ATV MX Championship Awards Banquet Sandusky, Ohio November 18, 2017

Nick Gennusa switched to Honda this year and it paid off with his best career finish of fourth in points. Gennusa, who finished fifth last year’s championship, is already looking forward to 2018 because he thrives on the competition.

“Every single one of these guys has made me the person I am today,” said Gennusa. “You’re only as good as the people you race with. Without these guys, I wouldn’t be the racer I am. I’m happy with how I did this year, but I know where I’m capable of being. I want to get a top three next year and that’s a realistic goal for me.”

Bryce Ford was Awarded Bad Ass of the Year for his incredible come back from injury

Rastrelli had a podium in the points slip away during the last two races. He had a mechanical at the second-to-last round and was injured in the first moto of the season finale. He finished fifth in points.

“We tried to make the best of it,” said Rastrelli. “We may have lost it at the end of the year, but we lost it to two of the best guys out there. I’m happy to be up here, but I want to be where Joel is standing. It was an awesome year. I wanted to win and beat these guys. I want to be the best and these are the best racers in the world.”

#20 Josh Upperman announced his retirement at Loretta Lynn's, so him & Chad Wienen swapped jersey's at the Awards Banquet

Josh Upperman finished sixth in points and announced his retirement. He was saluted by the crowd for his 17-year career in ATV racing. Though he is leaving racing, he’s following in the footsteps of team owner David Eller, taking his competitiveness and work ethic into the working world.

“David Eller told me he put 1,000 percent into racing and after he left racing he then put 1,000 percent into his life,” said Upperman. “I plan on doing the same. I don’t think I’ll miss racing as much as I will miss you guys. Going to the races and seeing the fans and the people you race with; I’ll miss that.”

#665 Ronnie Higgerson

Though it may not have shown in the statistics, Ronnie Higgerson had a breakout season in 2017. With a new focus on conditioning, Higgerson will definitely be a rider to watch in 2018. He finished seventh in points.

“If you look at my results on paper, it’s not the results we wanted, but I had a lot of good races,” said Higgerson. “I shined this year and really came out of my shell. I’m highly motivated for this offseason. I’m ready to put up a fight for the top three next year.”

Parker Wewerka Pro-Am Champion & Pro Rookie of the Year

Finishing eighth in points and scoring Rookie of the Year honors was Parker Wewerka. He ran both Pro and Pro-Am this season, something he plans to do again in 2018.

“It’s an honor to be up here and taking the top rookie was really special for me,” said Wewerka. “I really clicked with the Honda this year and we’ll do the same as this year, go faster, and try to beat more guys.”

Korie Richmond was presented the Kyler Lenz Sport Ambassador Award

Fellow rookie Westley Wolfe finished ninth in points. While competing in one Pro championship may seem daunting, Wolfe did a double this year, also running in XC1 Pro in the GNCC Series.

“We weren’t able to meet all of our goals this year, but I’m looking forward to next year and being better,” said Wolfe. “If it wasn’t for the Ford Brothers, I wouldn’t have been able to run Pro this year.”

Kierstin Keane claimed both WMX & School Girl Championships & Westley Wolfe finished 2nd in Pro-Am & 9th in Pro

Sam Rowe completed the top 10 in points. He was proud to be recognized with the top Pro ATV racers in the country.

“All these guys are extremely talented and crazy fast,” said Rowe. “I’m just happy to be up here with them. It was a good year. We had our ups and downs, but at the end of the year I was really coming on strong and I think we really got it together.”

Joel Hetrick presented Zack Decker the Youth Rider of the Year Award

Hetrick, Wienen and Brown became the first American team in history to compete in the QuadCross of Nations this year. Along with AMA official Harv Whipple and Team Manager Mark Baldwin, not only did they compete, they dominated, scoring what is likely to be the first of many gold medals for Team USA.

Noah Mickelson was Awarded Amateur Rider of the Year

The ATV Motocross amateur classes comprise the series’ broad ladder system. Hetrick’s teammate Noah Mickelson won Amateur of the Year award. After relocating from Minnesota to North Carolina with his brother Haedyn before the season, Noah Mickelson had a breakout year, winning both the Pro Sport and 450 A championships.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for this award,” said Noah Mickelson. “Thank you to David Eller and to my brother, and to everyone that’s out here giving our community this much support. I don’t know what to say. This is just such an honor.”

Lance Walker Won the Raffle for Kyler Lenz's 250 Mod ATV

Youth racer Lance Walker won the raffle for a tricked out #13 ATV provided by the Lenz Family. Walker competed in three classes this season: Youth All Star, 250 Mod, and Schoolboy Sr.

The AMA ATV Motocross National Championship will return in 2018. The season kicks off March 13 at the Daytona Supercross at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.

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