As all the hoopla with the Inaugural Fly Racing ATVSX has begun to settle, and the focus begins to be on the opening round of the 2015 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship this weekend at Echeconnee MX Park in Lizella, Georgia. The ATV Racin' Nation has filed in full force and practice is now underway as I scribe this weeks contribution. The last time we were at Echeconnee, Dustin Wimmer won the season opener and Joe Byrd was en-route to his second AMA Pro ATV Motocross Championship title. A lot has changed since then, but at the same time so much seems the same.

As I traveled through the gates of this hallowed ATVMX Park I couldn't help but feel something special. I have mentioned in recent weeks that we are at the dawning of a new era in our sport. I sense this from the riders, sponsors, promoters and fans. It couldn't be more obvious than what it is heading into this new season. The new sponsors, new teams and new spirit that all this brings are at an all time high in my opinion. It likens to times like when the factories were starting to come into the sport in full force before the economy crunch. It reminds me of each time that the ATV Racin' Nation has taken a hit how it rises like a Phoenix from the ashes to a stronger and more determined state. I feel like I am apart of something bigger than I realized and I feel excited at what the future holds. 

As the new season begins there are lot of changes as we had mentioned. These changes are in the schedule, teams, sponsors, venues and of course classes. Two of the biggest changes I have seen are the Pro-Sport class and the brand new Youth All-Star class. The Pro-Sport class is really the old Open A class but helps define better what exactly it is. The Youth All-Star is a Super Mini race kind of. It features both 2 stroke and 4 stroke machines but the limit is 91-200cc for 2-stroke and 91-300cc 4-stroke machines. This class was debut at the ATVSX and should yield some of the best racing in the youth division. 

Looking a little closer at the new Pro-Sport class tells us, as I said before, that it is basically the old Open A class. The reason for the name change was to help to define the progression of the different levels of our racing. The Open A and the Pro Am were the final steps toward a pro license and that is still the case. The thing is the old name was kind of confusing so some guys would sign up in the wrong A classes and totally mess the process up for them and above all not race the level of competition that they really should be facing. So now it's easy to follow riders as they work through the ranks. Once you move into then A ranks then you transition to Pro-Sport to Pro Am and then the next move is Pro Am and Pro then eventually just AMA Pro ATV. It's well defined and easy to follow.

If this year’s competition is any indication, the race fans should be treated to an extraordinary season of racing. As practice rolls on here at Echeconnee the familiar names are popping up on the monitors, but I have to say I think that everyone seems to be coming into this season more prepared and ready than they ever have been. Watching practice is kind of spine tingling and the hair rises on my neck watching the intensity that these riders are bringing to practice. This track is offering some great passing opportunities for this day and if it remains the same it could be the best opening round ever of racing. 

There is without a doubt a lot of debate as to who will be the one to beat this season in all classes in all divisions. The move that so many made in teams and classes this year leaves a lot of unknowns and that helps add to the lore of all the anticipation. The speculation, dreams, hopes and desires will soon be recognized. Who is ready? That question gets answered this weekend and many may be shocked when it's over. There are many that have been working harder and more quietly than ever before which will be those unknown/unexpected variables that change the face of all expectations. It's a new day, a new age and a new era in the ATV Racin' Nation! Embrace it! Enjoy it!

In the Loop with Gloop:

At the Daytona ATV Supercross event Tim Detling’s great luck came into play and he fractured his wrist. Tim will be sitting out the beginning of the 2015 ATV Motocross season. Vechery Racing announced that they would take on Casey Martin to ride in his position.

Tim told me, “ I figured since I will be missing a few of the races that someone else should have a chance to race the whole season. When I return I will focus on the Pro Am class and maybe race a couple rounds in the Pro Class.”

Congrats to Casey Martin on obtaining a ride for the 2015 season and we wish Tim a speedy recovery and hope to see you on the track in 2015!

Haedyn Mickelson has recently moved up to race in the A class's and boy am I excited for him.

I had a chance to catch up with Haedyn and this is what he had to say, " Daytona was a good first race in A class, wish I would of got a win but it is something to build off of. I'm looking forward to seeing how all my training this winter is going to pay off against some of the fastest people in the country. " 

Ken:

The racing nation is indeed still reeling from the Fly Racing ATVSX at Daytona, as everyone I have talked to is quick to bring it up and either discuss it or talk about the event. However, these discussions were at the GNCC last weekend, so people who usually do not follow ATVMX tuned in to follow things! I hope we go back, we need to go back and will we go back are usually the first words spoken so you can draw your own conclusions as to whether the racers liked it! I have not had a chance to speak with any of the Pro racers to get their take on things but I assume they liked it even if they did not get the coveted win! The one-day format was high pressure, and without a doubt the racing was intense! There will be tons of meetings, planning and discussions I am sure to get us back there and to make improvements so keep your thoughts written down and when needed send them to the appropriate people! 

From a fan perspective, wow! I mean what other facility do you know of where you get away from the cold of winter and bask in the warm Florida sun watching the worlds best ATV racers rip apart Daytona dirt! The sights of the Daytona surroundings make for a pretty sweet backdrop and when the racing is over you can go check out Bike Week! Speaking of Bike Week, in my opinion we need to leverage the excitement to get fans on the fence and on the stands! The millions that flock to Daytona are looking for exactly what we have to offer and more quality exposure is always a positive!

Now on to round one here at Echeconnee MX! I have been here for a few days catching up on some rest and I have to say it’s a pretty nice venue, but the track is off the chain! It has a sandy, big natural terrain layout with some option lines that should give those willing to run wide open the chance to get to the front! The Pro race should prove to be incredibly competitive, as I see nothing that would offer a big advantage to any one rider. Horsepower looks to be key here even though the elevation changes are not great and the power robbing sand will separate the field. I know Chad Wienen said he would make everyone pay for Daytona and I believe it! The problem I see is that everyone else is out to make Chad pay for the past few seasons of his dominance! You can call it friendly rivalry, but these guys are going to be going all out to put pressure on Wienen that he hasn’t really had to face the past few seasons.

John Natalie and his Motorsport/Baldwin backed Honda appeared to be flawless at Daytona and Natalie’s attitude is all go! The Ironman is tough to beat and even tougher when he is riding like he owns the world so Chad will have to pack his lunch if he expects to make short work of John! I don’t really think Daytona is going to tell the tale for the 2015 season but it may. Joel Hetrick looked pretty cozy aboard his new ride and was right there at the end after battling his way to Natalie’s grab bar so we know he will be a heavy hitter this year. The rider we were all waiting to see drop the hammer was Jeffrey Rastrelli and he did not disappoint! Rastrelli pounded out the fastest lap and was running strong until his get off showing us he is going to make a name for himself this season, which spells trouble for several riders when the results get posted.

Upperman and Brown will also get their shot at the front of the pack no doubt but it will not be a given this year. The field of talent is pretty close to being legendary even if the results show some new names making it to the upper tier of the pro ranks. Good clean bar-to-bar racing from gate drop to checkered flag is all anyone can ask for! 

That’s all from me this week; the pits here at Echeconnee are starting to show signs of life, as we get ready to get practice underway! I am watching Casey Greek under the Maxxis rig already changing tires and the line is growing so it is about get busy for everyone! Ride safe and I will see you on the podium!