BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (May 28, 2019) – Phoenix Racing Honda/Maxxis Tires/Elka Suspension’s Joel Hetrick would seem to be all but unstoppable at Muddy Creek Raceway as round five of the 2019 ATV Motocross National Championship (ATVMX), Series, an AMA National Championship, took on a very demanding and rough track.

With a track that featured an ever changing racing surface, higher temperatures than many have faced thus far this season and plenty of sunshine. The weekend would be a welcomed “dry” event as rain has impacted nearly every race this season. With sections that went from blue groove hardback to a choppy mulch laden with ruts and horsepower robbing depth, Hetrick put on a display for the fans that provided one of the best motos of the season.
Securing the Dirt Nation Fastest Qualifier Award, Hetrick started moto one off by nailing the SSi Decals holeshot and racing through the moto virtually unchallenged to take the moto win. The track may have had its demands, but Hetrick aimed to make a statement as he faces a points battle that will take him winning every moto and nearly every race after a crippling mechanical issue at round three. With a moto win scored, Hetrick’s attention turned to moto two.
Hetrick showed up on the gate with a fierce tenacity looking for another win and when the gate dropped, he would take off earning another holeshot. However, he would quickly find himself in second as a three-way battle for the lead was now blowing up the Tennessee track. Lap after lap the action remained intense as fans would cheer and gasp as the trio was locked in battle with no signs of letting up. Just past the midway point, Hetrick made his move and overtook the lead as the crowd erupted and continued running from fence-to-fence while trying to keep up with the action. The intensity quickly dissipated as the front runners spread out and finished the moto as Hetrick locked up the overall win here at Muddy Creek.
Westley Wolfe powered his way to a fifth overall finish as he continues to have a consistent start to the season, after struggling during a few motos that should have had him moving up through the pro ranks in the points standings.

Text and photos by Ken Hill