Monster energy KAWASAKI’S creamer gets his first at steel city

Irvine, Calif. – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Josh Creamer earned the first AMA win of his career, while teammate Chad Wienen followed close behind to finish second overall at the sixth round of the AMA ATV Motocross Championship at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa. The victory made it Kawasaki’s second win in a row in the Pro class. The Kawasaki KFX®450R also dominated the Pro Am classes as Kawasaki’s Cody Gibson and Joel Hetrick won the Pro Am Production and the Pro Am Unlimited, respectively.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Under the Tent

A First For Creamer
The day seemed to be going Creamer’s way as soon as the gate dropped in the first moto. He rode a solid first moto to come away with a comfortable victory. In the second moto it took him less than a lap to get to the front and that is where he stayed for his first overall AMA win.

“It seemed like a pretty easy day,” said Creamer. “I didn’t have to ride crazy to come through the pack and was able to ride at a comfortable pace. The second moto was definitely interesting with it raining, but I felt comfortable. I think it was finally my day.”

Waiting For A Long Time
As talented as Creamer is and as close as he has come winning several motos, fate has not handed the 23-year-old his first overall win until this season. Knowing all his hard work has finally paid off made the victory that much sweeter.

“It’s the best feeling I’ve ever experienced,” said Creamer. “It’s been a long time coming and I feel like I finally got the monkey off my back. I have a great group supporting me and I knew that a win was very close. I’m really happy!”

Wienen Makes It Through
After earning the top qualifier award again, Wienen’s speed came to good use, as he had to work through the pack during both motos. The first moto brought him from mid-pack to finish behind his teammate in second. At the start of the second moto, Wienen found himself at the back of the pack. It looked to be a long race, but he passed quickly and worked his way to fourth for second overall.

“I had to work a little bit harder than I wanted to in order to get around some guys in the first moto,” said Wienen. “By that time, Josh (Creamer) had a pretty good lead. In the second moto, I was actually really happy with how I rode since I’m not normally a mud rider. I’m really happy for Josh. He rode a great race and deserves the win.”

Pro Am Winners
Kawasaki’s Gibson continued his streak in Pennsylvania with another win in the Pro Am Production class. Kawasaki’s Hetrick earned his first win of the season in the Pro Am Unlimited class, going a perfect 1-1 for the day on his KFX450R.

Rainy Weather
Just before the second moto started, the skies opened and the riders knew they had a difficult moto ahead. Both riders don’t like the mud, but their results didn’t prove it.

“It was slippery as icicles,” said Creamer. “Its not so much the mud that is a factor than it being super slick. But I rode well. I don’t tend to ride well in the rain, but where I’ve been riding during the off-time has had lot of rain and that could have helped.

Another National Track
Along with Steel City Raceway, the next track is also on the schedule for the bikes. Unadilla is known for being a historic landmark for the motocross sport and the riders will be challenged by its rough nature.

“The next track is going to be rough and I hope my conditioning pays off,” said Wienen. “Going into the race, I am not always thinking about the win as much as I am about the championship and the long haul of the season. Winning is great, but I’m trying to be smart and be consistent.”


Results

AMA ATV Motocross Championship
Steel City Raceway – Delmont, Pa.
May 24, 2009

Pro Overall Results (Moto Finishes)
1. JOSH CREAMER, N. STONINGTON, CONN., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 1-1
2. CHAD WIENEN, GALENA, ILL., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 2-4
3. Josh Upperman, Louisville, Ohio, Honda, 5-2
4. Doug Gust, Salem, Wis., Suzuki, 4-3
5. Joe Byrd, Union City, Tenn., Honda, 3-5
6. John Natalie, Jr., Houtzdale, Pa., Can Am, 6-6
7. Harold Goodman, Romulus, Mich., Honda, 8-7
8. Dustin Wimmer, Center Valley, Pa., Suzuki, 9-11
9. Nick DeNoble, De Pere, Wis., Honda, 11-10
10. Cody Miller, Greenville, Texas, Can Am, 7-14

Pro Point Standings
1. Joe Byrd, Union City, Tenn., Honda, 231
2. Dustin Wimmer, Center Valley, Pa., Suzuki, 206
3. CHAD WIENEN, GALENA, ILL., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 204
4. JOSH CREAMER, N. STONINGTON, CONN., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 203
5. Josh Upperman, Louisville, Ohio, Honda, 173
6. Doug Gust, Salem, Wis., Suzuki, 168
7. John Natalie, Jr., Houtzdale, Pa., Can Am, 159
8. Cody Miller, Greenville, Texas, Can Am, 130
9. Jeremy Lawson, Live Oak, Fla., Can Am, 122
10. Clay Holmes, Lexington, Tenn., Honda, 120