AMA Pro ATV
Rd. 7 - June 8, 2008
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Wimmer Wins! / Byrd Closing?
AMA Pro ATV MX Nationals - Rd. 7 - New Berlin, NY - 6/8/08
Scorching heat and oppressive humidity blanketed the up-state New York hills as round 7 of the 2008 AMA Pro ATV MX Nationals scratched another event into the Unadilla MX natural terrain. Although he didn't net himself a moto win, Suzuki/Yoshimura's Dustin Wimmer took the top Pro podium spot to maintain his ever mounting points lead. Reigning MX National Champion, Honda's Joe Byrd continued to close the points gap between himself and Wimmer. But, with only four rounds left in this year's series the question arises...Does Byrd have what it takes and enough time to catch Wimmer?
Going into the Unadilla round, the top three sorted out as Wimmer - 235 pts. Doug Gust - 194 pts. and Byrd - 178 pts. Due to the fact that Suzuki/Yoshimura's Gust experienced mechanical issues and collected his worst finish in many a year, only gaining three points for his efforts, Byrd, finishing third overall, was able to jump ahead of Gust and set his sights on catching Wimmer, a noble cause with a massive deficit to make up.
Wimmer's lead over Byrd after the round was a staggering 61 points. The top three Pro tally when the New York event concluded was: Wimmer - 279 pts. Byrd - 218 pts. and Gust 197 pts.
If all holds true to form, as it normally does in Pro ATV motocross championship chases, the ebb and flow of the remaining rounds will have a great impact on the outcome of this year's MX Nationals. There are a few facts that will filter through rounds 8,9,10 and 11 and their basis exist on other Pros who are beginning to get their rides in line with their expectations. When you have a good half dozen or so Pros who can win an event on any given weekend, you have numerous variables which can, and will, influence the outcome of the series when all is said and done.
Inside reports confirm that Wimmer will be hard to beat this year. He's confident and at the top of his game. His level of desire is brimming with talent and this talent will see him through to his desire of becoming a national champion if all goes as planned in the Redbull/MSR/ProTaper/Suzuki/Yoshimura/Wimmer camp.
Joe Byrd can be put into the same category as Wimmer. He has the same desire and equal talent to set his sights on the front running Wimmer. And, with a lot of race fate falling his way, the possibility exist that he may close the gap and give Wimmer a run for the money.
After winning the 2006 and 2007 National MX Championships under controversial and criticized circumstances, Byrd has something to prove, not only to himself but to the ATV MX world as well. He faltered a time or two at the beginning of the season but has since collected himself. The look on his face reveals his intense desire to erase the skepticism of his critics and to aggressively go after another championship.
Only time, a couple of months at best, remain for the Wimmer and Byrd saga to play out. The final round, Loretta's Dirt Days is slated to take place on August 9th and 10th and the pressure will be on both Pros to dig in, focus up, tap their reserves and go for it all out over the final four rounds.
