Pell City,AL - For the first time ever, an ATVA MX National will be held in Alabama at the Mill Creek MX Park in Pell City, AL. Upon arriving, I expected the area to be relatively flat, but the area actually is far from it with some rolling hills.
The track itself contains plenty of elevation changes with some nice size jumps, but only one big step-up that requires a handful of throttle to clear and only the Pros and a handful of other riders are attempting to clear it.
With sizzling temperatures, the rider count for the Alabama event is down compared to other events this year with just over 400 riders in attendance, and the Pro Class only had 18 riders sign up with John Ragon and Rodney Gentry giving the class a try this weekend.
With temperatures approaching 100 degrees paired with high humidity, it is like an oven on the track, which has even the spectators seeking shade from the baking sun.
Paul Turner and Ryan Cox attempted to use mind over matter technic to stay cool, so they tried dressing and acting cool in hopes of staying cool
The plan didn't go as well as anticipated which left Turner seeking the relief a fan and misting system to stay cool as many around the pits became fan worshippers gathering around like Sunday service trying to stay cool
Joe Haavisto reverted to the Egyptian styled Rath Racing headdress to stay cool
Even RaceDayPix, Dave, looked like he was ready to pass out at the end of the day on Saturday, so I think by now you get the picture, its HOT, HOT, HOT.
After Steel City, John Natalie Jr had his wrist X-rayed again and it was found to be broke, so he is wearing a softcast this weekend in hopes of trying to salvaging some points.
The "Alabama Slammer" Keith Little lives only a few hours from the track and heads into the race with a win in the MX and EDT Nationals in back to back weekends.
Ofcourse, he was featured on the event t-shirt
The local news stations channels 13 and 33/40 headed out to the track to interview there hometown hero, which was awesome, and it only took me countless emails and phone calls to make it happen, but when they show up, it is worth every minute of time.