Wienen Wins FLY Racing ATV Supercross

The 2016 ATV Motocross National Championship (ATVMX) opened its 2016 season on Tuesday with the FLY Racing ATV Supercross at the Daytona International Speedway.

With the annual Daytona Bike Week festivities in full swing, race fans packed the infield grandstands to see the four-wheel Supercross action.

When the heat races got underway, Maxxis/Elka/Liquid Wrench’s Joel Hetrick and Wienen Motorsports/Yamaha/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Walsh Racecraft/FLY Racing’s Chad Wienen emerged with the wins, with JB Racing/Root River Racing/Gold Speed Tires’ Jeffrey Rastrelli taking the win in the last chance qualifier.

As the gate dropped in the main event it was Maxxis/FLY Racing/Baldwin Motorsports’ John Natalie who led the way through the first turn which earned the $100 Bell Helmets Holeshot Award, followed closely by Wienen and Hetrick.

Wienen quickly got to work and passed Natalie for the lead, leaving a battle behind him for second place. Unfortunately, a race mistake ended up taking Hetrick out of the race after landing on Natalie’s back fender. That allowed Brown and Rastrelli to move up a spot and set their sights on passing Natalie. The veteran Natalie did not flinch and held his line making it tough for Brown to pass.

Chad Wienen earned the victory at the ATV Supercross in Daytona.

Eventually Brown was able to get around Natalie, but by that time Rastrelli had gained valuable seconds on Brown. The Florida native had a massive crowd section that erupted every time he took to the triple beside the grand stands. With only a few laps to go, Rastelli made a run on Brown that took him to second place.

“I was a little disappointed when I crossed the line,” said Brown. “I wanted to win, but my main goal was to be on the box. I’m super stoked to leave round one with solid points and stand here in Daytona’s victory lane.”

When the checkered flag was thrown, it was Wienen crossing the line first and taking home the win. With the ATV Supercross serving as the opening race of the 2016 ATVMX season, Wienen seized early control of the AMA Pro ATV point standings.

“It was a great day here at Daytona,” said Wienen. “The starts were the key to a good finish here, and we did just that. I was able to make quick work on Natalie and that’s because I felt so solid on my Yamaha. This win means so much coming from this amazing place!”

Rastrelli’s runner-up finish was a great way to get his 2016 season underway, where he says this podium finish was much needed.

Jeffrey Rastrelli (left) and Thomas Brown (right) flank Wienen on the Daytona podium.

“I’ve struggled my whole pro career and it’s unbelievable to have a ride like this, and to be able to hear the crowd cheering every time I went by on the rhythm section,” said Rastrelli. “I’ve now got the confidence that I can win heading into round two.”

The 2016 ATV Motocross National Championship resumes with a return to the traditional motocross format on Saturday, April 9 at the Underground MX in Kemp, Texas.

2016 AMA Pro Class Event Results

1. Chad Wienen (YAM)
2. Jeffrey Rastrelli (HON)
3. Thomas Brown (YAM)
4. John Natalie (HON)
5. David Haagsma (HON)
6. Nick Gennusa (YAM)
7. Josh Upperman (HON)
8. Brett Musick (HON)
9. Adam Clark (YAM)
10. Joe Byrd (HON)