For the defending Champion, Phoenix Racing Honda/Maxxis/Elka’s Joel Hetrick the job at hand was simple, get on the gate and get the job done. Hetrick’s road to a repeat came with his second win allowing him a few extra points over his closest competitor as the series set its sights on Muddy Creek. With concerns in the pits over the weather, the lack of passing would be the topic of the morning as the two pro qualifiers were run with Hetrick the securing award. The track was brutally fast and has long been one that doesn’t give up much room to allow for passing and with all but the main lines being a challenge the holeshot would be even more important.

Moto one would see Tbrown84 Training/CST Tires’ Thomas Brown grab the holeshot, and it quickly became clear that Brown arrived at this round in much better shape than the previous as he led the field through most of the moto and looked to be extremely fast. His momentum was further fueled by the battle brewing behind him as the moto settled in with Wienen Motorsports/Yamaha/Maxxis’ Chad Wienen holding second as Hetrick began his charge to the front. Lap after lap was scored as Brown charged hard out front as he looked to just run to the checkers without challenge however things quickly changed in a corner where contact was reportedly made between Wienen and Hetrick that allowed Hetrick to overtake the position.

The race was on now as Hetrick pressed forward and closed the gap on Brown and soon he was forcing Browns hand as he began methodically looking for an opening to attempt a pass. His chance came as Brown went wide enough in a turn allowing Hetrick the break he was looking for to claim the lead. The pace was incredible as Hetrick began to stretch out his lead until the moto ended as Brown and Wienen would take second and third respectively.

The gate dropped on the second moto and hit would be Hetrick darting through the first turn with the lead. With clear track in front of him Hetrick began to put distance between himself and the rest of the field as the battles behind him raged on. Lap after lap the running order in the lead pack remained unchanged as Wienen and Brown were looking for every advantage to reel in Hetrick. The opportunity to make the champion fight for every corner never presented itself as Hetrick scored lap after lap with the lead with a race to the win looking more probable with each passing minute.

The checkered flag came out and Hetrick soared high above the Tennessee soil elevated to have put another win in the books and leave healthy and ready for the next round. Wienen would secure second keeping the leader in check and if you walked away before the end you would have assumed Brown took third, however an electrical issue it is believed took him out of podium contention as he went 2-15 on the day. Corrosion Specialties/Londerville Steel/Maxxis’ Brandon Hoag would claim the third spot after another impressive ride by this rising series superstar. Hoag went 4-3 on the day as he remains one to watch as the season progresses.