Delmont, PA. (May 13, 2009) - Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki/Yoshimura factory rider Dustin Wimmer, the defending AMA Pro ATV Motocross Champion, is out of action as he recovers from an injury to his shoulder. With Wimmer out, Monster Kawasaki's Chad Wienen captured his first win of the season with 1-1 scores at the previous race at Sunset Ridge, and Honda's Joe Byrd took over the series points lead from Wimmer. It will be a last minute decision for Wimmer to race this weekend as the battle for the championship resumes at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, PA. The event also marks round five of the amateur portion of the National program.
The event takes place at the Steel City Raceway, the legendary home of AMA Motocross for bikes, as well as the ATV Open, the invitation-only challenge race that runs in conjunction with the bikes on Labor Day Weekend. Wienen won the ATV Open last year, so he no doubt looks forward to getting back on Pennsylvania soil.
The technically challenging track takes advantage of the terrain, with the track laid out in a valley to provide nearly 100 percent viewing for spectators. Tickets on Sunday are $15 for fans ($10 for ages 6-11), and admission includes full pro pit access, and an autograph session.
Joe Byrd, the 2006 and 2007 AMA Pro Motocross Series' Champion from Union City, Tennessee broke Wimmer's winning streak with his victory a few weeks ago at Ballance MX and is now the points leader, despite having bike problems at Sunset Ridge. Wimmer is only 11 points behind in second and Wienen, who suffered through a few mechanical problems at the beginning of the season, is in third. Josh Creamer, of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, fell to fourth in the points standings, despite an improved fourth place finish at Sunset Ridge. Pennyslvania's own 2005 Champion John Natalie had a bad run at Sunset Ridge to come in ninth, falling to seventh in the points, but has shown the speed all season to win races. In addition, nationally-recognized stars including veteran Doug Gust, Jeremy Lawson, Josh Upperman, Pat Brown and a crop of hard charging rookies will make up a full gate of talent in the AMA Pro ATV Class.
The pro class will feature two 20-minute races on Sunday, taking place at noon and 3 p.m., with the combined scores of both races determining the overall winner.
The pro riders will run as part of a full schedule of amateur racing, including classes for Youth, Women and veteran riders. Amateurs will practice on Friday and race on Saturday and Sunday. Pros will practice on Saturday and race on Sunday.
To get to the track from Pittsburgh take State Rt 22 east to State Rt 66 north for 3 miles. Turn right onto Story Road. Follow signs .5 miles to the track.
About the ITP/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited
The AMA ITP/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited is the nation's premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, and competes at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 11-round series features the Nation's best racers, teams and sponsors, and is America's largest and longest-running ATV National Motocross series with more than 20 years of competition. The series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while keeping close to the grassroots fun that makes people love to go to the races. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.
About the ATV Promoters Group (ATVPG)
The ATVPG is composed of the individual promoters that host the AMA ITP/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Championships, presented by Parts Unlimited. The goal of the ATVPG is to raise awareness of ATV motocross through the production of professional and amateur championship racing events. For more information on the ATVPG and the ATV National events they produce, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.