Hurricane Mills, Tenn. ”“ Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Josh Creamer came from behind in the second moto to finish out the AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series on the box in third at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. The points season concluded this weekend in Tennessee with Creamer finishing fourth. Teammates Keith Little and Russell Shumaker finished the weekend in 14th and 17th overall.

In the first moto, Creamer was on the gas at the start and narrowly missed the holeshot, settling into second on the first lap. He made the pass for the lead and eventually came across the line in second.

The second moto was slightly different when he was pushed out into a tree, putting him nearly dead last when he got back on the track. He rode an incredible race, making a pass on the last lap to gain enough points for an overall podium.

““In the second moto, I almost had the holeshot,” said Creamer. ““I don’t know if I got bumped or just got into some soft dirt, but I ended up going straight for a tree. It definitely hurt, but I couldn’t let a good first moto go to waste. I rode so hard and I am glad that it all paid off in the end.”

Creamer has shown great improvements over the course of the last year. Like in most racing, he has had his share of ups and downs, but this year he was definitely out to prove that he and his Kawasaki had what it takes to be on the box.

““This year we have tried to show how great the Kawasaki KFX450R really is,” said Creamer. ““Last year was a big development year and I know that we are continuing to make big advances. It’s been a great year and I’m extremely happy with the support from Kawasaki and everyone at the races.”

Keith Little did what he could to get his quad through the pack, but a rock in his front brakes during the first moto and no front brakes in the second brought him a 14th place finish.

““With the issues we had, I did what I could to bring it across the line,” said Little. ““This track felt good with the exception of ““The Ten Commandments.” I wasn’t a big fan but I’m definitely ready to go to Steel City and get a good race in.”

Russell Shumaker’s results don’t tell how hard he worked in his motos. He had a string of bad luck and ended the day 17th overall. His second moto was inspiring as he rode from dead last, after getting caught up in a second turn pile up, to finish eleventh.

““In the first moto, there was a lot of bumping on the start and I got pushed out into a different section and almost took out a flagger station. I came back on and made a good push to the front. Unfortunately, a rock went into my first brake rotor and that time I ended up taking out the flagger station just after the finish line.”

The race at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch marked the last points-paying race of the AMA ATV National Motocross Championship. Creamer finished the season in fourth, while Little and Shumaker were 13th and 14th.

““It’s good to have the points season over and just go to Steel City looking to have fun and do well,” said Little. ““I’ve won there before and I think it’s a great way to round out the season.”

The last official race of the season will be in three weeks as the ATV riders join the AMA Motocross Championship at Steel City Raceway. The event will take place after the last motocross moto on Saturday night and will feature some of ATV’s biggest names. Last year, Creamer finished just off the podium in fourth and is looking to make his mark this year.

““I can’t wait for that race,” said Creamer. ““It’s on my birthday and I’m ready for a big birthday present. I really liked the track last year, so you can say I’m excited!”

Most people that attended the amateur motocross event last week would not believe that the weather at Loretta Lynn’s was absolutely beautiful all weekend. After a week of extreme humidity and heat during the amateur national, the teams and spectators were greeted with amazing temperatures and even a cool breeze.

AMA ATV National Motocross Championship Series
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch ”“ Hurricane Mills, Tenn.
August 10, 2008

Pro Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes)
1.    Chad Wienen, Galena, Ill., Suzuki, 1-2
2.    Dustin Wimmer, Center Valley, Pa., Suzuki, 4-3
3.    JOSH CREAMER, N. STONINGTON, CONN., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 2-6
4.    Joe Byrd, Union City, Tenn., Honda, 10-1
5.    Doug Gust, Salem, Wis., Suzuki, 3-5
6.    Pat Brown, Pittstown, N.J., Yamaha, 7-4
7.    Cody Miller, Greenville, Texas, Can Am, 8-7
8.    Harold Goodman, Romulus, Mich, Honda, 11-8
9.    Greg Gee, Simcoe, Ontario, Can Am, 12-9
10.    Jeremy Lawson, Battletown, Ky., Can Am, 6-17
14.    KEITH LITTLE, SPRUCE PINE, ALA., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 15-13
17.    RUSSELL SHUMAKER, BRISTOL, WIS., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 20-11

Pro Class Point Standings
1.    Dustin Wimmer, Center Valley, Pa., Suzuki, 438
2.    Joe Byrd, Union City, Tenn., Honda, 371
3.    Doug Gust, Salem, Wis., Suzuki, 352
4.    JOSH CREAMER, N. STONINGTON, CONN., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 298
5.    Jeremy Lawson, Battletown, Ky., Can Am, 277
6.    Chad Weinen, Galena, Ill., Suzuki, 268
7.    John Natalie, Jr., Houtzdale, Pa., Can Am, 263
8.    Harold Goodman, Romulus, Mich., Honda, 259
9.    Josh Upperman, Louisville, Ohio, Honda, 227
10.    Pat Brown, Pittstown, N.J., Yamaha, 187
13.    KEITH LITTLE, SPRUCE PINE, ALA., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 179
14. RUSSELL SHUMAKER, BRISTOL, WIS., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 164