Can-Am DS 450 Pro John Natalie Wins AMA ATV MX National Under The Lights
Valcourt, Québec, June 6, 2012 – John Natalie
notched his first overall win of the 2012 AMA ATV Motocross National
Championship Series under the lights at Ballance Moto X in Oakland, Ky.
Natalie, the defending AMA ATV MX Champion, won Pro both motos on his
factory Motoworks / Can-Am® DS 450™ and climbed to within 15 points of
first place in series points. DS 450 pro Joel Hetrick recorded a solid
third-place finish to join his teammate on the Pro class podium.
“The Motoworks / Can-Am team had a great weekend at round five of the
AMA ATV MX National Series in Kentucky. Our Can-Am pro racers had a
tremendous Saturday night, dominating the second moto and earning first
and third overall. John Natalie rode brilliantly on his Can-Am DS 450
and truly earned the top spot on the podium with a history-making win at
the first-ever night race for AMA series. He was in true championship
form,” stated Jimmie O’Dell, Race Manager, Can-Am. “Fellow Motoworks /
Can-Am DS 450 racer Joel Hetrick earned third overall to maintain his
third-place position in the standings. Can-Am amateur class racers also
won a total of six classes aboard the DS 450 in Kentucky.”
The Kentucky race marked the first time in the history of the AMA ATV
MX series that the races would be held at night under the lights. Past
Grand National Championship TT races have been held under the lights,
but never a motocross event. Motoworks / Can-Am pilot John Natalie
excelled aboard his DS 450 during the evening racing at Ballance Moto X.
After posting the fastest qualifying time, he came out of the
first-moto gate in second place. He quickly passed for the lead and then
fought off one challenger before notching his first moto victory of
2012. He followed up that win by earning the moto two holeshot and,
after being pressured by his teammate Hetrick, leading the entire race
for a 1-1 moto sweep.
“I had a great weekend. I had a great night and I am really happy to
take the win here. This was really a unique race for us and is one for
the history books and I am glad to put Can-Am on top of the podium for
it,” said Natalie.
Hetrick, who earned third overall with his 4-2 moto finishes, ended
the second moto just two seconds behind Natalie as the Motoworks /
Can-Am tandem dominated moto two. The Pro class podium in Kentucky was
Hetrick’s fourth trip to the box in five rounds, including one overall
victory. He now securely sits in third place in the Pro class standings
after five rounds of racing.
“Moto two went well for me. I followed John off the start and just
rode a good race,” said Hetrick. “It was a little different racing at
night, but I didn’t have any problems.”
Can-Am X-Team member and DS 450 racer Merrill Crose won three of the
four classes he entered, including the Open A, Vet 30+ and Junior 25+
classes. Amateur class racers Travis Spader (4-Stroke A), Chase Henry
(College 16-24) and C.J. Dollarhide (4-Stroke B) also earned class
victories aboard the Can-Am DS 450.
For more information on Can-Am racing, the entire 2012 schedule, the
’12 contingency program and DS 450 amateur racer support program, please
visit www.can-amxteam.com.
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Racing scenes photographed during an organized race involving highly
skilled operators under controlled conditions. Do not attempt.