Can-Am/ Motoworks's John Natalie went 1-2 to take the Overall Win

Vista, CA (6/19/2012) – Can-Am / Motoworks’ John Natalie, Jr. scored another win at round number six of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships allowing him to close in even more on the points lead in his quest to defend his Pro championship.

High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, PA was the hosting facility for the six the round of the series. Weather conditions were warm and dry for this round, which led to quite dusty conditions and a very rough track, but John Natalie, Jr. was ready for the challenge.

John Natalie currently holds down second place in the AMA ATV MX Pro class after High Point Raceway Round 6

Adding to the rough track and dust, Natalie was feeling a bit under the weather, but he didn’t show it as he charged off the start in the first moto and grabbed the holeshot. Natalie came under pressure and battled back and forth or his position a couple of times throughout the race, but he was not about to let a win get away from him in his home state. The Ironman kept the hammer down and pulled away from the competition in final few laps and held that lead all the way to the checkered flag for the moto one win. “The dust was really bad so I was glad I had a good start for the first moto. I had to fight for it a little bit, but I got the win,” said Natalie.

For the second moto, Natalie got a good start in the number three position. Natalie knew he only needed to finish in second for the overall win, so he rode a smart race and took over second place after just a few laps and held his position all the way to the finish line for the top spot on the Pro podium. “I’m not going to make excuses because I’m sick. I went out there and I did my job. I’m really happy to take the win and close in a little more in the points and I want to thank everyone at Can-Am and Motoworks for giving me the opportunity to come out here and put them on the podium,” said Natalie.

Joel Hetrick grabbed the Fastest Qualifier Award aboard his Motoworks' powered Can-Am DS450 ATV

Can-Am/Motoworks’ Joel Hetrick was looking strong as he took the fastest qualifier award once again. Hetrick’s speed also enabled his to get a good start in second in the first moto and take over the lead for a short time. Unfortunately for Hetrick, he came down a bit hard and hit his thumb throttle with his knee and it came lose, which caused him to fall back. Hetrick stayed the course and was able to finish in fourth place at the finish line.

For the second moto, Hetrick had a great start and took the early lead, but a bobble after a few laps sent him back. Hetrick would hang on to finish in fifth for moto two, giving him fifth overall for the day, and allow him to hold on to third in the points chase. “I went out there and did the best I could. I’m still in the top three in points so I am pretty happy with that,” said Hetrick.

Round number seven of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships will head to Sunday Creek MX in Millfield, OH on June 30 – July 1st where John Natalie, Jr. will be racing for his third straight win as he closes in on the points lead.