ATV News May/June 2015 by American Motorcyclist Association

Racing Into The 2015 Season

Photo courtesy Ashley Holder

SNAPSHOT

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Mohamed Issa Abu on the gas during the 2015 Dakar Rally, in which competitors raced 5,600 miles through Argentina, Chile and Bolivia in South America. The 24-year-old racer from Qatar was forced to pull out during the fifth stage due to mechanical issues.

Photo courtesy Red Bull Content Pool.

ON TRACK

Protecting Public Land

You may have missed the news earlier this year about the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, and what part of it means for off-highway vehicle riders.

There was some good news, and possibly some bad news. But, either way, it once again focused the spotlight for many on the use of public land, and showed how public land bills can show up in unusual places in Congress.

By Wayne Allard AMA vice president for government relations

While the legislation included provisions beneficial to both ATV and off-highway motorcycle riders, it also stipulated some new Wilderness designations that may infringe on our access to public lands (see “MX Park Land Included In Spending Plan,” page 4). Indeed, the bill designates about 245,000 acres of new federal Wilderness that could result in the closure of some OHV trails.

The AMA will monitor the implementation of the bill’s provisions and fight to protect our right to ride on public land. The AMA is also combing through the legislation introduced on Capitol Hill looking for provisions in bills that could erode your riding freedoms.

The proposed designation of new Wilderness areas always stirs much debate. It’s an issue that comes up year after year, and proponents of new Wilderness are very passionate about their proposals.

Fortunately, opponents are passionate

as well, and with good reason.

The Wilderness Act of 1964 gives Congress the power to designate land as Wilderness, which is a very strict land use designation. The law specifically states that “there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.”

What that means is that land designated as Wilderness has many restrictions and doesn’t allow uses like ATV, motorcycle and bicycle riding.

But the Wilderness Act also makes it clear that land must meet very strict criteria to qualify for a Wilderness designation. The law says the land must be “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man” and that it “generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable.”

When it was signed into law in 1964, the Wilderness Act led to a massive survey of all federally managed public lands to see which areas met the strict criteria for a Wilderness designation. That survey led to official Wilderness designations across the country.

Since that time, Congress has designated about 107 million acres of public land as Wilderness. That’s an area bigger than the entire state of California.

So if that massive survey was done in 1964, why are there continued efforts to designate land as Wilderness today? Because some people want to restrict access to more public land—ostensibly to protect it from existing legitimate uses such as responsible OHV recreation.

What Wilderness advocates conveniently forget, however, is that there are many ways to protect public land without having to use the highly restrictive (and essentially permanent) Wilderness designation.

Public land can be designated as national forest, national refuge, national monument or national park, to name a few designations. Land managers have a lot of experience working with user groups, including motorized interests, to protect the land while allowing its use.

The AMA does not oppose all Wilderness designations. When truly “untrammeled” areas of pristine natural beauty are identified as candidates for Wilderness designations, we won’t oppose those efforts. However, the AMA will vigorously oppose recommendations that are overly broad or threaten responsible trail riding.

All Americans have a right to enjoy the beauty of our public lands, including the young, elderly, handicapped and others who may only be able to share in the wonder of the environment by using an off-highway vehicle. Wilderness designations would prevent access to these areas by those Americans.

Rest assured, we will continue to fight for your riding freedoms on Capitol Hill.

Lynn Camp

Yamaha Awards

$40,000 To Support Off-Highway Vehicle Access

Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. has contributed more than $40,000 in cash and equipment to five local riding groups to support off-highway vehicle access in their respective areas.

The awards are part of Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative grant program. The latest recipients are:

• Aroostook Riders ATV Club, Maine

• Coastal Off-Road Riders Association, S.C.

• Mountwood Park ATV Adventures, W.Va.

• Rice Creek Trail Association, Minn.

• Vermont ATV Sportsman’s Association

Yamaha grants support safe, responsible riding and open, sustainable access to land, trails and riding areas for OHV users. The grant application form and guidelines for qualified local, state and federal projects are available online at www.yamahaoutdooraccess.com.

U.S. Forest Service Investigates Booby Traps

The U.S. Forest Service has investigated incidents in which vandals endangered the lives of ATV riders and off-highway motorcyclists by burying spikes along trails.

Two incidents came to the attention of the AMA through AMA Life Member Jerry Abboud and the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition. The AMA then began working with COHVCO and western states politicians to ensure the matter was fully investigated.

Joe Meade, director of recreation, heritage and volunteer resources at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, reports that the Forest Service received four reports of booby traps on trails in the past five years: two in Colorado and two in Arizona.

Forest Service guidelines for anyone discovering booby traps in trails are:

•Document the location with latitude and longitude, if available.

•While onsite, report the device to the nearest Forest Service office: https://hrm. gdcii.com/directory/.

•If the Forest Service cannot be contacted, conspicuously mark the site to warn other trail users or carefully remove the device.

The AMA also requests that information be emailed to grassroots@ama-cycle.org. Please include the location of the device, a description of the device, the date of discovery and any other information deemed important or appropriate.

Individuals with information about the found booby traps are also asked to leave a message on the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line at (303) 275-5266.

Kentucky ATV Riding Area To Expand

The Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area in Harlan County, Ky., which already boasts 150 miles of mountain trails across 8,000 acres, expects to add even more trails this year.

Officials plan to create trails on 1,200 acres on the north side of Black Mountain.

The existing trails were created from strip mining roads and logging roads.

MX Park Land Included In Spending Plan

The National Defense Authorization Act of 2015 and the so-called CRomnibus spending bill, passed by both chambers of Congress and signed by the president, include provisions beneficial to riders of ATVs and offhighway motorcycles.

However, new inappropriate Wilderness designations could infringe on public access to land suitable for off-highway vehicle recreation.

The NDAA, H.R. 3979, is the comprehensive legislation to provide the budget authority of the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. The $584.2 billion bill contains more than 1,600 pages of regulations, policies and programs that authorize and govern the U.S. military.

As is often the case with broadsweeping legislation, the NDAA also contained many items that were not related to military policies and programs. For example, in 2015, more than 100 public lands bills were inserted into the NDAA.

Programs in the NDAA of benefit to motorcyclists include the allocation of 275 acres of land managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management to Elko County, Nev., for a motocross park and the promise of new opportunities for off-highway-vehicle recreation on public lands.

Also, more than 10,000 acres of land near Las Vegas that is referred to as the Nellis Sand Dunes received the status of Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, with an additional 960 acres

being conveyed to Clark County, Nev., for the Clark County Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. This land is specifically permitted “to provide a suitable location for the establishment of a centralized off-road vehicle recreation park in the County.”

Additionally, language from S. 841 and H.R. 1839, the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act, was included. The language guarantees OHV access in the Hermosa Creek area in Colorado, a prospect that had been threatened by a recently released U.S. Forest Service Resource Management Plan.

In contrast to these additional riding areas and protections in the NDAA, the bill also designates about 245,000 acres of new federal Wilderness that could result in the closing of some OHV trails.

Meanwhile, H.R. 83 (CRomnibus), the $1.1 trillion bipartisan deal to fund the majority of the government through the fiscal year, includes a provision that prohibits the secretary of the interior from writing or issuing protections under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 regarding the greater sagegrouse, the Columbia River basin distinct population segment of greater sage grouse, the bi-state distinct population segment of greater sage grouse, or the Gunnison sage grouse. It is expected that delaying the listing of the sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act will allow more time for state and local entities to coordinate and implement local solutions.

Ask The ATV Safety Institute: Forest Riding

You Ask: I will be riding at a national forest for the first time this year. Is there anything special I need to know before I go?

The ASI Responds: If you haven’t had the chance to take the ATV RiderCourse, we highly recommend that you do so before you embark on your trip. The class will help increase your safety awareness and skills, introduce strategies to identify and manage risks, emphasize environmental responsibility and help you enjoy your ride to the fullest.

Plan ahead, especially for a multiday ride. Contact the forest office where you will be riding and get a copy of the “Motor Vehicle Use Map.” This map will show you where the trails are located and which are open to ATV use. Many forests have these maps available for download on their websites.

Good planning, following the recommended maintenance schedule of your ATV, traveling in the company of others and practicing

safe riding habits should eliminate most challenges.

Before you ride, you should ensure that the ATV is in proper riding condition. Gather all of the gear you’ll need for the ride—including your helmet and other protective gear, a survival kit (suitable for the location you are riding in), first-aid kit and the ATV’s tool kit—and leave an itinerary to let people know your route and date of return.

WHERE TO RIDE

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Northern Wisconsin

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin offers almost 300 miles of designated ATV trails. Here’s a quick look at several of the trails: Dead Horse Run, the Flambeau Trail, the Perkinstown Motorized Trail and the Washburn ATV Trail.

Dead Horse Run

The 56-mile-long Dead Horse Run trail offers different types of riding for various skill levels, from areas for youngsters just learning the sport to more challenging terrain for experienced riders.

The trail has a scenic ride along the east fork of the Chippewa River and has a view of the Dead Horse Slough, an area that got its name from an incident in 1910 when a horse fell through the ice and was never recovered.

The U.S. Forest Service notes that the Dead Horse Run trail has links with the Tuscobia Trail, the Stock Farm Bridge Campground, and ATV routes and trails to Gildden, Clam Lake and Cayuga.

Most of the trail system is on shared snowmobile trails about 14-feet wide. Although the Forest Service states that much of the trail has a firm tread, some sections are on wetter soils and pools of water may be present on the trail.

In addition to bringing tools and perhaps fuel, the Forest Service suggests

that riders consider bringing a tow strap.

To get there from Highway 77: A small trailhead is on the east shore of Dead Horse Slough about 2 miles east of Clam Lake. From the intersections of state highways 13 and 77, drive 11 miles to the trailhead, which is on the right (north) side of the highway.

To get there from Camp Loretta: From the intersection of state Highway 70 and county Highway GG near Loretta, drive north 2.6 miles on GG. Turn left (west) on FR 621 and drive 0.2 miles to the entrance to the old CCC camp, which is the trailhead.

For more information, contact the Great Divide Ranger District, N22223 State Highway 13, Glidden, WI 54527. Phone: (715) 264-2511.

Flambeau Trail System

The Flambeau Trail System offers 60 miles of riding opportunities for ATVs and off-highway motorcycles (plus snowmobiles in the winter) in Price County. The Forest Service says that this system showcases rolling terrain, treelined corridors, wooden bridges, and vistas overlooking bogs and lakes.

Sailor Lake Campground offers ATV access directly from the campsite to the trail. Smith Rapids Campground is a short hike from the trail and features the Smith

Rapids Covered Bridge. Built in 1991, the bridge is the only glue-laminated town lattice covered bridge in Wisconsin. (Town lattice is a diamond-shaped truss pattern that was patented by its designer, Ithiel Town, in the 1820s.)

The entire trail system essentially covers the length and width of the Park Falls unit of the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District. The Forest Service says that there are few opportunities for obtaining fuel and services on the trail system so riders should come prepared with fuel and tools.

Perkinstown Motorized Trail

The Perkinstown Motorized Trail is a 20-mile-long, two-way trail developed for ATVs and motorcycles (and snowmobiles in the winter).

The Forest Service says that this trail is ideal for visitors of all ages, riding abilities and experience levels. The trail system highlights rolling terrain, wooden bridges and a variety of woodlands and wetlands.

A great variety of wildlife and vegetation can also be found along the trail. The vegetation changes from low marsh areas and beaver ponds to forested uplands of hemlock, hardwoods and red pine plantations. The northernmost point is located near

Jen Muecke

the Chippewa Campground on the shores of Chequamegon Waters. A trailhead on state Highway 64 provides an information board, trail maps and toilet facilities.

Washburn ATV Trail System

The Forest Service says that the Washburn ATV Trail System on the Washburn Ranger District follows the snowmobile trail system north of US Highway 2. Trail Lengths: Battle Axe (Trail 3) 4 miles, Lenewee (Trail 4) 11.8 miles, Iron River (Trail 31/5) 19 miles, Valhalla (Trail 5) 15 miles, Moquah Spur (Trail 63) 4 miles, Ridgetop 1 mile, Tower 1 mile, Buckskin 12 miles, Bear Paw 13 miles, Totagatic 5 miles, Washburn 1 mile.

The Forest Service also notes that the Tri County Corridor is an old railroad grade between Ashland and Superior, Wis. While it is not a Forest Service trail, it provides an important link to towns around US Highway 2. This trail is paved with crushed limestone.

The rest of the ATV trails are on gently rolling to hilly terrain forested with aspen, jack pine, red pine and oak. A majority of the trail head is sandy. These trails are designated dual-use routes for both ATVs and snowmobiles, and are a good place to ride in wetter weather.

Wanoka Lake Campground

Also noteworthy is the Wanoka Lake Campground. About 7 miles east of Iron River, this campground is on a 15-acre trout lake. Wanoka Lake Campground has 20 sites. Each site has a parking spur, fire ring, picnic table and tent pad, and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. There is a campground host available to greet visitors. Drinking water and vault toilets are available. There is carry-in-boat access.

The Tri-County Corridor Trail is also nearby and is an excellent place to ride ATVs. ATV trails and routes can be accessed from the campground. The use fee is $12.

Directions: Follow US Highway 2 east for about 7 miles and turn right (south) on Forest Road 234.

For more information on the trails contact the Forest Headquarters Offices, 500 Hanson Lake Rd., Rhinelander, WI 54501. Telephone (715) 362-1300 or go to www.fs.usda.gov/cnnf/.

For information on Wisconsin rules governing riding ATVs, go to http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/atv/.

Maine ATV Enthusiasts Want Access To 12,000 Acres

Maine ATV enthusiasts are resurrecting a 2007 land-use agreement in hopes of gaining ATV access to11,853 acres near Millinocket overseen by Elliotsville Plantation Inc.

The land is east of Baster State Park.

Under the 2007 agreement between the town and Elliotsville Plantation, a multiuse trail that would run from Millinocket to Matagamon was to be created on the land but apparently there was no follow-up to the agreement.

Judge Backs ATVs On Roads In Washington State

ATVs may continue to use certain roads in Washington state under a ruling by an Okanogan County judge. The judge rejected arguments by ATV opponents that the county’s decision to allow ATVs on certain roads could result in environmental damage and law violations.

Okanogan County Superior Court Judge Henry Rawson issued the ruling in December.

Earlier, the county commission decided to allow ATVs on roads that have speed limits of 35 mph or lower, opening up more than 300 miles of roads, which are mostly unpaved.

State lawmakers passed a law allowing counties to allow ATVs on certain roads to help stimulate local economies.

Ouachita National Forest OKs Seasonal Use Of Trails

Officials at the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas have decided to allow seasonal use of 40 miles of off-highway vehicle routes at Wolf Pen Gap near Mena.

Mena-Oden District Ranger Tim Oosterhous selected Alternative “I” as outlined in the Wolf Pen Gap environmental assessment.

“I am pleased this decision finds common ground to protect the forest while allowing continued use of nearly 40 of the 42 miles of trail during times of the year when it is most used by visitors,” Oosterhous says. “I greatly appreciate everyone’s participation in this process to come to a workable solution. Nobody got everything they wanted, but at the end of the day, we found a way to make it work and stay

open for use.”

Currently 41.7 miles of roads and trails are available for OHV use at Wolf Pen Gap, either year-round or seasonally. Key components of Alternative I define a trail system with 39.6 miles of routes, including mixed use routes and seasonal designations. Designated routes are open seasonally from the second Friday of March each year through Oct. 31. Two holiday periods will open the trail system to OHV use: from three days prior to Thanksgiving through two days after Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 25 through Jan. 2.

Monitoring will be an important factor in protecting natural resources, particularly during rainy periods, officials say. The monitoring will help determine if the amount of rainfall is enough to result in damage to the maintained trails, or in increased sedimentation in nearby tributaries. If so, a temporary closure of the trail, generally short-term, will occur.

For more information on Wolf Pen Gap call (479) 394-2382 or stop by the Mena Ranger District Office, 1603 Highway 71 North, Mena, Ark.

Polaris Building New Plant In Alabama

Polaris Industries announced plans to build a new, 60,000-square-foot ATV production facility in Huntsville, Ala.

At full capacity, the facility will employ at least 1,700 people.

Polaris says the 453-acre Huntsville site offers Polaris close proximity to its key customer base in the southeast United States and strong logistics network.

“This new facility will complement our already strong and growing North American manufacturing footprint by reducing pressure on our existing facilities and enable each to remain focused on their current product lines as we continue to meet the demand for our innovative, quality products,” says Ken Pucel, Polaris executive vice president of operations and engineering.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley welcomes the facility.

“Alabama’s success in advanced manufacturing is a result of the state’s successful Accelerate Alabama plan, and Polaris’ off-road vehicle production strategy fits perfectly within our manufacturing goals,” Bently says.

The plant’s completion is slated for early in the second quarter of 2016.

CHRIS BORICH, OTHERS, HONORED AT AMA CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET

Chris Borich, who won the XC1 Pro ATV championship in the 2014 Grand National Cross Country Series, was honored in January as the 2014 AMA ATV Athlete of the Year.

Borich’s award was announced at the AMA Championship Banquet on Jan. 17 at the Aladdin Event & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio.

During the gala evening event, other 2014 champions received AMA national No. 1 plates, and the season’s best organizers along with several categories of 2014 AMA Athletes of the Year were also honored.

Borich, from Sunbury, Pa., races for Team Maxxis. He was unable to attend the event due to off-season training. Tim Cotter, GNCC event director, accepted the award on Borich’s behalf.

“The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Chris is that he is tenacious in his racing,” Cotter said from the stage. “When he goes to that starting line, it is all about that first turn, but the most important thing about Chris is his family. They are always there. His parents are always there supporting him.”

who voted for me to win this award. It’s a real honor and a good way to kick off 2015. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to be in Ohio to accept the award, but I can’t thank everyone enough for sticking behind me all season.”

The AMA also honored the Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Series as ATV Organizer of the Year.

Borich is a multi-time GNCC XC1 Pro ATV national champion. He won the 2014 AMA ATV Athlete of the Year Award following one of the most highly contested GNCC championships in quite some time. Team Maxxis’ Borich also became the all-time winningest GNCC racer in 2014.

Borich says: “I really appreciate all the AMA members

Plus, Racer Productions, organizers of the Grand National Cross Country Series since 1975, was honored as the 2014 AMA Off-Road Organizer of the Year.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized as AMA Off-Road Organizer of the Year,” says Racer Productions President Rita Coombs.

“We have a lot of people that work very hard to make our events special. This award is for them.”

Motorsports media personalities

Laurette Nicoll and Greg White emceed the banquet, which awarded national championship trophies to racers in more than a dozen AMA-sanctioned series and events.

Sponsors and supporters of the 2014 AMA Championship Banquet included 1.7 Cleaning Solution, ASK Motorsports, Atlas Brace Technologies, Barnett Clutches, Beta USA, Bromley Motorcycle Sales, Brooks Leather Sportswear, Fly Racing, Galfer USA, Helmet House: Tourmaster, Iron Pony Motorsports, Matrix Concepts, Next Components, Shoei Helmets and SPOT LLC.

Here’s a look at other ATV racers honored at the banquet, as well as others expected to excel in 2015.

Chris Borich

Ashley Holder: AMA

ATV Extreme Dirt Track Racer

Last year, Ashley Holder was only in her first year of racing in the AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series but she proved she will be a force to be reckoned with during the 2015 season.

Holder, 22, of Archdale, N.C., finished second overall in the Women’s class and third in the C class aboard her Honda TRX 450R.

She says multi-time Women’s class champ Paula Shank proved to be her toughest competition “because she has been racing a lot longer than me and she is an overall great rider.”

Her biggest disappointment during the 2014 season came during the Busco Beach, N.C., event.

“I won all of my races that I attended except one, at Busco Beach. That wasn’t a very good day for me,” Holder says. “I spun out and then someone hit me, knocking me off of my bike. I placed last in that race.

“Also, it really disappointed me when Oklahoma got rained out because it hurt me in points, making me place second (overall),” she says.

Her first race was in 2013 at Black Ankle Raceway in North Carolina.

“I was 21. It was every difficult because I didn’t know what I was doing at the time,” she says. “I was racing nothing but guys. In the first heat, I was dead last on the takeoff. The main was different. I got the holeshot, and then got passed.

But I was determined not to come in last in the race and I didn’t,” she says. “I was so proud of myself.”

Holder says she enjoys racing the AMA ATV Extreme Dirt Track National Championship Series because she enjoys the travel.

“I had never been out of my state until I started racing and there is just so much that I haven’t seen,” she says. “Besides traveling, I just love the sport of racing.”

When she isn’t riding her quad, Holder enjoys fishing and swimming.

For supporting her racing, she thanks Earnhardt Racing “for giving me the best opportunity in my life. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them. My dream was to race four-wheelers and they are the ones who made it possible.”

Holder concludes with this advice for others who would like to race ATV extreme dirt track: “It is a really great sport to get into but can get very competitive. I would say that anything is possible, so follow your dreams.”

Saige Johnson: Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Racer

Consistency pays off in ATV racing. Just ask Saige Johnson of Gilman City, Mo.

Johnson, 21, credits consistency for her second-place overall finish in the Women’s class of the Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Series in 2014.

Johnson, who races a Honda TRX 450R, says she competes in AMA-sanctioned events because “an AMA-sanctioned event promotes and protects the interests of the riders including my right to ride and race safely and fairly. Also, AMA members receive a monthly magazine full of product reviews and racing news.”

For 2015, Johnson plans to continue racing in the Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Series and team up for the 2015 Heartland Challenge endurance race.

“Preparing for the season involves a little bit of riding, when my schedule allows me, and tuning up my quad,” she says.

In her free time, Johnson enjoys being with family and hunting. In fact, she enjoys deer hunting with a bow.

The 2015 season will, once again, prove to be challenging if some of the top racers in the Women’s class return in 2015.

“Michele Mickelberry topped the list for the toughest competition,” Johnson says. “She is fast and consistent.”

She also notes that, “when you race with the Johnsons and Burrows and Michelle Mickelberry, there is never a dull moment.”

Johnson says that she raced her first race at the age of 10 on a Honda 90 ATV in the Iowa ATV Hare Scramble Series.

“It has been a while, but I can remember clipping a tree and smashing my finger, and my dad popping out of nowhere, getting me back on the quad, and sending me back into the timber,” Johnson says. “My dad was, and is, always there for me.”

Who does she thank for her racing?

Saige Johnson

Ashley Holder

Jeff Guciardo

Photo courtesy Saige Johnson

“I want to thank my mom and dad and my brother Zac,” she says. “They are there for me at every race on and off the track.

“Also, Michael Burrows, Bradley Burrows, Pam and Aaron Burrows and Brad Meyers for tune ups, spare parts and the best pit crew anyone could ask for,” she says. “I would also like to thank the Iowa ATV Hare Scramble Series for giving me the opportunity to do what I love.”

Her advice for prospective racers includes: “Think safety first, ride safe, and wear safety gear. Learn about the sport and the quad. Find someone who is a more experienced rider to ride with and you will become a better rider. I have my brothers, Zac and Michael Burrows, to thank for pushing me to become the rider I am. Just like any sport, give it 110 percent, ride safe, ride fair, help others and have fun.”

Jarrod McClure: AMA ATV Grand National Cross Country Racer

Following his successful fourth-place finish overall in the XC1 Pro class of the 2014 AMSOIL AMA Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis,

Jarrod McClure is looking forward to the 2015 season.

McClure notes: “2014 was my best season to date, ranking fourth overall in the standings and not having one single mechanical failure thanks to Baldwin Motorsports and my mechanic, John Bowers.

“My program for 2015 will be almost identical to last season, with a few minor changes,” he says. “I’ve been blessed with some great sponsors over the past years, and I like to remain loyal to them.”

He thanks them all for their support. They include “my mom and dad, John Bowers, Harlen Foley, and all my sponsors who support me. It is an expensive sport and without sponsors, I know that I would never be able to race.”

McClure, 27, lives in a small coal region town called Kaska in east-central Pennsylvania. He battles in the GNCC series aboard a Honda TRX450R.

His toughest competition, he says, includes Chris Borich, Walker Fowler and Adam McGill. But he also notes that there are “a lot of younger riders coming up the ranks with nothing holding them back and full commitments to racing. They are the guys who are going to be tough [in 2015].”

McClure enjoys racing the GNCC series because “the competition is unlike any other series I have raced in, and I have been around.” Places he has raced include Canada, Mexico and almost all of the west coast states.

come off, putting me out of the top 10 for the day,” he says.

When he’s not racing, practicing or training, McClure enjoys spending time with his pitbull “Honda,” riding dirt bikes, mountain bikes, and whitewater kayaking.

McClure’s first race was a hare scrambles race about a decade ago in Pine Grove, Pa.

“I was 14, and it was awesome,” he says. “I remember when Chris Borich lapped me and I thought, ‘Man, that guy is crazy!’”

What advice would he give others who want to race ATVs?

“A good friend of mine once told me: ‘When you are going racing, it’s like rolling down the windows in your truck and letting money blow out. When it’s time to put the windows up, you quit racing.’ It’s an expensive sport so unless you plan on being a 27-year-old bum living at home, putting all you make into quads, make sure you get a good job to support this expensive hobby!”

For supporting his racing, McClure thanks his girlfriend, Sheila, as well as atvriders.com, JMR, DWT, DWT Tires, Elka, HMF, IQ, Teixeira-Tech, Bowers Motorcycle, Moose Racing, Rockwell Watches, BelRay, Sunstar, Precision, Powermadd, Fourwerx, Bell Helmets, Scott Goggles, Dirtworks, Works Connection, Baldwin Motorsports, Motoprotraining, Matto Cycle, Impact Solutions, Santor Design Co., DP Brakes, Gorilla Offroad Company, IMS, Glann Innov., Hot Rods, Pivot Works and Wiseco.

Ashleigh Offutt: AMA ATV Motocross Racer

He also enjoys the GNCC series because “I have a blast hanging out with my neighbors on Pro Row, the Neal family and the folks at Spider Graphix. They’re all great people.”

The most heart-breaking episode he endured during the 2014 season happened at the Limestone GNCC in Springville, Ind.

“After having a horrible start I charged up to fifth place only to have my chain

Ashley Offutt, 17, of Royse City, Texas, had high hopes in 2014 for her rookie year competing in the Women’s class of the AMA ATV Motocross National Championship Series.

She hoped to finish the year at least third overall.

But when she crashed early in the season at the Oklahoma round, she wondered whether she would realize her goal.

“It really shook my confidence and took me a while to get over it,” Offutt remembers. “Thanks to the help of my family, friends and faith, I came back strong at the end of the season.”

And her dream came true.

Riding a Honda TRX 450R, she finished the season third in the Women’s class. She was able to do so even though she has trouble seeing out of one eye.

“People may be surprised to know that I am, basically, legally blind in one eye,” Offutt says. “So gauging corners and jumps can be challenging.”

Jarrod McClure

CHRIS BORICH, OTHERS, HONORED AT AMA CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET

“The competition at the national level is extremely tough,” Offutt says. “All the ladies are excellent riders. Megan Manshack [the national champion] and Katie Mette [second overall] have set the bar high for all us girls. Their dedication and talent pushed me to work even harder. I have a lot respect for all the ladies I compete against.”

Offutt knows that the best of the best race in AMA competition. She also knows about the AMA’s long and storied history of racing.

“Being blessed with the opportunity to race AMA ATV Nationals is a dream come true,” she says. “It was exciting to travel the United States and race at historic tracks.

“Having the opportunity to line up on the gates with the girls I’ve looked up to was an amazing experience,” she adds. “These are memories I will cherish for a lifetime.”

For 2015, Offutt plans to compete in as many AMA ATV Nationals as possible. During the off-season she says she “will be traveling throughout Texas and Louisiana training while getting my JH Racing motor and new Elka Suspension dialed in.”

Looking back on the 2014 season, Offutt says that the funniest thing to

happen to her was at the second round at Muddy Creek in Blountville, Tenn. She headed for the race not feeling well.

“Come to find out I had bronchitis and developed laryngitis by Saturday,” she says. “After I lost my voice, my little buddy Bryce Ford had to be my translator for the weekend. Everyone had fun picking on me since I couldn’t talk.

“It turned out to be a good weekend though,” she says. “I placed third.”

Offutt started racing when she was 8 on a little motocross track in Lavon, Texas.

“I was the only miniquad entered that night so I had to race with the dirt bike 50s,” she recalls. “I felt like a superstar, because everyone was cheering me on. I was so excited I didn’t see the checkered flag. I kept going and my dad had to run out there to help me off the track.”

For others who would like to try racing, Offutt says to keep it fun.

“Don’t let competition make you lose sight of the joy of racing,” she says. “It takes a lot of dedication if you want to be successful, so never give up on your dreams, even when it gets hard. Your hard work will pay off.

“For any girls who may want to start racing, don’t be afraid to ride with the boys. They will push you and make you a better rider.”

Ryan Brinker: AMA ATV Hare Scrambles Competitor

Heartbreak and racing go hand in hand. That’s something that racers accept, and it’s something that ATV hare scrambles racer Ryan Brinker had to deal with during the 2014 season.

“The most heartbreaking thing for me was at the Peace River National in Florida,” says Brinker, 19, of New Tripoli, Pa. “It was sunny all day and right before the race it started to rain.

“I got a dead-last start and had to work my way back up through the field,” Brinker says. “By the last lap I had gotten myself into second place but from all the mud being thrown up it packed my radiator and the engine overheated and blew up. I was unable to finish the race.”

Despite the misfortune at a round of the 2014 AMA ATV Hare Scrambles National Championship Series, Brinker still captured the championship in not one but two classes: Overall and Open A. Brinker, who races a Yamaha YFZ450X, says there is no single competitor who is tough for him because they all are. “Every track brings new faces and even tougher competitors,” he says.

He says the most interesting thing

Ashleigh Offutt

during 2014 happened in Missouri.

“It rained the night before the race so it was really muddy. I was covered completely in mud so after the race I decided to clean myself off in a pond in all of my gear,” he says. “While I was in the water my dad took a picture of me and sent it to my mom at home and told her I missed a turn. She believed him and thought that my season would be over, that we could not fix the quad.

“Later we told her the truth and she got mad at us for playing a joke on her like that,” he says.

Brinker ran his first race at the age of 8 aboard a 50cc Polaris Scrambler at a track called The Flying Dutchmen in Pine Grove, Pa.

“It was very exciting for me because I had never done anything like that before,” he says. “I’d watched it on TV and never thought I’d be doing it.”

What Brinker enjoys about racing the AMA ATV Hare Scrambles National series is that the tracks and people at the races are always different so you don’t know what to expect.

“My plan for the 2015 season is to move up to the AA or XC2 Pro-Am class to race and try to get some wins,” he says. “To get ready I have to rebuild the quad and train more and harder.”

For those who would like to race ATVs but have no place to practice, consider that Brinker won two class titles even

though he, also, has no place to practice.

“Everything I’ve learned I learned from being on the track racing,” he says.

“Some advice I would give to someone who wants to race is to just go out and do it,” he adds. “Have fun, don’t let anything stop you from doing it. It doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or a pro, it is one big community.”

Brinker concludes: “I would like to thank my mom and dad for helping me get to the races and for being my pit crew, and my girlfriend for supporting me at home. A special thanks goes to Lazarus Sommers and GT Thunder, Leatt neck braces and Houser Racing.”

Finally, Brinker dedicates his season, and titles, to his mom.

Ashley Bottorff: Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Racer

Ashley Bottorff, a 29-year-old ATV hare scrambles racer from Indianola, Iowa, deserves the “ironwoman” label for a couple reasons.

First, in 2014 she ran the Heartland Challenge, an endurance race in Carlisle, Iowa, in the ironman class, all 10 hours by herself, and finished seventh.

“I’m still the only female to complete the 10-hour ironman!” she says.

rear end to a Honda 450. The plan is to get some kinks figured out and hopefully increase the performance of the quad.”

She notes her toughest competition varies, depending on track conditions, crashes, weather conditions and other factors, but usually Chelsee Van Patten, Kaylee Stansberry and Dawn Colsch are all in the mix.

She enjoys racing the IATVHSS events because “there is no comparison to what the IATVHSS does for its riders,” Bofforff says. “The track crew is always out there in the woods when you need them. The race series as a whole is one big race family.”

Her first race wasn’t that long ago, and it was memorable.

Second, in 2013 she was off for the first half of the season because she was pregnant with her son, Zander, but seven weeks after he was born “I raced my first IATVHSS [Iowa ATV Hare Scrambles Series] race and finished fourth in the Women’s class,” she says. “Now that is dedication!”

Bottorff competes in the Women’s class of the IATVHSS and finished the 2014 season fifth overall after dealing with early electrical problems.

“For the 2015 racing series I plan on sticking with the Women’s class in the IATVHSS and working on making it into the top three overall,” she says.

“Right now my Honda 400 is going through an overhaul. We are converting the whole

“My first race was in 2008 at Montezuma, Iowa,” she says. “I was 23 years old. The track conditions were horrible. We raced on Sunday, like normal, but it had been down pouring all weekend long. On the very first lap, while going up a long hill, the dam to the pond that was on my left gave way making the hill a mudslide.

“I have never seen so many quads stuck,” she says. “We eventually all pushed our quads up the hill with help from the wonderful track crew. I finished the race after getting stuck many times and doing plenty of 360s.”

Who does she thank for supporting her racing?

“First and foremost, my husband, mechanic and biggest supporter Chad Bottorff. My parents, Tom and Kecia Jones, for their never-wavering confidence, sponsor money and positive attitudes. My little brother, Josh Jones, for getting me into this sport and training me to do what is my passion in life.”

Bottorff also encourages other women to get into racing.

“Never think you have to be just the pit mom, wife or girlfriend,” she says. “We are built with endurance just like men. Get out there and race with the best of them!”

Ryan Brinker

Ashley Bottorff

Photo courtesy

Ryan Brinker

CALENDAR

CALIFORNIA

EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES

MAY 9: RIDGECREST: BADGERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (661) 242-2712, BADGERSMC.ORG

MOTOCROSS

MAY 22: SAN BERNARDINO: GLEN HELEN RACEWAY, INC., (909) 384-9342, GLENHELEN.COM

ILLINOIS

MOTOCROSS

MAY 9: BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT.COM

MAY 10: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271

JUN 7: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271

JUN 28: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271

JUL 19: BYRON: MOTOSPORTS ENTERPRISES LTD, (815) 234-2271 SCRAMBLES

MAY 2: BELLEVILLE: BELLEVILLE ENDURO TEAM INC, (618) 277-3478, BETDIRT.COM

INDIANA

HILLCLIMB

MAY 17: MIDDLEBURY: GOSHEN IRON HORSEMEN, (574) 825-3399

HARE SCRAMBLES

MAY 3: CULVER: PLYMOUTH BLACKHAWKS MC, INC., (574) 259-0103

MOTOCROSS

MAY 30: CRAWFORDSVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, MX SPORTS, INC., (304) 284-0084, ATVMOTOCROSS.COM

KENTUCKY

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: BEDFORD: NICKOTA MOTORSPORTS PARK LLC, (502) 525-1167, NICKOTAMOTORSPORTS.COM

JUN 14: BEDFORD: NICKOTA MOTORSPORTS PARK LLC, (502) 525-1167, NICKOTAMOTORSPORTS.COM

MICHIGAN

DIRT DRAG

JUN 12: GRANT: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 834-5349, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

JUL 10: GRANT: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 834-5349, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

JUL 11: GRANT: MUSKEGON MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (231) 834-5349, MUSKEGONMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

JUN 13: MIDLAND: POLKA DOTS M/C, (989) 832-8284, POLKADOTSMC.NET

JUL 11: CROSWELL: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

MOTOCROSS

JUN 13: CHRISTMAS: X-MAS FAMILY MOTORSPORTS PARK, (906) 202-2681, X-MASFAMILYMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM

JUN 14: CHRISTMAS: X-MAS FAMILY MOTORSPORTS PARK, (906) 202-2681, X-MASFAMILYMOTORSPORTSPARK.COM

JUN 20: BELDING: 2 DAY EVENT, GRATTAN RACEWAY, (616) 691-7221, GRAHAMMX.COM

JUL 25: SOUTH RANGE: RANGE MX/ HOUGHTON, (906) 482-9333

JUL 25: BUCHANAN: 2 DAY EVENT, REDBUD RECREATION, INC., (269) 695-6405, REDBUDMX.COM

JUL 26: ATLANTIC MINE: RANGE MX/HOUGHTON, (906) 482-9333, RANGESNOWMOBILECLUB.COM

SHORT TRACK

MAY 16: DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM TTS

MAY 17: DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

JUL 26: DEFORD: LUCKY THUMB MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC., (810) 404-2895, LUCKYTHUMBMOTORCYCLECLUB.COM

MINNESOTA

HILLCLIMB

JUN 13: MANKATO: KATO CYCLE CLUB, (507) 381-1951, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM

JUN 14: MANKATO: KATO CYCLE CLUB, (507) 381-1951, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM

JUL 25: MANKATO: KATO CYCLE CLUB, (507) 381-1951, KATOCYCLECLUB.COM

TTS

JUN 14: CAMBRIDGE: NORSEMEN MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (612) 865-2661, NORSEMENMC.ORG

NEVADA

GRAND PRIX

MAY 2: PRIMM STATE LINE: 2 DAY EVENT, SUNLAND SHAMROCKS, (818) 767-4594

NEW YORK

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: WALLKILL: WALDEN MX, (845) 895-2537, WALDENMX.COM

CROSS COUNTRY

MAY 9: ODESSA: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 23: CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

MAY 24: CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

MAY 31: AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 784-5466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM

JUN 14: CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

JUL 4: CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

JUL 5: CAROGA LAKE: ROYAL MOUNTAIN SKI AREA, (518) 835-6445, ROYALMOUNTAIN.COM

JUL 12: AUBURN: FROZEN OCEAN MOTOCROSS INC, (315) 784-5466, FROZEN-OCEAN.COM SHORT TRACK

MAY 2: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 725-3069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

MAY 16: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS

M/C, (607) 725-3069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

JUN 6: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS

M/C, (607) 725-3069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

JUL 11: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 725-3069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

JUL 25: PORT CRANE: SQUARE DEAL RIDERS M/C, (607) 725-3069, SQUAREDEALRIDERS.COM

NORTH CAROLINA

MOTOCROSS

JUN 28: ELLERBE: WINDY HILL SPORTS, (910) 895-4387, WINDYHILLSPORTSMX.COM

TTS

MAY 22: WADESBORO: 2 DAY EVENT, PERIMETER PARK MOTORSPORTS, PERIMETERPARKMOTORSPORTS.COM

OHIO

CROSS COUNTRY

JUN 6: MILLFIELD: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

MOTOCROSS

MAY 3: SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCRMX.COM

JUN 14: SUGAR GROVE: CENTRAL OHIO COMPETITION RIDERS INC., (740) 983-3937, COCRMX.COM

PENNSYLVANIA

SHORT TRACK

JUN 6: HANOVER: TRAIL-WAY SPEEDWAY, (717) 359-4310, TRAIL-WAYSPEEDWAY.COM

TTS

MAY 10: PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160, PISTONPOPPERSMC.COM

JUN 14: PARKESBURG: E PA PISTON POPPERS MC INC, (484) 336-9160, PISTONPOPPERSMC.COM

TENNESSEE

MOTOCROSS

MAY 2: : 2 DAY EVENT, VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

JUN 5: BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

JUN 7: BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

JUL 11: BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

JUL 12: BLOUNTVILLE: VICTORY SPORTS INC, (423) 323-5497, VICTORY-SPORTS.COM

UTAH

HARE & HOUND

MAY 2: JERICHO: SAGE RIDERS MC, (435) 650-1250, SAGERIDERSMC.COM

JUN 6: SNOWVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, BIG NASTY HILLCLIMB LLC, (208) 573-4255, X12EVENTS.COM

VIRGINIA

MOTOCROSS

JUN 6: DISPUTANTA: 2 DAY EVENT, SOUTH FORK RIDERS ASSOCIATION, LLC, (919) 259-4890, SOUTHFORKMX.COM

WEST VIRGINIA

CROSS COUNTRY

MAY 23: MASONTOWN: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

JUN 20: SNOWSHOE: 2 DAY EVENT, RACER PRODUCTIONS INC, (304) 284-0084, GNCCRACING.COM

WISCONSIN

1/2 MILE DIRT TRACK

JUN 13: JUNEAU: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 885-3586, DODGECOUNTYFAIRGROUNDS.COM

JUL 18: UNITY: RIB MOUNTAIN RIDERS MC, INC., (715) 693-3856, RACECWR.COM HILLCLIMB

JUN 28: HIXTON: CMJ RACEWAY LLC, (608) 220-6853, CMJMX1@YAHOO.COM

STI’s New HD6 Wheel

STI Tire & Wheel introduces its all-new HD6 wheels, the newest members of the HD Alloy line. The HD6 wheels deliver singular style in two unique finishes, each with a clear-coat protective finish, and three popular sizes. Plus, an optional full-cover center cap adds a distinctive and custom look. The HD6 wheels have 1,000-pound load ratings. Heavy-duty wheel-lip reinforcements add to the strength and durability. Like other wheels in the STI HD Alloy family, the HD6 wheels are backed by a lifetime structural warranty.

MSRP: $92 to $171

Info: www.stitireandwheel.com

MOTOCROSS

MAY 17: MARSHFIELD: MARSHFIELD T&T RIDERS, INC., (715) 384-4555, T-N-TRIDERS.COM

JUN 7: ARKANSAW: STRAIGHT ARROW ENDURO RIDERS, (651) 587-4435, STRAIGHTARROWS.ORG SHORT TRACK

MAY 16: BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM

MAY 29: PLYMOUTH: SOUTHEASTERN

ITP’s UltraCross R Spec Tire

SHORT TRACKERS, LTD, (262) 339-7430, DAIRYLANDCLASSIC.COM

JUN 20: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 531-3945, AZTALANMX.COM

JUL 11: LAKE MILLS: AZTALAN CYCLE CLUB INC, (414) 531-3945, AZTALANMX.COM

JUL 25: BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM TTS

MAY 17: BURNETT: BEAVER CYCLE CLUB, INC., (920) 319-6889, BEAVERCYCLECLUB.COM

ITP has introduced new sizes of UltraCross R Spec tires. Manufactured from the same DNA as its Baja-winning UltraCross R Spec 30-inch tire, the new sizes cover a full range of vehicles, horsepower and terrain applications. The tires feature a unique multi-surface, non-directional tread pattern to enhance traction control on slippery surfaces and 8-ply radial construction for exceptional wear and puncture resistance. New UltraCross R Spec sizes in 2015: 27x10R12, 27x10R-14, 28x10R-12, 28x10R-14, 29x9R-14, 29x11R-14, 29x10R-15, 30x10R-15, 32x10R-15.

MSRP: To be announced

Info: www.itptires.com

Carburetor Rebuild Kit for ATVs

Mikuni is offering genuine Mikuni carburetor and fuel pump rebuild kits for many popular ATVs where such kits and replacement parts may not be available from the vehicle manufacturer. Shown here is the Mikuni carburetor Rebuild Kit BSR-33 for the OEM Mikuni BSR33 carburetor found on many popular ATVs including those from Yamaha, Suzuki and Polaris. The kit replaces vital components in the BSR33 carb including the float needle valve assembly, gaskets, seals, diaphragms, spring and screws to return the stock Mikuni BSR33 carb to like-new operation.

MSRP: $48.95

Info: www.mikunipower.com

Chad Wienen AMA Member

Where Riders Belong

What do Chad Wienen, Thomas Brown and Josh Creamer have in common? They’re members of the American Motorcyclist Association. You don’t need to be an AMA Pro ATVMX superstar to be an ATV rider of the AMA. You can join just to support the sport and be a part of a national grassroots movement of riders who ﬁght anti-ATVing forces to protect your freedom to ride and race. It’s where riders belong. With an AMA membership you get a special ATV afﬁnity card, ATV News and American Motorcyclist magazine, hundreds of dollars in discounts, and AMA Roadside Assistance at no cost*. Most of all, you’ll stand with Chad, Thomas and Josh to protect the sport we all love and safeguard it for future generations. The AMA is where you belong. Join us.