Wienen Set To Begin ATV Motocross Title Defense

The world’s top ATV motocross athletes are back in action this weekend as the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship kicks off at Aonia Pass MX Park in Washington, Ga.

The 2013 ATVMX Pro lineup boasts one of the most stacked fields in recent history with 24 riders expected to line up at the opening round of racing, including defending champion Chad Wienen (Wienen Motorsports/SSi/Walsh/Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires and Team Vollmer). With several veteran riders, past champions and new riders making their debut into the pro class, the chase for the 2013 championship title will be one to follow. Two-time champ and ATVMX veteran John Natalie contested Wienen for the championship in 2012 but was left short and finished second overall in the points chase. This season Natalie will be riding a MotoSport.com/Motoworks/DWT machine and looking to reclaim that number one plate.

Nineteen-year-old Joel Hetrick is still one of the youngest championship contenders in the class and is coming off a third-place finish in 2012. After a few years under his belt in the pro ranks, Hetrick has gained valuable experience in the field and is expected to once again contest the championship this season. Hetrick will compete aboard a Honda machine this season, making the move from his 2012 Factory Can-Am ride.

Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Upperman Racing’s Josh Upperman, who finished fourth in 2012, is one of the most consistent riders on the circuit and looks to continue the trend this season.

Thomas Brown, the fifth place finisher last season, will be riding under the Wienen Motorsports/SSi/Walsh/Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires and Team Vollmer tent this season. The Texas native will once again be a threat to win races each weekend.

Returning to the ATVMX National Series full-time for the first time in three years, 2010 champion Josh Creamer will contest the championship chase this season as well. Creamer will be making his return to the series aboard his BCS/Can-Am team.

There will be several rookies to watch this year, among them will be long-time Pro-Am championship contender Casey Martin and RootRiver Racing’s Sean Taylor.

The pro riders will run Saturday 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, while Pro practice at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and races will be held at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.