Intern Report: Glen Helen

By: Motocross.com

Posted: 05/28/09

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Words and Photos: Kristen Beat

With the main races receiving next day television coverage you think you may know what went down at the Glen Helen Outdoor Nationals, but you have no idea... legions of fans flocked to dusty and hot Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernadino, California to watch the first race of the 12 round Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

18,000+ Spectators showed up to witness the opening round.

There have been a lot of changes made to the outdoor nationals this year. Of those, one of the changes I noticed, and appreciate is the "Wheels on the ground" flag that has been added to ensure the upmost of rider safety. This will ensure that while the flag is out, there is no jumping. Along with that, as you probably already know the classes have been re-titled from the Motocross class to the 450, as well as Motocross Lites to 250.

Ultimately the greatest change has been the in schedule, instead of two days the racing had been cut down to one. Initially the change in scheduling received mixed opinion, although as the day progressed many warmed up to the idea of having Sunday off. Mechanic, Scott Dimick stated, "It's been extremely long and busy, I felt like I never stopped. The practice sessions are a bit short too, considering lap times are about 2 minutes, 7 laps isn't a lot for the riders, more of a spring session than a practice, but I guess one twelve hour day is better than two."

During qualifying there were quite a few surprises. In the 250 class, the fastest qualifying time went to Ryan Dungey who was followed by Christophe Pourcel. Two new faces to the American circuit stole the third and fourth qualifying positions. The number 123 Tommy Searle of England put down a few hot laps on the Muscle Milk MDK KTM. Tyla Rattray on the number 411 Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki followed Searle closely gaining the 4th position in qualifying. Coming from South Africa, Rattray brings with him an impressive history of FIM wins and will definitely be a rider to look out for this year.

Nick Wey icing his knee.

Blake Wharton aboard the Factory Connection / GEICO Powersports Honda qualified 9th overall. Wharton has won multiple Loretta Lynn's Championships, a US Open title, and the FIM Junior World Cup title. With this background and a supercross season under his belt Blake looks towards the outdoor season with excitement, "My expectations are to be consistent and ride the best I can I definitely want to be on the podium, get holeshots, I mean it's a long season I want to do good."

When asked about nerves, given that he'd only raced in three outdoor nationals last year he said, "I'm not too nervous, those races helped me quite a bit to know what to expect. Every race you get certain nerves but I'm good, I'm ready to race." When asked about his most difficult challenge for this season, "There's tons of people, this year has more competition than years in the past. The tracks are tough, it's going to be hot but there are tons of factors I just want to worry about myself." Blake also mentioned that the Texas round is the one he's most looking forward to, "...because it's my hometown."

The 450 class was as exciting as ever with the fastest qualifying times coming from the guy who just a few short days ago decided to compete this summer, Chad Reed. Following closely on his heals were Mike Alessi, Josh Grant and Ryan Villopoto. There is no doubt that the four will contest for the championship all season long. Closing out the top ten in qualifying was Nick Wey who in Moto 1 struggled with a knee injury. "I got a pretty good start and came into the sand which had just about one good line and I got off of that, put my foot down and as I did my knee popped out. It's pretty sore right now but I'm just going to run it and see how it goes. Definitely had a hard time just putting my foot down or anything at all it is so unstable but I was able to get a point."

When asked if this will be a problem throughout the season, he said "That's hard to say, I'll have to go lap by lap. For some reason it was getting stronger as I was going and I was trusting it a little bit more but we'll just have to see and hope that it doesn't interfere."

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are a few photos I snapped throughout the day that caught my eye:

I overheard the Monster Energy Kawasaki boys Jake Weimer and Austin Stroupe talking after a moto... I'm pretty sure this is what they were saying.

Chad Reed signed hundreds of autographs for his elated fans whom just weeks earlier, thought they wouldn't have a chance to see him ride all summer.