The Amsoil ATV Showdown, Round 4 of the AMA Mountain Dew ATV MX National Championship Series, took place this past weekend, May 30 and June 1st, in Jake Howald’s home territory. Walnut, IL is home to Sunset Ridge MX. The land was once a family farm but has been transformed into one of the most technical and difficult tracks in the series. This was also the first national track Howald ever competed on.
Saturday morning practice ended abruptly when Howald’s machine broke down. He was towed back to his rig and work began. With repairs complete, he was ready for his College Boy 16-24 age class. Howald had a decent start and was able to maneuver a beaten track and finished a respectable 10th. With the heat nearing the 90’s the long break in between motos was welcomed. Late Saturday afternoon he hit the track for 450A. With so many in the class, two divisions were run. Howald was in Division 1 and was set to transfer to the main with a half of a lap to go and made a rider error which caused him to finish 12th. Only 8 riders transfer from the divisions so Howald then had to race an LCQ (last chance qualifier). Howald had to finish in the top 4 to transfer to Sunday’s main. With his famiy and friends cheering him on, he was able to transfer.
Sunday morning came with a promise to be another scorcher of a day. Howald headed out for his College Boy Class. With the far outside gate pick he was in good position for a decent holeshot. He was in the front of the pack when he was pushed over the outside of a birm. He recovered well and was able to race through the pack and finish a strong 9th. After a nice break in the near 90 degree day, 450A was called to staging. He had the extreme inside gate for the start of this race. With a solid start he was off and rolling. The track was beaten and rough, making maneuvering difficult. Howald was able finish to 10th. In College Boy, Howald went 10th and 9th for a 9th overall and in 450A he went 20th and 10th for a 14th overall. In the points standings, Howald had an ever so slight move to 8th in College Boy 16-24 and a nice climb to 18th in 450A. There is another two weeks until the next round allowing for more seat time, conditioning and minor healing. Round 5 is June 14th and 15th at BriarCliff MX in Nashport, OH.
Notes from Howald….”Thank you to Rod’s Shop in Freeport, IL for our new #62 Gear. Everyone looked awesome! Thank you to Janssen Motorsport, Joel, Lisa and Cody for all you do and for the goody box! Thank you to my local sponsors: Dr. William Johnson, Chiropractor of Winnebago, Anytime Fitness (Winnebago), BWR (Brian White Racing), and FHK in Freeport. Also many thanks to Chad Wienen and Seth Fligge for helping me out with the gloves. Thank you to Ian at SSI Decals….my pink graphics are SSickk!!! Thank you to my family and girlfriend for all of your love and support. It was great to have so many of you at this race. To the Blake Family, thank you for always being there for me too! I would also like to thank Elka Suspension, Walsh Race Craft, Fly Racing, Wienen Motorsports, FMF, Rath Racing, GPS Off-Road, 100%, Renthal, Hinson Clutch Components, Dynamite ATV, Sunstar, DP Brakes and Tweeked Powderworks. I am so thankful to you all. Best People and Products in the Business!”