Morgantown, W. Va. (May 18, 2011) - The 2011 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series presented by DWT (ATVMX) has been nothing short of unpredictable as we've witnessed an array of firsts, bests and even luckless situations in the Premier class.
Photo By: Mike Roth - Event Pix
Wienen looks to extend his lead this weekend
Current points leader Chad Wienen has experienced his most dominant season ever this year in the ATVMX series. With a total of three wins under his belt, Wienen holds the most overalls this season, edging out his Motoworks Can-Am teammate John Natalie by only one win and a mere four-point margin in the championship standings. Natalie lost his former points lead at Sunset Ridge MX after his bike broke down two turns away from the finish line in moto two - quickly moving the second place rider back to fourteenth. Natalie salvaged a sixth place overall to keep him within a handful of points from his teammate.
Pennsylvania's Joel Hetrick could be a force to wreak havoc on the Motoworks Can-Am duo this year after a grabbing his first-ever AMA Pro podium at round five. The Rookie has a lot to learn before contesting a championship in the Premier class, but don't exclude him from mixing it up with the veterans out front - especially in his home state this weekend at Steel City.
With a consistent string of top four finishes, Baldwin Motorsports Honda's Josh Upperman comfortably maintains the third place points position. The Ohio rider has used his calm and collected attitude to maintain a pace just a few beats off the leaders, putting him in the running for a top three finish at the end of the season. Walsh Race Craft Fox Shox rider Jeremy Lawson struggled to break the top five at Sunset Ridge in an unusual off-weekend for the naturally consistent Suzuki rider. This weekend's hard-packed Steel City track may be what Lawson needs to get back into his pre-Sunset Ridge groove.
What's exciting about this year's deep field of Pro class talent is the heightened level of competition taking place for every position on the track. Ballance Racing's Thomas Brown and Can-Am's Rookie Chase Snapp have begun an on-going battle this season that only gets better each weekend. If these riders can secure a holeshot, there's a good chance they could push each other to the front of the pack.
Photo By: Mike Roth - Event Pix
Hetrick made Natalie work for the pass at Sunset Ridge
As the round-six event sponsor, Can-Am will hold its popular demo ride program this weekend at the Can-Am Steel City ATVMX. They will have new machines on display all weekend and available for fans to test ride on a special course being built near the main racetrack. Visit the Can-Am display for more information or to test a vehicle.
Amateur classes will practice on Friday and race on both Saturday and Sunday. Pros will run two timed practice sessions on Saturday morning and race in the afternoon as part of a full schedule of amateur racing, including classes for Youth, Women and Veteran riders.
Tickets on Saturday are $20 for spectators ($10 for ages 6-11), and admission includes full pro-pit access and an autograph session.
To get to the track, take Route 66 North to Story Road and take a right. Follow the signs .5 miles to the track.
About the AMA ATV Motocross Championship
The AMA ATV Motocross Championship is the nation's premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, hosted 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 program. Since 1985, the series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while premiering the professional class. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.