Can-Am/ Motoworks's Joel Hetrick went 1-2 placing second overall

Vista, CA (6/3/2012) – Can-Am / Motoworks’ Joel Hetrick charged his way through the rough conditions at round number seven of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships and claimed a solid second place on the Pro podium, while John Natalie, Jr. took a top five finish.

Bad weather blew through the area at Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, OH on Friday evening. The high winds and rain caused some damage to the Can-Am/Motoworks tent, but it did not stop the team from giving it their all on Saturday.

As racers took to the starting line, rough and choppy conditions were on hand and set-up for this round was a bit challenging, but Joel Hetrick seemed to have no problems as he charged off the gate in second. Hetrick had taken the fastest qualifier award again earlier in the day and was looking incredibly fast as he stayed right on the leader. Hetrick made his move after just a couple of laps and took over the lead.

Once out front, Hetrick was on a mission to put as much distance between him and the rest of the pack as possible and he cruised to the checkered flag with over a seven second lead. “It was rough and it was hot out there, but I made sure I stayed hydrated and I felt good,” said Hetrick.

DWT's #88 Joel Hetrick sits third in the AMA ATV MX Pro Points

For moto two, Hetrick didn’t get the start he wanted, but he wasted no time in charging his way through traffic. Hetrick soon caught up to his teammate John Natalie and made a clean pass for third. Hetrick then began to chase down second place. Hetrick used some creative lines and was able to make the pass for second place. Hetrick started to reel in the leader, but ran out of time before he could get close enough for a pass and took second at the checkered flag for second overall on the Pro podium.

“It was hard to pass out there but I got around and caught up. It took a lot out of me and I got a little tired, but I gave it my all out there and I made it on the podium, so I’m pretty happy overall. This really helps me in points and I just want to go out there and keep winning motos. I have to thank Can-Am, Motoworks, DWT; all of my sponsors and everyone who has helped me out here today,” said Hetrick.

#88 Joel Hetrick & #1 John Natalie battle for position at Sunday Creek ATV MX

John Natalie, Jr. took the overall wins at the last two rounds, but this weekend’s heat and rough conditions took a toll on him. Natalie made an impressive charge in the first moto after coming off the start in fourth and moving into second, before taking a third place finish at the checkered flag. “Moto one went pretty well. I had a couple of issues out there, but I finished in third so it wasn’t bad,” said Natalie.

For moto two, Natalie had a good start in the number two spot, but was immediately under pressure. “I had a good start in moto two, but I just hit a wall. The track was beating me up pretty bad and I gave it everything I had, but it just didn’t happen this time. I’m not going to make excuses. I’m just going to go home and train harder and go for the win at Unadilla,” Natalie stated.

Round number eight of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships will head to Unadilla in New Berlin, NY on July 14th – 15th where the Can-Am/Motoworks team will be looking to top the podium.