Site Lap: 'Tis The Season

As the Christmas Holiday quickly approaches it seems that "Tis the Season" means more than we could realize as rumors of new contract signings loom and the 2012 season approaches.  A number of riders are making their ways to and from the warm drier climate of Florida in preparation for the upcoming race season.  Some are staying for a few days at a time while others are taking up residence at a track or a friends house close by a track.  It's time to bring together all the deals you have been working and get down to business.

First off there are obviously several rumors floating around about this guy and that guy but I will say that the rumors of Chad Wienen inking a deal to ride a particular brand machine next year are true and the announcement is scheduled for Tuesday. This week's Site Lap was going to focus on an interview with Chad but because of not stealing the thunder of the press agents we decided to hold off even though if you follow much on the internet then you probably already know. Chad said his program is one he is comfortable and familiar with and expects to be out front when the new season rolls around.  Chad said he has been released and is 100% since his season ending injury ealrier this year.  He said that he is actually in the best shape of his life and is looking forward to getting back on top of the AMA ATVMX points standings.

Josh Upperman and I both happened to download a new app on our smart phones called Voxer and it acts like a walkie talkie and he told me that things are going good for him right now.  Josh said he would be definitely coming back next year and it looked like it would be with Mark Baldwin at Baldwin Motorsports and he was set for another promising year.  It amazes me how he was only a few points from winning the championship and how humble he remains

The AMA Pro ATV Racing Champ John Natalie will be returning with the Motoworks/Can Am team once again.  At the GNCC Banquet where Natalie was in attendance the folks from Can Am made an announcement that they were scaling back the pro team to basically a one man team.  Natalie is obviously going to be the choice but don't be surprised to see a young superstar or two making their way around those pits as well looking for guidance from Natalie and the team.

There has not been a lot said about former AMA Pro ATV Racer Joe Byrd.  I did read where he had his winter schedule busy with the Joe Byrd Riding Schools so there is a good chance that being so busy and with such an injury plagued season like 2011 he could roll into 2012 with a vengeance to reclaim the title he lost nearly 5 years ago.

Thomas Brown is gearing up for a big year.  It seems that a number of mechanical failures really put a dampener on the beginning part of the season in which he never started recovering from till about the midway point.  Brown seemed optimistic through it all and appears to be even more so heading into the new season.  Thomas told me "My plans for 2012 aren't settled yet but I'll be on the gates in 2012. And I'm planning bringing home the Championship to Texas."  You can follow the #84 on Twitter @ThomasBrown84 or Facebook page at TBROWN84 and his website has plenty of information at www.tbrown84.com that is updated with latest news.

Recently we spoke with Mark Madl in Site Lap.  Mark has made the decision to move to Honda's for the 2012 season which he may have some mixed emotions based on his 2009 season where he struggled with a used machine, but they are going to give it their best shot. Mark says he is excited to have Tom Carlson with TC Racing engines on board to build his engines for the 2012 season and feels he will be a great asset to the program. Mark is currently looking for more sponsorship but will see a lot of help again from the folks at Ditch Witch as well as a number of his sponsors from last season.

Jeffery Rastrelli who is another we spoke to here in Site Lap a few weeks back also has his program dialed in for next season.  Rastrelli will be working with JB Racing again this season and they are prepped, ready and excited to begin his AMA Pro ATV Racing career.  Rastrelli will be working the Florida state track circuit and is patiently awaiting Chad Wienen's arrival to the sunshine state the day after Christmas.

I spoke with Justin Bush who raced a good number of the nationals in the AMA Pro ATV class since 2006.  It looks like Justin is going to try and make a comeback in 2012.  Bush said it has been a trying time as far as resources the last couple of years but is working on some things that should make it easier to be dedicated to the entire schedule.  Justin works construction running heavy equipment laying pipe for a natural gas company.  Justin says he is working something huge that could change the face of his racing efforts.

That'll do it for this week and be looking for the big news from Chad Wienen coming Tuesday.

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