Round 1 GNC-MX Nationals
Photos by Digital 219
Joe Byrd Wins the First Race of 2006
February 20, 2006 – Joe Byrd (#7) took the win in the first round of the ATVA National Motocross Championship held at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California, February 4-5.
The fans were out in full force, filling the grand stands and lining the fences to see who would take the lead in the Pro class for 2006.
The answer is Byrd, who is back this year on his blazingly fast red Honda TRX 450R. He closed out the 2005 season with an impressive win at Dirt Days at Loretta Lynns. He carried the momentum into this year's season opener.
In the first moto, as 20 of the fastest Pro ATV riders in the world raced into the super-fast high-banked Talladega right hand turn, it was John Natalie (#13) aboard a Honda in first, followed by Keith Little (#12) who is also on a Honda for 2006, and then Jeremiah Jones (#2) on the all new Suzuki LT-R450.
The lineup then included Byrd and Suzuki pilot Doug Gust (#55).
At the checkered flag, it was Natalie, Little, Byrd, Gust and Jeremy Lawson (#16).
Nobody knew what to expect in the second moto. Glen Helen Raceway and it’s sandy soil make for great racing, and as the day of racing progresses the high-banked corners continue to get taller. That's because ATV after ATV roost a lot of dirt into each corner.
Plus, the once-smooth straights turn into pounding whoop sections. The second moto was going to be a real test of man and machine.
The holeshot for the second moto was a true drag race as Byrd and Natalie were side by side for what seemed like forever.
Byrd was on the high side, which gave him the better position for the next left hand turn and, as a result, the lead.
Very close behind the pair was Jones, Little, Joe Haavisto (#75) aboard a Honda and Gust.
Natalie passed Byrd to take the lead. Jones pulled off with rear suspension problems, and Gust made the pass on Little for third.
In the closing laps, Natalie lost his seat, which slowed him just enough for Byrd and Gust both to pass.
The
winner and points leaders for the first round, and the 2006 ATVA National
Motocross Championships series, is Joe Byrd (#7) first, John Natalie (#13)
second and Doug Gust (#55) third.
This is going to be one hot season.