2007 ATVA MX Nationals #9-Muddy Creek- Race Coverage

Round #9 of the ATVA National MX series was held at the Muddy Creek raceway this past weekend and racers flocked to the facility to grab a chance at being a top gun in many of the classes offered. The Pro ranks points battle has settled into a repeating groove and unless something major happens, Joe Byrd looks to claim yet another title in this series.

Friday practice was ran on a track described by many as "awesome", but mother nature was soon to turn the tables on racers and event staff. Thunderstorms hit the region friday night dumping buckets of water on the groomed track causing track conditions to diminish. The Pro riders meeting was held under ominous skies saturday morning as the clean machines and riders would soon face the mud left by the downpours.

The uphill start posed the largest portion of mud for most riders, as the track became one lined and while not completely dry, offered fair conditions for the first Pro practice. Pat Brown was working hard to get himself and his machine prepped for the battle he knew he would face on sunday.

It was announced earlier in the week that the Muddy Creek track would be changed with smoother take off's and bowled turns to offer better atv racing terrain. Jeremy Lawson did not seem to mind and soared high above the facility on several of the jumps. Lawson has what it takes to give Byrd a run for his money, and he would get another chance to give him a battle albiet passing would be difficult.

Travis Spader was a new addition to the Pro class this round, as he has been competing in another series to date. The Pro ranks may be split between the various series, but the competition is no less fierce between the top riders.

Joe Byrd is known as the "Professor" and for good reason. The man has more talent then most riders could dream of and backs it up when the gate drops. With a commanding points lead, Byrd takes to the track for practice.

Justin Bush may not be a well known name, but he is looking solid and progressing at each event.

Christopher Tait is another rider making the jump to the Pro class this season, and while he hasnt seen the podium he has been learning and developing the speed needed to be competitive.

Micheal Brown heads out for practice as the sun breaks through the clouds. Brown has been steadily improving at each round and sure seems to like to go big! He is always good for a big air shot.

#99 Justin Bres is another talented rider who is honing his skills this season in the Pro class. Locally he battles for the win at many events, and is working towards that goal in the nationals.

With the hot lap complete, the riders staged for the start of Moto 1. I caught this group of youth riders doing their own thing as the pro's got ready.