Maxxis / Elka’s David Haagsma Top Five at ATV SX
Maxxis / Elka / Liquid Wrench / Honda Daytona ATV SX Team Report

Salisbury, NC (3/11/2016) - Maxxis / Elka / Liquid Wrench / Honda’s David Haagsma finished fifth in his ATV Supercross debut at Daytona International Speedway. Joel Hetrick claimed the Pro Heat race win, but wrecked during the Main, and Grayson Eller made an impressive debut in the B Class ranks by scoring two fourth place finishes.

2016 Maxxis / Elka / Liquid Wrench / Honda Team

Though Haagsma admitted he made a mistake in setting up his quad, he said this is still a great way to start out the season. Haagsma is contesting the entire 2016 with the Maxxis squad.

“The track was really gnarly,” said Haagsma. “I didn’t have the suspension setup for the track; I thought they were going to groom it before the main, so that kind of put me at a deficit. This is good momentum for the season. It could have been way worse, so I’ll take it. I’m really pumped to do the whole series.”

David Haagsma launches his Maxxis / Elka / Liquid Wrench / Honda at Daytona International Speedway

Haagsma joins the veteran team with Maxxis Tires, Elka Suspension, and Liquid Wrench three stalwart sponsors in ATV racing.

David Haagsma earned fifth at his Daytona ATV Supercross Debut

“The team is awesome,” said Haagsma. “Everyone in it and everyone backing us has been amazing so far. The bike is working great and we’re going to have a good year.”

Teammate Joel Hetrick won his heat, ahead of Haagsma, scoring the one-two finish for the team. Unfortunately, Hetrick injured his knee in a crash while challenging for fourth.

Joel Hetrick won the Pro heat, but unfortunately took a digger during the Pro Main event

“Joel is OK. He had a little mishap, but he’ll be alright,” said Paul Turner, who is wrenching on Hetrick’s Honda this season. “He overshot the jump a little, flipped over and hit the ground.  He’s a great kid and it’s an honor to work with him and with this whole team. It’s a lot of fun.”

Grayson Eller made his debut on a full size quad at Daytona, finishing fourth in the 450B Class, as well as in Production B. In Production B, Eller had to replace an engine just prior to the start, and overcame the scramble to finish fourth.

Grayson Eller claimed 4th place finishes in both the 450B & Prod B

“We were really working hard to get things back together before the race,” said Eller. “Things don’t always go as planned, so it’s nice to have a team that is as prepared and professional as this one.”

In 450B, Eller equaled his fourth-place result. He ran 400s and 250s last season, so this was a big jump for Eller. Neither races counted in the overall championship.

“I had a tough start, so I had a lot of positions to make up,” said Eller. “The track was really technical, so you could lose positions as fast as you got them. It was great. I couldn’t ask for anything more, but I’m still expecting to do a little better. I’ve learned a lot from my teammates Joel and Davy. We talk about everything and we have great support this year. Our sponsors are setting us up for great things this year.”

2016 Race Team Sponsors
Maxxis, Liquid Wrench, Elka, Fly, Scott, SSi Decals, DWT, Hinson, Bel Ray, Sunstar, Works Connection, Sandridge Foods, Impact Solutions, Fourwerx, Alpinestar, DC Designs, Precision Racing Products