2011 AMA ATV MX Champion John Natalie will once again be racing for Can-Am / Motoworks in 2012

Vista, CA (1/20/2011) – The Can-Am / Motoworks team recently wrapped up an incredibly successful 2011 ATV racing season with John Natalie and Jeremie Warnia both winning championships, and Can-Am / Motoworks is already prepared to defend their number one plates along with expanding their racing efforts for the upcoming season. For 2012, Can-Am/ Motoworks is bringing back some familiar faces, but they are also adding several new racers to the team with the addition of Joel Hetrick and Chris Bithell.

Last season, John Natalie, Jr. brought the Can-Am/Motoworks team their first AMA ATV Motocross Pro Championship, so it is only fitting that the “Ironman” will return to the team to defend the number one plate. “John is really pumped for the upcoming season. He has been training and he is ready, so we can’t wait to see what he can do for the 2012 season,” stated team owner, Johnny Leach.

Joel Hetrick took an impressive 2 overall wins in his AMA ATV MX Pro Rookie year last year & hopes to continue his winning record on a Can-Am / Motoworks DS450 ATV

Joining John Natalie this year is Joel Hetrick, who took the pro class by storm in his rookie year with his impressive overall wins at Unadilla and Loretta Lynn’s. “We are very excited to be working with Joel. He has shown a lot of talent and potential, and we are hoping to help him take it to the next level this year,” stated Leach.

In the WORCS series, Josh Frederick is back under the Can-Am/Motoworks tent and gunning for the 2012 pro championship. Dillon Zimmerman is also back on board for 2011 in the pro class and is hoping to be a regular fixture on the podium alongside his teammate. “Josh and Dillon are a great team. They have been with us from the beginning and we are looking forward to another great year with them,” said Leach.

2011 WORCS Pro ATV Champion Jeremie Warnia will be competing UEM European Quadcross & French National Championships aboard a Can-Am / Motoworks DS450 ATV

After winning the 2011 WORCS championship, Jeremie Warnia is taking his talents back to Europe as a part of the team’s expansion efforts. Warnia is focusing on the UEM European Quadcross and French National championships for 2012. “We are incredibly excited to have Jeremie representing us over in Europe, and we think this is a great opportunity not only for Jeremie, but also for Can-Am and Motoworks. Jeremie is incredibly fast, and I don’t think there is anyone over there that can beat him, so we are expecting him to do very well and win some championships,” said Johnny Leach, who has high expectations for the French racer.

Chris Bithell will be joining the Can-Am / Motoworks ATV Race team in chase of a GNCC XC1 Pro Class Championship

Also as part of their expanding efforts, Motoworks is taking on the GNCC series with the addition of Chris Bithell for the 2012 season. Bithell finished fourth in series points last season and has proved time and time again that he is a true contender for the podium. “This is a great opportunity for us. We know Chris Bithell has been with Can-Am for a long time and has a good program in place, so we are expecting him to be competitive right from the beginning,” Leach stated.

“We are really looking forward to the 2012 season in every way. Can-Am has stepped it up again and is the only manufacturer who is giving full support. Everyone at Motoworks is really glad to be a part of that, and we are hoping to give them championships in return,” Johnny Leach added.

A busy and exciting season is in store for the Can-Am/Motoworks teams as the WORCS series kicks off in January, followed by both the GNCC and the AMA ATV Motocross Championships in March; and with the incredible pool of talent on board, the Can-Am/Motoworks team is aspiring to win championships all the way across the board.