Chad Wienen Claims Overall Win in Illinois

Chad Wienen Claims Overall Win in Illinois

TimeTuesday, June 23, 2020 | 12:15 PM
by:
TimeTuesday, June 23, 2020 | 12:15 PM

Chad Wienen Claims Overall Win in Illinois
Hetrick And Brown Round Out Top Three

WALNUT, Ill. (June 23, 2020) - The 2020 ATV Motocross National Championship (ATVMX) Series, an AMA National Championship, set its sights on Sunset Ridge MX over the weekend of June 20-21 in Walnut, Illinois. This track is widely applauded as a must race event on the circuit. This venue is considered to be Wienen Motorsports/Yamaha/Maxxis’ Chad Wienen’s hometown track, and he sure has an impressive racing history here. As another incredibly close points battle is heating up, it seems another battle to the finish had ensued at round four of the 2020 season.

Chad Wienen earned his second overall win of the season in his home state of Illinois. PC: Ph3 Photos
Chad Wienen earned his second overall win of the season in his home state of Illinois. PC: Ph3 Photos

Moto one was set and all eyes turned to the starting gate to see who would come out first. Ford Brothers Racing/Baldwin/Maxxis’ Bryce Ford looked to be up to the challenge as he ripped the first corner claiming the holeshot. Behind him was a slew of talent all battling for position as the first lap was scored. Ford would soon see pressure from Phoenix Racing Honda/Maxxis/Elka’s Joel Hetrick as the pair kept a small lead over TBrown84 Training/CST Tires’ Thomas Brown and Wienen. Fords speed was impressive and as a rookie pro, he showed incredible poise having the defending champion repeatedly pull up him. A bad bounce in an outside line allowed Hetrick a clean pass as now experience and endurance would take over. Wienen would make the pass for third over Brown and begin to hunt down Ford who was not fading. Ford remained competitive as the Yamaha duo of Wienen and Brown began closing in on him.

Once again in an option line section, Wienen was able to make a clean pass for second while Hetrick had a clear track in front of him as he held onto the lead. Brown would find the break he needed and pass Ford for third as the moto wore on. The moto would end with Hetrick claiming the win, followed by Wienen and Brown rounding out the top three finishers. The rookie Ford took the fourth spot, and rounding out the top five GennUSA Racing/CST Tires/Corrosion Specialties’ Nick Gennusa.

Joel Hetrick held onto second overall, and continues to hold the points lead. PC: Ph3 Photos
Joel Hetrick held onto second overall, and continues to hold the points lead. PC: Ph3 Photos

The stage was set for the second moto, and everyone was excited for Ford to open up and race like he has in many classes over the previous seasons. However, with the points battle remaining close, moto two would be another war between Hetrick and Wienen as the pair refused to give an inch or any valuable points away. In front of his hometown crowd and large family presence, Wienen lives to bring home the win at this round and it always makes for good and intense racing.

As the second moto came to a finish and the checkered flag flew, it was indeed Wienen taking the overall win as well as the fastest qualifier award. With some much needed energy for the upcoming rounds where everyone fully expects more of the same between Wienen and Hetrick who claimed the second position. The points did not have any significant change so we head to round five still locked in a points duel. Brown would secure the final podium position with his third place effort. However, not since the opening pro round at Daytona have we seen Ford climb inside the top five however he could what he was looking for and left Sunset Ridge with a well-earned fourth overall after finishing fifth in the second moto. Hoag would pick off a few more spots over his moto one finish to claim fifth.

The series heads to Pleasure Valley Raceway in Pennsylvania for the next round, which is Hetrick's stomping grounds. The ground there can get hard-packed and fast, which plays right into Hetrick’s skill set. Wienen can really throw down some serious speed as well so look for another intense set of motos. With a solid finish behind Ford after leaving Sunset Ridge healthy and energized, he may be one to step up and be a threat here as well as Brown. Great family atmosphere, intense racing and great times will surely be in abundance so be sure to make it out and cheer on your favorite racer!

ATVMX Racing will continue with racing  July 3-5 at Pleasure Valley Raceway in Pennsylvania. PC: Ph3 Photos
ATVMX Racing will continue with racing  July 3-5 at Pleasure Valley Raceway in Pennsylvania. PC: Ph3 Photos

Sunset Ridge Results and Points Standings
Walnut, Illinois
Round 4 of 10
June 20, 2020

2020 AMA Pro Class Event Results:

  1. Chad Wienen (2-1)
  2. Joel Hetrick (1-2)
  3. Thomas Brown (3-3)
  4. Bryce Ford (4-5)
  5. Brandon Hoag (8-4)
  6. Westley Wolfe (6-7)
  7. Alan Myers (9-6)
  8. Jeffrey Rastrelli (7-8)
  9. Troy Hill (10-9)
  10. Nick Gennusa (5-15)

Overall National Championship Standings:

  1. Joel Hetrick (169)
  2. Chad Wienen (158)
  3. Brandon Hoag (121)
  4. Thomas Brown (121)
  5. Bryce Ford (107)
  6. Alan Myers (103)
  7. Westley Wolfe (98)
  8. Nick Gennusa (87)
  9. Jeffrey Rastrelli (75)
  10. Wes Lewis (74)

For more information on the 2020 ATV Motocross National Championship, visit the series official website at www.atvmotocross.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.

To get the latest ATV Motocross clothing and merchandise visit https://www.mototees.com/atvmx/

About the ATV Motocross National Championship:

The ATV Motocross National Championship, an AMA National Championship, is the nation's premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, hosted at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 10-round AMA Pro and 8-round amateur series features the Nation's best racers, teams and sponsors, and is America's largest and longest-running ATV national motocross program. Since 1985, the series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while premiering the professional class. For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.

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Media Contact:
Kayla Bolton
(304) 284-0101
[email protected]