Defending Monster Energy Cup winner Ryan Villopoto has declared his intentions to do battle for a cool $1-million once again when the event returns to Las Vegas in October.

Villopoto became the first rider in off-road motorcycle racing history to win a million dollars in a single night of racing at last year’s inaugural Monster Energy Cup, capping off a dominant year in the sport.

“It’s pretty unreal,” said Villopoto on winning the $1-million. “I’m happy we were able to pull it off. To back it up in 2012 will be hard, so if we do, it would be great. Although the race is not until 20 October, I want everyone to know I am ready to defend my title.”

At the inaugural Monster Energy Cup, Villopoto swept all three races. He earned the holeshot in the first two races, and in the third and final race, he passed holeshot winner Mike Alessi on the opening lap and rode to the $1-million victory.

“I’m really excited to head back to Vegas in October for the Monster Energy Cup,” added Villopoto. “There is so little time in between races, it’s tough to recover for all three main events.

“It also becomes demanding for the team to get to the gate ready for three races on a track that requires different set-ups – it’s a full team effort.

“The track had some cool features last year that made it exciting, so I hope that they have more surprises in store come October.”

The unique Monster Energy Cup hybrid track makes this race unlike any other stadium race in the world.

The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 cheque, and for the second consecutive year, $1-million will be paid to a rider that wins all three mains.