the second race in the Red Bull Riders Cup. The first race, won by the European Moto GP team, was in Indianapolis.