Joel Hetrick Wins Fourth Straight, Extends Points Lead
Rockford Fosgate / TiLube / Honda ATV Team Report

Salisbury, NC (7/10/2018) - Rockford Fosgate / TiLube / Honda’s Joel Hetrick scored his fourth consecutive victory in the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship, sweeping the motos at Unadilla MX in New Berlin, NY. Teammate Haedyn Mickelson finished a season best eighth in the Pro race and is now the leading candidate to win the Rookie of the Year Award.

Rockford Fosgate/TiLube/Honda's Joel Hetrick goes 1-1 at Unadilla MX to extend his points lead to 9 points heading into final two rounds

Dry and slick conditions rewarded Hetrick’s combination of DASA engine, Hinson Clutches, Elka Suspension, and Maxxis’ new RAZR Plus Tires. After snagging the top qualifying spot, Hetrick took the lead midway through the first moto and then held strong to score the top spot. In the second moto, he took the holeshot and dominated the race.

“Everything was really about ground speed today because the track was really smooth with only a few bumps in the turns,” said Hetrick. “Jay Gobel from Elka did some tuning between the motos and that made a big difference. The track just suited me well. The track was just so fast this year. It was super hard packed and I loved it.”

Rockford Fosgate/TiLube/Honda's Joel Hetrick grabbed the Moto 2 Holeshot

Starting position is always key at Unadilla and Hetrick definitely had the holeshot dialed in during the second moto. The Maxxis RAZR Plus tires have made waves all season and their superior traction paid off for Hetrick.

“The new Maxxis Tires worked great and the DASA motor pulled strong,” said Hetrick. “You always want to start up front here because it’s rocky and it hurts. The RAZR Plus is seriously next level. We used to have to groove the tires, now we don’t need to. We just slide them on and go.”

Rockford Fosgate/TiLube/Honda's Joel Hetrick

The victory cements Hetrick’s lead in the title chase. He now has a nine-point lead with just two races left this season. “This is definitely what I needed going into the next race,” said Hetrick. “I’ve always been good at Red Bud, but it’s nice having this cushion now. I can ride smart, and stay consistent.”

Mickelson spent the week prior to the event on track, even competing in a local race. The extra seat time was key for Mickelson as he put together a 9-8 in the motos for his best finish of the season as he is eyes Rookie of the Year honors.

Rockford Fosgate/TiLube/Honda's Haedyn Mickelson finished a career best 8th overall

“I rode a local race in Pennsylvania with Joel and that really helped,” said Mickelson. “There was more of an intensity you don’t get when you’re riding by yourself. The track was pretty slick and those new Maxxis Tires were really hooking up. The Elka suspension worked flawlessly like always.”

Hetrick and Mickelson will be back in action when the Rockford Fosgate/TiLube/Honda team heads to Red Bud MX in Buchanan, MI. That race is scheduled for July 21st.