MUDDY CREEK RACEWAY; BLOUNTVILLE, TN - Team ITP riders came into round two of the 2012 ATV Motocross National Championship Series determined to keep their substantial momentum from the opening round rolling. In most cases that was accomplished, on a fast, fun, sometimes wet Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville, Tennessee.
Merrill Crose (12) was again...
Merrill Crose (12) was again a front-runner all weekend.
ITP's sponsored guys and gals, riding with a variety of ITP QuadCross MX and Holeshot MXR6 tires as well as T-9 Pro Series wheels, claimed several class wins and stepped up on the podium regularly after the dust had settled.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the on-track introduction of ITP's all-new Turf Tamer Classic MX. This legendary tire has been redesigned for modern sport quads and features an industry-first pre-grooved tread pattern for an extra competitive edge on loose, loamy track surfaces. It enjoyed a winning debut.
ITP's all-new Turf Tamer Classic...
ITP's all-new Turf Tamer Classic MX tire made a grand entrance at Muddy Creek. Haedyn Mickelson (135) rode it on his way to three podium finishes.
ITP's "MX Bucks" contingency program paid out handsomely for a number of riders at round one, and that will be the case after this race too. And once again, no one cashed in like Merrill Crose. This Sibley, Missouri, privateer was victorious in both the highly competitive 450 A and Open A classes, and third in both the Junior 25+ and Veteran 30+ classes. He now holds first in the season point standings in the first two classes mentioned, and second in the other two.
Cody Janssen of Janssen Motorsports had an excellent performance in Pro Am Unlimited, with a first-moto win followed by third in moto two for second overall. He holds fifth in the point standings.
Brent Sellers (29) was a top-five...
Brent Sellers (29) was a top-five finisher in Pro Am Production.
Root River Racing's Sam Rowe was triumphant in Schoolboy Jr. (13-15) thanks to his 1-2 moto finishes. He will go into round three with second place in the class standings.
Haedyn Mickelson (Root River) continued to shine with second overall in Schoolboy Sr. (14-17), fourth in Schoolboy Jr. (13-15) and a third-place finish in moto one of the Super-Mini (13-15) division. Unfortunately, an uncharacteristic seventh in the second moto of that class dropped him to sixth overall. Still, he sits top-five in all three classes in points and leads Schoolboy Jr. (13-15).
Chloe Buerster (125) flew...
Chloe Buerster (125) flew to two top-five placings.
Texas' Brent Sellers carried Root River Racing's flag to fourth overall in Pro Am Production with a 7-4 moto day, and that moved him to third in the class standings.
Noah Mickelson (Root River) slid into fourth overall in the 90 Modified (12-15) class via a 3-4 moto tally.
The first Pro Am Unlimited...
The first Pro Am Unlimited moto was captured by Cody Janssen (25). A third in moto two gave him second overall.
A consistent Mike Barnhart (Root River) went 3-3 for third overall in the Open A class, and 4-4 for fourth in Veteran 30+ racing.
Chloe Buerster (Root River) enjoyed two top-five finishes at Muddy Creek: fourth overall in the Women's class, and fifth in 4-Stroke B.
Mike Barnhart (19) left Muddy...
Mike Barnhart (19) left Muddy Creek with a third and a fourth.
One of the most active ITP racers is Jordan Digby, but unfortunately Jordan suffered a hard fall and broke his leg. He'll be out for a while but is expected to make a full recovery. Hurry back soon, Jordan!
The ten-event series now moves to Budds Creek in Mechanicsville, Maryland, May 5-6.
Young gun Jordan Digby (88)...
Young gun Jordan Digby (88) fights for the holeshot. Unfortunately, he later ended up with a broken leg
Photos by Ken Hill,
ATVRiders.comIn ATV MX for 2012, Team ITP consists of Cody Janssen, Chloe Buerster, Merrill Crose, Jeffrey Rastrelli, Brian Johnson, Kyle Fix, Benjamin Brocado and the entire Root River Racing team: Jordan Digby, Mike Barnhart, Dalton Hicks, Haedyn Mickelson, Noah Mickelson, Brent Sellers, Sean Taylor, Alexander Gillette, Samuel Rowe and Allyson Westfield.
For more information on ITP's "MX Bucks" contingency program, download a form for free enrollment by visiting: www.itptires.com/racing.
ITP is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Since 1982, ITP has grown into the world's #1 ATV/UTV aftermarket tire and wheel source, and continues to provide a complete line of innovative tires and wheels for virtually all ATVs and UTVs. For a copy of ITP's full-color product catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-859-4740. For other inquiries or technical advice, contact ITP at 1990 S. Vintage Ave., Ontario, CA 91761; (909) 390-1905. Or visit ITP's website at
www.itptires.com.