Can-Am/ Motoworks's John Natalie & Joel Hetrick went 2-3 at Sunset Ridge

Vista, CA (5/19/2012) – Can-Am / Motoworks’ John Natalie, Jr. and Joel Hetrick came on strong and battled their way to the podium at round number four of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships in Walnut, IL.

A shortened course at Sunset Ridge presented some challenges as the track was even rougher than normal and the hot weather only made matters worse as fatigue became a factor as racers pushed themselves to the limits. Despite the challenges, the Can-Am/Motoworks team overcame the odds and made their way to the Pro podium.

Defending AMA ATV MX Pro Champion John Natalie currently sits second in the Pro ATV Points Race

Defending champion, John Natalie, Jr. did not get an ideal start for the first moto and was in tenth in the first lap. Natalie put on an impressive performance and charged his way through traffic. Natalie reached the top five by the fourth lap and was not stopping there. Natalie was engaged in a heated three way battle for third and after a couple of laps, took over the number three spot. Natalie began to chase down his teammate Joel Hetrick, who was in second, but ran out of time before he could get close enough to make a move and settled for a third place finish.

“It was tough out there. The track was rough and it was hot. I had to battle my way up and I was closing in on Joel, but I just didn’t have enough time to get close enough to him,” said Natalie.

Moto two was much better for Natalie as he charged off the start in second and immediately went after the leader. Natalie took over the lead early in the first lap but soon came under intense pressure. Natalie was doing well, the rough track caused a slight bobble and he would eventually fall back to third. Natalie was not about to settle for another third place finish and he charged his way back to second place and soon caught the leader. Natalie pushed incredibly hard and came within only a fraction of a second from taking the moto win at the checkered flag. Natalie’s impressive performance put him in second overall on the Pro podium.

“It was so close, and I gave it everything I had out there. It was a great race and I can’t thank Can-Am, Johnny Leach and Motoworks enough for giving me the opportunity to be out here and do what I love to do,” said Natalie.

Can-Am/ Motoworks's Joel Hetrick grabbed the ATVriders.com Fastest Qualifier Award at AMA ATV MX Round 4 in Walnut, IL

Joel Hetrick also was impressive this weekend. Hetrick once again took home the Fastest Qualifier award and backed it up with an impressive second place finish in moto one. Hetrick was in fourth off the start and quickly made his way into second. Hetrick rode smart and stayed consistent as he held his position all the way to the checkered flag for a second place finish.

“I got a good start and I felt pretty good out there. The track was pretty rough but we made a couple of adjustments for the second moto and it worked well,” said Hetrick.

In moto two, Hetrick had a mid-pack start in eighth, but made an impressive charge and worked his way into the top five by the end of the third lap. Hetrick then caught up to fourth place, and after a several lap battle, he was able to take over fourth and hold it all the way to the checkered flag, which put him in third overall for the day.

Joel Hetrick is holding down third place in the Pro ATV points on his Can-Am DS 450 Sport ATV after round 4

“I didn’t have the greatest start in the second moto, but I was able to work up and I finished on the podium so I’m pretty happy. I have to say thanks to Can-Am, Motoworks, my mom and dad, and everyone who has helped us to be on the podium,” said Hetrick.

Round number five of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships will be heading to Ballance MX in Oakland, KY on June 2nd where the Can-Am/Motoworks team will be going for the top spots on the Pro podium.