It was an outstanding weekend for FOX athletes at the second round of the 2012 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) ATV Motocross Championships. Chad Wienen claimed victory by taking both moto wins and the overall pro win at Muddy Creek Raceway in Blountville, Tenn., where he was joined on the podium by FOX-supported racers John Natalie Jr., and Joel Hetrick.
Wienen battled the elements in the first moto and came out ahead after a rain blew through the area and created slick conditions for racers. Those conditions, however, worked to his advantage in his hard-fought win.
“It was nasty out there at the end. The track was slick and rough, but we were able to turn it up for the last two laps. My FOX shocks soaked up all the bumps and I was able to get around the competition and take the win,” Wienen said.
In the second moto, Wienen got off to a great start and took over the lead after just two laps. From there, he checked out on the competition for his second moto win and the top spot on the pro podium.
“FOX is a big part of our program, and they have been working with us and doing everything they can to make sure we win, and today was proof of that,” said Wienen, who is the current Pro ATV class points leader.
FOX athlete Natalie battled it out with Wienen for both motos and also braved the tough conditions. Natalie stayed right on the leader and finished in a close second place in both motos for the No. 2 spot on the podium.
“I have to thank FOX for their support. Their suspension is the best and helped me get to the podium,” Natalie said.
FOX-supported racer Hetrick had a great run in the pro class as well. The young racer won the fastest qualifier award, and his impressive speed earned him the No.3 position on the pro podium.
“I was hoping the rain would hold off, but I didnt really have to worry about it because my FOX suspension was working great out there and handled everything and did what I needed it to do,” said Hetrick.
In the Pro-Am ranks, FOX athlete Cody Gibson dominated the competition in both the Pro-Am Production and Pro-Am Unlimited classes.
Gibson won all four motos by at least 10 seconds and recorded the fastest lap time of anyone in each moto. After two rounds and eight moto wins, Gibson is securely in the points lead in both classes and could win a dual championship at seasons end.
Round three of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross Championships will be held on May 5-6 at Budds Creek Raceway in Mechanicsville, Md.