ATV MX championship in air as Wimmer recovers

Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki/Yoshimura factory rider Dustin Wimmer, the defending AMA Pro ATV Motocross Champion, missed the Sunset Ridge National with an injured shoulder. With Wimmer out, Monster Kawasaki’s Chad Wienen captured his first win of the season with 1-1 scores at the previous race at Sunset Ridge, and Honda’s Joe Byrd took over the series points lead from Wimmer.

It will be a last minute decision for Wimmer to race this weekend as the battle for the championship resumes at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa. on May 24. The event also marks round five of the amateur portion of the National program.

The event takes place at the Steel City Raceway, the legendary home of AMA Motocross for bikes, as well as the ATV Open, the invitation-only challenge race that runs in conjunction with the bikes on Labor Day Weekend. Wienen won the ATV Open last year, so he no doubt looks forward to getting back on Pennsylvania soil.

The technically challenging track takes advantage of the terrain, with the track laid out in a valley to provide nearly 100 percent viewing for spectators. Tickets on Sunday are $15 for fans ($10 for ages 6-11), and admission includes full pro pit access, and an autograph session.

Joe Byrd, the 2006 and 2007 AMA Pro Motocross Series’ Champion, broke Wimmer’s winning streak with his victory a few weeks ago at Ballance MX and is now the points leader, despite having bike problems at Sunset Ridge. Wimmer is only 11 points behind in second and Wienen, who suffered through a few mechanical problems at the beginning of the season, is in third.

Josh Creamer, of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, fell to fourth in the points standings, despite an improved fourth place finish at Sunset Ridge. Pennyslvania’s own 2005 Champion John Natalie had a bad run at Sunset Ridge to come in ninth, falling to seventh in the points, but has shown the speed all season to win races. In addition, nationally-recognized stars including veteran Doug Gust, Jeremy Lawson, Josh Upperman, Pat Brown and a crop of hard charging rookies will make up a full gate of talent in the AMA Pro ATV Class.

The pro class will feature two 20-minute races on Sunday, taking place at noon and 3 p.m., with the combined scores of both races determining the overall winner.

The pro riders will run as part of a full schedule of amateur racing, including classes for Youth, Women and veteran riders. Amateurs will practice on Friday and race on Saturday and Sunday. Pros will practice on Saturday and race on Sunday.

Related ReadingWienen Sweeps Motos at Sunset Ridge National