One of the most recent memories of course for many may be John Natalie’s near career ending crash last season that left the former champ with a rough road to recovery. However, the Ironman has made what many would a career ender into a mere bump in the road. John Natalie without a doubt is one of the most physically fit humans on this planet and his quick recovery and success in doing so is just more proof of that. The one question on my mind is whether or not he may be able to find some redemption there this year and get the win to really put an explanation point on that whole situation.  

The biggest obstacle Natalie will face this weekend other than the demons from last years crash will be possibly the biggest demon everyone is facing right now and that is Chad Wienen. Before anyone gets the wrong idea, I mean that with the utmost respect. But in reality Chad is the biggest demon so to speak that the racers are facing today and the simple reason is that he is hard to beat.

Chad Wienen is on a roll, and many wonder can he be stopped? At this point it looks like no, but it has been proven before so it just may be that it’s just a matter of figuring out how to beat him. Who has done that yet? Has Joel Hetrick figured it out yet? That’s hard to say, as he never got a chance to prove it one way or another considering he ended round one with an injury he has nursed since then. His first real rides before the last only took place just days before the last event and even with solid scores in Texas, Joel Hetrick’s full health may still be in question. Then again, if Texas was indication his road to recovery seemed to be going smooth.

If no one has it figured out, it is apparent that they are on the road to trying to make it happen. The talent in the wings right now is as deep if not deeper than ever in the 30-year history of our sport. There is the obvious overshadowing, but you look back to the Pro-Am and Pro Sport classes to see that there is a major wave of talent on its way. Before they arrive though riders like Thomas Brown, Jeffery Rastrelli, Nick Gennusa, Josh Upperman, Ronnie Higgerson, Davie Haagsma and more must establish and solidify their place in the ranks if they intend to be apart of the next big thing in our sport. It is an awesome thing we have to look forward to in our sport.

The next wave coming include riders like Brett Music, Sam Rowe, Cole Sepisi, Westley Wolfe, Parker Werworka and more. The future for our sport on the talent side of things is simply awesome in it’s truest sense at this moment, and to be a part of something this monumental is a honor for us to witness. Let us hope that in all the excitement that what we are witnessing could some day be the “back in the day” stories of the future. I feel the best is still yet to come.

This weekends event at Muddy Creek will mark round three for our Pro riders and round two for the amateurs, but will possibly gives us our first real look at the true heart of the championship battles. Most folks have had a chance to settle in and even more will make their first trip of the season. It will introduce a few new players in the youth and amateur racing that we have not had a chance to think about. Keep your eyes and ears wide open this weekend because this may be the best race yet this year as Muddy Creek always offers some of the best battles of the year.

Another thing to be looking for heading into the weekend is an interview with Florida’s Cam Covil who is one of the top Pro-Am contenders on Quad Radio’s Facebook page. Also, we will be doing another episode of Rip It Up Radio with Rip It Up Films. Should be a good one to listen to.

That’s it for me for now. Let’s check in with Gloop’s Loop and Ken “The Garden Plower” Hill. Till next time God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.

In the Loop with Gloop:

It is great to see Joel Hetrick taking the time to support his local series. We all need to remember that one of the ways to bring new riders to the ATVMX Nationals is by spreading the word locally!

By the looks of social media it seems that Nick Weber is ready to shred this weekend at the Muddy Creek ATVMX National in Blountville, Tennessee. Who else is ready to get this ATVMX race weekend started?

Keeping up with Ken Hill:

Muddy Creek is one of those rounds you just have to love! This weekend is one of the most scenic venues of the season, and I always look forward to the drive there and from this event as I get to look out over the Tennessee countryside. The weather looks prime for the weekend although a shower or storm is due in that region Friday, which should make for great conditions through the weekends racing action. I know the track crew will handle what ever comes our way so I hope everyone has a great weekend of ATVMX Racing! 

Rodney touched on the fact that Wienen has been all but untouchable so far this season with an injured Joel Hetrick not being able to take the fight to him. This could be the race that changes the season and it should make for some serious competition over the Muddy Creek jumps and turns. If your rider happens to be Chad, you are stoked with the way things are going, but for those who want to see red claim the center spot on the box, Hetrick and Natalie are your best bets although surely not the only ones capable of throwing down and stepping into the podium spotlight! I have a hunch Jeffrey Rastrelli may be a force at Muddy Creek so we will see as it all goes down this weekend! 

After the last round, I had a few messages and comments on my social media about trying to give some amateur and especially the youth ranks some love. Hey I am all in but this is a two way street and your help is not only needed, its almost a mandatory requirement that seems to fall to the wayside all to quickly. In the past, I have begged for you all to email me some info immediately following your weekend yet few do.