News
GNC-MX: John Natalie Wins Georgia MX
Photos by Stephani
McIntyre
April 7, 2005 – John Natalie (#13) launched his very fast Honda TRX450R off the starting line and into the lead in both motos, and won them both, in the fourth round of the the ATVA ITP/Moose Grand National Championship Motocross Series at the Echeconnee Off Road Park in Lizella, Georgia, April 2-3.
It marked the second National win in a row for the popular pro racer.
On the podium, Natalie thanked the very large crowd of fans.
“I want to thank the fans that were cheering me on, you (the fans) are what keeps me going. Thank you,” he said.
Natalie
also spoke of how much more he is focusing on training and conditioning this
year, which he couldn't do without the support of his many sponsors.
His Honda has performed flawlessly at the last two events. Dee Manshack, owner of Rage ATV Racing, has come on board as Natalie’s mechanic at the races.
The Echeconnee Off Road Park offers one of the most demanding tracks in the series. All day long the track continues to change, becoming more challenging with each lap. The smooth sand track at the beginning of the day develops large holes and deep ruts as the races go on, truly testing rider and machine.
Team Suzuki/Yoshimura rider Doug Gust (#55) claimed a second-place finish
for the day. Charging from eighth place in the first moto, he was able to move
up to third at the checkers.
In the second moto, Gust followed Natalie from the very start, challenging in the early laps. But Natalie stayed on the gas and rode with confidence, then moved out of striking distance with a very comfortable lead.
Tim Farr (#4) of Team Honda rode strong and consistent lap after lap, clinching third place, with a fourth-place finish in both motos.
Team Suzuki/Yoshimura rider Jeremiah Jones (#2) crashed hard in practice, placing 15th in the first moto. But he made a miraculous recovery and finished third in the second moto for a ninth overall for the event.
Another rising star at Echeconnee was rookie Pro rider Pat Brown (#199) aboard a Yamaha. He placed a solid 7-6 in the two motos for an overall sixth place finish, his best this year.