by: Chelsea Taylor
TimeThursday, April 7, 2016 | 5:10 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chelsea Taylor
304-284-0101
[email protected]
Wienen Looks To Extend Points Lead As ProX ATV Motocross National Championship Moves to Underground MX Park
Rastrelli and Brown Are Set to Battle for First Win of the Season
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (April 7, 2016) – The 2016 ProX ATV Motocross National Championship presented by CST Tires, an AMA National Championship, continues in the Lonestar State this weekend, Saturday April 9. America’s largest and longest running ATV series moves to Underground MX Park (UGMX) in Kemp, Texas for the second round of the 12-round circuit. Wienen Motorsports/Yamaha/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Walsh Racecraft/FLY Racing’s Chad Wienen heads into this weekend with the early points lead, but looks to fend off the rest of the AMA ATV Pro class who are all hungry to end his reign.
The four-time AMA National Champion grabbed the first win of the season at the ATV Supercross (ATVSX) ultimately leading him to grab the early points lead. However, it won’t be easy for Wienen as he has many riders behind him that all want the same thing. Wienen claimed gold at the Inaugural Underground MX Park National just one year ago, and heads into this Saturday looking to repeat his success.
Perhaps the biggest bombshell of the season opener was JB Racing/Root River Racing/Gold Speed Tires-backed Jeffery Rastrelli who came from the back of the pack to finish second. After working diligently during the off season, it was obvious that Rastrelli has gained valuable skill and speed needed to be a championship contender. With a podium finish behind him, he now has the confidence and drive to take home the win.
Maxxis/Root River Racing/JB Racing’s Thomas Brown is no stranger to the Texas terrain. Thomas, a Sanger native, lives just a mere two hours north of UGMX. Currently ranked third for the season, Thomas will look to take home his first win and move up the championship ranks.
After grabbing the first holeshot of the season and ultimately finishing fourth, Maxxis/FLY Racing/Baldwin Motorsports’ John Natalie has his eyes set on his first podium finish. After leading a few laps at the ATVSX Natalie has the capabilities and the speed needed to cross the finish line first this Saturday.
Maxxis/Liquid Wrench/Elka Suspension/Honda’s David Haagsma Jr. has started off his first full season as an AMA Pro with a success where he currently sits fifth in points moving into this weekend. Being a California native, UGMX is the closest round on the circuit to Haagsma where he will strive to continue his success.
The 2015 Rookie of the Year and AGX Designs/Walsh Racecraft/Maxxis’ Nick Gennusa began the season in sixth with Root River Racing/Hoosier Tires/Rage ATV’s Josh Upperman and West Virginia native Brett Musick following in seventh and eighth. RamJam Sportsplex/Goldspeed Racing Products/Koster Racing’s Adam Clark and Honda racer Joe Byrd round out the top ten as the ATVMX series moves to UGMX.
The Maxxis/Elka/Liquid Wrench-backed rider of Joel Hetrick looked to be a podium contender at the last round until suffering from a crash resulting in a knee injury and taking him out of the race. With over a month to recover, Hetrick will be making an appearance this Saturday with hopes to turn his season around.
Saturday’s race schedule is as follows: practice at 10 a.m. followed by a timed qualifying session at 11:30a.m. Pro motos are at 2 and 4 p.m. with an autograph session taking place at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday spectator passes run $20 for adults and $10 for children (6-11), with kids five and under getting in for free. Each pass includes pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge.
Local racers expected to compete this weekend will be: Justin Messina (90 Open Jr. 8-11), brothers Bryce (Super Mini 12-15) and Cody Ford (Schoolboy Sr. 14-17), brothers Carson (Schoolboy Sr. 14-17) and Christopher Parrish (90 CVT 8-15), Dani Smith (Girls Sr. 12-15), father Robert Salinas (Senior 40+) and son Aaron Salinas (90 Open Jr. 8-11) and siblings Tommy (Open B) and Johanna Vossman (Schoolgirl 13-17).
Amateur racing will take place throughout the weekend alongside the AMA Pro class, and local riders are invited and encouraged to compete in the event, as ATVMX offers classes for riders of all skill and experience levels. The amateur race entry fee is only $40 and riders can sign up at the event.
Local racers expected to compete this weekend will be: Justin Messina (90 Open Jr. 8-11), brothers Bryce (Super Mini 12-15) and Cody Ford (Schoolboy Sr. 14-17), brothers Carson (Schoolboy Sr. 14-17) and Christopher Parrish (90 CVT 8-15), Dani Smith (Girls Sr. 12-15), father Robert Salinas (Senior 40+) and son Aaron Salinas (90 Open Jr. 8-11) and siblings Tommy (Open B) and Johanna Vossman (Schoolgirl 13-17).
For more information on the 2016 ProX ATV Motocross National Championship, visit the official series website at www.atvmotocross.com. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #ATVMX and #FasterOnFour.
Previous Round Results and Points Standings
FLY Racing ATV Supercross
Daytona Beach, Florida
Round 1 of 12
Tuesday, March 8
2016 AMA Pro Class Event Results:
- Chad Wienen (YAM)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (HON)
- Thomas Brown (YAM)
- John Natalie (HON)
- David Haagsma Jr. (HON)
- Nick Gennusa (YAM)
- Josh Upperman (HON)
- Brett Musick (HON)
- Adam Clark (YAM)
- Joe Byrd (HON)
Overall National Championship Standings:
- Chad Wienen (25)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (22)
- Thomas Brown (20)
- John Natalie (18)
- David Haagsma Jr. (16)
- Nick Gennusa (15)
- Josh Upperman (14)
- Brett Musick (13)
- Adam Clark (12)
- Joe Byrd (11)
About the ProX ATV Motocross National Championship
The ProX ATV Motocross National Championship presented by CST Tires, an AMA National Championship, is the nation's premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, hosted at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 12-round series features the Nation's best racers, teams and sponsors, and is America's largest and longest-running ATV national motocross program. Since 1985, the series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while premiering the professional class. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.
About ProX
Whether on the track, in the woods or on the street, riders trust OEM quality engine components from ProX Racing Parts. Specializing in high quality components for powersports applications, all parts are manufactured to highest quality standards at state of the art manufacturing facilities around the world. As the industry evolves, so does ProX. By stocking over 9,000 part numbers and with so many products continually being added, you won’t go anywhere else! For more information please visit www.pro-x.com.