MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 5, 2013) – As the hunt for the coveted National Championship continues in the 2013 Mtn. Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA, the excitement on the racetrack makes this season one of the most contested championships in recent history. The fastest racers on four-wheels return to the northeast this weekend, June 8 and 9, to compete for the win at Round 6 of the 10-race series, deemed the Bob “Smitty” Smith Memorial ATV National.

Smitty was the series amateur referee and involved in the ATV community for over 10 years until he lost his battle to cancer late last year. Round 6 opening ceremonies at Birch Creek MX-Smitty’s hometown track-have been dedicated in memory of the late Bob Smith, who was a Danville local and always had a special place in his heart for the Birch Creek event.

The defending series champion and current points leader Chad Wienen is looking for his fourth consecutive overall win this weekend aboard his Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer machine. Wienen went 1-3 in front of his hometown crowd to grab the overall win last round but with competition high, there’s no telling who’s going to find that top spot in Virginia.

Northeasterner and two-time national champion John Natalie grabbed his second podium finish at Round 5, where he seems to have found his rhythm atop his MotoSports.com Motoworks DWT ride. The Ironman had two great starts at Round 5 and will be looking to find the podium again this weekend.

BCS Can-Am rider Josh Creamer also took his second podium finish in the 2013 season after a 5-1 finish last round. Creamer carries momentum into the weekend after winning moto 2 in Illinois and is expected to contend the overall win at Birch Creek MX.

Wienen Motorsports SSi Walsh Yamaha presented by Maxxis Tires & Team Vollmer rider Thomas Brown missed the podium last round for the first time this season and will head to Round 6 with more determination than ever to find the top spot on the podium.

Joe Byrd Quad Riding School Dasa’s Joe Byrd had his second top five finish of the season at Round 5. Byrd has been improving his overall results as the season progresses and should be a top competitor heading into the second half of the season.

Baldwin Motorsports PEP Upperman Racing’s Josh Upperman will head into Birch Creek MX with the will to win after moving out of the top five in overall championship points last round. Upperman has always been known for his great starts and consistency and is looking uphold that reputation heading to Virginia.

Even though Corrosion Hetrick Racing’s Joel Hetrick had surgery only a few days before Round 5, “Kid Dynamite” was able to secure a top ten finish. As two more weeks have passed since his operation, anticipation is high to see how quickly the young Pennsylvania native will bounce back to the front of the field.

The pro riders will run Saturday as part of a full schedule of amateur racing, including classes for Youth, Women and Veteran riders. Amateurs will practice on Friday and race on Saturday and Sunday, while Pros race on Saturday. Tickets on Saturday are $20 for spectators ($10 for ages 6-11), and admission includes full pro-pit access and an autograph session.

To get to the track: From US 29 S or US 58 W Follow 29.58 Bypass east of Danville. Turn onto US 58 East. At 2nd stop light, turn left onto Kentuck Rd. Track is 12.5 miles on your left. From US 29 N Follow Bus. 29 to traffic light then left onto Rd 726 for 2 miles. Turn left onto Rt. 716 for 4 miles. Turn right onto Rd. 729. Track is half mile on right.For more information, please visit www.atvmotocross.com.