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View Full Version : 2005 ATVA GNC MX Round #4 - Echeconnee Off-Road Park



GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:45 PM
You’re tuning into round 4 coverage of the 2005 ATVA ITP Moose Grand National Championships Motocross Series at Echeconnee Off-Road Park in Macon, Georgia.

The April Fool’s weekend started off rather interesting with Friday’s practice being cancelled due to torrential rains which plagued the area most of the day. That rain combined with the sandy, soft soil made it nearly impossible to even enter the gates to park on the grounds as anything less than 4x4 ability almost guaranteed getting stuck. Those without it were brave to give it a shot as taking the right line was key and taking the wrong required assistance from the bull-dozers, while on-lookers received a chuckle. The rain ceased mid-afternoon on Friday and with winds reaching 20-30 mph on Saturday the Echeconnee grounds and track were in prime condition for the Sunday main events. The final verdict: Over 500 individual riders made the trek with 765 entries scaling it to be the second largest ATV race in the world, just short to the 2004 series finale at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch last August. Although it doesn't lead as the series opener anymore, promoters Donny and Tamara Banks should be happy to know that it is still a favorite among riders of the nationals.

Sunday morning was shaping up to be a beautiful day as the sun crests the horizon.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:47 PM
The gates and track were groomed to perfection just waiting for the first takers.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:49 PM
A panoramic view of the amazing track built by none other than Mark Barnett. Former racer and curator of many famous tracks including those at the homes of riders like motocross and Supercross star James “Bubba” Stewart.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:49 PM
Vendor row gears up for another day, while riders are still getting their groggy eyes open.



NOTE: Sorry the merging of the photo to create the panoramic did not line up very well...sorry!

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:50 PM
Trackside Graffix has all your fancy lettering needs.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:51 PM
On Saturday, Blazin’ 92.3 was on the grounds pumping up their volume and advertising the event on the radio. It was great to hear announcer Mark Strawbinger’s voice over the radio promoting the racing action to listeners of the station.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:51 PM
We are in Georgia and they sure are proud to be quad racin' down here.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:52 PM
Promoter (former Pro rider from the ‘80s) Donny Banks partakes in the mornings Pro riders meeting at 9am on Sunday, April 3.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:53 PM
As done at every National, Pro riders draw for starting position. It’s about as random as you can get and it maintains its tradition with pro riders.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:54 PM
Joe Haavisto (75) gets the position everyone always hopes for.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:54 PM
All smiles considering a horrific crash just the day before, Jeremiah Jones (2) shows off his lucky number seven starting position. The crash as noted was as a result of getting sideways near the mechanics area on the track and sending him end over end with his ATV, never able to remove himself from its grip.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:55 PM
Jeremiah suffered a pretty bad right thumb/hand tear or pull. Jeremiah sits second in points going into this race, but finds himself in a situation he’d rather not be as that hand is pretty vital in maintaining proper throttle control with the thumb throttle. You can see the swelling difference between hands and thumbs.

Jeremiah describes his Saturday wreck

“Practice was cancelled on Friday because we got atleast four inches of rain, but the track was ready to ride on by Saturday morning, but during the Pro Practice on about the third lap, I whooped it out and cart wheeled by quad and hurt thumb and banged up my body pretty good.”

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:56 PM
As if his luck couldn’t get any worse, Jason Luburgh (8) also had a little one-on-one with the ground after a practice crash that left him with what physical therapist and Pro rider Travis Spader (30) believed to be a torn meniscus. The 20th position gate choice for Jason as you can see wasn’t what he was hoping he'd start the day with.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:58 PM
Pro riders file out of the scoring tower after the riders meeting to get ready for practice at 9:30am

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:58 PM
Yoshimura Suzuki rider number 55 and points leader having yet to take a win, Digger Doug Gust prepares to line-up.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:59 PM
Jeremiah Jones and his Yoshimura Suzuki number 2 machine wait for their turn to line up.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 04:59 PM
Primed and ready to make another assault on the pro class, East Coast ATV Honda number 13 rider, John Natalie hopes to duplicate his round three at Gatorback performance.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:00 PM
Tim Farr, Baldwin Honda number 4, checks out a potential spot on the line.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:01 PM
Keith Little on his Lonestar Yamaha number 12, hopes to get his results back on par with the victory hear earned in Texas over a month ago.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:01 PM
Joe Byrd (7) and Walsh Race Craft owner and currently on hiatus pro, Michael Walsh.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:02 PM
Finding himself inside of the top-10, Lost Creek Cycles Jason DUNKelberger earned a seed for the main motos on Sunday. A first for him this season.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:03 PM
Harold “The Bee” Goodman of Romulus, Michigan took fifth in his qualifier easily finding a spot on the grid for the main motos.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:04 PM
Breaking an axle in practice on Saturday, the number 199 rider Patrick Brown of Pittstown, New Jersey got it together in time to qualify for the pro mains on Sunday. He hopes to get it back together similar to his debut in the class towards the end of the 2004 season.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:04 PM
Alba Yamaha number 53 Kory Ellis strolls to the starting line, hoping for a breakthrough performance despite his dismal start to the ’05 season.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:05 PM
Suffering from a fracture in his shoulder due to a first turn crash in moto one at round three in Florida, East Coast ATVs Dustin Wimmer showed no signs of pain when he blew the doors of the pro qualifier easily advancing him to the main. He does however still have pain making riding on the rough Georgia sand track very difficult.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:06 PM
Hoping for a Gatoraid sponsorship, Donald Lysinger (411) fuels up for moto number one.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:07 PM
Coming off of a high from his podium performance in round three at Gatorback in Florida, Steele City Yamaha rider Travis Spader (30) looks make a repeat in hopes for even better results.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:08 PM
Taking a seat in the Pro main events is becoming a norm for Donald Lamborn of West Chester, Penn. Dishing it out with the best, you can only look for improvements as he progresses in this class.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:09 PM
After the riders take off for their “hot” lap, their crew cleans house waiting on their return.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:10 PM
John Natalie (13) sends a sand cloud over the Pro class as he beats everyone to the first turn.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:10 PM
Natalie is tailed closely by Keith Little (12), Kory Ellis (53), Tim Farr (4) and …

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:11 PM
...the rest of the pro class including Travis Spader (30), Tavis Cain (6), Doug Gust (55), Harold Goodman (708) and, well, everyone.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:12 PM
Ohio’s Jason Luburgh leads Jason Dunkelberger (19), Joe Byrd (7) and Gilbert Attix (309) while...

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:12 PM
Donald Lysinger exiting the frame of the shot holds a few spots over the rest of the class including Jeremiah Jones (2) who sets up shop to follow Matt White (32) for much of the moto.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:13 PM
John Natalie all but pulls a disappearing act over the rest of the class as his start and training clearly showed on the rough Echeconnee track.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:14 PM
Working in third position behind Keith Little (12), Kory Ellis holds his lines and position for much the moto unable to make a move into second, all the while...

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:14 PM
…Tim Farr (4) works his way closer towards Ellis.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:15 PM
Meanwhile, Travis Spader and Tavis Cain (not pictured) hang tight in fifth and sixth while Harold Goodman (708) drops back allowing both Doug Gust (55) and Patrick Brown (199) to get by in search of ways to get around those riders ahead.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:16 PM
Further back, the two Jason’s (Luburgh, 8 and Dunkelberger, 19) race closely for much of the moto neither making it above 12th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:17 PM
Joe Haavisto (75) of New Ipswich, New Hampshire takes his first starting position and rocks for much of the moto currently ahead of Matt White (32).

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:17 PM
Local rider, Brit Mansell of Atlanta, Georgia makes his debut in the Pro class. He earned the last transfer position in the LCQ over six other riders proving even the LCQs are becoming a tough race just to get into the pro main events.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:18 PM
East Coast ATVs, Gilbert Attix (309) of Clayton, Delaware held a great spot in the middle of the pack but would eventually fade finishing the moto in 18th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:19 PM
Moving around for much of the moto, Donald Lysinger (411) finally settles on 17th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:19 PM
Although Jeremiah Jones (2) sat in the draft of Matt White (32) for pretty much the entire moto, Jones would eventually make the move to finish 15th putting White in 16th for the moto.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:21 PM
Not having much luck in the Georgia sand, Jason Dunkelberger raced towards the middle of the pack working as high as 11th at one time only to end the moto in 14th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:21 PM
Harold Goodman (708) is chased by the hard charging Joe Byrd (7) while the injured Dustin Wimmer (191) races for the tight right hander in the background fighting hard to catch up.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:22 PM
Keith Little glances over his shoulder wondering how secure his second place ride is. He knows he doesn’t have much breathing room and a mistake would be catastrophic to his finish in the moto.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:23 PM
Haavisto rails to 13th for the moto finish.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:24 PM
The usual charismatic rider, Jason Luburgh (8) showed lack of motion on his machine as he had a hard time moving it around in his usual trademark manner due to the knee injury he sustained in practice. You can see here he hugs the bike during this step-up. He would pretty much maintain his postion in the ranks and finish the moto in 12th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:25 PM
Although riding in pain on one of the toughest tracks of the circuit, Dustin Wimmer does a phenomenal job of finishing 11th with his hurt shoulder.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:25 PM
After having a terrible start, Joe Byrd (7) works his tail off to make it all the way up to 8th for the moto finally making a pass over Tavis Cain (6) of McKinleyville, California who finishes just behind him in 9th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:26 PM
While John Natalie is all but gone, the race was further back as Tim Farr (4) made his move over Kory Ellis finally around lap 10 and with less than two laps to go, you can see Doug Gust working his way around Ellis to set his sights on Farr up ahead.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:27 PM
Travis Spader (30) works to hold off the fighting young-buck Patrick Brown (199) and succeeds to finish ahead of him in 6th for the moto.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:27 PM
Pat Brown (199) knew what he was doing as he worked along side Doug Gust for several laps of the moto to collect as many positions as he can until he got hung up by several riders. Finally by lap nine he was able to take three more positions where he ended up riding the bumper of Travis Spader for the rest of it finishing in 7th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:28 PM
Loosing two positions from the beginning of the moto, Kory Ellis (53) of Murrietta, California went from third to fifth.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:29 PM
Baldwin Honda rider Tim Farr (4) maintained his fourth place from beginning to end working ahead of the once in third Kory Ellis only to loose it to Doug Gust on the next to last lap.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:29 PM
Keith Little (12) of Russellville, Alabama rode a flawless race even when he realized Doug Gust was charging hard from the back of the pack and overtaking those who threatened his position. Gust ran out of time as Little was able to hold him off to the checkers, permanently fixing Little in 2nd while Gust took 3rd.

Doug Gust description of his 1st Moto

The 1st Moto I came out about 10th and I was trying to pass a guy, and I ended up getting passed and started going backwards, so I finally got my act together 3 or 4 laps into it, and I started passing guys moving to within 9 or 10 seconds of the leaders. Then I reeled them in over two laps, and I got around Tim Farr and Kory Ellis. Then I caught up to Keith Little, and I just didn't have enough time as I came right up on him for the checkered flag, and John was pretty much gone."

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:30 PM
A visibly exhausted Harold Goodman (708) makes his way back “home” to Pro row on the hill after he finished the hard fought moto in tenth.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:31 PM
John Natalie gives a stoked thumbs up proving it wasn’t a fluke in Florida and his training was apparently starting to pay off as he dominated the moto from start to finish on one of the toughest tracks in the country. Do you think he can do it for moto number two just an hour and a half away?

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 05:32 PM
In my best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, "I'll be back!"

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:41 PM
Natalie freshens up quickly to reflect on his moto one race coverage for ATV Sport TV.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:41 PM
Same with Keith Little.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:42 PM
Suzuki discuss their after action review of moto one with their crew.

Jeremiah Jones ended up finishing the 1st Moto back in 15th and this was his reason

"I just couldn't get myself mentally going in the 1st Moto because I was so concerned about coming off the quad again like the day before, and my thumb was definitely bothering me. Also, my setup wasn't exactly the way I liked it because the rear end of my quad wanted to come up, so we changed some things on the quad for the 2nd Moto."

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:43 PM
Kory Ellis takes a breather after the intense race.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:43 PM
Joe Byrd too makes conversation with his crew.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:44 PM
Dustin Wimmer immediately begins icing his sour shoulder to help dull the pain and swelling.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:45 PM
About an hour after the first moto, fans start lining up to get their favorite pro riders’ autographs and one of the many autograph posters that now adorn their pit area. Here Tavis Cain signs and event T-shirt by Moto Tees for a fan.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:45 PM
Jason Dunkelberger does the same.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:46 PM
Lacking just one thing in this picture is a chair for the young-lad, Patrick Brown.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:47 PM
After finally getting situated Joe Byrd is able to start signing shirts, hats and posters for his many fans...

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:47 PM
...while Keith Little actually signs this young one’s little ATV. I’m pretty sure the Sharpie signature will only last about one or two washes.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:48 PM
Kory Ellis meets and greets some fans.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:49 PM
Dustin Wimmer is able to ditch the ice and put on his team best to sign some new killer posters that he had made recently.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:49 PM
Pro riders try to relax, have an autograph session and get ready for moto two in less than two hours. It’s a tough gig for anyone trying to get ready and stay focused for racing at this level.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:52 PM
It looks like John “Ironman” Natalie got plenty of that as he made it look easy taking his fourth holeshot in a row (the other two from that last round at Gatorback for those out of touch with whats going on).

Harold Goodman (708) closely tails him out of the first two turns.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:52 PM
After the first lap he Natalie begins to pull a slight lead with Gust (55), Goodman (708) and Farr (4) in tow.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:53 PM
Suzuki’s Doug Gust loves the rough tracks and sets his sights for Natalie up ahead, while Farr tries to gain some ground on him with Goodman and Patrick Brown on the prowl.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:54 PM
Dustin Wimmer finds himself in a good position just ahead of Keith Little going into the second lap of the 20-minute moto.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:54 PM
Good starts at Echeconnee are key to ending the moto in a good position, but riders can often times find themselves working like mad to gain the ground they lost at the start. Three examples being Joe Byrd (7), Tavis Cain (6) and Travis Spader (30).

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:55 PM
Further back Matt White (32) rides shotgun over Gilbert Attix (309) and Jason Luburgh (8).

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:56 PM
Determined to make a statement, K&K rider Pat Brown holds his ground over Kory Ellis while a rejuvenated number 2 of Jeremiah Jones high-tails it to tackle their current positions.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 07:59 PM
The unfortunate side affect of racing (bad luck) was hurdled upon Jason Dunkelberger as he suffered a stand alone crash that sent him flying over the handlebars. Jason Luburgh was actually the one who began to loose control during the race for the first turn while "Dunk" was right there to bump into him correctin his getting loose leaving Dunk in a single wad-up. Unable to get back into a groove he only gained two positions having to settle for 18th in the moto.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:00 PM
Keith Little overtook Dustin Wimmer while Joe Byrd looks to make a move over him.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:01 PM
Although he had a killer start, Harold Goodman (708) started to fade in the moto allowing the number 75 of Joe Haavisto who was apparently on some sort of mission in the moto to eventually pass him.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:02 PM
Always having a show of their own, Donald Lysinger (411) and Gilbert Attix (309) barrel around the very technically rough section through the trees.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:03 PM
Kory Ellis looses another position to the crazy fast (and still in pain) rider of Jeremiah Jones.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:04 PM
Although Brit Mansell did a 20-20 for last place in the pro class, in this day and age, just getting to this point is proving a feat.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:04 PM
Finishing just ahead of Mansell was Donald Lamborn of West Chester, Pennsylvania in 19th.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:05 PM
Taking home an 18-16 Gilbert Attix overalls the day in 17th. Scoring national points in three rounds so far, Attix is tied with 11 points with Donald Lysinger and Giovanni Colon.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:06 PM
Dustin Wimmer looked to have a promising second moto, but on the second lap he lost his seat which you can see. The frustrated Wimmer salvaged what points he could and finished the moto in 15th to overall the day in 14th. He currently has 30 points tied with Matt White and sits just seven points out of the top ten.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:06 PM
Finishing just ahead of Wimmer is Matt White who took a 16-14 for a 15th overall.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:10 PM
For most of the moto, Natalie was putting on a one-man show up front until…

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:11 PM
…Gust showed (caught) up making it look like it was about to get interesting.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:11 PM
Jeremiah Jones (2) was putting on a show of his own as he picked off rider after rider en route to an amazing second moto ride.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:12 PM
Although Tavis Cain (6) had a good looking ride starting the moto he would eventually fade due to a flat front left tire (you can see the difference between the two front tires) that he sustained early in the moto. He eventually finished the moto with a 13th giving him an overall of 12th. He currently sits in 14th for points just shy of the top-10 by five points.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:13 PM
Looking a little more like the Jason Luburgh we all know by getting a little “feeling” back into his riding for the second moto, he obtained a brace/wrap that considerably helped with the pain in his knee that he was having from the first moto. It didn’t manage to change his results from the first moto though as he went 12-12 for a 13th overall. He fortunately still remains in the top-10 seeding him for round five.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:14 PM
One of the many who suffered from a bad start, Travis Spader drops four positions from the first moto going 9-13 to an 8th overall. He too remains in the top 10 sitting in 6th with 63 points.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:15 PM
Harold Goodman holds consistent finishes from moto to moto to finish 10-10 for 10th overall. He overtakes Jason Dunkelberger’s tenth place spot in points by merely one with 37 points.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:16 PM
Clearly on fire in Georgia, Joe Haavisto has an awesome moto finishing ninth for an 11th overall. He sits just three points behind Goodman in 13th place for points with 34.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:17 PM
Kory Ellis drops two positions from where he started the moto to finish 8th taking home 7th overall. Maintaining top-10 in points, he resides in 7th place with 57 points.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:17 PM
Keith Little manages to take three positions over the first lap to claim 7th for the moto and 4th overall. Keith is still in a good position going into round 5 as this is racing and anything can happen. He is fifth place in points with 71, twenty points shy of the leader.

We asked Keith what happened in the 2nd Moto after such a strong 1st Moto run

"On the start, I got pinched off between Doug and John, and I came out around 12th on the start and started working my way up from there to finish 7th

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:18 PM
Is Pat Brown getting back to his old self? He showed vast improvement over the first few rounds to earn sixth in this moto for a 6th overall. Adding 15 points to his tally, Pat still resides out of the top-10 but only by two points with 35.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:18 PM
Although he had that bad start I mentioned, Joe Byrd made pass after pass to bring him up to finish fifth in the moto and overall the day with the same. Also in the top-10 and seeded for round five, Byrd has 52 points and currently sits in 8th place.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:19 PM
Tim Farr moved around only a couple positions throughout the moto, making lap one in fourth, up to third at one point, only to loose it again to Jeremiah Jones. Farr added another 21 points to his points total by taking third overall while maintaining third place in points with 80.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:20 PM
The rejuvenated Jeremiah Jones I was talking about came from nearly tenth on the first lap on up to third for the moto. Apparently a chiropractor that was on site offered his services to Jones, did a little adjustment here and there, making Jones feel like a brand new man. In a matter of two hours he was back to riding like we know he can. The damage was already done to his overall however, and he went home with 9th overall. He drops out of his second place in points to fourth with 72 points.

Jeremiah describes the 2nd Moto

[i]"I got a little better start in the 2nd Moto and probably came out in the top ten, and I just pushed myself to keep going and it seemed like everyone else started to get tired quicker in the 2nd Moto than the 1st, and I still had all my energy left from not using it up in the 1st Moto, and I was able to get third behind Natalie and Doug, which put me at 9th Overall.

My thumb was still swelled up for the 2nd Moto, and I did all I good do to keep pushing the throttle because it really hurt, but the track turned a little better in the 2nd Moto because the berms kept getting pushed out further and further which made for more lines for passing, which was a big help."[i/]

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:26 PM
Doug Gust got this close, before "bobbling" several times that cost him some real-estate in trying to catch Natalie. All the money in the world wouldn’t get it back, not that it would have mattered if he caught him as…

Doug Gust description of the 2nd Moto

"The 2nd Moto I came out third and passed my way into 2nd place behind John, and he had about 4 to 5 seconds on me, and I reeled him in, but I went off a jump out of control and I lost all my drive to try to pass him again, so I backed off to make sure I finished.

John ran a flawless race, and my hats off to him"

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:27 PM
…John Natalie would have still been number one for the day.

John Describes his weekend

"I pulled two good holeshots and the track was pretty rough the 2nd Moto and I pretty much rode smooth and consistent and never made any mistakes."

Toward the end of the each race did you slow down at the end of each race

”Oh yeah, I slowed way down at the end to avoid making any mistakes”

How did it feel to race bar to bar with Doug Gust in the 2nd Moto

”It actually made me excited because that was the guy to beat, and I wanted to make sure I showed everyone that wasn’t a fluke the 1st time, so he came out right behind me, and I proved that I was the better man that day.

I kind of out smarted him a little during the race because I was running the smooth outside lines, but they were actually the slower lines. The inside lines were faster, but they were really rough, so after about the half way point, he started to get really tired trying to run the inside lines, and I was saving my energy for the second half of the race.”

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:29 PM
In classy showmanship, he greets the many fans that line the fence to offer their congratulations.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:30 PM
All of Team Suzuki was some of the first to congratulate him as well, including Wayne Hinson.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:34 PM
John had a little trouble with the cork and by the time he got his bottle going, Farr and Gust were extinguishing their suds. With his second win of the season, he adds another 30 points to his total bringing him into second with 87. Just four points behind Doug Gust who maintains the lead sans a win.

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:36 PM
Your 2005 GNC MX Echeconnee National Pro Podium.

1 - John Natalie Jr.
2 - Doug Gust
3 - Tim Farr

Eight races to go…it’s anyone’s game! Don't forget it!

GNC_Reporter
04-05-2005, 08:37 PM
For official race results log onto www.atvaonline.com Official website of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA).

Florida400EX
04-05-2005, 08:49 PM
John Natalie is going to win the #1 title this year, in my opinion.

Admin
04-05-2005, 09:08 PM
Video Footage coming soon!!!

dober250R
04-05-2005, 09:51 PM
I wonder if vegas has betting odds on atv racing.......... if so, I wonder what the odds are that john natalie is going to win it all this year. He gets my prediction of the overall winner.

chris450R
04-05-2005, 10:17 PM
what channel or satelite station does the ATV Sport TV show some on? and when would the races be showed? i know that i heard before the races where broadcasted but i never knew what channel.:confused: anyway, does anyone know?

thanks, chris

oh and natalie is the freakin man!!!

Steve-O
04-06-2005, 06:08 AM
Why doesnt Gust run the #1 plate on his quad?:confused:

chawness
04-06-2005, 06:21 AM
Good to see the boys from back in the day are still showing 'em how to get it done.

p@iNn3ck
04-06-2005, 06:53 AM
Way to go John! Awesome coverage!

TC426EX
04-06-2005, 08:38 AM
Dayum, John is on FIIIIIIRE.... Tim will always be my Favorite racer, but you just can not deny John's training and performances so far! HONDA all the way!!!

RemNS
04-06-2005, 10:19 AM
Pics Are Up from Macon!

http://www.remnsproductions.com

Came home with over 3000pics and cropped them down to 2000 +!

Check them out!

Rick Frisco

herb
04-06-2005, 10:55 AM
but you just can not deny John's training and performances so far!



you would guest john would take a day off after his win, but he was at birch creek monday pounding out laps for the next national. thats dedicated.

MXRACER86
04-06-2005, 11:29 AM
I noticed that Pat Brown was not using the GIBSON frontend??? I am not sure what a-arms he is using?? Why would he change??

quailbuster
04-06-2005, 02:26 PM
For all the info on television coverage, go to www.atvsporttv.com

heydaddyo
04-06-2005, 05:08 PM
Originally posted by RemNS
Pics Are Up from Macon!

http://www.remnsproductions.com

Came home with over 3000pics and cropped them down to 2000 +!

Check them out!

Rick Frisco :confused: what is the trick to getting into the site? I can get on the site, but cannot get to pictures

IronManNatalie
04-06-2005, 05:21 PM
hey everyone!

Well my training seems to be paying off now. Im definately not going to slack off at all. I have been racing for a long time and I am finally in the best shape of my life. I am really hungry for a championship!!

I have to say thanks to all of my fans out there for supporting me so much and for all the great comments on the forums. I will never forget where I came from. I had to work so hard all these years to keep racing and training. Its really great to have all my sponsers behind me so I can concentrate on racing. All I can say is keep on training and stay professional on and off the track because this sport is growing and alot of important people r watching....

as for Pats a arms they are gibsons. Just a new version to change things up.

gunkis84
04-06-2005, 05:50 PM
Gotta give it up for my man Joe Haavisto.. dispite suffering a broken neck last season, not being able to train for half the summer and all winter, i have to give him props for finishing the way he did... go Flyin Finns!!!! :D

sukiracer5
04-06-2005, 07:06 PM
gust will take it this year again hes way more consistent nothing breaks on his bike unlike natalie because gust has team suzuki behind him look for natalie next year when he has full honda backing...... id like to see ellis get up into that #1 spot a few times this year too i took a riding school with him up here in washington last july hes a really cool person.

d-unitracing157
04-06-2005, 07:58 PM
Just because you have a full factory sponsorship behind you. Doesn't mean your the only that can win the championship. Keep kickin ***** Natalie!!!!!!!!See you at Danville!!

Jeff2269
04-06-2005, 08:10 PM
Sukiracer you are wrong and John will prove it to you. John wants the championship more. His riding and determination just shows how bad he wants it.

RemNS
04-06-2005, 08:48 PM
I said it at the end last year that Natalie would win the series in 2005!
I could tell just by the way he changed his whole outlook and representation!
He was dedicated last year to proving himself worthy!
This year he is dedicated to proving it to himself!
I will say that everytime we interviewed him last year he definately had it whatever IT is!
He is full time now and that is a BIG difference!

GO JOHNNY!

But get that damn sponsor whiteboard out again! It worked well last year!

Frisco

Florida400EX
04-06-2005, 08:52 PM
Gust and Natalie are both top notch riders, it's awsome watching the two duke it out on the track, I think it will be a close call for the overalls between Gust and Natalie.

RemNS
04-06-2005, 08:59 PM
The pics from Macon are now linked to the main page of ATV INC!
You should be able to get there without looking around to hard!
Sorry for the delay in getting the main page link up but I forgot all about it!

As for the video from macon, We'll have to wait till tomorrow night to get it up on here! (sorry for the delay) But I had to take advantage of the 75 degree weather and get the trailer cleaned out and ready for Danville!

Also, Amateur coverage is getting posted tomorrow night! Looks like the following classes for now:
+30
90 Production JR.
Both Pro AM's
Both Women's
265 B
???
???

Give me 2 more classes to cover by tomorrow night? Most picks gets the coverage!

I have pics for all and stories for all so you pick!

Rick Frisco
RemNS Productions
ATV INC

Quadude32
04-06-2005, 09:57 PM
Natalie has my vote this yr :D :D

See ya at RED BUD In May:D

camsdad
04-06-2005, 10:16 PM
how about 70 prod since my son crashed leading the main event..this would make him feel better..also thanks for helping him out after the crash.....

Bush0102
04-07-2005, 12:48 AM
women's

Moser87m
04-07-2005, 06:29 AM
I was down at georgia racing youth production I broke but got a chance to watch the pro's race, For all the people that wernt there this should give ya a good idea about how good natalie is, he was off the track washing his bike before 2nd place went threw the finish line. Natalie all the way!!!!


Kick *** to the Montgomeryville Cycle Team 2005

TC426EX
04-07-2005, 09:45 AM
Geez, its really hard to call a Champ right now, but I gotta say Natalie is showing the most determination and fire on the track. He is my favorite to win right now, but Gust is also a heavy contender... If Farr can get some more consistent finishes and take some overalls, I think hes in the running as well, although I really think itll end up being Natalie or Gust with the big trophy at the end of the year...

400grl
04-07-2005, 11:12 AM
You know, not only is Natalie really determined, and a great guy, but he looks like he's having the most fun out there of everyone.......he's always smiling!!! That's awesome!!! It always reminds me that we are in this sport because it's just FUN!!

Flynbryan19
04-07-2005, 11:22 AM
Originally posted by TC426EX
Geez, its really hard to call a Champ right now, but I gotta say Natalie is showing the most determination and fire on the track. He is my favorite to win right now, but Gust is also a heavy contender... If Farr can get some more consistent finishes and take some overalls, I think hes in the running as well, although I really think itll end up being Natalie or Gust with the big trophy at the end of the year...

Is it just me, or does Natalie look like hes riding a completely different bike than Farr, and Byrd?

In the corners it looks like Farr is REALLY having to hang off the side of the quad to keep it planted, and Natalie just rails right around with hardly any body english. Certainly if Farr is fully sponsored he has the ability to have the best suspension setup on the market. As I said, just looks like they're not even riding the same quad. Is it just Farr's style?

Jeff2269
04-07-2005, 03:50 PM
Probably just different riding styles. Farr and Byrd are running the same suspension, just diff shocks. Natalie is running al gibson and fox shocks, but i bet you all of them have their bikes dialed in pretty much the same. i bet its just diff riding styles. Farr just seems to ride smooth, if only he could pick it up a little!

kc 300EX
04-07-2005, 04:05 PM
Wow, great coverage, again. THANK YOU!

and CONGRATULATIONS John!!

chris450R
04-07-2005, 09:12 PM
Originally posted by quailbuster
For all the info on television coverage, go to www.atvsporttv.com

thanks alot man!

chris

robman
04-08-2005, 11:56 AM
Gust had his glory,John's time is now.I think he deserves it more than anyone.The Ironman cannot be stopped:macho

lobomx250r
04-08-2005, 01:48 PM
i think natalie is gonna win it this year. He has the drive and motivation. He trains like a madman and has fun. If you are having fun and winning races,it is sure to discourage the other guys and get to them a little bit. therefore causing them to maybe be off their game a little bit and slip up.

450Racer
04-08-2005, 08:12 PM
Originally posted by lobomx250r
i think natalie is gonna win it this year. He has the drive and motivation. He trains like a madman and has fun. If you are having fun and winning races,it is sure to discourage the other guys and get to them a little bit. therefore causing them to maybe be off their game a little bit and slip up.

i agree. John has the motivation to take the championship this year. he's one of the few pros that trains as hard as he does and takes it that seriously in his preparation and training. i really hope John gets the title this year, he's my favorite pro and has been for a while. good job John and keep it up!!!

MXRACER86
04-10-2005, 08:17 AM
When will there be video footage up???

MXRACER86
04-10-2005, 01:57 PM
Don't work!

xander1027
04-10-2005, 02:23 PM
the videos arent working