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View Full Version : 2009 AMA ATV Motocross Nationals #5 - Sunset Ridge - Race Coverage



Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:14 PM
Round #5 of the AMA ATV MX Nationals was held in Walnut IL at the Sunset Ridge MX facility. The weather this year would be remarkable different then last season although rain had impacted the region prior to the event.


Track crews had the track in race ready condition as racers and fans started to fill the track for another exciting weekend of motocross action!

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:17 PM
With Dustin Wimmer sidelined with an injury, and Joe Byrd dealing with an ankle injury, Chad Wienen was rumored to be the favorite as the racing commenced. Wienen had a great ride at Birch Creek and his fans were out in force to lend him support!

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:20 PM
ATVriders.com / Spiked Industries Brian Evans made the journey up from Florida to once again capture the pro moto racing action for all those that were not able to make the journey to the races for a fence side view.

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:24 PM
Although there is a tremendous amount of work involved in racing the series, there is also a fair amount of time to have some fun and enjoy some of life. For those charged with making sure things go as planned, free time is short as they work tirelessly to keep things rolling.

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:26 PM
There is always time for the fans, and that should be our goal is to attract more fans to each round.

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:28 PM
Pat Brown takes a few seconds to sign a few autographs for some young fans.

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:33 PM
While the Pro and Pro AM racers garner the majority of attention, the droves of amatuer racers that compete at each round are the heart of this series and man do they ever battle!

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:36 PM
Moto after moto runs no sooner then the last one is completed and there are very few moments throughout the weekend where you can't catch some great racing on the track.

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:39 PM
There are classes for everyone, but I must warn you, when you enter the Nationals you are usually running with some of the best no matter which class you enter. That shouldn't scare anyone away from trying out a race, just be forewarned that these boys mean business!

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:43 PM
And for those just attending to see what it's all about, be sure to cruise the pits and check out some of the countries hottest rides. Most riders are happy to give you tips or suggestions and you might even find yourself signing up for the next round as it doesn't take much to want to compete instead of walking around and watching the action unfold!

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:47 PM
The thrill of running out front, the chance to take home a trophy and a weekend full of hanging out with so many other racers that are driving the sport...whats not to like!

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:51 PM
Pro practice hit the track and everyone would be watching to see if Byrd's injury would hamper his ability to stick that unmistakable #7 out front when the gate dropped in moto 1.

Pappy
05-05-2009, 11:57 PM
The "Ironman" John Natalie quickly scored the fastest lap time of the day aboard his Can Am DS450. Natalie is an animal and with Wimmer out and Byrd riding in pain, I am sure John smelled blood in the water and wanted to capitalize on the situation.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:00 AM
With only 20 Pro riders signed up, there would be no LCQ this round.

Keith Little drops the hammer as he exits a corner. I heard that the ground opened up next to Little's rig and almost swallowed it up!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:02 AM
Thomas Brown gets things sorted out on his set up as practice continued

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:04 AM
Cody Miller flat hauls the mail and is an ultra smooth rider. Fun to chat witha nd a great rider to photograph, Miller looks to do well as his career progresses

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:07 AM
Josh Upperman can hold his own but hasn't had the luck on his side. He is another rider that at any round can bust loose and run upfront and he was eager to do well at Sunset Ridge

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:12 AM
Harold Goodman has been racing for the majority of his life. He is hardcore through and through, a fierce competitor, an honest man and one of the best in our sport! I think that when you do well and have success, and all of your rivals support that success , it speaks to your charcater. Harold is that type of racer and one that everyone on the track respects.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:15 AM
Clay Holmes airs it out over one of Sunset Ridge's many jumps. Holmes is one to keep an eye on as he gets faster and faster with each race.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:19 AM
Josh Creamer rips out of a corner and pushes his KFX to it's limit. Creamer is blazing fast and is another racer that at any round can run to the win or come from behind and get himself on the box!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 12:22 AM
Digger Doug Gust has more racing history in his bones then most could ever dream of. Doug has seen this sport from it's inception to it's current state and has been a leader the entire time. I don't think I have ever met someone who doesn't cheer for Gust no matter who their favored rider may be!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:07 PM
The Women's Pro AM class would rocket off the line and Heather Byrd would take the holeshot!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:11 PM
Michelle Natalie would run second early followed by Adrienne Cooper

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:13 PM
Byrd would stay hard on the throttle and run out in both moto's taking the overall!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:16 PM
Adrienne Cooper would fill out the podium with a 3-3

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:17 PM
Womens Novice would take to the track next and when the gate drop it would be a battle to the first turn

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:19 PM
Brandi Krajewski would jump out to the early lead, but would soon see pressure and a challenge for the lead

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:20 PM
Kaylee Dyer would over take the leader and run to a win in both moto's!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:23 PM
Jessica Eineder would finish 5th in moto 1, but she was able to get in a great moto 2 giving her a 5-2 and that put her where she needed to be to take 2nd place for the weekend.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:24 PM
Kristy L. Laurine's 4-3 would be good enough for her to grab the final podium spot and leave with 3rd!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 04:29 PM
I see no real connection:devil:

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:08 PM
Pro Moto 1 would soon be on the track as crews and riders took care of their duties at the gate.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:10 PM
Josh Creamer would grab the holeshot as moto1 was underway!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:13 PM
There are alot of fast classes at the Nationals, but none top the speed and power of the first turn like the Pro's. Pro AM comes close, but it always amazes me at how fast these guys go and it is an awesome dispaly of power and control that I hope everyone gets to see a some point in person.

Creamer out front and would soon see his lead challenged!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:14 PM
Wienen was wasting no time as he was already setting up on Creamer

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:15 PM
They may be teammates, but winning is winning and both want that satisfaction for themseleves:p

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:16 PM
Byrd shadows Doug Gust as the pair exits a corner.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:19 PM
Cody Miller was off to a great start and was running strong as fellow Can Am rider Jeremy Lawson trys to close in on him.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:21 PM
Goodman leading Brandon Smith early in the moto, however this would change as Miller moved ahead of Harold as the moto wore on.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:23 PM
Thomas Brown would struggle during moto one and would end the moto in the 20th spot. I have a feeling that Brown will bust loose and he will get his shot at running up front. Super talented rider no doubt!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:26 PM
Keith Little would also find himself having a troublesome first moto.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:28 PM
John Natalie as well would find his moto 1 results dismal. So much talent hasn't had a chance to have a good run as some big names found themselves out of the hunt.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:29 PM
On lap 3, Wienen would make his move and send Creamer to the #2 spot!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:31 PM
Wienen wasn't the only rider making things happen as Jeremy lawson started working his way forward, and he would pass Creamer to take over the 2nd position.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:35 PM
Wienen in full control of things, takes a look back to see if he was going to have to defend his position.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:38 PM
Now only a few turns from a moto one victory, support and cheers ring out from his team as Wienen would head to the checkered flag!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:43 PM
Lawson had put in a valiant effort, riding strong and pushing himself and his Can Am to the breaking point. Moving through the field of talent takes some doing and Lawson was deffinatley wanting up front in a bad way!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:45 PM
Creamer would settle in to the 3rd spot and remain there when the checkered flag came out

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:48 PM
Cody Miller airs it out as tons of fans enjoy some awesome racing action!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:51 PM
Chad Wienen would catch his moment of glory but it would be fleeting as moto two still lay ahead!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:53 PM
For anyone who hasn't been to a National, the Pro rider autograph sessions are always a big hit with the fans....and I am sure a few of the riders get a kick out of meeting some of their biggest fans at each round!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:56 PM
What is hard for photographers and videographers to show is how hard everyone behind the scenes works to make this racing thing tick.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 09:58 PM
Now don't get me wrong, it's not all work and no play, but living on the road takes it's toll. Many riders will have the family dog along and I know first hand how much that can mean to you when your along way from home and family.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 10:00 PM
I do believe she can take Cody Gibson in arm wrestling!

Pappy
05-06-2009, 10:02 PM
Pat Browns YFZ gets a washing before it heads into the Yamaha tent for a once over.

Pappy
05-06-2009, 10:03 PM
Awe...ain't he cute:p

Glad I don't have to feed him!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:19 AM
Pro Am is so stocked with talent this year that it is one of the best races to watch of the day. Cody Gibson has been unleashing a torrent of insanley fast riding and has had his name in the win column more often then not!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:21 AM
You will usually see the #7 ride of Devin Heimes battling wheel to wheel with Gibson, however the good racing doesnt end with the top two riders.

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:24 AM
Pro Am affords these talented riders a shot at some serious sponsorship and is the class to hone their skills for the ultimate step of moving to the Pro Class.

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:25 AM
Cody Grant would have an excellent moto one and soon find himself tucked in behind Gibson in 2nd place

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:27 AM
Josh Williams would also see some open ground as he rode to a 3rd place finish in moto 1.

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:29 AM
Gibson would ride to yet another victory !

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:33 AM
Track personell try to keep things in good shape for the racers as the soil is worked.

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:34 AM
The final touches were being made to the Pro's quads as moto 2 was quickly approaching

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:38 AM
Greg Gee looks up at Foleys lens. Not sure what Foley was up to, but Gee isn't that short:blah:

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:40 AM
Wienens weekend had already given him reason to smile. Capturing the Top Qualifier award and a moto 1 victory had to have him on cloud nine!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:24 AM
Doug Gust was eager to get back out there as his moto 1 performance was excellent. Digger finished 4th and wanted more!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:27 AM
Byrd would be battling for the lead and the holeshot as moto 2 was underway!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:28 AM
Miller's moto one finish had him pumped to make things happen in the main, and it didn't take long as Miller would score his first ever Pro holeshot!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:29 AM
Pelchat and Little would get tangled in the first turn

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:30 AM
Goodman would also be caught up in the wreck, it wasn't going to be a good weekend for these guys

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:34 AM
Lawson, Byrd and Upperman all were charging hard after the leaders but fate would start playing into the race

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:38 AM
Miller would hold the lead, but soon found himself falling by 4 positions

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:39 AM
Wienen would be one of those 4 positions Miller would loose ground to as he assumed the lead!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:40 AM
Byrd would suffer mechanical issues and was soon abandoning his ride and headed back to the pits.

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:42 AM
Wienen would once again find himself out front as he recieved support from his crew...however it was once again Jeremy Lawson on the move as he closed in on Chad.

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:43 AM
Upperman now held the third spot and was now in a position to get his Baldwin Honda up front!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:45 AM
Creamer would be hammer down in moto 2 as well, however he would spin out and have to spend the rest of the moto driving through traffic!

Doug Gust would advance as a pack of riders close in on him!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:45 AM
Miller was holding his own as he ran in the top 5 but would soon see pressure and be passed by Natalie!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:48 AM
Gust and Natalie go big as Natalie was about to put Gust a position down!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:49 AM
Wienen remained out front and unchallenged as the laps ticked away

Pappy
05-07-2009, 11:52 AM
Lawsons race ended ubruptly as he snapped an axle, putting a damper on a great race for him!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:34 PM
Chad Wienen would scoot his Kawasaki across the finishline taking the win!

This was a big win for Chad and boost to his points and to win on your home state soil was icing on the cake!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:52 PM
Cody Miller would finish this weekend on the box! Miller's 5-5 was good enough to get the young racer a 2nd overall!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:53 PM
Chad gets a big ol' sloppy hug from his mechanic

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:54 PM
And look out! It was Digger pulling the 3rd spot! Way to go old man!:D

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:55 PM
Take a lesson here folks...Wienen is getting his picture taken and saavy Gust throws the Rockstar in there:devil: You sly dawg:blah:

Pappy
05-07-2009, 06:59 PM
Miller chuggin' the bubbly:p

one of these days one of these guys is going to hose the crowd when that stuff hits a hot stomach:D

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:08 PM
If your wondering why this coverage is taking a little longer ...well Harlen took a TON of pics and I am going through them as I post:p

I could not not post Millers burnout:devil: Oh yeah GET SOME!:macho

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:11 PM
Now thats about 1/4 of the fans I'd like to see, but that still is alot and they got their moneys worth!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:12 PM
The good news was spread fast!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:14 PM
To say Miller was pumped would be an understatement:p He would also be buying the beer with his $250 holeshot award money:cool:

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:15 PM
Get'em some gear and some quads:D Lets not let this thing end just yet:blah:

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:16 PM
Now them boys was going to fight this thing out:eek: Not sure if it was a jersey or goggles:D

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:25 PM
The Kawi crew had a solid weekend, and if Creamer had not spun out, we could have seen him on the podium as well! Congrats to both of you and to the team!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:31 PM
Another Kawi rider was going to do his best to get the team a win as well, and that would be Cody Gibson.

Pro Am moto 2 is underway:cool:

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:33 PM
Josh Williams was also having a great weekend and would be doing all he could to stay up front and finish out on top

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:36 PM
Chase Snapp finished 3rd in moto one and would be charging hard right off the gate in moto 2

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:37 PM
Gibson and Grant were going to battle the entire moto

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:38 PM
Williams would pass Grant for the second spot early in the race

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:39 PM
Grant would return the favor and retake the second spot!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:41 PM
The battle going on behind Gibson would allow him to open up a small gap

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:42 PM
Grant and Williams would set up and the pair would keep Gibson in sight

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:43 PM
Cody Gibson would take the moto win and the overall with his 1-1 performance!

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:46 PM
Cody Gibson,Cody Grant and Josh Williams would earn the right to visit the podium as they finshed 1st 2nd and 3rd respectivley

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:47 PM
Hey Pro class...are you watchin:cool:

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:55 PM
With as many moto's and classes as the youth riders run, we could easily fill a thread just on them:p

Alex Szymborski would go 1-1 in 90 Automatic Jr. (8-11)

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:57 PM
Colby Gilchrist would go 2-1 for the win in 90 Modified (8-15)

Pappy
05-07-2009, 07:59 PM
Brett J. Musick would also go 2-1 for the win in 90 Automatic Sr. (12-15)

Pappy
05-07-2009, 08:02 PM
And to put an end to this round, Jacob Beavers would score a class win in 50 Limited Jr. (4-6) !

Way to go guys, the youth classes are always my favorite to watch!

Thats it folks, a little bit of this, a little of that, some behind teh scenes shots and you have another race in the books.

See everyone again soon!

BlasterEaten250
05-08-2009, 07:52 AM
yay im in the 12th picture:blah:

Warnerade
05-08-2009, 08:28 PM
Originally posted by Pappy
I do believe she can take Cody Gibson in arm wrestling! I met her last year at redbud....anddddddd I fell in love.

Pappy
05-08-2009, 10:20 PM
The day after winning the Sunset Ridge race, Wienen sat down with Harlen Foley and did a great job telling folks a few things about himself.

Then, during a riding session......well, let the video tell the rest:p

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And a little jam session with Thomas Brown on Wienens track

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ls4IlVrQ5Is&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ls4IlVrQ5Is&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Lurch
05-11-2009, 07:00 PM
Was Chad ok from the crash?? It looked a little painful.

Pappy
05-11-2009, 07:03 PM
Originally posted by Lurch
Was Chad ok from the crash?? It looked a little painful.

Yup...reports from the incident were that he was fine.

oilguy
05-14-2009, 05:41 PM
nice pictures, looks like fun

woodsracer144
05-18-2009, 08:16 PM
Originally posted by Pappy
Goodman leading Brandon Smith early in the moto, however this would change as Miller moved ahead of Harold as the moto wore on.

GOODMAN ISNT RUNNIN THE CUT TURFTAMMERS! holy crapper!

why is john natlie on the can am and his wife on the honda?

LTR450_#67
05-19-2009, 08:57 AM
Originally posted by woodsracer144
!why is john natlie on the can am and his wife on the honda?

John is on a Factory CanAm ride and Michelle is privateer....Plus the Honda might suit her better and is probably easier to work on maybe?

Any updates on how Wimmer is recovering?

woodsracer144
05-19-2009, 03:28 PM
I thought michelle was factory...