Wienen Looks for Third Straight Win at Sunset Ridge MX

The world’s top ATV motocross racers head to Walnut, Ill. for the Sunset Ridge ATVMX National this weekend, round five of the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA

Defending champion and current points leader Chad Wienen (Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer) is looking for his third straight overall victory in front of his hometown crowd this weekend in Illinois. Wienen has historically performed well in front of friends, family and fans at his local track, winning in 2011 and 2012.

Two-time National Champion Joe Byrd has proven to be a contender every weekend after finishing second overall with a 5-2 score last round. The Joe Byrd Quad Riding School Dasa rider sits inside the top ten overall in series points and the 40-year-old Tennessee native is always a threat to the race wins.

Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer rider Thomas Brown has been consistent all season long, finishing each round in the third place position. Brown’s consistency from round to round has paid off as the Texas native currently sits tied for second place overall in the championship points chase. Brown grabbed his first career holeshot award at Round 4, giving him additional momentum heading into this weekend’s race.

BCS Can-Am’s Josh Creamer finished just off the podium at the last round but the 2010 champ looks to return to the podium this weekend for the first time since the season opener.

Corrosion Hetrick Racing’s Joel Hetrick has been a championship contender all season long and sits tied for second in the championship points lead. Last round, Hetrick had an unfortunate accident that left him with a broken collarbone. Hetrick had surgery on Monday and he is expected to be at Sunset Ridge.

Coming into the mid-point of the season several rookies have found their rhythm in the pro class. Rookie Kyle Fix claimed his best pro career overall finish last round grabbing the sixth place finish aboard his Pro Quad Performance Roberts Racing Burester Motorsports machine while Tyler Hamrick made his way into the top ten overall for the championship points chase.

MotoSport.com Motoworks DWT rider John Natalie finished second in moto 1 at Round 4 but in moto 2 crashed and was left injured unable to finish. Natalie is said to be back to normal and will be at Sunset Ridge ready to reclaim some valuable championship points he lost in Indiana.

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 Pros race on Saturday.

The 3rd Annual Susan G Komen Breast Cancer track walk will take place Friday, May 24 after practice is over. Sunset Ridge MX invites all racers, spectators and sponsors to “go pink” for breast cancer awareness by adorning their clothing, gear and pits in the color pink.