Byrd and Wimmer resume fight for Championship

Defending AMA Pro ATV Champion Dustin Wimmer’s winning streak ended when Honda’s Joe Byrd topped him at the Ballance MX two weeks ago in Bowling Green, Ky. The duo resumes their battle this weekend at Birch Creek Motorsports in Danville, Va., for round four of the chase for the championship.

The Birch Creek track is technically challenging and takes advantage of the hilly terrain, using strategically placed single, double and triple jumps. This includes several table top jumps, whoops and sand sections. The track surface features Virginia red clay on the hills with sand sections in the flats. Tickets on Sunday are $15 for fans ($10 for ages 6-11), and admission includes full pro pit access, and an autograph session.

Can Joe Byrd earn back-to-back victories?

Byrd, the 2006 and 2007 AMA Pro Motocross Series’ Champion, took third at Glen Helen and second at Millcreek and nabbed first at Ballance MX. Josh Creamer, of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, took second at Glen Helen and fourth at Ballance MX. His teammate Chad Wienen has proven fast this season, but mechanical troubles have hurt his efforts in the opening rounds. Wienen improved at Ballance MX, carrying solid 2-2 moto scores. Similarly, 2005 Champion John Natalie has been fast, but unlucky, so far this year on his Warnert Racing Can-Am. He needs a win this weekend to climb back into the championship points race.

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.

For more information, visit ATVMotocross.com.