Can-Am/ Motoworks's John Natalie placed second at Aonia Pass MX

Vista, CA (3/27/2012) – Can-Am / Motoworks’ John Natalie, Jr. put in an incredible run at the season opener of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships and took the number two spot on the podium, while new teammate Joel Hetrick was impressive as he battled it out in his first race with the team.

Aonia Pass MX in Washington, GA hosted the opening round of the AMA ATV Motocross Championships where good weather was on hand and good track conditions prevailed for the day.

After winning the pro championship last season, John Natalie, Jr. has been training vigorously over the off season, in order to keep the number one plate in the Can-Am/Motoworks camp again this year, and it showed as he charged his way to the podium in round one.

DWT's John Natalie placed second in both Motos giving him second overall for the weekend on his Can-Am DS450 ATV

In the first moto, John Natalie was in second off the start. The Ironman was under attack almost immediately and fell back briefly before regaining his position in the number two spot. Once he was back in second place, Natalie began to close the gap on the leader, but ran out of time before he was able to make a move, giving him a solid second at the checkered flag.

In the second moto, Natalie was in second off the start once again, but quickly assumed the lead early in the first lap. Natalie set a blistering pace and held the lead for 15 laps despite incredible pressure from the competition. Natalie was looking strong, but just before reaching the finish line; he was edged out of the lead. Natalie fought back, but with only seconds left in the race, he was not able to reclaim the lead, giving him second place in moto two and a respectable second overall on the pro podium.

“I had a great race today. I felt good, the quad felt good. I have to thank everyone at Motoworks, Can-Am, DWT, all of my family, friends and fans who have stuck by me and given me the support to make it to the podium,” said Natalie.

Can-Am/ Motoworks Joel Hetrick won the ATVriders.com's Fastest Qualifier Award with a time of 01:31.384

Can-Am/Motoworks’ Joel Hetrick made his debut with the team and made quite an impression. Hetrick was the fastest qualifier during both pro practices and continued his incredible speed into the first moto. As the gate dropped, Hetrick charged off the line and soon worked his way into the number four spot early in the first lap. From there, Hetrick stayed on the gas and soon was mixing it up with the leaders. Hetrick recorded the fastest lap time of the moto in lap six with a time of 01:31.384 and put him in a position to take over the lead in lap seven. Hetrick held the lead briefly, but connected with his challenger and went off the track, which put an end to his amazing run.

Joel Hetrick finished eighth overall at round 1 despite not finishing the first moto after connecting with another racer

In the second moto, Hetrick was just outside of the top ten on the start and soon charged his way through traffic and worked his way into the number four spot. Hetrick held his position and was unchallenged all the way to the checkered flag, which would put him in eighth overall for the day.

“I felt great out there and it felt good to be out front in the first moto. I really like the Can-Am and I think this is going to be a good season for me. I have to thank Can-Am and Motoworks for giving me the opportunity to come out here and ride for them. I wasn’t able to put it on the podium this time, but I plan to be up there at round two,” stated Hetrick.

Round number two of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships will head to Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville, TN on April 21-22, where the Can-Am/Motoworks team is hoping to dominate the pro podium.