Site Lap: Sunday Creek-The Aftermath

 

As we headed into the weekend the reports of the AMA Pro ATV Class point leader MotoWorks/DWT/Can Am's Chad Weinen season ending injury had many wondering what it may mean for the race for points. The complexity of the whole situation was intensified by the news of Weinen's team-mate and 2005 Pro ATV Champ John Natalie breaking his arm. It appears that Natalie was trying to rescue the family's horses after a fire broke out from a lightning strike to the barn where they were kept. Natalie confirmed the reports on Friday and said that his doctor was confident that John could ride if he could endure the pain. Natalie stated that his goal was to gain points on Chad and hopefully be stronger for Unadilla next week in New York.

 

Ohio's own Baldwin Motorsports/JB Racing/PEP's Josh Upperman then became the focus of a lot more attention than was already being shown him and without missing a beat he arose to the occasion. Upperman rode well in the mud and dry and his natural strong consistent rides took him to the top of the box which I am certain will become a much more familiar place for him in the future. Coming into the weekend Upperman was comfortable with the new track stating that it was a lot like his practice track at home and felt that may give him a slight advantage over most everyone else.

 

Another rider that performed at peak performance this past weekend was the "Red Rocket" from Oklahoma. SSI/Motoworks/Can Am rider and rookie Chase Snapp took a strong first moto start to the moto win and was looked upon as possible over-all winner heading into the 2nd moto. Things were a little tougher for the rookie in moto 2 as the start did not work out as well leaving Snapp to have to push and charge nearly the entire moto to capture a 4th netting 2nd over-all on the day.

 

Thomas Brown did something he rarely ever does and that was nearly get a hole shot. In moto 2 it was Upperman and Brown side by side nearly at the SSI Decal Hole Shot stripe but Upperman edged him out barely. Brown slipped a couple of spots early on due to goggle problems but was able to rebound and take two 3rd place finishes for 3rd over-all. Brown stated earlier in the season that if he could correct a few minor problems that he would start being a regular on the podium. And taking a look at his track record since round 4 he has finished on the podium 2 times and has been in the top 5 every time.

 

Walsh Racecraft Racing/Fox Shox Jeremy Lawson was another rider several folks were looking to step things up this past weekend. It would probably be best stated, continue to step things up. Lawson has been showing signs of promise all season finishing top 5 every round except one and even landing on the podium three times so far this season. Lawson found struggles in the moto 1 mud finishing 5th but rebounded to a 2nd place in moto 2 netting 4th over-all on the day.

 

Another rider that has shown promise and consistency this season is Grand Central Stations/Jansen Motorsports Nick DeNoble. Nick rode to a quiet 6th and 5th place finish for 5th over-all on the day.

 

As for this being the first ever ATV MX National in Southern Ohio it has surely left a lasting impression on any ATV fan at Sunday Creek this past weekend. A big thanks goes out to Ohio based ATV racing team Mushin Racing. Scott Ward who oversees the operations of the Mushin team wanted to welcome ATV racing to Ohio with a bang. So the team put together an amazing opening ceremonies fireworks display that really intensified the start of moto 1 pro racing action on Saturday. Even though the sky was sprinkling down rain the explosions leading to the start of the race made for an exciting way to kick off AMA Pro ATV racing in Ohio.  Mushin Racing also gave away $1,000.00 in cash which went to a lucky Heather Byrd fan who had literally driven from Michigan to watch her race.

 

Next week we head to the legendary and sometimes infamous Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin New York. Unadilla is considered the capital of American Motocross playing host to some of the United States most celebrated races in history. And as always a good turnout, a good racetrack and good racing is expected to be on tap and with less than 30 points separating the top 4 this championship just got more exciting than it already was.

 

If you happen to be in the Ohio area this weekend don't forget we are back at Sunday Creek this weekend for round 9 to the Can Am GNCC. Check out GNCCRacing.com for more details on that one.

 

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