Rome, Ga. - Pirelli team rider Cody Cooper earned the first Toyota AMA Motocross Championship podium finish of his career this past weekend at Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, N.Y.

Cooper, who hails from New Zealand, pressured the undefeated James Stewart in moto 2 to finish within 7 seconds; the closest margin of the 08'' season so far.

"The conditions were muddy, and Cody brought his A game to muscle to the first podium finish of his career," said Josh Whitmire, Pirelli''s MX Manager. "We are very proud of him and look forward to watching him excel at the remaining four races this year."

Riding for Team Suzuki City, Cooper finished 5-2, which was good enough for third overall.

Pirelli Tire''s Antonio Balbi also turned in an outstanding performance, finishing a season-best fourth overall in the second moto. His 8-4 results gave him a fifth place overall as the circuit heads to Washougal Motocross park next weekend.

Rounding out the weekend for the Pirelli-backed riders were Justin Sipes (17-13, 14th overall) and Jake Marsack (39-11, 16th overall).

Pirelli Tire North America specializes in manufacturing and marketing high-performance tires for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, ATV''s and motorsports. An industry leader in technology and quality, Pirelli operates its highly advanced Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) in Rome, Georgia, to better serve the American OEM and Replacement markets. For more information please visit: www.us.pirelli.com.