2009 AMA ATV Motocross Nationals #6 - Steel City - Race Coverage

[Pappy]

Round # 6 of the AMA National MX Series headed to Steel City for another round of exciting racing action.

The Pro pit area was being constructed as word was out that the injured Dustin Wimmer would be on hand to compete after suffering a shoulder injury prior to round #5

[Pappy]

The Steel City track is world renowned and holds several National events each season for ATV's and Bikes. Crews worked non stop to have it in shape as the racers began arriving friday

[Pappy]

The shirt right off his back is a phrase coined by many, for a Joe Byrd fan it was a reality! Andy Green was on leave from the military for the past month, so he took the time to attend both Sunset Ridge & Steel City before returning to service on May 29th, and he will be heading over to Afganistan in a few months.

We wish him the very best and a safe return

[Pappy]

Many people in our sport that do not race never get to see what goes on behind the scenes, especially when it comes to machine set up. I run into many riders who buy aftermarket shocks and think that everyone runs them out of the box with just usually adjustments made. Fact is, tweaking teh shocks, testing different settings and dialing them in for each round is the norm for those that want to have the best they can get out of their suspension

[Pappy]

Byrd's ride was minus some front shocks while they were being worked on. Byrd isn't scared to do what ever it takes to eek out the last little bit of performance from any and every component on his ride. The addition of a swaybar at this round would be run, would it work?

Both Joe Byrd & Nick Denoble were racing with the Sonic Sway Bar this past weekend

[Pappy]

One thing I like about the MX series is that a fan or spectator can usually have multiple oppertunities to interact with their favored rider aside from the autograph sessions. The main Pro area is open for everyone to browse and spectate as the racers and their crews get things ready.

[Pappy]

Wienen sports his way around the facility on a big comfy UTE as the hot sun made everyone aware that summer is on it's way!

[Pappy]

With so many racers on hand, a hot drying sun overhead, and dirt that would soon become hard packed and dusty, watering the track would be quite a job.

[Pappy]

Pro-Am Racer, Marc Winchester made his return to race at Steel City outfitted with a Halo as he continues to recover from a serious wreck at Amateur opener at Pell City, Al when he wrecked on down hill jump, which left him with a fractured leg & hip along with a few fractured vertebrate in his neck.

Fortunately, Marc’s neck is healing up great, but he still has some intense pain in his hip, which may be the only thing that could keep him coming back from racing as he is expected to get his halo removed in just another month.

This sport as many others has it's dangers and it is always good to see someone recovering from such an injury back at the track. To those that only get to go to one event or watch the coverages posted online, the family atmosphere that developes trackside between many of the teams and racers is what drives this sport, and when a rider goes down, everyone feels it.

[Pappy]

Cody Gibson heads out for a ride as he prepares for another intense battle in the Pro Am class. Gibson is phenominal on an ATV, very fun to watch and can really get around the track in a big hurry!

[Pappy]

Several of the tracks in PA are excellent for spectating as the hillsides provide an excellent view to catch most of the action

[Pappy]

The Amatuer classes are the ticket if you want a day fileld with nerf banging action. The action is always great and the competition level in most classes is enough to keep you pinned to the fence watching these guys give it thier all.

Cory Acker would have a great weekend going 1-1 in 4 Stroke C!

[Pappy]

Jeffrey Rastrelli turned 16 and they turned him loose in the Pro Am class. It would a big step for the talented young racer and everyone would be watching him during practice to see what his times were.

[Pappy]

Gary King heads over the bars. King was competing in two classes and was unable to make the 2nd moto in either class after his wreck. We all hope his injuries were slight!

[Pappy]

Getting support from your crew can sure help when you're digging deep for one more lap!

[Pappy]

Joel Hetrick has spent alot of time on this particuliar track, and would be a good bet to do well this round.

[Pappy]

Neal Mcgrath gets a front row seat as he watches Thomas Mofford take a digger

[Pappy]

Joel Hetrick airs it out over an uphill double. Hetrick would claim the moto 1 win in Production A however moto two would see him run into issues and place 19th

[Pappy]

Jeffrey Rastrelli would be on fire in Production A claiming the class win

[Pappy]

The Womens Pro Am class is always one of my favorite races to watch. Not because the competition is so fierce, but for the rivalry that exists as these talented ladies go flat out round after round.

[Pappy]

Heather Byrd is all of 5 foot nothing and weighs less then a set of rear tires but she can flat man handle her Honda!

[Pappy]

Jamie Jones drops the hammer on her LTR as she rides to a 4-6 finish

[Pappy]

Adrienne Cooper would find herself running to a 3-3 weekend.

[Pappy]

Michelle Natalie has come so close to reeling Byrd in at several rounds, and one of these races she will have it all click and take home a win! Natalie shown here running 2nd

[Pappy]

The competition between Byrd and Natalie is great, and Byrd knows that if she makes the slightest mistake, Natalie will blow right on by her!

[Pappy]

Michelle Suciu would have a soldi weekend going 6-4

[Pappy]

Byrd would claim the win with a 1-1 performance, followed by Natalie for second with a 2-2

Great job ladies!

[Pappy]

I reckon having John give you the pointers goes along way...


"Just go wide, keep it pinned and you will clear it..I can do it with my eyes closed"! LOL

[Pappy]

Womens Novice is another great class to watch as its fileld with a good mix of talent that makes for great racing

[Pappy]

Kaylee Dyer would go 2-1 for the win!

[Pappy]

Jessica Eineder's 3-2 would give her 2nd

[Pappy]

It is now important ladies, to have your make up correct because we are wanting an up close and personal look at you guys when you fly past us:D

[Pappy]

While the Womens class was getting it done on the track, Heather Byrd was on the podium celebrating her win with her parents.

[Pappy]

Pro Am practice and Pro practice are always a great opportunity for the photographers to catch some great images. Cody Gibson airs it out over one of Steel City's jumps

[Pappy]

Away from the track, most folks wouldn't know who Devin Heimes is, but I have a feeling in the coming years that will change. This kid is fast and if he can stay healthy will be a force to be reckoned with when he hits the Pro class

[Pappy]

Polaris Pro-Am Racer, #179 Landon Hurst suffered a serious wreck at his home practice track with multiple fractures to his legs, which will have him sidelined for the rest of the season, so #375 Casey Martin has replaced Hurst on the Polaris Outlaw, and he finished 13th Overall in Polaris debut, and he will back in action on Sunday in the Pro-Am Production Class.

[Pappy]

Cody Grant is another rider who will be worth watching as his career progresses. Grant seems to always be there round after round and as his speed takes the next step, we will see him battling for wins.

[Pappy]

Gibson and Billy Cottage getting a different view of the Steel City track!

[Pappy]

Matt Shapaka rails a turn as practice comes to an end

[Pappy]

Pro practice draws a ton of attention, not only from fans but from the race crews. Rider feedback and adjustments are handled and every rider is looking for something that will give them the advantage to take the win

[Pappy]

Pat Brown is no stranger to Steel City, and he is always capable of coming out on top at any round.

[Pappy]

Cody Miller clears a double as some of the track can be seen in the back ground.

[Pappy]

Josh Upperman flies high over the PA soil as he puts in his practice laps. Upperman has been on a roll and seems to have found a little something here and there that has gained him some speed.

[Pappy]

Harold Goodman comes up just a few feet short and flattens his rear tires when he lands.

[Pappy]

The big news this round would be the return of the injured Dustin Wimmer. After having to miss a round and have surgery, Wimmer was back in action albeit he wouldn't be in top form as he is still recovering. At this level, you either want it or you don't, I think Wimmer is proving he has the heart to be the champion again and will do whatever it takes to get there.

[Pappy]

Fellow Suzuki mounted Doug Gust sets sail as he works things out during practice. Gust is a machine, plain and simple!

[Pappy]

Thomas Brown slugs it out in the Pro class every round. Young, talented and has a bright future in this sport.

[Pappy]

Jeremy Lawson would wreck during practice and from the dirt on his jersey, his shoulder took a pretty good hit

[Pappy]

Pro Am Moto 1 action would have Cody Gibson rocketing to turn one first as he grabs another holeshot!

[Pappy]

Jimmy White gives support to Gibson who ran unchallenged on lap one with the lead!

[Pappy]

Billy Cottage was on the gas as he tried to keep Gibson in check

[Pappy]

Snapp #22 would hold 3rd as the field of racers were really battling as they hit an uphill section

[Pappy]

Gibson was on fire as usual!

[Pappy]

Cottage would hold 2nd but would soon face a challenge for his position

[Pappy]

Devin Heimes would soon work on Cottage and take over the number 2 spot

[Pappy]

Casey Martin, riding for the injured Marc Winchester, would find himself running a solid 10th

[Pappy]

#28 Joseph Bruening and #714 Josh Williams would battle for position as the race wore on. They would finish 4th and 5th respectivley

[Pappy]

Brandon Stout's first moto would not bode well for the Tennessee native as he snapped an axle

[Pappy]

Travis Moore found himself tangled in turn 1 off the start and would battle back to claim an 8th place finish in moto 1

[Pappy]

The moto 1 win would fall to a hard charging Cody Gibson!

[Pappy]

Devin Heimes would work his way through the field and hold the 2nd spot when the checkered flag came out!

[Pappy]

Billy Cottage would power his way to a solid 3rd place finish in the 1st moto

[Pappy]

Joel Hetrick would set the pace right from the start, claiming the holeshot in both motos!

[Pappy]

Hetrick would remain out front even in a class fileld with talent! Like a cat with it's tail on fire....Hetrick was gone!

[Pappy]

Cody Gibson would find himself in 2nd as the moto was underway

[Pappy]

Hetrick was way out of shape as he landed this table but was able to reel it in and stay on the gas

[Pappy]

Hetrick would claim the moto 1 win!

With one win under hsi belt for the day, the young racer knew he had to buckle down and make it count as moto two was readied for teh gate

[Pappy]

Again, Joel would rip to the holeshot!

[Pappy]

Cody Grant got a good start and was holding the #2 spot

[Pappy]

With Grant on him, and Heimes moving in on Grant, Hetrick had no room for error

[Pappy]

Hetrick would hold the lead and secure the 2nd moto win!

Joel Hetrick, Cody Grant and Cody Gibson would pay a visit to the podium!

[Pappy]

Harold Goodman would launch off the line and run away with the holeshot!

[Pappy]

Gust and Creamer would be wheel to wheel as they sorted out who would take over the second spot!

[Pappy]

The Pro's exit turn one and the race was on!

[Pappy]

Goodman found himself out front of one of the fastest fields of Pro ATV MX racers ever known!

[Pappy]

Gust had won the battle for 2nd for now......

[Pappy]

I'm sure Digger was wondering how much of a sting the Bee had in him today:devious:

[Pappy]

Wimmer was putting in his best effort and I know I am not the only one who wanted to just see him not injure his shoulder worse!

[Pappy]

Bryd and Natalie would once again find themselves ready to battle one another

[Pappy]

Josh Creamer put Goodman and Gust behind him and now had control of the race!

[Pappy]

Goodman and Gust soar over a big double as they now have to work on catching Creamer!

[Pappy]

Goodman fell to Gust and now Upperman came into the picture with Cody Miller now trailing

[Pappy]

Nick Denoble getting some rousing support!

[Pappy]

Creamer out front and all alone!

[Pappy]

Wienen had to work his way to teh front and was soon picking off Gust

[Pappy]

Around Gust and now looking for Creamer!

[Pappy]

Byrd would get past Miller and was really putting the GO in GO Fast!

[Pappy]

Natalie would soon send Miller a position back!

[Pappy]

Wienen was chipping away at Creamers lead but he wouldn't be able to get in striking distance

[Pappy]

Greg Gee and Brandon Smith race for position as the moto drew near and end

[Pappy]

Creamer would take the win as Wienen clears the last corner to take 2nd!

[Pappy]

Joe Byrd would put in an awesome ride and work his way to 3rd in moto 1

[Pappy]

As a testement to how well Wimmer rides, he rode injured and off pace and still secured 9th!

[Pappy]

I'm sure Jimmy White would have prefered an all green podium, but 2 out of 3 aint that bad old man;) :D

[Pappy]

Creamer shows his fans he has what it takes and was right where he wanted to be!

[Pappy]

The team taking it all in

[Pappy]

Goodman would take away some beer money for the moto 1 holeshot!

[Pappy]

Wienen would tell of his race to the crowd and would settle for 2nd.

[Pappy]

Billy Cottage would grab the holeshot in moto 2 and you can see Gibson spun out behind him!

[Pappy]

Rain had fallen and would continue on and off but that wasn't slowing down Cottage!

[Pappy]

Heimes had a strong moto 1 and was looking for another good finish

[Pappy]

Gibson had recovered and was cutting through the class like mad!

[Pappy]

Cottage still remained the leader as others started closing in on him

[Pappy]

Josh Williams worked by Heimes and was now looking for more!

[Pappy]

Gibson was on a mission...get to the front NOW!

[Pappy]

A few laps in and Gibson was up to 5th and making things happen!

[Pappy]

The rain wasn't helping and the track was plenty rough

[Pappy]

1st through 5th remained unchanged

[Pappy]

The top 5 were now ready to get things worked out

[Pappy]

In an instant, the running order changed!

[Pappy]

Travis Moore would score the win in moto 2 followed by Josh Williams and a hard charging Cody Gibson .

[Pappy]

Gibsons 3rd place finish in moto 2 was godo enough for him to claim the overall win with a 1-3

Coming from behind is never easy, and to do it with adverse conditions and a talented field of riders ahead of you, really tells us all what we can expect from this talented rider!

[Pappy]

Kawasaki's Cody Gibson (center) extended his Pro-Am Production Win streak to three straight races and he is joined on the Podium by ATP's Josh Williams (right) in 2nd and Billy Cottage (left) makes his Pro-Am Production podium debut.

[Pappy]

The rain continued to fall as the Pro class awaited the gate

[Pappy]

Gusts ride gets the unmbrella treatment in an attempt to keep it somewhat dry

[Pappy]

Creamer looked focused as he sits on his Kawi awaiting the start

[Pappy]

John Natalie gives Foley a big thumbs up.

[Pappy]

Nick DeNoble as well give Foley props as he snaps away. Maybe they were actually looking for a ride outta there:p

[Pappy]

Not sure what was going on, I cant find a smiling GNCC racer when its wet out:p

[Pappy]

Keith Little doesn't smile, his lips are permantley pushed back from going fast for so many years:D

[Pappy]

Tim Farr prepping Upperman.....


"You can beat that guy...and that guy...and those 3 guys over there"!

[Pappy]

"Those guys over there are pretty fast, but you can take'em"!

[Pappy]

Goodman getting ready to glove up, and from his look i'd say he was paying attention to the heavier rain drops that were starting to fall

[Pappy]

Just so Dustin can see what happens behind him on the line:p

[Pappy]

Pat Browns dad doesn't need no stinking umbrella:macho

[Pappy]

The hot lap was over and everyone had taken up thier positions before they kicked this sucker into high gear!

[Pappy]

The gate dropped and it would be a mad dash to the first turn!

[Pappy]

It would be Goodman claiming his second holeshot of the day!

[Pappy]

Goodman would lead and be the hunted

[Pappy]

Natalie would be back up and running after getting wrecked in the first turn

[Pappy]

Creamer would battle Goodman and out jump him to take the lead!

[Pappy]

Creamer now, for the second time of the day, found himself in the drivers seat!!!

[Pappy]

Upperman set sail and passed Goodman to overtake the 2nd spot!

[Pappy]

Wienen was running good but catching the top riders was going to be tough!

[Pappy]

I heard Creamer looked up the "Checked Out" in the racers handbook prior to the start:eek:

[Pappy]

Wienen was about to take 4th from Gust

[Pappy]

Lawson, pretty banged up from hsi wreck during practice, wouldnt be a threat this round

[Pappy]

This weekend just wasn't a good one for Clay Holmes who broke down both moto's

[Pappy]

Mark Baldwin trying every way he can to convince Upperman he is smart.......





Oh....he means ride smart:p

Good advice too...Upperman had a great moto going and he could find that podium again if it all worked out!!!!

[Pappy]

Thomas Brown would find himself sidelined after a wreck, ending his moto:(

[Pappy]

Man...they even have to tell Josh to breathe:eek: :devil:

I know Mark was stoked to see his rider running up front!!!I didnt ask, but its a safe bet Josh was pretty stoked as well:D

[Pappy]

Creamer blew by him so fast he didn't have time to raise the pit-board:eek:

[Pappy]

Push was the order to Natalie..and he was doing just that. After losing 30 seconds or so at the start due to his wreck, John was forced to dig deep and work hsi way to the front.

[Pappy]

Gust would work his way to 3rd !!!

[Pappy]

I can't even begin to understand how Wimmer held back, I know his endurance was down ofcourse, but oncethese guys get set in motion, there isn't much that slows them down!

[Pappy]

Byrd would be riding solid but never in contention in moto 2

[Pappy]

Gust, among others, would be forced to ditch thier goggles

[Pappy]

DUDE!!!! Dont throw in the towel yet!!!:p

[Pappy]

Natalie checks his six over a jump

[Pappy]

Creamer had done it! He had dominated both motos and claimed the win!

[Pappy]

Goodman takes away some more coin for his holeshot in moto 2!

[Pappy]

"Get that Honda out of here!!!:eek: :devil: "

[Pappy]

Teammates share a toast as Wienens efforts were good enough to get him on the podium with a 2-4!

[Pappy]

Creamer.....it was his day and then some! Awesome job!!!

[Pappy]

Upperman's performance was great, and I think I stated a few rounds back that he was closing in on finding that podium:devil:

There were some proud folks on hand to see it!

[Pappy]

Josh earned his spot up there for sure!!!Congrats!!

[Pappy]

There's your Pro podium for Steel City folks!!!

[Pappy]

The bubbly did fly!

[Pappy]

Well...not all of it was wasted:p Team Chug!

[Pappy]

I think the whole team should have gotten a bottle:devil:

[Pappy]

Hey Honda....pay up:eek: :devil:

[Pappy]

Thats it for thsi round folks. A huge congrats to Josh Creamer and all the racers!

We will see everyone soon as the next round is fast approaching!

[hendershot106]

Originally posted by Pappy
Natalie checks his six over a jump


Natalie was checkin his six to look back at shumaker... he did that three times in ten seconds after shumaker tried to run him off the track in the small pro section on the pits side... natalie took him on the inside... shumaker hit him and almost spun him out... natalie just looked back at him and smoked him. It was awesome!!

[Quadevil]

Originally posted by Pappy
"Get that Honda out of here!!!:eek: :devil: "

...and don't bring it back unless Honda has a new 450R for this year :devil: :D

[Simon MX49]

Congrats to Creamer and Wienen for taking the top 2 spots, but I'm definitely happiest to see Upperman on the podium.

Just wait, Josh will be on top here real soon, and once he gets there the competitions gonna have a hard time gettin him off the top step

[Ryan]

Great race report and pictures as always!

[Pappy]

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