Chad Wienen Interview: 2008 AMA Pro ATV Open Motocross Champion
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There has been a lot more factory involvement this year than any other, what do you think about that?
I think it’s definitely good for the industry and the sport. It’s definitely good for the industry to have 6 or 7 teams out there and anyone of them are capable of winning.

What direction would you like to see the industry take in the next few years?
I’d like to see it be more like NASCAR, with the huge crowds that are coming out there not just to watch the race, but to watch the racer and cheer on their favorites. That’s why I try to motivate the crowd; to make them feel involved.

When you were on the podium at the Steel City Invitational, you had the crowd going crazy. You had more people cheering for you than James Stewart did. How does that make you feel?
It’s a really good feeling to know that the fans are having a good time and are there to support you.

Chad Wienen's is surely a fan favorite as he feeds the crowd with his excitement after every podium finish, which gets the crowd pumped up as well. Chad out did himself at Steel City not only tossing his goggles, but he also tossed his jersey into the crowd, which had the crowd going crazy

You are one of the fan favorites out there. Do the fans really make a big difference for you when they are out there cheering for you?
The fans are really motivating for me when I see them on the sidelines cheering me on and really getting into it. They get really excited, especially when you are up in the top three. It definitely feels good and I really like to keep the fans happy, so I do stay late and sign autographs and just talk to them. Just relating to the fans and making them know that you’re glad to be there is what our sport really needs.

Chad Wienen celebrates his Steel Ciy AMA Pro ATV Open Championship

There is a possibility that Pro ATV racers will be invited to more than one round of AMA Motocross Nationals in 2008, so how do you feel about racing with the Bikes?
That’s the way it should be. I think it will bring a lot more recognition to us to have the best of the best out there. Hopefully one day we will be able to be at the same level that the bikes have got to. If we can keep taking small steps like that, I think eventually we will be there.

What are your goals for 2009 race season?
Well, this year didn’t really seem like a complete season for me due to being injured, so I’m just going to go out there and give it my all. I’m also really looking forward to running the #1 plate at Steel City next year!

Thanks for talking to us today Chad, and congrats on your win at Steel City!
Thank you!