May 15, 2014 4 min read

The Mountain Dew ATV Motocross National Championship, sanctioned by AMA returns Saturday to High Point Raceway in Mount Morris for the third round of the series as reigning back-to-back AMA Pro ATV Champion Chad Wienen looks to get his title defense off to a 3-0 start.

The Maxxis ATV Stampede at High Point will be significant as it marks the first time in six weeks that the world’s best ATV riders last raced and the first time since 2012 that ATVs have brought their roar to High Point. While Wienen was able to emerge victorious aboard his Wienen Motorsports/SSi Decals/Walsh Yamaha at the previous stop at Muddy Creek Raceway in April, the time off has provided an opportunity for his closest competitors to make adjustments and be prepared to come out swinging this weekend. As a two-time titleholder, Wienen will be prepared when the field lines up on the gate Saturday afternoon. He’ll be looking for his third straight victory, and potentially his fourth and fifth moto wins of the season.

Through the first two rounds and opening four motos of the season, Wienen’s biggest challenge has come from veteran John Natalie and his Motosport.com/RRR/Ford/DWT/Walsh/Fox Honda. Natalie is the only rider other than Wienen to win a moto and his starts have been the best in the AMA Pro ATV Class thus far, grabbing three of four SSi Decals Holeshot Awards. Adding to Natalie’s desire this weekend marks a return to his home state of Pennsylvania. A native of Warriors Mark, Natalie’s hometown is just a couple hours drive from High Point Raceway. It’s a track where Natalie expects to win.

Another Pennsylvania native that will be looking to make some noise at High Point is JB Racing/DWT/Mtn. Dew Live Wire Can-Am’s Joel Hetrick. The Seneca native is from the northern part of the state and is well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead of him this weekend. Hetrick has been at the forefront of the AMA Pro ATV Class since the first gate drop and is cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Many have tapped Hetrick to be the rider who arguably poses the biggest threat to Wienen, and while he narrowly missed out on posting back-to-back overall podium results at the previous round, he’s been eagerly awaiting the opportunity get back in action with his sights set on victory.

As many as five riders have been in the hunt for victory thus far in 2014, and while Wienen, Natalie, and Hetrick have seized the opportunity to put themselves at the forefront of the AMA Pro ATV Class thus far, there is much talent ready to impress. Baldwin Motorsports/PEP/Upperman Racing Honda’s Josh Upperman put himself on the podium at Muddy Creek and is fourth in the championship standings.

Another young duo to watch is Jeffrey Rastrelli and Thomas Brown. As the teammate to Hetrick, Rastrelli is gaining valuable insight into stepping up his game and is close to making the JB Racing/Cheerwine Can-Am a regular up front. For Thomas, he couldn’t ask for a better mentor than Wienen.

The downtime from competition has rejuvenated the series and its riders and the anticipation for the Maxxis ATV Stampede is incredible. As a track with a stellar motocross legacy that dates back to the 1970s, High Point is a focal point of the ATVMX schedule this season. The track uses the land’s natural elevation to create uphill double and triple jumps, and long sweeping corners in a natural amphitheater setting. To go fast on this highly regarded track today, riders have to dial in skills that were perfected three decades ago.

During the 2012 stop at High Point, Natalie was able to take the overall win, outlasting Wienen and Brown. Upperman finished fourth, while Hetrick secured a top five at his home race.

With just six points separating Wienen and Natalie at the top of the AMA Pro ATV Class standings, Saturday’s race could prove to be critical in the championship battle despite being just the third stop of the season. Regardless, every rider will look to return from the break in competition stronger than ever, which will guarantee a memorable day of racing at High Point.

On-track AMA Pro ATV Class action at High Point Raceway begins at 11 a.m. with practice and qualifying. Opening ceremonies begin at 2:40 p.m. with opening motos scheduled for 3 p.m.

If you’re unable to attend, you can watch all of the AMA Pro ATV racing action live on RacerTV.com, beginning at 2:30 p.m.