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View Full Version : 2008 AMA PRO ATV Motocross Nationals #4 - Birch Creek - Race Coverage



Pappy
04-28-2008, 09:36 AM
Round #4 of the AMA Motocross Nationals headed to southern Virginia for this round of competition. With the pits packed with racers, the event looked to be exciting and full of racing action!

Rain hit the region and set the stage for a muddy event, however the sun cooperated and helped dry the track. The start area was horse power robbing which then led to a myriad of changes as wet and dry areas dotted the track. many riders stated that it was rough and filled with holes, however the track crews worked tirelessly to keep the best possible conditions on hand for everyone.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 09:38 AM
The conditions for saturdays practice was a different story as dust was present and the hot sun was baking anyone not fortunate enough to have some form of shade.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 09:42 AM
Greg Gee airs it out over a triple and works on getting his DS 450 dialed in for the race.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 09:46 AM
Jason Dunkleburger works his East Coast ATV Honda around the Birch Creek track during saturdays practice. Dunk has a huge following soley based on his great personality! Dunk may not have a list of wins in the Pro class, but is one of the most favored riders at what ever event he signs up for!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 09:52 AM
K & K ATV unvieled Cale Downens retro appearing 450R. Speaking with Shawn from K&K had us chuckling as many of the young riders and fans were shocked that the color scheme was tied to the almighty Honda 250R and had to be informed of the resemblence:p

Pappy
04-28-2008, 09:59 AM
Sage Baker hasn't been finishing like he would like, but looked pretty strong during practice.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:01 AM
Doug Gust is fresh off his win at round #3 and was looking sharp as he shows riders half his age how to get it done!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:03 AM
Dustin Wimmer is hot property again as he has scored 2 wins thus far in 2008.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:05 AM
Jeremy Lawson has his work cut out for him as he trys to get back up front and battle for the podium.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:08 AM
The "Ironman" John Natalie would be flying blind so to speak this round, as his get off at round 3 had caused some debris to get into his eye. An infection followed and even though he would be racing, he knew he couldnt go all out due to the injury....or could he:devil:

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:20 AM
The triple was being hit routinely during saturdays practice, however with the overnight rain and changing track conditions, this jump possibly changed the outcome of the race, or atleast showed what one jump can do to keep you out front by just enough to make a difference!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:24 AM
Suzuki's Chad Weinan would not be a factor in this weekends race due to a healing injury.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:27 AM
Kawasaki's Josh Creamer was also working on healing an injury that he stated has prevented him from cross training to compete at his fullest. Look for Creamer to be a threat as the season progresses!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:29 AM
issues have forced Pat Brown out of the top spots so far this season, and everyone was looking for him to make a good run this round

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:33 AM
Jasmine Plante scored his best finish ever in the series at round 3 as he scored a second place finish.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 10:40 AM
For Joe Byrd, it was time to stand up and make it known he could run with anyone. He has stated from the podium many times about winning for Honda, but somehow I think a win for himself this season would be just the ticket.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:23 PM
When the Pro's arrived at the line for their second practice, John Natalie was looking like a pirate as he had patched his eye to try and gain anything he could in regards to his sight.

The man is tough, thats duct tape holding it on:eek2:

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:27 PM
The Pro pits looked more like pro pits this round as more teams joined the series

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:28 PM
It was great to see the series back to where it should be!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:31 PM
Doug Gusts quad gets the pampered treatment as its carried from the wash area

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:32 PM
The Pro autograph session is always a hit with the fans!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:33 PM
Creamer signs away as this little rascals hat gets the pen work!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:35 PM
For Joe Byrd, he was running through posters fast!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:36 PM
Mark Baldwin and Josh Upperman catch a little bit of racing action as they take a break from working

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:40 PM
Qualifying for the pro's was the next hurdle for the riders to tackle.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:41 PM
Being top qualifier has perks, one of which is a $200 check!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:42 PM
Its also a chance for the riders to really push it to see how well they have the machine dialed in before the racingbegins

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:44 PM
Byrd was looking smooth all day, even though he wasn't my pick for the days win!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:45 PM
Natalie during a practice session had to pull over as his eye was giving him alot of pain

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:51 PM
Saturday night saw heavy rains and again the track changed. The pro moto's were moved back an hour and the track did dry considerably but was still rough and choppy.

Byrd signs an autograph at the line

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:52 PM
Doug gust is all business before the start as he goes over last minute details with his crew

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:53 PM
Dunk studies his gate pick intensley. The start was worked before the race, but it was still thick and heavy with mud

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:54 PM
Wimmer getting things right as he waits for the start to arrive.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 12:57 PM
Natalie pulled up less the eye patch.

I talked with him about it and he stated...

"It's my job, it is what i am paid to do. I can't not just show up for work because my eye hurts"

I added in reply to him that most folks dont sail through the air with impaired vision and he smiled and winked! The man is a machine!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:01 PM
Harold Goodman heads out for his hot lap as we were closing in on the start time.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:03 PM
In the time it took the riders to get in the hot lap, the sun was choked out by some ominous looking clouds. Thankfully the rain would not impact the event. natalie said he would love to see it rain buckets, that way the vision would be equal as no one could see!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:04 PM
Doug Gust airs out the triple as he completes his lap

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:06 PM
Creamer wasn't going to be denied one more chance to test the jump himself!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:14 PM
Byrd grabbed himself the holeshot as the field of riders race out onto the track and battle for position

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:15 PM
Wimmer was on his grab bar as the pair begin the first war of the day!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:16 PM
Dunk was in 3rd and having a great start to this moto!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:18 PM
Even with the eye giving him difficulties, Natalie was in 4th!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:48 PM
Gust was closing in on the top 5

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:49 PM
Byrd had over shot a small jump and hit some deep mud, which allowed Wimmer to skate by for the lead!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:51 PM
Natalie was holding his own as the moto wore on

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:53 PM
Byrd remained out front however Wimmer was able to run back up on him at will it seem

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:54 PM
I was expecting an out right wheel to wheel battle as Wimmer looked for a place to make something happen

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:56 PM
Pat Brown ended up with a flat tire, killing his chances in the first moto

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:57 PM
Gust was up to 4th and closing in to challenge Dunk for the 3rd spot

Pappy
04-28-2008, 01:58 PM
John Natalie kept the hammer down and was holding the 5th spot showing what it takes to run in the pro class and how to overcome!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:00 PM
Byrd remained the leader with just enough room from Wimmer to keep a corner charge out of reach

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:01 PM
Lawson tracks Weinen, however Weinen would fall off the pace finishing moto 1 in the 19th spot.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:03 PM
Plante ended out the 1st moto in the 7th spot

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:04 PM
Byrd and Wimmer remained stagnated as no ground could be made up to get things interesting

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:06 PM
Dunk and Gust were having a good solid race, and as the laps counted down it was going to be close

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:07 PM
Byrd gives a look back to see where Wimmer was and if there would be an attempt to challenge for the lead

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:08 PM
More of the same, and I was wondering if Byrd would just check out!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:10 PM
Heather giving Joe some trackside support

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:11 PM
Byrd takes the moto 1 win!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:15 PM
Dunk had a great finish, taking 3rd in the first moto. The joy was short lived as prepping the machine for the main was underway

Pappy
04-28-2008, 02:18 PM
The hours between moto's seemed to fly by, and in no time we were back on the line for the main.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:12 PM
With a good start so important, teams do everything they can to gain an edge

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:20 PM
Keith Little ran into some mechanical issues as the riders were on the gate. His crew was able to get him fixed and ready to go.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:27 PM
The gate dropped and it was once again Joe Byrd grabbing the holeshot!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:36 PM
Byrd was running strong with Wimmer once again on his grab bar

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:37 PM
Sage Baker gets introduced to the Virginia landscape the hardway. He was up and back on the gas in no time

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:40 PM
Harold Goodman and Josh Upperman go bar to bar over a table as they battle for the 3rd spot

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:42 PM
Natalie did not get a good start and was going to have his work cut out for himself if he wanted to get back towards the front

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:43 PM
The mid pack battle was growing more inetnse turn by turn

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:46 PM
Greg Gee works on Natalie but couldnt make the pass as the pair raced out of sight

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:47 PM
Little's issues would hurt him in this moto, as he remained towards the back of the pack the entire race.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:48 PM
Upperman had won the 3rd position from Goodman and was pulling away

Pappy
04-28-2008, 03:50 PM
Creamer and Plante battle and Creamer won!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:38 PM
Gust was working his way through traffic, and would be doing so over several laps.

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:39 PM
John Ragon and Pat Brown give chase to Natalie

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:41 PM
Sage baker had overcome the crash just after the start, and would finish the weekend with 17-17

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:46 PM
Dunk wasn't up front as far as he had wanted, but was battling to get there nonetheless! Dunk finished moto 2 in the 8th spot

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:51 PM
Moto came to a non climatic end as Byrd crossed the finish line, making it a 1-1 weekend and gave him a much needed win.

Dustin Wimmer was always right there, but could never get exactly what he needed to give Byrd a solid challenge.

Dunk found the podium and secured his best Pro class victory to date and was more then a little stoked about!!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:54 PM
Wimmer graciously accepted his second place finish, and it wouldnt surprise me to see him back in the top spot next round!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:56 PM
Joe Byrd stands tall and met the challenge of all comers this round. It will be an awesome season as these talented riders slug it out!!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 04:58 PM
Josh Creamer grabbed himself some pocket money by nailing the Top Qualifier position!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 05:00 PM
Byrd took away some ATVriders.com cash!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 05:03 PM
And Dunk put a dip and dodge move on Byrd that caused Byrds attempt to soak him miss, and then countered with a "Slam Dunk" shot that surely sent the bubbly to Byrds brain!!!
I crack myself up...

Folks...I enjoyed seeing so many of you all and catching up and hopefully will get to cover a few more MX events this season! Take care and be safe!!!

BMW Dr.
04-28-2008, 08:55 PM
Excellent coverage! I saw you out there all weekend, but had no clue who you were. I'll definately say hello next time I see you around. I always love checking your picture threads out.

I was out Saturday and Sunday shooting some 2200 pics myself.......with my little Canon 30D and a 100-400L lens. :D

JDMXKID
04-28-2008, 09:05 PM
Originally posted by BMW Dr.
Excellent coverage! I saw you out there all weekend, but had no clue who you were. I'll definately say hello next time I see you around. I always love checking your picture threads out.

I was out Saturday and Sunday shooting some 2200 pics myself.......with my little Canon 30D and a 100-400L lens. :D


Awesome job on the coverage!

dfesmire
04-28-2008, 09:23 PM
Pappy...you done..done good. Great post, some of the best photos I've seen in a while. What camera you using? Them $100-$200 prizes.......put in diesel terms means 25 gal-50 gal prizes means @ 10 mpg...250-500 miles. Ain't that a crying, all American shame! As for your "Location: The reason your wife smiles"....naw you ain't been there yet! LMAO @ U!

Pappy
04-28-2008, 11:36 PM
LOL...I pay for my diesel the same way as everyone else...I dont need a reminder:blah: maybe they need a "Top photographer" award so maybe I can get lucky and win back some fuel money !


You all can see all the event photos by clicking on the "Race Pictures" link in my signature. Not all of them get to the sites galleries as I have a terrible time with how the format works, but on that link it should be sorted and all pictures uploaded.

Pappy
04-29-2008, 09:37 AM
Dunk.....Cody said "Great job!!!" and that he wished he could have been there to see it!!

yam450_53
04-29-2008, 12:31 PM
great coverage as always... but my god josh creamer needs to shave that ugly beard lol ! he looks like he's 50

dunk19d
04-29-2008, 04:21 PM
Hope you feel better cody!!!! Good seeing you as always pappy!!!

yoshz400rider
04-29-2008, 05:04 PM
congrats Dunk.

Simon MX49
04-29-2008, 05:07 PM
Nice ride Dunk, keep it up man

When did Cody break his leg, it wasnt in Sc was it?

Pappy
04-29-2008, 05:10 PM
He broke it the week after SC. The surgeon was pretty happy with the operation, he should be back after the summer break

Robin Hood
04-29-2008, 11:00 PM
Originally posted by yoshz400rider
congrats Dunk.

X2. Looks like the Honda is working out well for ya.

Keep it up!

trxwannbe
04-30-2008, 05:44 AM
Originally posted by yam450_53
great coverage as always... but my god josh creamer needs to shave that ugly beard lol ! he looks like he's 50

haha that would be josh's redneck side kickin in

Simon MX49
04-30-2008, 06:01 AM
Thats good, you gonna be in Millfield Pappy?

Pappy
04-30-2008, 06:28 AM
yep, i will be covering millfield

vzmain61
04-30-2008, 06:13 PM
Good job Dunk! Get up there and rattle the Suzuki team a little.