Chad Wienen has a soft spot in his heart for Mill Creek MX. The Galena, Ill. native turned that soft spot into a hot lap on Saturday as he set the fastest time in qualifying during the Spring National, Round 2 of the ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA/ATVA ATV Championship Series.
Wienen (No. 44 Team Rockstar/MSR/Pro Taper/Yoshimura/Suzuki) carried on his record of success here, turning the track in one minute, 50.969 seconds. Dustin Wimmer (No. 191 MSR/Pro Taper/Yoshimura/Suzuki) was second quickest, ahead of Josh Creamer (No. 9 Monster Energy Drink/Kawaski).
"This is where it all started for me," said Wienen, who caught the eyes of the Factory Suzuki Team after winning a race here last year. Wienen brought his practice quad here in that race, and after crashing early in the weekend, he cobbled together his ride and went on to dominate the second moto. Team Suzuki hired him on the spot.
"It's really exciting to be in this position, with Team Suzuki, and we're hoping we can translate this speed into a win tomorrow. This is a dream ride for me, and I'm trying to make the most of it."
Rocco Arno, Jr., Pat Brown, Thomas Hager and John Ragon transferred into the final through the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ).
A total of 771 entries, including 28 Pro riders, are competing in this weekend's event. The Spring National concludes tomorrow with Pro finals at noon and at 3 p.m., along with a full card of Amateur racing.
Chad Wienen set the fastest time in qualifying on Saturday.
Dustin Wimmer was second quickest on Saturday.
Josh Creamer charged to third in qualifying.
The AMA ITP/Moose ATV National Motocross Championship Series Presented by Parts Unlimited is the nation’s premier amateur and professional ATV motocross series, and competes at top motocross facilities nationwide. The 12-round series features the Nation's best racers, teams and sponsors, and is America’s largest and longest-running ATV National Motocross series with more than 20 years of competition. The series continues to expand and produce top talent from the amateur ranks, while keeping close to the grassroots fun that makes people love to go to the races.
