POWERSPORTS ATV TOUR MAKES INAUGURAL VISIT TO OLD DOMINION STATE; READY FOR DOUBLE CHAMPIONSHIP GBC VIRGINIA NATIONAL WEEKEND

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The WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour makes its first visit to Virginia this weekend, as it hits Virginia Motorsports Park for the GBC Virginia National. The event, which features two full shows for the Pro Classes, representing Rounds 6 and 7 of the Tour, kicks off Friday with Pro qualifying. The race continues through Sunday, which will be highlighted by two complete Pro finals.

The events will be telecast on ESPN2 on Saturday, Aug. 18 at noon EDT, and again on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 1 p.m. EDT.

The racing weekend will feature the nation's top Pro riders, competing in three Classes: SuperQuad Pro 450, QuadTerrain Challenge Pro Stock, and SuperSport Side by Side. The SuperQuad Pro 450 Class features big air, motocross style racing.

QuadTerrain Challenge features larger, utility-type ATVs, competing on an obstacle course that includes log jams, mud bogs, rock crawls, as well as high-speed sections. The SuperSport Class comprises four-wheel utility vehicles piloted by a driver and co-driver, sitting side by side. The purpose-built racing machines compete on a modified course that includes both big-air sections, as well as obstacles.

The race weekend will also feature nearly 20 other classes for Pro Am, Amateur, Junior and Women's classes.

SuperQuad Pro 450
Following the last two races, held in Kentucky two weeks ago, the Suzuki triumvirate of Dustin Wimmer, Chad Wienen, and Doug Gust took command of the Riders' Championship. Wimmer (No. 191 MSR, Pro Taper, Yoshimura/Suzuki) leads the points chase, holding a nine-point margin on Wienen and Gust, who are in a numerical tie with 178 points.

Yet, as strong as the Suzuki squad has been, John Natalie, Jr. and his No. 13 Elka, Maxxis/Honda have remained competitive despite injuries sustained in crash last month in Illinois. Natalie, who is recovering from a torn ACL in his knee and severe injuries to his chest, has showcased his "Iron Man" riding style this season. Despite the injuries, he sits fourth in points, just five markers behind Wienen and Gust.

Keith Little (No. 12 Lonestar/Honda) is having what could only be considered a breakout season. After earning his first WPSA podium in Oklahoma, Little now sits fifth in points and well within the thick of the end-of-season battle.

Like its riders, Suzuki remains out front in the Manufacturers' Championship, sitting 18 points ahead of Honda.