PELL CITY, Ala. (March 24, 2008) -- The ITP/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA ATV Motocross National Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited will hit Millcreek Raceway this weekend for The ATV Spring Nationals, Round 2 of the national touring series. The Nation's premier ATV racing series features America's top pros, as well as Amateur, Pro-Am and Junior racers.
The ATV Motocross Series features the top professional and amateur ATV riders in the country competing at preeminent motocross facilities across the nation. ATV motocross racing is run on a closed course, which comprises technical "whoops" sections, as well as big-air jumps, tight turns and all-out straightaways. The machines are race-bred 450cc machines from top manufacturers such as Can-Am, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, Honda, KTM, and Kawasaki. Riders easily make six-figure incomes from the large purses, and contingency bonuses posted by manufacturers, as well as other Series sponsors and suppliers.
The riders are vying for the most coveted honor in ATV racing: The AMA Championship and the AMA No. 1 Number Plate.
The event takes place at Millcreek Raceway, located southeast of Birmingham in Pell City. Built in 2000, the track is surrounded by hardwoods, pine, creeks and rolling hills. With its wide lanes, flowing natural jumps, enormous elevation changes are all features that make for exciting racing. There is a mix of fast and slow technical sections, while the track exceeds two miles in length from the starting gate.
The event will feature the second round of Pro competition, as well as the season opener for the amateur classes.
The race will be telecast on Versus Network on Aug. 11 at 3:30 p.m.
Team Suzuki carried the day in Round 1 three weeks ago at Glen Helen Raceway in California, with Dustin Wimmer (No. 191 MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper) taking the victory, ahead of teammate Chad Wienen. The duo, along with teammate Doug Gust, will definitely be ready to add another win their record here.
Monster Energy Kawasaki, meanwhile, proved that its new KFX450R's competitiveness in Round 1 as factory rider Josh Creamer finished third at Glen Helen. Creamer is joined in the Kawasaki stable by veteran rider and Alabama native Keith Little, as well as the up-and-coming Russell Shumaker.
Two-time Champion Joe Byrd will attempt to get his season back on track here. After being sidelined by mechanical issues at Glen Helen, the ever-competitive Byrd is seeking his third consecutive title this year, riding his familiar Honda. A native of Union City, Tenn., Byrd won an impressive six of 12 events last season, making him the man to beat in 2008.
Can-Am debuted its new DS450 quad in Glen Helen and its riders were competitive all weekend with veteran racer John Natalie, Jr. leading the charge. The Houtzdale, Pa. native finished fourth at Glen Helen and will certainly be one to watch here. Natalie will be joined on the Can-Am squad by Jeremy Lawson, Cody Miller, Greg Gee, Sage Baker, and Richard Pelchat.
Team Yamaha is buoyed by New Jersey rider Pat Brown. Brown, always a favorite among the fans and media, alike, will certainly be in contention here.
The race will also feature other top Pro riders, including Harold Goodman, John Ragon, Nate Morello, Jason Dunkelberger, Rocco Arno, Jr., Michael James Brown and many others.
Fast Facts -- ATV Spring Nationals -- March 29-30, 2008
What: ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series, America's premier ATV racing series. ATV motocross racing is run on a closed course, which comprises technical "whoops" sections, as well as big-air jumps, tight turns and all-out straightaways. The machines are race-bred 450cc machines from top manufacturers such as Can-Am, Suzuki, Yamaha, Polaris, Honda, KTM, and Kawasaki. Riders easily make six-figure incomes from the large purses, and contingency bonuses posted by manufacturers, as well as other Series sponsors and suppliers.
When: March 29-30, 2008
Where: Mill Creek Raceway, Pell City, Ala. Directions: From Birmingham take I-20 East to Exit # 156; turn South, take first road on the RIGHT, Roberts Mill Rd. Track is a short distance on the LEFT. Watch for signs.
Who: Top Pro racers, including Alabama native Keith Little, as well as Dustin Wimmer, Doug Gust, Chad Wienen, John Natalie, Jr., Josh Creamer, Joe Byrd, Pat Brown, Harold Goodman and many others. The Series also features the top Pro Am, Amateur, Women, and Junior riders in the country.