ATVA News November/December 2012

Volume 12, Issue 6

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

Chad Wienen

2012 ATV Motocross King PAGE 8

INSIDE The All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) protects ATVers’ right to ride. It also serves as a source of authoritative information about where and how to ride, products and events.

The ATVA is part of the American Motorcyclist Association, the world’s most powerful voice for motorcyclists.

ATVA Enthusiast membership is $49 a year. A Competition membership is $49 a year. For more information call toll free (866) 288-2564 or check us out online at www.atvaonline.com.

THE ATVA NEWS TEAM Bill Kresnak Editor Jeffrey Guciardo Designer/Production Coordinator ATVA News is published bimonthly by the All-Terrain Vehicle Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the ATVA. Printed in USA. No responsibility is assumed for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. Send story ideas and high-resolution photos to editor@atvaonline.com. You may see them in ATVA News. Be sure to include your name and phone number.

FEATURES 04 BUILDING CAMARADERIE AND TRAILS IN VERMONT 08 CHAD WIENEN: 2012 AMA ATV MOTOCROSS CHAMP

DEPARTMENTS 03 ON TRACK 05 GROUP FILES LAWSUIT TO STOP PLANNED ATV TRAIL IN IDAHO 06 FIGHT OVER CLOSURE OF CALIFORNIA’S JOHNSON VALLEY 14 WHERE TO RIDE: ROYAL BLUE RESORT IN TENNESSEE 15 MARKETPLACE 15 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SNAPSHOT

JOIN THE ATVA If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of the ATVA, log on to ATVAonline.com. Already a member? Send your stories or ideas to editor@atvaonline.com.

Maci Devenport (9) in action at Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio, during the seventh round of the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series.

Photo: ITP/ATVRiders.com Want to share a photo? Send it with your name to editor@atvaonline.com.

2 November/December 2012

Celebrate The Racing Season and ATV 2012 national championship competition will be recognized.

Class champions will receive medals and No. 1 plates at the banquet, while second- and third-place finishers also will receive awards. The winners of special annual awards, such as the AMA Grand Championship Athlete of the Year and the AMA National Championship Athlete of the Year awards will also be announced.

It’s going to be a great time. The program—which will include dinner, door prizes, refreshments and an after-party—will honor hundreds of top competitors in disciplines ranging from landspeed racing to motocross to woods racing and everything in between.

One of my favorite things about the event is the range of competitors in the crowd. AMA-sanctioned competition is special for a number of reasons, and one is that we represent one of the most diverse sports on the planet. We have champions who are 6 years old and champions who are 60 years old. We have champions who are men and champions who are women. We have champions who race in Tennessee and champions who compete in land-speed competition on an expansive dry salt lakebed in Utah.

We have champions who are weekend warriors and champions whose lives revolve around the sport we all love.

Grab a random group of AMA and ATVA champions and you’ll notice they share one undeniable attribute: the fact they’re all human. Beyond that, anything goes! But seriously, talk to them and you’ll find out they all have at least one more thing in common.

Winning. Which each one will tell you never gets old.

Watch for more information about the 2012 AMA Championship Banquet on the ATVA website at www.atvaonline.com.

ON TRACK

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

It takes a lot to win an AMA national No. 1 plate. Just ask 2012 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series winner Chad Wienen. As the interview with Wienen on page 8 reveals, he faced some very stiff competition in his bid to win the title this year.

And he notes that the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series “is the premier series that the best-of-the-best compete in for the championship.”

By Joe Bromley, AMA That’s true in all AMA racing director of racing disciplines.

The best racers in America are all racing in AMA-sanctioned events. The AMA No. 1 plate represents an incredible accomplishment because the competition is so stiff.

Even just competing in AMA-sanctioned events is something to be proud of. It really means something and racers know it.

Wienen—who won his first AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series title this year—is proof that the best racers in America race in AMA-sanctioned events. So is John Natalie, who was the defending champion this year and who already has a couple of titles under his belt.

Winning in AMA competition is tough. But it never gets old.

Every year we recognize top AMA competitors with a banquet that not only gives our racers a chance to be recognized by their peers, but also gives fans a chance to get up close and personal with some of the best amateur, and some pro, racers in America.

The 2012 AMA Championship Banquet will be held Jan. 19, 2013, at the Aladdin Center in Columbus, Ohio. The annual gettogether recognizes amateur AMA national champions as well as some from the pro ranks, such as the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series. While the event attracts a lot of motorcycle riders, ATV champs and others attend as well.

We like to move the banquet around when we can, so after three years out West, the annual event is moving back East. This will make it easier for some of our East Coast riders to make the event.

We’re also expanding the program to honor more racers. In recent years, we’ve invited class champions to the annual banquet.

This year, the top three finishers in AMA-sanctioned motorcycle

CLUB NEWS Building Camaraderie And Trails In Vermont

By Dani Cadi, executive assistant, Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association The Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association—a statewide association of ATV clubs—is authorized by the state to develop ATV trails throughout Vermont, and the association is hard at work doing that.

VASA is dedicated to developing, promoting and conserving responsible family-based ATV recreation throughout Vermont and is providing trail access through leadership, land stewardship, partnerships and collaborations with other user groups and landowners.

In 1998, there were almost no legal ATV trails in Vermont. VASA was formed out of necessity that year to control renegade and illegal ATV activity while also working to provide responsible riders with legal riding opportunities.

At its birth, VASA was operated completely by volunteers. As the years went by and volunteers poured their time and energy into the association, VASA grew. At its inception, there were fewer than 50 miles of legal trails in only one county of the state. Today, we are proud to report that we have trail systems in every county totaling more than 750 miles.

VASA also employs two full-time staff members, as well as a lobbyist/consultant to represent ATV issues at the statehouse.

VASA has grown in so many ways—

membership, trails, volunteers, programs, participation, awareness and respect.

Obtaining liability insurance was once a huge hurdle for the organization, but we have successfully maintained a policy for more than a decade.

Vermont is known for being a very “green” state. ATV recreation is often looked down upon or criticized for all of the popular reasons: pollution, noise, land damage, etc. VASA has worked hard to change these views.

ATVs have always been banned from riding on any and all state land, but we have been working closely with the state to develop a licensing agreement for connector trails. The proposed use of state land has been quite a battle for some time now, but progress is being made and pilot projects are in the works right now.

We currently partner with many different state and national associations, forming very productive relationships.

VASA currently has 22 local clubs located throughout the state. Each club is completely staffed by volunteers and each club builds and maintains its own trail systems.

Clubs hold their own events and rides and recently started coming together

for an annual statewide event. VASA now hosts “THE BIG EVENT” every year in August. This is a great event that includes a poker run, mud bogs, ATV pulls, and new this year, an obstacle course.

In 2010, VASA staff and volunteers put together a state-approved safety program called VEST: VASA Education, Safety and Training. VEST is a comprehensive, classroom-style safety course taught by certified and experienced instructors.

Since VEST’s inception, hundreds of Vermont youth have been certified to ride ATVs. In the past 14 years, VASA has progressed by leaps and bounds.

Responsible ATVers who become active in their local clubs, practice good ATV ethics and present a good image of our sport are what is allowing us to make this progress.

If you love ATVing, and you are a responsible rider, we’d love for you to come experience our trails here in Vermont. We want everyone to see the work we have accomplished and experience the beauty and fun that is riding in Vermont.

For more info about VASA, please visit www.vtvasa.org, email office@vtvasa.org, or give us a call at (802) 477-5075.

ATVA Offers Benefits And Services For Clubs

is acknowledged on the ATVA and AMA websites (www.atvaonline.com and www.americanmotorcyclist.com), and stories about your club can appear in ATVA News, which can lead to increased membership.

If your club sponsors events, being chartered with the ATVA means the club can get affordable event liability insurance and free publicity. When a chartered club sanctions an ATVA event such as a trail ride, for example, the event information gets listed in both ATVA News and in the monthly American Motorcyclist magazine, giving ATVers across the country information about the event. This allows clubs to boost attendance and potentially brings in new club members.

Elite Clubs Are Chartered With The All-Terrain Vehicle Association There are a lot of advantages for ATV clubs that charter with the ATVA, including increased membership, obtaining affordable event liability insurance and prestige.

Growing your ATV club can be tough, often because it’s hard to find and reach other ATVers. For individual riders, finding a club nearby can be equally difficult. The ATVA helps bring enthusiasts together. By chartering your club with the ATVA or the American Motorcyclist Association, your club status

4 November/December 2012

NEWS

ATVA Offers Money-Saving Discounts Riders Also Rewarded In Other Ways

ATVA members get many discounts and benefits that keep money in their pockets and easily pay for their $49 memberships many times over.

Those include discounts at BikeBandit.com, Choice Hotels and many other places.

Beyond that, ATVA members are eligible for AMA Roadside Assistance, which covers all the member’s vehicles and most trailers, as well as those of family members.

ATVA members get this valuable coverage free when they auto-renew their memberships.

Another advantage to being an ATVA member is that members stay informed with ATVA News and American Motorcyclist magazine. American Motorcyclist features a monthly calendar of events so ATVA members can find ATV races, rallies and other events in their area, state or region.

There are enemies of ATVing at the local, state and national level with one goal in mind—to stop riders from riding ATVs. They want to close off millions of acres of public land. They want to stop people from riding in their own back yards. They want to shut down ATV racetracks and other private riding areas. The ATVA has a government relations team fighting back, and more members mean more political clout to fight these foes.

To join the ATVA, go to www.atvaonline.com or call (866) 288-2564.

Group Files Lawsuit To Stop Planned ATV Trail in Idaho A group called the Greater Yellowstone Coalition filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court on July 31 to try to block a new 7.8-mile-long ATV trail in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest in southeastern Idaho.

The coalition, represented by the Western Environmental Law Center, filed the lawsuit to try to stop construction of the Winschell Dugway ATV Trail System in Bonneville County because of the coalition’s failed effort to appeal the decision to build the trail.

The group claims wildlife could be negatively impacted by the trail, and “noise and fumes from the ATVs” would have a negative impact on a nearby area that some hope one day will be designated as Wilderness by Congress.

A Wilderness designation is one of the strictest forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area as Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are prohibited, including ATV recreation.

However, the U.S. Forest Service did extensive environmental research into the proposed trail before granting its approval.

Officials hope to build the trail as early as late 2013.

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest encompasses 3 million acres.

Honda Unveils 2013 Sport Machines TRX450R, TRX400X and TRX250X

The TRX450R, TRX400X and TRX250X sport machines in Honda’s 2013 lineup have you covered whether you are a racer or an aggressive trail rider.

The racing TRX450R has racked up a string of victories in the grueling Baja 1000 and can be found on motocross tracks around the country. But it’s not just for racers. Recreational riders like it as well.

The TRX400X offers recreational riders a bulletproof 397cc engine, five-speed transmission plus Continued on page 6

TRX450R

November/December 2012 5

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

After all, ATVA- and AMA-chartered clubs are the gold standard. The best clubs in the nation are chartered with the ATVA and AMA. Riders and others know that an ATVA- or AMA-chartered club is well organized, family-friendly and an asset to the community. There is prestige in being chartered with the ATVA or AMA and in being part of a greater community of ATV riders and motorcyclists: ATVA and AMA members nationwide.

The combined AMA and ATVA remains the only national organization devoted to providing a full range of services. More than 225,000 motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts support ATVA and AMA activities through their annual membership dues. This helps allow clubs to tap into a full range of services.

Most importantly, however, the biggest advantage for a club that charters with the ATVA is that it helps protect ATV riders’ right to ride and race. By chartering with the ATVA, a club is helping protect ATVing now and in the future. The ATVA and AMA have dedicated government relations staff hard at work every day fighting threats to ATV riding.

Also, clubs are an integral part of social activity that provides the foundation for the political and community activities that will help ensure the future of ATV riding.

The cost to charter as a social club is just $35. The cost to charter as a promoting recreational club that hosts trail rides, off-road poker runs or field meets is $75.

The cost to charter as a race-promoting club or promoter is $75.

For more information, call (614) 856-1900 or go to www.atvaonline.com/ClubApplication.aspx.

NEWS Fight Over Closure of California’s Johnson Valley Headed To Congress Lawmakers Will Need To Be Lobbied In 2013 The Navy wants to take over much of the popular Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Riding Area in California but will need congressional approval to do so.

The Department of the Navy released a final environmental impact statement in July that would allow public use of only 40,000 acres of the 190,000-acre Johnson Valley OHV area, and for only 10 months out of the year. Johnson Valley is currently under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The final environmental impact statement is part of an effort by the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms in San Bernardino County to expand its land holdings to allow for more live-fire training. The Marine Corps is part of the Navy.

The Navy released the final environmental impact statement on July 27 but the proposal still needs congressional approval. The military hopes to begin training on the land in 2014.

“While we certainly believe that the Marines Corps, like all of America’s military branches, should be the besttrained in the world, we don’t believe that it is necessary to ban off-highway vehicle riders from the area to accomplish that mission,” says Nick Haris, AMA/ATVA Western states representative. “We, and other concerned off-highway recreation groups, will continue working with the military and Congress to ensure the needs of both the military and the OHV community are met.”

Some important points, Haris says, are: • The Johnson Valley OHV recreation area spans 189,700 acres, has thousands of visitors that account for at least 300,000 annual visitor days, and is worldrenowned as an OHV recreation area.

•Economic impact: The BLM estimates $71.5 million is contributed annually to the local economy and $191.2 million into the national economy because of OHV activity at Johnson Valley.

•The Marine Corps intends to acquire

6 November/December 2012

160,000 acres of Johnson Valley from the BLM and conduct live-fire training on all but 40,000 acres -- permanently closing access to 120,000 acres.

•Many local and state authorities, along with thousands of citizens, are opposed to the transfer of this land.

Options other than those in the FEIS also need to be considered, including: • Permitted military use of land from BLM (as is the case at other BLM sites used for training).

•Other BLM land in the region (not necessarily adjacent).

•More time is needed for comprehensive deliberation and seeking options on both sides and with the state.

•Despite claims to the contrary, this is not an urgent matter. The Marines have been deploying troops to combat for 10 years without this extra training land.

There should be more time to seek a broader solution.

•Once live-fire training starts the land is permanently lost. We need to find an accommodation for OHV needs, and that will require consultation with the BLM and state officials.

The U.S. House passed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act that requires, prior to transfer, the secretary of the Navy to provide a report on the new Marine requirement for this land and on the economic impact, and on other potential solutions to the elimination of recreational land.

Continued from page 5

reverse and electric starting.

For beginners and experienced riders alike, the TRX250X boasts aggressive, race-inspired styling, a torquey powerplant and Honda’s easy-to-use SportClutch.

For more information, go to www. powersports.honda.com/offroad/atvsport.aspx.

Scrambler XP 850 EPS Stealth Black LE

Polaris Unleashes New Scrambler XP 850 For 2013

Sporty Limited Edition, Base Model Offered Polaris Industries is offering a new Scrambler XP 850 EPS Stealth Black Limited Edition in its entry/sport line for 2013 that features a high-output engine, Fox shocks, a sport-tuned exhaust and electronic power steering.

Polaris says the Scrambler XP 850 machines are geared toward riders who want a more powerful and sportier ride.

The four-stroke, twin-cylinder, liquidcooled engine pumps out a claimed 77 horsepower. The machine also features an automatic transmission with on-demand all-wheel drive. The straight-line shifter offers high, low, reverse and park.

The Scrambler LE also features 12 inches of ground clearance, premium FOX Podium 1.0 shocks, rolled independent rear suspension, cast aluminum wheels and 14-inch sport performance tires.

Other features include single lever brakes, steel brake lines, LED lights and hand guards.

The Scrambler XP 850 EPS Stealth Black LE retails for $11,999 while the Scrambler XP 850 Bright White starts at $9,499.

The entry/sport line also includes three returning models: the Trail Boss 330, Trail Blazer 330 and Phoenix 200.

NEWS The Sportsman line features a dozen unique models, while the youth lineup has five models.

For info on the entire Polaris 2013 lineup, go to www.polarisindustries.com.

Bill Introduced To Reopen California’s Clear Creek Management Area Area Has Been Closed To Riders For Four Years

Some 70,000 acres of public land in California that has been off-limits to offhighway-vehicle riders since 2008 would reopen under legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.).

On Aug. 2, Farr introduced a bill that would designate the popular Clear Creek Management Area—which is near Hollister and controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management—as a National Recreation Area. If the bill becomes law, it would provide for recreational access to the land as allowed under the 2005 BLM travel management plan.

The 70,000 acres has been closed to the public—including OHV riders and

hikers—since May 1, 2008, because of fears over health dangers posed by naturally occurring asbestos on the land. The land has remained off-limits even though a later study showed that the health risk to motorcyclists from naturally occurring asbestos is minimal.

The San Benito County Board of Supervisors has been at the forefront of trying to reopen the popular OHV area and even petitioned Congress to consider the area as a National Recreation Area to allow motorized and non-motorized recreation.

Western Representative Don Amador of the BlueRibbon Coalition, a national trail-based recreation group, has also been hard at work to reopen the land, with assistance from AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris.

“It’s very rare for legislation to be introduced in Congress to open riding areas to riders so Rep. Farr and the San Benito County Board of Supervisors deserve the thanks of all OHV enthusiasts for their efforts,” Haris says. “And I personally want to thank Don Amador for his tenacious efforts in this area.”

For true champions, winning the AMA No. 1 plate isn’t everything...

Tread Lightly! Charity Auction Nov. 1-11

Money Goes To Help Protect Riding ITP, Warn Industries and Rocky Mountain ATV are just some of the more than 50 companies that have donated products to the nonprofit organization Tread Lightly! for its Fifth Annual Charity Auction on eBay that will be held Nov. 1-11.

Tread Lightly!, a national nonprofit organization that promotes responsible recreation through ethics education and stewardship programs, will use the money it raises to help keep riding and recreation areas open.

Some 100 products will be auctioned.

Info: www.treadlightly.org.

It takes a lot for an ATV or motorcycle racer to earn the prestigious AMA No. 1 plate: a lot of talent, a lot of courage, a lot of determination. After all, the best racers in America are all chasing the dream: to hoist the AMA No. 1 plate above their head at the end of race day.

Many try. Few succeed. There’s no greater challenge for an ATV or motorcycle racer. And there’s no sweeter victory for the winner.

The AMA No. 1 plate proves that the racer went head-tohead against the best of the best, and won. No explanation needed. Whether racing as an amateur or a pro, the AMA No. 1 plate represents an incredible accomplishment that can never be taken away.

One for the AMA record books. There’s nothing better.

AmericanMotorcyclist.com

...it’s the only thing.

INTERVIEW

Chad Wienen: 2012 AMA ATV MX Champ The Best Of The Best Chad Wienen joined the Yamaha Racing team in 2012 and immediately proved that Yamaha made the right choice by winning the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound racer from Galena, Ill., rode his YFZ450R to six firstplace finishes, three second-place finishes and a third-place finish in the 10-race series to capture the title.

A pro since 2006, this is the 27-year-old Wienen’s first AMA ATV MX championship title. We asked him about his season and the future.

ATVA News: You and defending champion John Natalie took the battle down to the wire in 2012.

Chad Wienen: Yes, it was a battle for sure. Things were getting intense between us in some of the races towards the end. I just rode how I started the year, going out to win.

AN: Who were some of the toughest competitors you faced this season?

CW: The top five were some fast guys,

Chad Wienen

and then you had Josh Creamer who came and raced some rounds the last three races. He showed some speed out on the track.

AN: You race a Yamaha YFZ450R. What do you think of it?

CW: It’s an awesome machine that helped us get our first championship! What I love most about the Yamaha is that it is a quad you can ride and ride and ride. It’s low maintenance. This is the first time I had zero DNFs. AN: What do you like about the AMA ATV Motocross Championship Series?

CW: It is the premier series where the best of the best go to compete for the championship.

AN: How long do you plan to

Chad Wienen

continue racing the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series? Do you foresee any up-and-comers who will keep the racing exciting?

CW: As long as I can. Ten years.

Yes, for sure, there’s lots of potential out there. There are bright futures [for many riders].

AN: What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time that’s unrelated to ATV riding?

CW: Golfing, cycling, swimming, anything outdoors. I hang out with friends and enjoy life.

AN: Who are your sponsors? Who would you like to thank?

CW: Wienen Motorsports, SSi, Walsh, Yamaha, Maxxis, Fox Shox, FMF, Hinson, and Fly are some. My dad, Ryan, Danica, my grandparents and all my friends, family and fans!

AN: What advice would you give a young person who wants to be an ATV racer like you?

CW: Work hard and enjoy the ride!

AN: Is there anything else you would like to add?

CW: I would like to thank everyone who believed in me to get the championship in 2012 and believes in me to defend it in 2013.

8 November/December 2012

RACING Chad Wienen Wins AMA ATV MX Battle In Ohio On July 1

AMA ATV Pro MX Results, Millfield, Ohio 1. Chad Wienen, Yamaha (2-1) 2. Joel Hetrick, Can-Am (1-2) 3. Josh Upperman, Honda (4-3) 4. John Natalie, Can-Am (3-5) 5. Thomas Brown, Yamaha (5-4) 6. Mark Madl, Honda (6-6) 7. Adam Clark, Honda (7-8) 8. Jeff Rastrelli, Suzuki (11-7) 9. Jesse Barnes, Yamaha (10-9) 10. Jonathon Venjohn, Honda (9-10)

Chad Wienen Wins In ATV MX Action At Unadilla In New York Chad Wienen extended his points lead over defending champ John Natalie in the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series with a win at the Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, N.Y., on July 14.

It was the eighth round in the 10-race series.

When the gate dropped for the first moto, it was BCS Continued on page 10

Merrill Crose (left) was a serious contender in four classes in Ohio.

November/December 2012 9

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

Photos MX Sports, ITP/ATVRiders.com

Chad Wienen and Joel Hetrick split moto wins in AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series action at Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio, on July 1.

Wienen’s second moto win gave him the overall win, while Hetrick and Josh Upperman rounded out the podium.

It was Motoworks/Can-Am’s Hetrick who earned the ATVRiders.com Fastest Qualifier Award after only one timed qualifying session because of severe weather.

When the gate dropped for the first moto, it was Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/Walsh Race Craft/ Yamaha’s Wienen who grabbed his first SSi Decals Holeshot Award of 2012, with Hetrick, Baldwin Motorports/PEP’s Upperman and John Natalie in tow.

Hetrick began applying pressure to Wienen early before finally securing the pass for the lead on the third lap.

Wienen began closing the gap on Hetrick by mid-race, but the young gun put in several quick and consistent laps, building a comfortable cushion all the way to the checkers.

Wienen crossed the finish line in second, while Motoworks/Can-Am’s Natalie landed the third and final podium position after working his way past Upperman.

Meanwhile, TBROWN Yamaha Racing/Moto-X-Perts Yamaha Thomas Brown spent much of the moto chasing Upperman and the lead pack, ultimately settling for a fifth-place finish.

Things were heating up as the field made its way to the line for the second moto.

It was points-leader Wienen who rocketed out of the gate quickest to nab the SSi Decals Holeshot Award over Natalie and Upperman. Hetrick was marred with a mid-pack start and had his work cut out for him as he attempted to work his way to the front.

Upperman overtook Natalie for second place during the second lap and was glued to the rear tires of the leader, Wienen, for the first half of the moto.

Meanwhile, Hetrick was a man on a mission, methodically moving up as the laps wore on. Hetrick caught Upperman and engaged the Ohioan in a battle for the runner-up spot, where he eventually stuck the pass for a second-place finish.

Wienen took the moto win and overall victory.

Hetrick’s second-place score gave him second overall for the day with 1-2 finishes.

Much to the delight of his home state fans, Upperman finished in third place in the moto, giving him the final podium position at Sunday Creek.

Natalie lost the momentum he had coming into this round with a 3-5 score for the day, finishing off the podium for the first time this season with a fourth overall. Brown fought hard and made a late pass on Natalie to grab fourth in the second moto, which earned him another solid top-five overall.

Continued from page 9

Performance/Can-Am’s Josh Creamer who put himself into the front of the pack right away. Wienen put his Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/Walsh Race Craft/Yamaha right behind Creamer and the duo put on an exciting race for the lead.

Motoworks/Can-Am teammates Natalie and Joel Hetrick battled back and forth for the third-place position but it was Natalie who ultimately secured the spot, while Hetrick took a close fourth.

Wienen led all 13 laps in the second moto, with Natalie and Creamer close behind. Natalie held off Creamer to maintain the second-place position, and Creamer took third. Wienen went on to take his fifth overall victory for the season with a 2-1 score.

Creamer’s 1-3 score was enough to give him second overall for the day in his first ATV MX appearance this season.

Natalie went 3-2 to secure the final podium position and gaining valuable points in the overall title chase.

Hetrick had a consistent day of racing as he took home fourth overall, just ahead of TBROWN Yamaha Racing/Moto-X-Perts Yamaha Thomas Brown, who came in fifth.

Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Maxxis’ Josh Upperman experienced some issues in the second moto, giving him a 5-7 score for sixth overall.

Canada’s Richard Pelchat (Can-Am) took home seventh overall with 7-6 finishes, while Ohio’s Adam Clark (Honda) came in eighth. Rookie Jeffrey Rastrelli (Suzukli) took

Chloe Buerster (125) gives it her all.

She put her footprints on the podium twice at Unadilla in New York.

10 November/December 2012

ninth overall and Michigan’s Harold Goodman (Honda), the 2011 AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track champ, placed 10th.

AMA ATV Pro MX Results, New Berlin, N.Y. 1. Chad Wienen, Yamaha (2-1) 2. Josh Creamer, Can-Am (1-3) 3. John Natalie, Can-Am (3-2) 4. Joel Hetrick, Can-Am (4-4) 5. Thomas Brown, Yamaha (6-5) 6. Josh Upperman, Honda (5-7) 7. Richard Pelchat, Can-Am (7-6) 8. Adam Clark, Honda (9-8) 9. Jeff Rastrelli, Suzuki (10-9) 10. Harold Goodman, Honda (11-10)

Chad Wienen Takes Third Consecutive Win at Red Bud ATV MX With nine rounds of racing in the books, points leaders Chad Wienen and John Natalie have perpetuated the title chase in the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series all the way to the season finale.

Wienen and Natalie split moto wins at the penultimate round of the

series at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Mich., on July 28.

Wienen proved to be the strongest as he outlasted the defending champion in a two-moto format, taking the overall win and extending his points lead with one round remaining.

Wienen grabbed the ATVRiders.com Fastest Qualifier Award with a 2:10.9 time.

When the gate dropped for the first moto, it was Motoworks/Can-Am’s Natalie who took the SSiDecals Holeshot Award, with TBROWN Yamaha/Moto-X-Perts’ Thomas Brown close in tow. Brown made the move past Natalie to take over the early lead but Natalie quickly got it back for what turned into a dominant moto for the defending champ.

Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/ Walsh Race Craft/Yamaha’s Wienen began the first moto just outside the top five but worked his way into the thirdplace position where he battled with his Yamaha Racing teammate Thomas Brown, eventually passing Brown with two laps to go. Brown was able to hold on for a thirdplace finish.

Just behind the second-place battle, Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Maxxis’ Josh Upperman and 2010 ATV MX champ Josh Creamer pushed each other hard in an intense battle for fourth place. Upperman edged out Creamer in the first moto, while Motoworks/CanAm’s Joel Hetrick came in sixth place.

Photos ITP/ATVRiders.com, MX Sports

RACING

Upperman shot out of the gate in the second moto to grab the SSiDecals Holeshot Award and immediately gained a lead on Brown, Wienen and Creamer, who remained close behind.

Natalie went down in the first corner of the opening lap and was forced to work his way up from behind the pack.

The battle for the lead began to heat up between Wienen and Upperman by mid-race but Upperman dropped back just enough to allow Wienen to confirm the second moto victory and secure the overall win at RedBud MX. “The track was pretty rough today, but my goal was to ride smart, patient and not over-ride the machine and I think we accomplished those things today,” Wienen said afterwards.

Upperman came in a close second to Wienen in the second moto, giving him second overall with a 4-2 score. It was his best overall finish this season.

Upperman remained fourth in the championship standings as the series headed to the season finale at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., Aug. 11-12.

Josh Upperman (20) at Loretta Lynn’s.

Natalie made his way up to sixth place in the second moto. His first moto victory was enough to boost his score to claim third-place overall.

Natalie’s third afforded him enough points to remain in the championship hunt with one round remaining.

AMA ATV Pro MX Results, Buchanan, Mich.

1. Chad Wienen, Yamaha (2-1) 2. Josh Upperman, Honda (4-2) 3. John Natalie, Can-Am (1-6) 4. Thomas Brown, Yamaha (3-4) 5. Joel Hetrick, Can-Am (6-3) 6. Josh Creamer, Can-Am (5-5)

7. Derek Swartfager, Honda (7-8) 8. Adam Clark, Honda (8-9) 9. Harold Goodman, Honda (9-10) 10. Mark Madl, Honda (14-7)

Chad Wienen Wins AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series title Chad Wienen clinched his first-ever AMA Pro ATV championship title by winning the season finale of the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Continued on page 13

RACING

Pro Quad Performance-backed Kyle Fix

Chloe Buerster

Congratulations!

Congratulations to all the racers in the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series this year from the All-Terrain Vehicle Association and the American Motorcyclist Association.

Haedyn Mickelson (left)

Root River Racing’s Dalton Hicks 12 November/December 2012

RACING Continued from page 11

Cody Janssen

Final 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championship Pro Point Standings 1. Chad Wienen, Yamaha, 459 2. John Natalie, Can-Am, 428 3. Joel Hetrick, Can-Am, 382 4. Josh Upperman, Honda, 363 5. Thomas Brown, Yamaha, 350 6. Derek Swartfager, Honda, 245 7. Adam Clark, Honda, 238 8. Mark Madl, Honda, 228 9. Jeff Rastrelli, Suzuki, 221 10. Jesse Barnes, Yamaha, 198

away from the pack. Hetrick and Wienen were banging bars trying to get around Byrd, who eventually pulled off the track just after Hetrick and Wienen passed him for a top-five spot.

Soon after, Wienen was past Hetrick and applying pressure on Brown for third. The Yamaha duo pushed until the checkers. Brown came out on top for third, but his 5-3 moto scores weren’t enough to secure a top five overall.

Natalie went on to win the second moto and the overall for the day with 4-1 scores, but it wasn’t enough to keep Wienen from taking the 2012 championship title. With 3-4 finishes, Wienen took a consistent approach to finish third overall.

“Obviously another championship would have been nice but I’m really happy with today’s win,” Natalie said. “I’m just lucky to be able to leave here healthy and enjoy time with my wife and daughter.”

Hetrick went 1-5 for second overall, while Creamer and Upperman swapped 2-6 finishes to round out the top five.

Rastrelli finished a season-best seventh overall in the season finale, while Ohio’s Adam Clark came in eighth. Florida’s Mark Madl took home ninth overall, just ahead of Iowa’s Jesse Barnes, who rounded out the top 10.

AMA ATV Pro MX Results, Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

1. John Natalie, Can-Am (4-1) 2. Joel Hetrick, Can-Am (1-5) 3. Chad Wienen, Yamaha (3-4) 4. Josh Creamer, Can-Am (6-2) 5. Josh Upperman, Honda (2-6) 6. Thomas Brown, Yamaha (5-3) 7. Jeffrey Rastrelli, Suzuki (10-7) 8. Adam Clark, Honda (9-8) 9. Mark Madl, Honda (7-12) 10. Jesse Barnes, Yamaha (12-9)

November/December 2012 13

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

Photos ITP/ATVRiders.com

Series on Aug. 11 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

Wienen opened the 2012 season with a big win for his all-new Wienen Motorsports/ SSi Decals/Walsh Race Craft/Yamaha team, ultimately winning six of 10 rounds in the series.

Perhaps the biggest feat for the 27-year-old was bouncing back from a serious back injury that kept him out of the final four races of 2011. “[On] this date last year I was out with a serious injury and I made up my mind that I was going to come back and give everything to win a championship in 2012,” Wienen said. “It’s been a long time coming. Everybody has to pay their dues—some more than others—and I’m just fortunate to have this opportunity to come back and do this.”

Joel Hetrick began the Loretta Lynn’s finale with the ATVRiders.com Fastest Qualifier Award, topping Wienen’s fastest time by less than one second. When the gate dropped for the first moto, the SSiDecals Holeshot Award went to Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Maxxis’ Josh Upperman.

Upperman took the early lead but Motoworks/ Can-Am’s Hetrick immediately latched onto Upperman with his sights set solely on the moto victory. Hetrick eventually made his way past Upperman for the lead, and by the halfway mark the young gun had pulled nearly 10 seconds on the rest of the field.

“The track was [in] my kind of condition today and I really think getting the Fastest Qualifier award helped me out in Moto 1 for sure,” Hetrick recalled.

Wienen kept a reserved pace in the beginning of the race, eventually applying pressure on Upperman for second. It wasn’t long before TBROWN Yamaha/Moto-X-Perts’ Thomas Brown put himself into the mix, making it a three-way battle for second and third place.

Defending champ John Natalie got a midpack start and finally joined the front-runners, applying pressure on Brown for fourth. Former ATV MX champ and Can-Am/BCS rider Josh Creamer also put himself into the mix early on, but eventually dropped outside the top five.

Natalie piloted his Motoworks/Can-Am machine around Brown for fourth place just before the two-lap card came out and the two continued to dice back and forth until the checkers. Hetrick bested the field in the first moto. Upperman, Wienen, Natalie and Brown rounded out the top five.

In the second moto, it was Creamer who grabbed the SSiDecals Holeshot Award with former ATV MX champ Joe Byrd, Natalie and Brown close in tow. Natalie and Creamer battled back and forth before the 2011 champ took over the lead early-on. Natalie began to pull a gap on the second-place Creamer as the race wore on.

Meanwhile, things heated up for the thirdplace spot as Brown, Byrd, Hetrick, Wienen and even rookie Jeffrey Rastrelli engaged in a battle for most of the moto. Brown eventually pulled

WHERE TO RIDE

Royal Blue Resort Pioneer, Tennessee

There are all kinds of resorts—ski resorts, golf resorts, mountain resorts, you name it. Royal Blue is a true ATV resort.

What makes Royal Blue a resort rather than a run-of-the-mill riding area or park?

Where should we start?

First, everything you need is there.

Just unload your ATV and say goodbye to your hauler.

You need somewhere to sleep, right?

If you have a motor home or camper, reserve one of the 18 easy pull-through sites, with 30- or 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer, a picnic table, fire ring and trash receptacle.

Do you have a tent? There are sites with water and electric on 70 acres of nicely mowed, lush, green grass where you can stake out your new home away from home.

If you want more adventure, load everything you need for the weekend on your ATV and head out for primitive camping up close and personal with nature.

Do you really want to travel light and stay in real comfort? Reserve one of the 23 cabins, which range from rustic to deluxe. Rustic cabins have beds, heat and air conditioning. Deluxe cabins sleep up to six, have a private bath with shower, coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge, heat and air.

Regardless of where you sleep, there are clean, private guest bathrooms

14 November/December 2012

with showers and a changing area conveniently located around the grounds.

As far as food goes, you can bring your own and if you forget something you can pick up essentials at the general store.

But for something really special, ride up to the 2,500-square-foot lodge and let the friendly staff do the cooking. While the kitchen activity goes on you can sit by the large stone fireplace or watch the largescreen TV or, better yet, relax in a rocking chair on the covered porch, swap riding stories or just watch people fish or swim in the lake. Meals are available for breakfast and supper, and they can pack you a trail lunch as well. Now that’s service.

A large, separate recreation center features video games, air hockey and is just the place for the young at heart to hang out.

With so much to do we almost forgot about the riding! It’s breathtaking.

Royal Blue connects to more than

130,000 acres of Tennessee Wildlife Management areas. There are more than 430 miles of trails wandering through the most beautiful Tennessee forest you will ever experience. Waterfalls, crystal clear streams and wildlife are everywhere.

Ask for directions to the elk reserve.

ATVs, motorcycles, side-by-sides and four-wheel-drive vehicles are welcome.

Tennessee law requires helmets for ATV riders under 18. Tennessee residents with a hunting or fishing license may ride in the forest or residents can pay $12 for a daily pass. Non-residents pay $30 for a daily pass.

Royal Blue is in northeast Tennessee.

Take exit 144 on Interstate 75 just south of the Kentucky border.

For more information and to make reservations at Royal Blue, call (423) 7849445 or go online to the resort’s website at www.rideroyalblue.com.

MARKETPLACE ITP’s New Black Water Evolution In 1989, ITP introduced the Black Water, which was a dedicated mud tire specifically built for the demands of the emerging utility/4WD quad market. ITP is now celebrating its 30th anniversary with the introduction of the all-new Black Water Evolution. This 8-ply-rated radial tire features a unique non-directional tread design that provides awesome traction while maintaining a smooth ride and precise, balanced handling. Sizes are: 25x9R12, 25x11R-12, 26x9R-12, 26x11R-12, 27x9R-12, 27x11R12, 27x9R-14 and 27x11R-14.

MSRP: $205.95 to $270.95 Info: www.itptires.com

A PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATVA MEMBERS

NRA By Moose: Tradition Rear Rack Bag The NRA By Moose Tradition Rear Rack Bag makes it easy to pack a lot for your riding adventures. Made with durable 600 dernier nylon, the bag features carry handles, two external compartments with adjustable weather flaps, elastic tool loops, and mesh storage pockets along with internal mesh pockets to store and protect cargo. It also has a high-density foam seat pad integrated into the bag to provide a place to rest when your ATV is parked.

An insulated storage bag doubles as a cooler. Overall dimensions: 37 inches wide by 12 inches high by 21.5 inches long. Colors: Black, Mossy Oak or Real Tree.

MSRP: $109.95 (Black), $119.95 (Mossy Oak and Real Tree) Info: www.mooseutilities.com

The following is a listing of events sanctioned by the ATVA. To find the events nearest you, locate your state and contact the promoter for complete details.

CALIFORNIA GRAND PRIX NOV 3-4: GORMON: 2-DAY EVENT, PROSPECTORS MC, , PROSPECTORSMC.ORG DEC 1-2: PALA: 2-DAY EVENT, VIKINGS MC, (800) 3605689, MOTOCROSSFAST.COM/PALA.HTML

INDIANA HARE SCRAMBLES NOV 18: LYNNVILLE: LYNNVILLE AREA DIRT RIDERS INC, (812) 300-5176, LADIRTRIDERS.COM

CALENDAR

MARYLAND MOTOCROSS

OHIO

NOV 18: LEONARDTOWN: BUDDS CREEK MOTOCROSS PARK, (301) 475-2000, BUDDSCREEK.COM

MOTOCROSS

NEW JERSEY

DEC 1: COLUMBUS: AMERICAN MOTORSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM

MOTOCROSS

HARE SCRAMBLES

NOV 11: ENGLISHTOWN: RACEWAY PARK, (732) 446-7800

NOV 4: EL CENTRO: INTERSTATE 8 DEZERT RACERS, I8DEZERTRACERS.COM

NEW YORK MOTOCROSS NOV 11: YAPHANK: LONG ISLAND MOTOCROSS INC, (631) 286-9411, ISLANDMOTOCROSS.COM

NOV 30: COLUMBUS: AMERICAN MOTORSPORTS LLC, (937) 358-2427, AMERICANMX.COM

VIRGINIA MOTOCROSS NOV 3-4: DILLWYN: 2-DAY EVENT, MOTOPROMO, (434) 548-6043

November/December 2012 15

I’m A “ Member!

Are You?”

— Harold Goodman, 2011 AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track Champion

PRO RIDER ATV DIRT TRACK CHAMPION PROTECTS THE FUTURE OF ATV RIDING

PRO RIDER

COVERED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE GETS DISCOUNTS ON GEAR AND TRAVEL

As a Life Member of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), Harold Goodman helped defeat the lead law that essentially banned the sale of ATVs for kids 12 and younger. In doing so, he helped save ATVing for future generations. He’s keeping racetracks open and fighting unfair laws that close trails.

He’s helping battle medical insurance discrimination against ATV riders and is represented in the halls of government by AMA freedom fighters. He’s saving money with various AMA benefits and discounts. You can, too. The AMA and its All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) are the world’s most powerful voices for motorcyclists and ATV riders.

Enjoy the benefits of AMA Roadside Assistance today!

JOIN NOW!

ATVAOnline.com (866) 288-2564