2009 AMA ATV Motocross Nationals #7 - Unadilla - ATV Race Coverage

[Pappy]

The AMA MX National Series headed to the rolling hills and fertile valleys of New York for round #7. The Unadilla track has been seeing racing action for 40 years and this year would be another year by which the National ATV series played it's part in the rich history of the world renowned facility.

[Pappy]

The weather was stellar friday evening and saturday morning was just as welcomed.

Amatuer racing was soon in full swing as riders from all over the country dialed in their machines for the racing that lay ahead.

[Pappy]

I have been going to Unadilla for 2 times a year for the past few years, and I often think about the legends that have chewed this same dirt.

Legends weren't on the track just yet, but you never know who will become one as we all watch several talented riders work through he ranks as they rise to the top.

[Pappy]

It wasn't long ago that factory involvement was slim to none, and you had best be the top dawg if you wished even a look.

These days, factory assistance has found its way to several amatuer classes through incentives, sponsor money, trackside support and for a few, a full ride as we look at the Pro and Pro AM ranks.

[Pappy]

More often then not however, you will find the average racer digging deep week in and week out as he pays out of his own pocket to compete. As a privateer soars over one of Unadilla' many jumps, the signs of the times loom in the background as banners and haulers fill the Pro pit areas. While they may garner the limelight, its the average rider that keeps this series alive.

[Pappy]

Unadilla offers some serious air for those wanting it.

[Pappy]

The landings were plenty forgiving on most jumps, but I wouldn't want to come up short on a few of them

[Pappy]

It is very hard to explain to alot of local riders how much different it is at the national level. Most have the opinion that they can just show up and do well, but after seeing some of the videos and pictures, many take a second look at where they may stack up in the mix of things.

In most classes, the National series gives us a good look at not only some of the best on 4 wheels, but a glimpse into some of the most dedicated racers you will ever find.

[Pappy]

Now when you combine talent, dedication and a national event, that adds up to some intense racing and some fierce competition.....and one great weekend for someone like me who loves ATV racing:p

[Pappy]

I arrive at the track first as a fan. I enjoy amatuer racing more so then the pro ranks simply because thats where I come from. I could easily sit in the stands or hang on the fence all day and take in the action, but getting paid to capture it sure cuts into my enjoyment time:p

[Pappy]

Now I take my work seriously, but I do my best to try and follow the weekends action whether it be keeping an ear to the play by play on the loudspeakers, or getting some updates from you all as I run into you at times. I want to thank everyone who came up and said hello and I enjoyed the stories you all had to tell about what you had going on at the race. After chatting with a few folks, I was glad to be behind the camera and not competing, some folks had some close calls and some bruises to show!

For the most part, everyone was doing what they love, and thats race!

[Pappy]

Now this class is one that I always try and watch, not to mention the boss states its one I have to cover:p Its a win~win for us both as its an exciting class!

KTM mounted Joseph Bruening would grab the holeshot and immediatley see pressure from Kawasaki mounted Cody Gibson.

[Pappy]

Chase Snapp and Cody Grant would be battling for position as well as the top 3 racers pulled on teh rest of the pack.

[Pappy]

As Bruening continued to lead, the pair of Kawi riders, Gibson and Joel Hetrick battled just behind him.

[Pappy]

Bruening would take the moto 1 victory and was pretty pumped...as he should be. Fending off Gibson is a tough task and to claim a win would make anyones day!

The moto would see two division winners as Bruening and Devin Heimes would grab points for their respective division.

[Pappy]

Now I am a very simple person, so anything complex like following results, split divisions and staggered gates usually has me as confused as a puppy with two peters when I look back at my photos:p Throw in qualifiers and LCQ's and I am pretty sure I look possessed as I sort things out, or attempt too:blah:

I wont bore you with every class finishing order because I just know I will get hammered if I make a mistake, so I will highlight a few racers that I took note of long before looking at the results page:D

Devin Heimes is another racers that I know I will be watching for along time to come. If he isn't battling for the lead, he is usually right there in the mix or broke down (not a slam, just the way it goes with racing)

Heimes is one of those riders that you immediatley notice by his speed on the track and grace as he makes his machine do what he needs it to do.

[Pappy]

Rich Stambach is another racer who I enjoy watching, whether he be out front or battling his way to another finish he would like to forget:p Stambach is pretty predictable and for me that makes him a fun target to shoot, and its an easy job when he is out front!

Rich made a clean sweep of the Junior 25 Plus class going 1-1 for the win.

[Pappy]

Now you take Benjamin Brown. Here is a kid that is wheelchair bound, has to face adversity just to go about his daily life, and yet we find him ripping it up on an ATV...at a national no less! This kid and others like him who have to over come their disabilities just make me chuckle when I hear folks complaining about trival things we are all guilty of finding problematic in our day to day lives.

Brown came off the track late sunday afternoon, oil spewing from his YFZ's oil tank from a melted oil line and folks, I don't think I saw a bigger smile all weekend! Keep getting out there Ben, I know I enjoy seeing the pleasure you have doing what you love!

[Pappy]

The racing is almost non stop for the amatuer ranks as moto after moto clicks off the race order.

[Pappy]

Unadilla is well kown for two particuliar jumps, Gravity cavity and Skyshot. Mainly the bikes tackle Gravity cavity with an intense speed and incredible air, but for the quads, its a long drop and a horsepower robbing climb.

[Pappy]

The soil at Dilla is almost sponge like in some places and rock hard in others. Don't let the pictures fool you, it was plenty rough!

[Pappy]

Elevation changes can really test your engine and suspension as the track rutted and kickers developed everywhere.

[Pappy]

The infamous Skyshot provides racers and fans an awesome sight as the quads fly high over the jump.

[Pappy]

The first turn has all the excitement one could want as the wide open run sends the racers into a right hander that narrows the racers to 3 or 4 wide....although many classes put many more then that into the turn!

[Pappy]

The soft and deep soil will suck you in if you go outside a little to far.

[Pappy]

One name that will be heard as he continues his rise through the ranks is Nick Moser. Nick laid waste to the competition this weekend, claiming 4 moto wins and made it look effortless!

[Pappy]

Aron Reisig took winning to its highest level as he went 1-1 in Vet 30+ on his ultra clean hybrid!

[Pappy]

Following in Reisig's tire tracks was Mitchell Hext who took a 1-1 on the weekend as well in Vet 30+ B/C

[Pappy]

Kayle Dyer would face some stiff competition from #32 Katie Noyes in moto one of the Womens class. Dyer would again face a battle in moto two from Brandi Krajewski however Dyer was up to the task going 1-1 for the win

[Pappy]

Those breaking bumps looked mean, but for those with a good suspension set up, they were handled with ease. For the rest, their teeth may have shaken loose!

[Pappy]

Now for anyone who has never seen national caliber youth racers, you have no idea what your missing.

[Pappy]

The learning curve starts here and lessons are being mastered at an incredible rate.

[Pappy]

The speeds at which these kids are running will amaze you, and I can not imagine what our sport will look like in another 5 to 7 years when these guys are mixed in the adult ranks.

[Pappy]

Another name to take notice of is that of Dallas Tapscott. He went 1-4 on the weekend in Super mini, but his riding level is what I noticed more then his 2nd place finish. These guys are flat out amazing!

[Pappy]

Hunter Harper takes a look back to see just how bad he put it on the rest of 90 CVT 8-15! Harper grabbed the holeshot and rode to a 1-1 weekend!

[Pappy]

Alex Szymborski would find alot of success here at Unadilla, riding to a 1-1 in 70 SS (6-11)

[Pappy]

Brett Musick looks ahead to the next jump as the young racer ripped to a 1-1 finish in not only 90 Automatic Sr. (12-15) but a 1-3 in 90 Modified (8-15) ! Thats a sweet weekend!

[Pappy]

Heather Byrd ripped her way to another holeshot as the Pro Am Womens class took to the track!

[Pappy]

Byrd would ride out front in moto 1 with Michelle Natalie giving chase in second

[Pappy]

John natalie does everything he can to get Michelle to throttle even harder!

I just know John is going to throw on a wig and gear up one of these rounds:p That man wants to win even when he is fence racin!

[Pappy]

Michelle gave it her all in both motos but would have to settle for second

[Pappy]

Byrd would ride to a 1-1 weekend!

[Pappy]

Adrienne Cooper would round out the top 3 in both motos

[Pappy]

The clouds were growing dark as Heather gives me the finger:eek: Thats the number one finger baby:cool:

I think she must have a seperate house for all those trophies:p

[Pappy]

I always look forward to Pro practice. Not just for good photo oppertunities, but I get to see how they go after certain aspects of the track that differ from the amatuers. It can really fool you, I mean you have watched a cool spot all day and just know that it will make a killer shot when the Pro's come out , only to have them take a completley different approach to it:p

Josh Upperman heads out to see what needs to be worked on or changed and to get aquainted with this years track.

[Pappy]

Just as Joe Byrd comes out, the first few rain drops hit me. Now they felt good I must admit, but when you get only a few chances to catch these guys clean, it becomes problematic in a hurry:p

[Pappy]

Digger Doug Gust rails the first turn as he and Josh Creamer head out.

[Pappy]

I wasn't a good Boy Scout and didn't have an umbrella, rain coat ...nothin:p I blame it on the announcer who made claims all morning we would be rain free:grr:

The conditions are what they are and the Pro's do what Pro's do as they started turning up the speed.

[Pappy]

Thomas Brown entered my view and so did the rain drops....which now had started to grow in size:p

I had been telling my son that it was just a mist....he told me it was wishful thinking:scary:

[Pappy]

I hadn't made an inquires to Dustin about how he was feeling. I figured I would see it soon enough. As fast as he ripped past me, I figured he was atleast feeling better even if he still isn't at 100%

[Pappy]

I had been told that Denoble would be sidelined with an injury this round, so it was a good sign when he came motor-boatin' past me:p

Clay Holmes would not be in attendence as he had suffered an injury that would keep him off the track.

Now if I need to tell you about the rain at this point, either you need to clean your screen or get some glasses:p

[Pappy]

I figured my gear was about as clean as it needed to be thanks to the down-pour so we beelined it first under a flagger stand:p

[Pappy]

Finally we took refuge in the mechanics area, which wasn't a whole lot drier then anywhere else:p

[Pappy]

Lets fast forward to Pro Practice #2.......

[Pappy]

I don't know what mother-nature has against Unadilla and her abrupt downpours, but someone needs to set her straight:mad:

[Pappy]

How about Skyshot in a thunderstorm:p :eek:

[Pappy]

We sought refuge yet again in the mechanics area as Cody Gibson showed he wasn't skeert!

[Pappy]

Geez.....you get a mean look just for saying if he wore an Elka shirt it would be bright and sunny:eek: :blah: :devil:

[Pappy]

So big rain drops replaced the Pro's during their practice not once, but twice!

Hey, I get paid to cover it, so here you are....my money is on drop number 7,976,765,321:blah:

[Pappy]

Sunday dawned clear and the sky was filled with big white puffy clouds and plenty of sunshine.

Pro Am Unlimited would be gathering all the attention as the riders took to the gate

[Pappy]

Devin Heimes wasted no time in taking the lead as he grabbed the holeshot.

[Pappy]

Heimes slips through another corner as the entire Pro Am class works through Gravity Cavity.

[Pappy]

Gibson had not been in a godo position after the first turn and was now forced to work his way to the front

[Pappy]

The track had been pounded enough that dust was now being kicked up as the class remained close and hard on the throttle as they attacked an uphill section

[Pappy]

Bobby Ross was holding 2nd as Cody Gibson was now up to 3rd with Joel Hetrick filling the 4th spot as the 3 Kawi riders clear skyshot

[Pappy]

The battle behind the top 3 wasn't any less intense

[Pappy]

Heimes was running about as well as anyone could as he held the lead, but Gibson was coming!

[Pappy]

Gibson was now in second as he and Ross clear a turn and set up for a downhill run

[Pappy]

Gibson was knocking of a little time here and a little there as he closed the gap on Heimes

[Pappy]

The chase was on and I knew it would be my luck that if a pass was made it would be out of my sight:p

[Pappy]

It was Heimes, Gibson, Hetrick, Ross up front as Travis Moore was being hunted by a hard charging Cody Grant

[Pappy]

Heimes gets some support as he pushes hard to stay out front

[Pappy]

The racing was hot as hot as ever as Ricky Deering and Josh Williams battle for position

[Pappy]

Grant had taken the position away from Moore and now had Ross in his sights!

[Pappy]

Grant took over the 3rd spot and was now looking for more !

[Pappy]

Heimes ran into some trouble and was off the track, now it was Gibson's turn to shine!

[Pappy]

Casey Martin ran into some mechanical issues right at the face of a double. He worked on getting out of the main line but his machine wouldn't co-operate

[Pappy]

For KTM mounted Joseph Bruening, he was left with no where to go and did an excellent job of keeping the situation from becoming ugly!

[Pappy]

The damage ws done as both now sat at the bacl of the running order

[Pappy]

Heimes was back in action but would finish in the 17th spot

[Pappy]

Gibson was now holding a comfortable lead and the win was his for the taking

[Pappy]

Gibson would secure the win, followed by Joel Hetrick and Cody Grant

[Pappy]

The talented young Gibson was joined at the podium by family, fams and teammates as he repared to put his Kawi on the box

[Pappy]

Joel Hetrick would be making his Pro Am racing debut and started it off with a bang! Hetricks moto 1 finish sends a statement that he has stepped it up and is ready to start his own march towards the big league.

Joel wasted no time in informing "Mom" who was unable to be at the race

[Pappy]

Rounding out the top 3 in Pro Am would be Cody Grant as he secured the 3rd position. Grant rode solid both motos and had to be pleased with getting on the box

[Pappy]

No sooner then I snapped my last podium picture, I could hear the Pro's head out for their sight lap.

Wienen has been on a roll, over coming early season issues and now stands poised to make a run at the championship if he can continue his winning ways!

[Pappy]

Without a good practice on saturday, there wasn't any rider who stood out to be the favorite. It was bound to be anyones game as the riders headed to the gate

[Pappy]

Josh Upperman wasted no time grabbing the holeshot as his Baldwin powered Honda screamed to the lead!

[Pappy]

The ground was being ripped apart as the pro class now entered and worked turn two!

[Pappy]

The fans were watching intensly as the racers worked through Gravity Cavity

[Pappy]

Upperman was where he needed to be, now it was up to him to make it stick!

[Pappy]

I was really hoping to see Wimmer back up front and fightingf or the lead, however in moto 1 he was off to a bad start and had his work cut out for him.

[Pappy]

Can Am racers John Natalie and Jeremy Lawson battle early in the moto

[Pappy]

$35 to get in, just to sleep through moto 1:eek:

[Pappy]

Upperman sets up for a corner as Gust and Wienen come into view

[Pappy]

Upperman was riding well, and as he passed me for another lap I was wondering if he could hang on and fend off the charge that was creeping up on him from behind!

[Pappy]

The Can Am crew was battling their own war!

[Pappy]

Up front, Upperman continued to hold a decent lead over Gust, but the battle for 2nd was about to heat up!

[Pappy]

Wienen looking over Gusts shoulder as he seemed to be getting anxious:p

[Pappy]

Wienen closed up on Gust as the pair headed into Gravity Cavity

[Pappy]

Byrd held 4th as another lap was scored. Denoble was looking pretty solid for riding injured, but would fade as the moto wore on

[Pappy]

Wienen had made his move on Gust and now had the leader in his crosshairs!

[Pappy]

Lawson and Natalie ran together pretty much the entire moto.

[Pappy]

The lead was now going to be there for the taking as the pair of riders drop in. Upperman had been putting in blistering fast laps and now he would have to try and dig deep to keep Wienen at bay!

[Pappy]

Joe Byrd had 4th place all to himself however would run into some problems and fall to 11th

[Pappy]

Lawson would move into 4th and natlie now into 5th

[Pappy]

Wienen made things happen and now was the race leader!

[Pappy]

Big Chad now had open track to run on and he was gone!

[Pappy]

With only a few laps remaining, it would be his race to lose!

[Pappy]

Harold Goodman would have a solid 1st moto and spent most of it battling with Richard Pelchat

[Pappy]

Gust tucked in behind Upperman and would finish the moto in order

[Pappy]

Wienen comes by the mechanics area without another racer in sight!

[Pappy]

Not every racer can have a perfect moto, and for Keith Little, a broken axle got him a ride back to the pits

[Pappy]

The moto would be Wienen's as he sailed towards the checkered flag.

Moto 2 would be a few hours away and it would be another knock down drag out fight between the worlds best!

[Pappy]

Pro Moto 2 was getting ready to head to the line.

Wienen had the moto 1 win under his belt and was sure to be a threat in the 2nd moto. For others, it was one more chance to make the weekend a success.

[Pappy]

Doug Gust would be clawing his way through the freshly disc'd soil to claim the holeshot!

[Pappy]

Kawasaki's Chad Wienen would give it a valiant effort but according to the officials, Gust would cross the line first to claim the holeshot

[Pappy]

Gust may have taken the holeshot, but Wienen wasn't waiting and quickly took the lead

[Pappy]

Gust was running second, but my eyes were on Natalie as he poured on the power

[Pappy]

Upperman wasn't having the moto he had in moto 1, but was working mid pack

[Pappy]

Wienen's pit board would tell him what he already knew, that he was in control and a look over his shoulder would give him the 411 on how much of a lead he was building

[Pappy]

Natalie was on Gust hard but couldnt find a spot to make a run at a pass

[Pappy]

Wimmer once again wasn't off to a great start, but this moto was different, he was making up time in a big way!

[Pappy]

Pat Brown and Josh Creamer get ready to go verticle.

Creamer looked to be having some mechanical issues as I saw him several times looking down at the left side of his quad

[Pappy]

Wienen was making it look incredibly easy, but the lead he had would be gone if he made the slightest of mistakes.

[Pappy]

Gust and natalie continued to battle behind Wienen and it was now Dustin Wimmer moving into the 4th spot!

After being tangled in moto 1 at the start, Wimmer would spend teh rest of teh moto trying to mount a comeback. Here in moto 2 however, Dustin was making moves and pushing his Suzuki towards the front! He may not be back at 100%, but he isnt far off from what I could see!

[Pappy]

Lawson now rounded out the top 5

[Pappy]

Upperman is proving round after round that he is getting faster and its not going to be long before he is racking up wins. Josh would find himself in the 6th spot

[Pappy]

Chad would only have another lap to clear before he would put this win in the books. One look over at Gust and Natalie as he prepares to rocket out of a bottom and charge to the checkered flag

[Pappy]

Thomas Brown would find himself pushing his yamaha off the tarck as mechanical issues struck him as well

[Pappy]

Cody Miller would find himself at the end of the tow rope as well as teh pounding started taking its toll

[Pappy]

The 2nd moto was again Chad Wienens as he takes the checkered flag!

[Pappy]

The battle for second place was fierce from start to finish. Gust doesnt make many mistakes and if there isnt room to make a run on him then your in for a long day!

Natalie found a few extra feet of track as they approached teh finish line and snatched the position away!

John looks over to see Gust but Doug was forced to the other side as the pair battled across the finish line! Gust had lost his front brakes! It was an awesome sight to see in person:p

[Pappy]

That makes 2 in a row for Wienen! He was pretty stoked as well he should be!

[Pappy]

Natalie was excited to have found the podium here at Unadilla.

[Pappy]

At 42 years of age, most would never suspect Doug Gust of being as fierce as he is in a sport dominated by riders half his age. This would mark Gusts second visit to the podium this season and I wouldnt count out another visit or two before seasons end.

[Pappy]

Chad takes over the points lead and I am willing to bet won't be letting go of it easily;)

[Pappy]

The podium was complete and another weekend of great racing was history!

[Pappy]

While not everyone gets to visit the podium, their finishes are noted and sometimes not reflective upon how well they did .

Josh Upperman continues to climb the ranks has some serious potential as he dials in his program that will eventually put him where he wants to be...and thats in that number 1 spot! Josh went 2-6 to claim the 4th spot

[Pappy]

Jeremy Lawson's 4-5 would net him 5th for the weekend

[Pappy]

Wimmer is almost back:confused:

I am sure he still has some recovery to do, but he is a beast! His 10-4 was good enough to net him a 6th for his efforts, but his second moto finish speaks volumes. Keep and eye on him next round!

[Pappy]

Canadian Richard Pelchat was in the mix all weekend and his 6-8 would give him 7th for the score keepers

[Pappy]

Greg Gee would run to a 8-7 finish netting him the 8th position

[Pappy]

I think if harold Goodman needed a blood transusion, they would need to mix in a bit of race fuel to keep him right:p

Goodman went 7-10 for the 9th spot this weekend. Goodman will be back in action this coming weekend at Tri Cities Speedway as he attacks the TT track! Good luck BEE!!

[Pappy]

Pat Brown would round out the top 10 in the Pro class with his 13-11

We had agreat time, the cameras got good and washed during the two downpours and we will be gearing up for Muddy Creek! See ya there!

[Pappy]

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[reconmaster]

Originally posted by Pappy
Now you take Benjamin Brown. Here is a kid that is wheelchair bound, has to face adversity just to go about his daily life, and yet we find him ripping it up on an ATV...at a national no less! This kid and others like him who have to over come their disabilities just make me chuckle when I hear folks complaining about trival things we are all guilty of finding problematic in our day to day lives.

Brown came off the track late sunday afternoon, oil spewing from his YFZ's oil tank from a melted oil line and folks, I don't think I saw a bigger smile all weekend! Keep getting out there Ben, I know I enjoy seeing the pleasure you have doing what you love!

thanks again pappy nice to meet you and cody over the weekend. your not going to belive what happened on my way home! two hours from the house my trucks a shakin. i had to get front wheel bearings, some front brake dust covers and driveshaft rebuilt! oh well it happends

[Pappy]

It was my pleasure meeting you Ben. Sucks about the truck but it could be worse!

Send me your email addy and I will get you a full size shot of you racing sent over

[201 Films]

Hey guys this is a vid i put together of Unadilla. Check it out!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tag7ecT8WW4&feature=channel_page

[Simon MX49]

Sweeeetttttttt:D

[hendershot106]

great thread paaaappy!!! hope to see you at muddy creek!!