Sight Lap: Back to the Creek!

The return to Budd's Creek MX is upon us and the anticipation of it all has the ATV racing world excited to return to this world famous venue.  It has been a few years since The AMA ATV MX National Championship presented by DWT has graced the gates of Budds Creek and the racing is expected to be the best of the season so far.

This event takes the place of the Danville, VA round at Birch Creek but will still be hosted by the Birch Creek Bunch.  Carl Reynolds, Ken Farrell and all will be on hand promoting and running the event as normal just in a different location this year.

The economy has taken its toll on a number of rider's race budgets over the last few years and we have seen a slight slip in some of the competition that travels out of the North East.  The good thing about this venue and Unadilla is that we will have the opportunity to see some of the names from the past each trying to make some small mark on the national series.

I spoke with 2-Time AMA ATV Pro Champion Dustin Wimmer before the season started and he stated that this is one that he had planned to attend.  That should mix things up in the pro class some. I have heard that AMA ATV Pro Champion Josh Creamer will be in attendance this weekend but not racing. Creamer had a self-described lack luster appearance in Alabama that may have frustrated him to the point he may not be back to race.  I understand his frustrations though, he really wanted to come back and win after the way everything had gone in the offseason and I am sure he was disappointed but I hope not to the point where he gives up.  Hopefully it will inspire him to beat the odds.

As far as the weekend is concerned it should be pretty much the norm except for a few little additions to the night time.  Practice will kick off Friday morning and will run 3 rotations weather permitting.  As far as the forecast is concerned, Friday and Sunday look good but Saturday may be a wet one.

Moose Racing and Parts Unlimited will host a dinner on Friday evening after practice for racers and their families.  Everyone is invited and there should be enough food to feed around 500 or so.  So come ready to get your grub on and enjoy some bread breaking with your ATV Racing Nation family.

Saturday Night will feature Extreme Dirt Track Racing on the famous Budds Creek half mile oval.  Families and fans are invited to check out the dirt track racing after the ATVMX races on Saturday evening. Dirt track racing begins at 7 p.m. and wristbands from ATVMX will get you through the gate. For more information on the dirt track event, please visit http://www.edtracing.com.

Good news for the AMA ATV Pro Class, it looks like SSi Decals have stepped up with a Holeshot Award.  I know Nick Denoble may be a little more inspired to wave the #1 finger in the air now that there is a bonus.  If you missed it, Denoble got the early lead in Alabama and threw a finger in the air for his accomplishments. (Not that finger, the #1) I also feel we are about to see some good stuff from this rider so be watching has he progresses.

Also a special treat this week I feel is to watch the Women Class on Saturday.  This class has just gotten interesting.  Michelle Natalie has two wins this season and the one at Ballance was incredible.  Heather Byrd will be ready this week but she will not only have her eye on Natalie but also newcomer and fast girl Samantha Cheetham.  Cheetham is only 16 years old and says she is "the Chad Weinen of the Women Class" referring to her size.  She is a tall girl but is also very fast, so she may be more right than she realizes. Cheetham battled both Byrd and Natalie in moto 1 at round 3 but suffered from a blown out hub in moto 2.  I for one cannot wait to see the gate drop in this one.

Be sure to stop by the Media All-Stars display this weekend.  Media All-Stars has a great display and the coolest part of it is that they have a R/C track built in the pits and you can stop by and check out their new sponsor H.P.I. which is a manufacturer of radio controlled cars.  You can bring your own or use one of theirs.  They also have them for purchase if you want to take one home.

Media All-Stars prides itself on helping build a future for up and coming riders.  One of the former team riders, Casey Martin has exceled to the top level in Pro Am racing and actually made his first appearance in the AMA Pro Class at Ballance MX Park.  The team is real proud to have been able to support Casey over the years and feel that what they are doing is right for the AMA ATV Amateur.  I say way to go guys!

A tip of the hat goes to the Youth Contingency Program volunteers for all their dedication to the ATV Youth.  It looks like they have started on a task this year to make the giveaways even better than before.  Frieda Rozelle and the group held a bake sale in Kentucky and stated that they hope to raise over $100,000.00 this year for prizes to give away. A lot of sponsors donate gifts but they want more.  You can find out more at www.atvycp.com. This will be the 3rd year of the Youth Contingency Program which has had two years of great success raising over $40,000 in prizes for all youth classes at the series finale at Loretta Lynn Ranch. Each child that attends this prestigious event will receive not only a goodie-bag full of merchandise but also entered into a drawing from donated prizes.

If you are looking for a great sight seeing experience I suggest you call work and school and let them know now.  You won't want to miss out on checking out The Nation's Capital in Washington DC with all sorts of things to see and do.  As well maybe even learn a thing or two.  The ATVMotocross.com schedule page has details on this and more from Budds Creek.

One last thing before we go, make sure you check out ATVRE.  David Screws and the crew have been busy compiling information on all things ATV racing and you can keep up with the racing world each week.

Till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.