Site Lap: All On The Line!

The heat is on and not just in the point race for the 2011 AMA ATV Motocross Championship by DWT. As the season heats up in points the weather seems to be a mirror as we roll into America's Motocross Track, Red Bud USA.  Temperatures forecasted in the upper 80s with the "Real Feel" temps at or near 100 degrees should prove to be the toughest race of the season so far for the AMA ATV Nationals.

One has to wonder what the "Real Feel" temperature is for MotoWorks/DWT/Can AM's #13  John Natalie, Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/JB Racing's #20 Josh Upperman and even Walsh Race Craft's  #16 Jeremy Lawson in the AMA Pro ATV race for the championship.  And of course there is the battle for a top 5 over-all position for some which even has two rookies as key players in this battle.  Both #88 Joel Hetrick and #48 Chase Snapp have shown more than enough speed and now consistency that has them in a position for those honors possibly with only 2 rounds left.  Moto-Xperts/Ballance Racing/Yamaha's #84 Thomas Brown has also started showing signs of consistency and ability to win which has put in a good spot to score a top 5 for the year if he can keep it up.  Look for Brown to be a key player this weekend as Red Bud is a big track and Brown loves to go big.

The Pro-Am battles are two championships that have more than seen their share of excitement which has I feel yet to even hit the climax.  Like any great drama we are building to the end of an amazing drama amongst a group of young ATV racers that have only begun their saga of ATV MX racing. When the dust settles at Loretta Lynn's Dirt Days there will finally be champions or possibly a champion crowned in the Pro-Am ranks.

The interesting things about the Pro Am classes are that each is a stepping stone in a way to the next level.  Riders use the Pro Am Unlimited class to prepare them for the Pro-Am Production.  Then riders use the Pro-Am Production class to prepare them for AMA Pro ATV.  We have actually already begun to witness the progression of some of the top A class racers to the Pro-Am Unlimited class.  Parts-Plus Auto Parts rider Dalton Millican and Media Allstars rider Tyler Hamrick both lined up in the Pro-Am Unlimited at Unadilla to see where they stand in the field as they are already looking ahead to the 2012 season.

The Pro-Am Unlimited  class has seen what some have described as "epic", "amazing",  "unbelievable" , "stellar "and many other explicative words that can never really seem to describe what has actually been occurring as this season has progressed.  Saturday's premier amateur class was slated in some opinions to be an all JB Racing/FMF's Jeffery Rastrelli show as the season started.  However two things that folks were not able to take into consideration was the fact that Rastrelli was unable to train like needed more than struggled with endurance in the early part of the season.  And the other better conditioned riders began gaining not only momentum as the season wore on but also confidence.  As their confidence rose Rastrelli struggled a bit before finally having the opportunity to train and prepare for the races like is needed.   Rastrelli currently leads the class by 10 points heading into the final two rounds of the season.

The rider making major strides finding not only confidence but also speed Blue Rok racing's Mark Madl.  Madl has scored five wins this season to Rastrelli's three.  Madl finished a tenth and an eleventh place finish at two rounds which is what has actually put him behind in points. The Pro-Am Unlimited will be one for sure to watch over the next two rounds as it will be critical in the final point standings for both riders.

As far as the Sunday premier amateur class with the Pro-Am Production class and the final step to AMA ATV Pro Racing goes it is also one of intensity again.  Rastrelli who got off to a sluggish start in this class in the early part of the season was also considered a title contender in this one but Moto-Xperts rider Casey Martin took the early command in points in this class.  Martin has five wins so far this season and has rose to the occasion in some unbelievable battles with Rastrelli, Aaron Meyer, Kyle Fix and of course Mark Madl.  Madl has used his persistence and some unfortunate luck for Martin to pull to within 9 points in this championship race.  Madl who may not have even been considered a huge threat for either championship may be the one that walks away with it all.

The Pro-Am classes have been more than a joy to watch for any race fan but the shear element of excitement that Mark Madl has offered in this class has kept an entire race facility on the edge of their seats waiting to see what is going to happen.  The exciting part of the race for me is watching Mark methodically work his way through the pack to position himself in the final laps to steal a win right out from under the race leader.  Martin has proven to be best at keeping Madl at bay so this season but with the end of the season so close these final two rounds are extremely important in the title hunt and Madl could end up walking away with both if things continue going his way.

So as we head into this weekend there will be a lot to watch for and keep the season exciting.  Also a few reminders as we head to "REEEEED BUUUUUUDDDD!!!!!" this weekend:

It is going to be extremely hot and humid this weekend so make sure you are hydrated whether you are racing or spectating.  Start now and keep on going till you leave on Sunday.   It will also be somewhat sunny this weekend so sunscreen will be important.  I suggest you bring along the big umbrellas you have for rain to use as portable shade this weekend as well.  And please keep an eye on the small kids and elderly.

Friday evening Debi Bartosek from the 88 Live to Ride is organizing Moto-Bingo for Friday night at the infield pavilion.  Debi will also have information available on the Matt Bartosek Celebration race coming up a few weeks after the national season concludes.  The event is held each fall and is always a good time for everyone.

Saturday night should be another fun filled evening at Red Bud with another bicycle race similar to last year is being planned.  There may even be a DJ on Saturday evening spinning some tunes to give everyone a chance to hang out and catch up as the season winds down.   So plan on coming out for a good time and relaxing evening.

Pit vehicles always seem to be a bigger issue at this event as well. So please just understand that the pits will be heavily patrolled this weekend and ANY pit vehicle infractions will be dealt with and there will be very little if any tolerance.  If you have been to an event at Red Bud before you may already be aware of this but if you are not or have forgotten, you have been WARNED.  No kidding on this one folks.  They will impound, DQ and even kick you out of this event if you are wreckless and a danger to others.  Follow all pit vehicle rules and make sure you register it.  Safety is of the utmost importance and Red Bud wants to insure yours as much as possible.

See you this weekend.  Till then, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.