Posted March 10, 2008

Dustin Wimmer wins MX season opener

There's just something about Dustin Wimmer. The soft-spoken third-year pro from Center Valley, Pennsylvania, saves his talk for the track. That's just what Wimmer did on Sunday as the rider of the No. 191 MSRSuzuki/Yoshimura//Pro Taper machine swept the season-opening ITP/Moose Racing AMA Pro ATV Championship Series race at Glen Helen Raceway.

With 23 Pro riders on tap, and in front of a record crowd of more than 10,000 fans, Wimmer certainly had his work cut out for him.

After setting the second fastest time in qualifying on Saturday, Wimmer went on a mission, literally dominating both motos to net the victory. Chad Wienen (No. 44 Team Rockstar/MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper) was second in both motos, taking the runner-up slot in the final order. Josh Creamer (No. 9 Monster Energy/Kawasaki) completed the podium.

"It's great to start the season with a win," said Wimmer. "This really sets confidence for the year. The team is really working great this year with Kory (Ellis) as the manager. The mechanics are working hard. Everybody is really doing a great job.

"We had some good qualifying runs," added Wimmer. "In the first moto, I was second out of the gate. I passed Joe (Byrd) on the first lap and got a good solid lead, staying out front. In the second moto, I was third off the gate, passed Creamer on the first lap and Joe (Byrd) on the second. From there, I really just cruised."

Byrd took the holeshot in the first moto, but Wimmer was right on his tail, taking the lead for good on the first lap. Byrd finished sixth in the first moto, but his Honda suffered mechanical problems in the second moto, relegating him to a 16th-place finish.

John Natalie (No. 13 Can-Am) gave Can-Am its first shot at greatness this year, winning the ATVRiders.com holeshot award in the second moto. However, Natalie, who finished fourth overall, cut it wide in the first turn, handing the reins to Byrd. Byrd's retirement gave Wimmer the lead, and ultimately, the victory.

"Digger" Doug Gust (No. 55 Team Rockstar/MSR/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Pro Taper) used his broad ATV racing experience to record strong fifth-place overall finish.

The next race for the ITP/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA ATV Motocross Championship is scheduled for March 29-30 at Mill Creek Raceway in Pell City, Alabama. That race will feature the Pro riders in their second round, plus the Amateur Series season opener.

© 2008, All Terrain Vehicle Association