The 2011 ATV National Motocross Championship presented by DWT is all but under way as practice kicked this morning after some overnight showers. The sun came out quickly and the practice session began for the new seasons contenders. This is the first visit for the ATV Nationals to Aonia Pass Motocross in Washington, GA and the weather honestly could not have turned out more perfect. Sunny skies and lower 70s for the temperature made for a quick dry for the track and conditions were soon perfect.
It's a whole new year and a little different format than we have seen with the AMA ATV Pros racing on Saturday rather than Sunday as has been the tradition. One thing we can say is that new traditions may be on the horizon. A fresh crop of faces were found in the pro pits as we have seen at least 7 riders making the step up to the Pro class.
The new program could be a big bonus for the amateur classes as basically Sunday belongs to them now and they will not have to share the day or the podium which will hopefully result in amateurs finishing up earlier on Sundays.
Chad Weinen seems to be the early season favorite in a lot of people's opinion and the way things set comes in as the man to beat. Chad had a couple of late season wins that really propelled his confidence and hunger to win the championship. The problem there for him is that his teammate and 2005 Pro ATV Champ John Natalie. Natalie made the statement earlier today that as far he was concerned that the 2011 championship was his and if anybody wants it they are going to have to take it from him. Does this mean the Ironman is back? Time will tell that story and it will be fun one to watch unfold.
In speaking with Hinson Racing Rep and former ATV Champ Jeremiah Jones, he said that he has spent the last several weeks in Florida were a number of pros had been training and that he seen something in Lawson this off season he had never seen from him and that "The Iceman" could be a major threat for the title. I know Mike Walsh of Walsh Race craft also seemed pretty pumped and the confidence is definitely there in the #16 pits.
Josh Upperman is one that a lot people are mentioning but are not sure what to expect. Josh told me that he had spent the last 6 weeks in the sands of Florida trying to get himself ready for the season. Upperman also showed a lot of confidence for the season stating that he has had a solid program for the last few years with Baldwin Motorsports and he was very comfortable with what he has to work with.
The 2009 AMA ATV Rookie of the Year Thomas Brown is back and stronger than ever. Under the direction of Yamaha, Brown was sent to 9-Time ATV GNCC Champion Bill Balance for guidance and support. Brown was starting to show confidence late last season and with the time spent with Ballance over the off season, Brown could also be a contender for a win or two by seasons end.
On the rookie side of things there are three riders are talking about and wondering what their first pro race experiences will bring. Joel Hetrick is probably one of the most celebrated riders to make the step up in ATV Pro racing since Jeremiah Jones did over a decade ago. Hetrick seemed to be adapting to the change on Friday so far, but what will Saturday bring? A good start could be history making.
Don't count out the 2010 Pro Am Production ATV Amateur Rider of the Year Chase Snapp. Snapp is a rider that had for the most part given up on his dream when he got the call from Jimmy O'Dell at Can-Am and was offered a support ride for 2011 and helped keep the dream alive. I saw Snapp in Gainesville Florida over Thanksgiving at the Winter National Olympics (Yes the motorcycle race) racing in the Novice class. Chase told me then that he had started riding the two wheelers a few years ago and actually had a couple of bad crashes but he was so frustrated he needed to blow off some steam initially and then it became fun and he wanted to race a big race like the Mini O's but after he was for sure going to dedicate himself to his ATV racing career. And if you wonder how he looked on the bike just know that he is a true racer and he was adapting nicely to the machine.
Obviously it is really hard to know how anything is going to go for anyone whether it is a pro or amateur. However, the one thing is that with the new life in the pro class, the new and old faces in the amateur classes that made their way to Georgia for round 1 and the new Racer TV deal on Versus network there really seems to be a bright future even while things are looking their bleakest in the economy.
Amateur practice begins after an 8:00am timed qualifier. Make sure you log into live scoring to keep up to date with the way things are going.
That's about it for this week, till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.
