2009 AMA ATV Motocross Nationals #8 - Muddy Creek - ATV Race Coverage

The series would find us traveling south to Tennessee for round #8 of the AMA ATV Motocross series and mother nature sure set us up for a cooker!

I've been to hotter races, but I decided to spend a few days in the mountains before heading over to the race and it was a big shock to feel the difference between the cool mountain air that I left!

Before we dive into the racing action, I am under threats to post a few of the wildlife pictures I captured during my visit into God's country:p I always get alot of complements on my wildlife photography and as you can geuss, it's what I enjoy shooting the most. Now don't get me wrong, I love shooting ATV racing, but sneaking up on Doug Gust doesn't offer the challenge of some of the things I go after:D

The regions wildlife is almost everywhere, and while the tourist areas are busy this time of year, there is plenty to do just an hours drive form the track. Maybe next year, you too can take an extra day or two and catch your own memories.

Luckily for me my family has grown up outdoors with me as they have been beside me for some awesome displays of what God has created for us all. This trip would be no different as we stood together as a family at dawn and watched wild turkeys come off thier roost to begin thier day.

Now, I know a few of you are asking what in the world does this stuff have to do with racing?

Well, I will tell you:p

As each of you fullfill your dreams on the track, I am fullfilling mine and it's YOU I have to thank for it. The support you all have shown this website has provided me with a means to see much of the country that I couldn't have otherwise. It has allowed me to make sure my family gets to see things that majority of people today miss and it has allowed me to share with you all what I have seen. So when you shake my hand at the track or at an event and say "thanks", it is I that am truly thankfull for your support.

Now being in a position sometimes to get a shot of a rider can be very dangerous. Every photographer out there can get run down any second and we know it. There isn't anything hero about it, if you want the shot you do what you can and try to be as safe as possible. My wife reads me the riot act all the time about taking risks, and I tell her it's no where near the risk the riders take and over the years she has accepted that sooner or later I will get plowed and life rolls on:p


Well, I gave her something new to fret over on this trip:p

Hey, atleast she didn't lock me out of the truck when I got between a Momma bear and her 3 cubs:p

The area was beautiful and we enjoyed our time there. I will be heading back for a few more days before Loretta Lynn's and have 2 more trips scheduled to this area in the fall for more wildlife and the fall colors.

It was time to head out of the hills and back to work as friday drew to a close.

When I first arrived at the track, I could see how muddy it was. I asked a few questions and found out that the track crew had prepped and watered heavily and then soon after a ton of rain from a summer storm pounded the track.

Saturday morning was going to be slick and muddy for everyone

Womens Pro AM was on the track and it was the usual battle between Heather Byrd and Michelle Natalie. Muddy Creek is a technically challenging track and making up time is hard if the rider in front of you doesn't make mistakes!

The running order in moto 1 remain constant with Byrd riding to the win.

Jamie Jones would ride to a 3rd place finish in moto 1