Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle has confirmed that he’ll ride a 450 full time in 2012, marking the team’s first official premier class operation after he pointed out of the Lites class in Supercross.

Tickle will make his 450 debut in the inaugural Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium on 15 October, a darkhorse for the win as the current Western Regional Supercross Lites class champion.

“I’m definitely happy that I get a chance to line up on the gate with the top supercross riders before the start of the season,” said Tickle. “I will certainly be using this race as a place to get some extra seat time on the 450 in a race setting.

“I haven’t had much time to get ready and make the jump up, but so far it’s been fun riding the new Kawasaki KX450F.”

The Lites class champ is excited to compete for a $1 million in this unique stand-alone race, but above all is amped to race without the pressures of contending for a championship.

“The Monster Energy Cup has the potential to be a really awesome race,” added Tickle. “It’s always nice to be able to compete in a race scenario without having the pressure of a championship on the line.

“I think this race will be good for everyone. Since it’s not a true supercross track because of the element variations, I’m expecting it to even the playing field and make things interesting.”

The unique hybrid track will consist of supercross/motocross terrain and will have a tremendous motocross-style influence.

The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and $1-million will be paid to a rider that wins all three main events.