Morgantown, W.Va. (July 25, 2012) -AMA Pro ATV points leader Chad Wienen holds a slight advantage over defending champion John Natalie as the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series heads to the penultimate Round 9 this weekend at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Mich.
The Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/Walsh Race Craft/Yamaha-backed points leader is very familiar with RedBud's loamy Midwestern dirt, as the Illinois native grew up racing the popular Michigan track. Wienen is coming off a two-race winning streak and a third win in his home region could put him in a favorable position for the final round at Loretta Lynn's in August.
However, Motoworks/Can-Am's Natalie - two-time ATVMX champion - isn't about to let Wienen go unchallenged in search of his first-ever Pro ATVMX title. Like Wienen, Natalie sustained a two-race win streak in Rounds 5 and 6, preceding Wienen's current streak and there's no telling which rider will emerge on top.
The 2012 season has produced some of the best racing in series history and that's because of the deep field of talent in the ATV Pro class. Motoworks/Can-Am's Joel Hetrick holds an overall win and several podium finishes in only his second season in the premiere class. Hetrick is perhaps the biggest threat to the veteran duo of Wienen and Natalie, but a couple of finishes off the podium will most likely hinder Hetrick's chances at a title this year.
Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Maxxis rider Josh Upperman and TBROWN Yamaha/Moto-X-Perts rider Thomas Brown have continued to finish inside the top five each weekend, sitting within ten points of each other for fifth place in the standings. Both Upperman and Brown are looking to secure their first wins of the season in the final two rounds.
The pro riders will run Saturday 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. 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, go to the stop sign at Redbud Trail and turn left. The track is about 2-3 miles down on the right side. For more information on this weekend's event, please visit http://www.redbudmx.com/atvnationals.htm.
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 10-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 http://www.atvmotocross.com.