Posted March 27, 2007

Joe Byrd Flies High at Glen Helen

By Jason Weigandt

With a strong 1-1 double moto sweep, defending ITP/Moose AMA Pro ATV National Champion Joe Byrd returned to his winning ways at round two of the 2007 series March 25 at Glen Helen Raceway in California.

Byrd (#7) used his Honda to top fellow red rider John Natalie (#13) and Yoshimura Suzuki's Doug Gust (#55).

The Glen Helen event featured perfect weather and track conditions, with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s. California native Kory Ellis (#53) logged the fastest practice lap times on his Suzuki, but with four riders within one second on times, the fans braced themselves for a big pro showdown once the motos began.

Byrd snagged the first moto ATVRiders.com Holeshot, with Ellis and Jeremy Lawson (#16) right behind. Natalie steadily made his way through the pack to move into second, and Ellis held on for a third-place podium finish in the moto.

Byrd nailed the ATVRiders.com Holeshot again in moto two over Natalie and Keith Little (#12), and this time he would face a challenge as Chad Wienen (#44) charged from a fifth-place start into the lead. Mechanical troubles would slow him just two laps later, putting Byrd out front again. Gust outdid Natalie to take the runner-up spot, with "The Ironman" holding on for third.

© 2007, All Terrain Vehicle Association