While reigning two-time series champion Chad Wienen sits atop the standings thanks to a pair of victories aboard his Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/Walsh Yamaha, his championship rivals are gaining confidence with each round and have proven they have what it takes to win. Most recently Wienen’s teammate Thomas Brown broke through for his first win of the 2014 season at the championship’s previous stop from Sunset Ridge MX in Illinois two weeks ago.

From the start of the championship in late March, Wienen has stepped to the forefront of the division in his quest for a third consecutive title. While his series-leading two wins and impressive consistency, highlighted by podium finishes in each of the eighth motos this season, has been the key to his separation from the field, Wienen hasn’t been as dominant as previous years. Challengers like Motosport.com/RRR/Ford/DWT/Walsh/Fox Honda’s John Natalie, JB Racing/DWT/Mtn. Dew Live Wire Can-Am’s Joel Hetrick, Brown, and Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Upperman Racing Honda’s Josh Upperman have all taken turns out front of the AMA Pro ATV field and are capable of winning on any given weekend. Both Hetrick and Brown have earned overall wins of their own thus far, and their consistency continues to improve each week.

With a brand new track coming into the fold on Saturday afternoon, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will ultimately emerge as the fastest once the gate drops. Briarcliff MX boasts all the features that make a great track for ATVMX competition. Just about 60 miles east of Columbus, the facility is nestled into 140 acres of rolling land and features three motocross tracks and 2.5 miles of trails.

There has been talk that the soil at Briarcliff could arguably be the best in the championship, thanks a good mix of loam and hard-pack that hopefully results in some of the best racing of the 2014 season. Briarcliff doesn’t feature any major elevation changes, but the man-made jumps that populate the layout will cater to exceptional racing. Ultimately, navigating the course’ obstacles will be the key to good, consistent lap times, so there will be a major emphasis on practice as the AMA Pro ATV field not only learns the layout, but also fights for the ideal gate pick.

 On the heels of his best performance of the season at Sunset Ridge, Upperman is arguably more determined than any of his fellow competitors to find success at Briarcliff. The Ohio native lives less than 100 miles from the new track in Louisville and is familiar with the dirt of his home state. Upperman hopes his local knowledge will work to his advantage on Saturday afternoon as he looks to become the fourth different winner of the 2014 season.

With the second half of the ATVMX Championship looking, Briarcliff MX will prove to be a critical stop as riders look to give themselves a surge of momentum heading into the final four rounds of the 2014 season. While Wienen currently controls his own destiny towards a third consecutive title, his rivals are eager to continue closing the gap.