The pro side of racing left us wanting more as always with great showings by all the riders. The points coming in were very tight from second through fifth. Only one point separated each position with John Natalie in second, Joel Hetrick in third, Thomas Brown in fourth and Jeffrey Rastrelli in fifth. The gap from second place to point leader Chad Wienen was about 26. The points leaving Indiana reflect a whole different story as there were some big changes with the conditions and a mishap or two that could shake things up even more.

The early troubles by Wienen with his machine breaking early in the first timed qualifier over the famed jump “Godzilla” left him scrambling to able to even race. The team worked feverishly as pulled off what seemed may be impossible for most but not for the four time champ. The motos were split between Hetrick and Wienen with the overall to Hetrick. There were no points gained for Hetrick but there were not lost and more importantly he took his second straight win of the championship which makes the game even more interesting.

The biggest mishap of the day may have been for John Natalie. According to our reports Natalie as well had issues with “Godzilla” as he pulled of the track with a possible broken arm. On Sunday I spoke with some folks that did say it was broken but I didn’t get any details as to how bad. So I contacted him this morning to see how things were looking and the news straight from John is “I just fractured a coupe little bones in my hand. I will be racing Mt. Morris.” I can honestly say it doesn’t surprise me to hear that from the former champ. I really wouldn’t be surprised even if he had a cast on his arm to his shoulder that he would still go out and race…. and probably win or at least almost win.

Speaking of Mt. Morris, the High Point ATV Motocross National known as the ATV Stampede will take to the legendary track for the first time since its complete facelift after we left last year. If you recall Randy Poulter had been working on updating the racetrack and had made some major changes. It will be interesting to see what the final outcome was and how it will lend itself to ATV racing.

As a reminder, the ATV Stampede form High Point Raceway will be broadcast live on RacerTV.com. It will be third live broadcast of ATV racing this season and this past weekends stream was another success fan wise, the ratings seemed to be strong and the response seemed to be positive as well. Like at Ironman we will focus more on the amateurs at the Stampede so make sure you are spreading the word and letting people know when it will be on.

This past weekend we ran an Instagram contest asking folks to let us know how they #ATVMXLive and had a great response. We even had a former champ send in a photo of a tile job he was working on. I was clued in immediately when I saw the name JC9 in the beginning. I think it was like JC (Tile guy or something like that but regardless it was confirmed that it was the one and only Josh Creamer. I contacted Josh on Monday to see how things were going and he said things were great. He said he was working laying tile and enjoying life. He said he was missing the racing as well. I told him to come back and he said, “In what? The 30 Plus class!” I laughed and said, “why not?” We could talk Corey Ellis into it and maybe a few others and make quite a spectacle of a race. I think it would be awesome. Tim Farr, Shane Hitt, Travis Spader, Keith Little and several more on the line together would be a lot of fun to watch and you know they would have a blast out there.

Regardless whether it is a plus class or JC9 back on the pro line, it would be great to have him back at the track. I feel he is still well capable of running in the AMA Pro ATV class without much problem and I only hope someone with some money and bikes can help a brother out.

That’s it for me for now. Let’s check in with Gloop’s Loop and Ken “let me tend to my garden” Hill. Till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs.

In The Loop with Gloop:

Sean Taylor is keeping his head up this season, and steadily improving! Be sure to keep an eye on the No. 39 at High Point on May 21!

Joel Hetrick had quite a jump on the pack in moto two! Hetrick went on to lead every lap of the second moto, and come away with the overall win thanks to 2-1 moto finishes. Up next for Hetrick is his hometown race at High Point Raceway. 

Keeping up with Ken Hill:

We got a bit wet at Ironman Raceway, but who wants a perfect season weather wise! You cannot control the weather and it definitely adds an element that can really challenge a rider, especially those in the Pro class. Moto one was pretty wild, the race that Wienen and Hetrick had was brutal, and many times I watched Hetrick roll up on Wienen just to have him pull away leaving Joel to make another run as they hit the next corner. It was really good action regardless who you decide cheer for. Moto two wasn’t really a contest for the lead as Hetrick got to the front and that was that. Chad did not get a good start and by the time he worked his way through the lead pack the race was nearly over. The season still has a ton of racing left and the goal for that number one plate takes everything to go right even when it is going wrong! I was totally bummed when I saw John Natalie come rolling by favoring his wrist which he made known he had fractured. The battle between him and Jeffrey Rastrelli was good and I think Rastrelli even got to “feel” John in a corner or two! Lets all hope John can get healed up quickly and be ready to go at the next round. 

Speaking of wrecks, Seth Torrens had a pretty good one. I was coming back on the track when I noticed the medical crews and tons of racers and fans gathered around the downed rider. I started asking the who, what and the where was obvious about the wreck. Most said it was pretty good as far as wrecks go. They carted Seth off to get checked out and I chatted with him as he told me he didn’t remember anything and suffered a broken nose, some crunched up ribs and a concussion but he was going to be ok. That is always great to hear after a get off and Seth plans on being back in action very soon. 

I am also happy to report we had some more race reports sent in through social media and I thank you for that. Getting the skinny on your weekend is harder than you think when you are on the track and then busy doing work without getting a chance to chat in depth. This is incredibly easy using social media, just message me, tag me #kenhill etc. on Facebook and I will do all I can to get you in Site Lap. 

Jordan Trimble did just that and here is what he sent in:

“Started out the weekend Friday feeling the best I have in a long time. Came out Saturday and qualified 3rd in Open C and unfortunately Mother Nature let loose before Production C qualifier and lost my goggles on the second lap and spun out so I finished 10th and had to go to LCQ where I let the nerves get the best of me and hit the starting gate and only worked my way up to 6th when they needed 4 only so I didn't qualify. Today was still feeling really good for Open C, had a bad start but worked my way up to 6th and had a great battle with another guy for 5th but finished 6th overall for that class. Overall a pretty good weekend, huge confidence booster for me, all the hard work seems like it's starting to pay off and hopefully we can keep getting better each weekend and move to the front. Thanks to everyone that makes it happen it's impossible without you.”

Now the Ford boys are a hoot to watch ride with both having a serious skill set. I try and keep tabs on Mom and Dad more than the kids because it is a testament to how much work and worry goes into all of this. Dad running around working on this and that, then on the gate to watch the start and on the fence keeping an ever watchful eye on his riders. Mom on the other hand, well she isn’t as cool and collected like dad when it comes to hiding the worry. I see this with every parent at the track and it is a blast to watch especially when the feelings cant be controlled and anxiety turns into a flurry of cheering or into utter frustration. Some parents become so animated they literally are in their own world while the moto is run. The Fords are good people and they filled us in on their weekend. 

Bryce Ford continues to hold tightly onto his lucky rabbit’s foot and earns another Super Mini win at Ironman for four consecutive wins in the class. His attempt at the triple on a 250 was definitely not unnoticed and hopefully won’t be repeated until he’s on a little stronger motor (maybe a 450).  In his defense, he did almost make the jump!  

Cody Ford has certainly found his groove and speed on the track.  He was able to recover from a bad start in moto two of the 450 B class and claim his first victory in the class for the season.  Knowing that the competition is strong in all the “B” classes this year, he is beaming with joy, but realizes there is a long season ahead and everyone is working hard for their wins.”