WIMMER FASTEST IN SECOND-ROUND QUALIFYING AT SUNSET RIDGE

TimeSaturday, May 10, 2008 | 12:00 AM

WIMMER FASTEST IN SECOND-ROUND QUALIFYING AT SUNSET RIDGE

 

WALNUT, Ill. (May 10, 2008) -- Dustin Wimmer set the fastest time in second-round qualifying Saturday for tomorrow's Pro ATV final at Sunset Ridge MX. Saturday's events are part of the Concept Haulers ATV Showdown, Round 5 of the ITP Tires/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Series Presented by Parts Unlimited.

 

Wimmer ((No. 191 Team MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper) set a blistering one-minute, 51.969-second time to take the top slot. Defending Champion Joe Byrd (No. 7 Honda) was second quick, ahead of Josh Creamer (No. 9 Team Monster Energy Drink/Kawasaki).

 

Wimmer was pleased with his results, but pointed out he's focused on tomorrow's race.

 

"It's great to set a fast lap, but I'm really interested in the top step of the (podium)," said Wimmer. "The bike is running great and I'm really pleased, but tomorrow is really going to tell the tale."

 

With heavy rain in the forecast for tomorrow, Wimmer said his race strategy will change significantly.

 

"The holeshot is always important, but the rain makes it really important," said Wimmer. "Visibility is key, and getting out front early gives you a clear line of sight. The team will also have to make adjustments to the suspension and rain equipment, like goggles and tear-offs become take on more importance."

 

With 30 pros attempting to make this weekend's field, Wimmer said that competition has never been deeper.

 

"It seems as if every year they keep stepping it up," said Wimmer. "You really have to be on the top of your game out here. If I didn't train as hard as I do, if I slacked off, everyone would know quickly. You have to be in top condition right now because the competition is so tight."

 

Josh Upperman (No. 20 Honda), Brock Lyons (No. 43 Polaris), Jason Dunkelberger (No. 19 East Coast ATV), and Cody Miller (No. 22 Can-Am) qualified for tomorrow's finals through the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ).  Thomas Hager, Hunter Miller, Shane Cochran, Trent Kandel, Christopher Tait, John Ragon, Rich Stambach and Steve Runkel didn't qualify for the 20-quad field.

 

The Concept Haulers ATV Showdown continues tomorrow with the final Pro qualifying round, scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by final motos at noon and at 3 p.m. Tomorrow will also feature a full card of Amateur, Youth and Women's racing.