Can-Am DS450 ATV Racers Take
Podium at Aonia Pass MX
AMA
Pro ATV Motocross – Round 1 – Aonia
Pass MX – Washington, GA
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Can-Am's
#13 John Natalie placed second overall at
the opening round of the 2012 AMA Pro ATV
MX Nationals |
Valcourt, Québec (3/29//2012)
- Team Motoworks / Can-Am DS 450 racer John Natalie
finished second in both Pro class motos to finish
second on the podium at the AMA ATV Motocross Championship
opener in Washington, Ga. Teammate Joel Hetrick
won the fastest qualifier award at Aonia Pass MX
aboard the DS 450 and finished eighth overall. Can-Am
racers also wrapped up several amateur class wins
during the opening weekend of the 10-round AMA ATV
MX series.
“John battled hard in both Pro class motos
and just narrowly missed taking the overall win
in the final lap of moto two. He remains steadfast
and determined in his title defense,” said
Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Joel
Hetrick was very impressive, earning the fastest
qualifying time in both Pro practices. Unfortunately,
his hopes for a weekend podium were dashed after
a first-moto crash occurred while he was making
a pass for the lead. Both our racers were very strong
and are determined to be significant contenders
for the Pro class podium at every round this season.”
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John
Natalie was the second fastest qualifier
aboard his Can-Am DS450 ATV |
Natalie, who was the second fastest qualifier of
the day on his DS 450, was second off the start.
After falling back to fourth at one point, Natalie
buckled down and passed his way back into the top
three. He earned the second position when his teammate,
Hetrick, went off the track while challenging for
the lead. Natalie drew close to the leader, but
ran out of time and had to settle for second in
moto one. Hetrick, who was unable to finish the
first moto, was credited with 14th.
Moto two again saw Natalie pull out of the gate
in second. He quickly took over the lead and was
followed by the moto one winner. Natalie held the
lead and fended off several pass attempts for almost
the entire moto. The race overall came down to the
final corner. Natalie lost the lead and the race
overall, but still ended up second overall with
his 2-2 finishes.
“It was really close at the end. I wanted
to start the season on the podium and I’m
happy about that,” said Natalie. “I
have to thank Can-Am, Motoworks and everyone who
helped me get to the podium today.”
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Can-Am's
new addition to the 2012 AMA ATV MX Race
team is Joel Hetrick who was awarded the
Fastest Qualifier Award |
Hetrick rebounded from his disappointing first moto
to earn fourth in moto two. His 14-4 combined finishes
were good for eighth overall in his Pro debut aboard
the Can-Am DS 450.
“I really like the Can-Am. I felt good on
it today,” said Hetrick. “I was having
a really good first moto and took the lead, but
we got together right after that and I went off
the track. I was hoping to be on the podium, but
I rode really well and I’m happy I was able
to lead for a little while.”
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Can-Am's
Chase Henry took home a victory in the Production
A class at AMA ATV Motocross Round 1 |
Other Can-Am DS 450 ATV racers to post class victories
were, Chase Henry (Production A), Travis Spader
(Veteran 30+ and 450 A), Merrill Crose (25+A) and
C.J. Dollarhide (4-Stroke B).
For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire
2011 schedule, the 2011 contingency program and
Can-Am DS 450 ATV amateur racer support program,
please visit www.can-amxteam.com.
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