Through two rounds of thrilling competition, the 2014 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA (ATVMX), has lived up to the hype with intense battles for the win throughout each of the first four motos of the season. This Saturday, May 17, the series makes its return to legendary High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, for the third round of the championship as reigning back-to-back AMA Pro ATV Champion Chad Wienen looks to get his title defense off to a 3-0 start.

The Maxxis ATV Stampede at High Point will be significant as it marks the first time in six weeks that the world’s best ATV riders last waged war on the track and the first time since 2012 that ATV’s have brought their roar to Mt. Morris. While Wienen was able to emerge victorious aboard his Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/Walsh Yamaha at the previous stop at Muddy Creek Raceway in April, the time off has provided an opportunity for his closest competitors to make adjustments and be prepared to come out swinging this weekend. And while Wienen has been able to fend off the challenges through the first two rounds, he knows as well as anyone that it’s only going to get tougher as the season continues. As a two-time titleholder, he’ll also be prepared when the field lines up on the gate on Saturday afternoon, looking for his third straight overall victory, and potentially his fourth and fifth moto wins of the season. 

Through the first two rounds and opening four motos of the season, Wienen’s biggest challenge has come from veteran John Natalie and his Motosport.com/RRR/Ford/DWT/Walsh/Fox Honda. Natalie is the only rider other than Wienen to win a moto in 2014 and his starts have been the best in the AMA Pro ATV Class thus far, grabbing three of four SSi Decals Holeshot Awards. Adding to Natalie’s desire is the fact that this weekend will be a return to his home state of Pennsylvania. A native of Warriors Mark, Natalie’s hometown sits just a couple hours outside of Mt. Morris and High Point Raceway is surely a track where Natalie expects to win. With family and friends on his side come Saturday, look for Natalie to try and take that next step in what has already been a strong start to his championship with a pair of runner-up overall finishes. 

Another Pennsylvania native that will be looking to make some noise at High Point is JB Racing/DWT/Mtn. Dew Live Wire Can-Am’s Joel Hetrick. The Seneca native is from the northern part of the state and is well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead of him this weekend. Hetrick has been at the forefront of the AMA Pro ATV Class since the first gate drop and is cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Many have tapped Hetrick to be the rider who arguably poses the biggest threat to Wienen, and while he narrowly missed out on posting back-to-back overall podium results at the previous round, he’s been anxiously awaiting the opportunity get back in action with his sights set on victory.

As many as five riders have been in the hunt for victory thus far in 2014, and while Wienen, Natalie, and Hetrick have seized the opportunity to put themselves at the forefront of the AMA Pro ATV Class thus far, there is serious talent ready to turn some heads once the series get back at it. Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Upperman Racing Honda’s Josh Upperman put himself on the podium at Muddy Creek and currently sits fourth in the championship standings. The veteran knows what it takes to win and will be a fixture in the battle for the podium. 

Another young duo that has turned heads with their raw talent is Jeffrey Rastrelli and Thomas Brown. As the teammate to Hetrick, Rastrelli is gaining valuable insight into stepping up his game and is close to making the JB Racing/Cheerwine Can-Am a regular up front. For Thomas, he couldn’t ask for a better mentor than Wienen and being under the Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/Walsh Yamaha tent means he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

A rider that has had a slower start to his season than he’d hoped is Josh Creamer. The former ATVMX Champion is still dialing his program at BCS Performance Can-Am and the break in competition has surely worked in his favor. Based on his past experience in this championship, Creamer will be a rider to keep an eye on at High Point.

The downtime from competition has rejuvenated the series and its riders and the anticipation for the Maxxis ATV Stampede is incredible. As a track with a stellar motocross legacy that dates back to the 1970’s, High Point is a focal point of the ATVMX schedule this season. The track uses the land's natural elevation to create uphill double and triple jumps, and long sweeping corners in a natural amphitheater setting. To go fast on this highly regarded track today, riders have to dial in skills that were perfected three decades ago.

During the 2012 stop at High Point, Natalie was able to take the overall win in front of the hometown crowd, outlasting Wienen and Brown. Upperman finished fourth, while Hetrick secured a top five at his home race.

With just six points separating Wienen and Natalie at the top of the AMA Pro ATV Class standings, Saturday’s race could prove to be critical in the championship battle despite being just the third stop of the season. Regardless, every rider will look to return from the break in competition stronger than ever, which will guarantee a memorable day of racing at High Point.

On-track AMA Pro ATV Class action at High Point Raceway begins at 11 a.m. ET with practice and qualifying. Opening Ceremonies kick off at 2:40 p.m. ET, with opening motos scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. 

If you’re unable to attend this weekend’s Maxxis ATV Stampede, you can watch all of the AMA Pro ATV racing action live on RacerTV.com, beginning at 2:30 p.m. EST. The live online broadcast will cover Moto 1 and Moto 2 of the AMA Pro ATV class, in addition to a select amateur lineup. More information can be found on www.racertv.com. 

Catch all nine rounds of AMA Pro ATV Class racing action on MAVTV. For more information on the series, visit www.atvmotocross.com and join the conversation on the series Facebook page or follow on Twitter @ATVMXdotcom and #ATVMX. 

Previous Round Results: 

Muddy Creek Raceway – Blountville, Tennessee

April 5, 2014

AMA Pro ATV Overall Results (Moto Finishes) 

1. Chad Wienen, Galena, Ill., Yamaha, 2-1
2. John Natalie, Warriors Mark, Pa., Honda, 1-3
3. Josh Upperman, Louisville, Ohio, Honda, 4-2
4. Joel Hetrick, Seneca, Pa., Can-Am, 3-7
5. Jeffrey Rastrelli, Palm City, Fla., Can-Am, 5-5
6. Thomas Brown, Sanger, Texas, Yamaha, 11-4
7. Brad Riley, High Point, N.C., Honda, 6-10
8. Brett Musick, Verdunville, W. Va., Honda, 9-8
9. Adam Clark, New London, Ohio, Yamaha, 10-9
10. Josh Creamer, North Stonington, Conn., Can-Am, 15-6

AMA Pro ATV Championship Standings 

1. Chad Wienen, Galena, Ill., Yamaha, 94
2. John Natalie, Warriors Mark, Pa., Honda, 88
3. Joel Hetrick, Seneca, Pa., Can-Am, 76
4. Josh Upperman, Louisville, Ohio, Honda, 69
5. Jeffrey Rastrelli, Palm City, Fla., Can-Am, 61
6. Thomas Brown, Sanger, Texas, Yamaha, 60
7. Josh Creamer, North Stonington, Conn., Can-Am, 59
8. Ronnie Higgerson, Cutler, Ill., Can-Am, 43
9. Casey Martin, Frenchburg, Ky., Honda, 43
10. Brett Musick, Verdunville, W. Va., Honda, 39

Specialty Awards

ATVRiders.com Top Qualifier Award

• Aonia Pass MX Park – Chad Wienen
• Muddy Creek Raceway – Chad Wienen

SSi Decals Holeshot Championship

1. John Natalie – 5 points
2. Josh Upperman – 2 points