_{source: PowerSports Public Relations}

Longtime WPSA PowerSports ATV Tour supporter and rider Chris Earlywine died Friday afternoon of an apparent heart attack. Earlywine, 39, was practicing for a race at Virginia Motorsports Park.

Earlywine was treated on site by the WPSA medical crew, as well as Dr. Joe Ragon, and was then transported via ambulance from the track to South Side Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

"Our hearts go out to Chris' wife, Nikki, son Caleb, and the rest of the Earlywine family," said PowerSports Entertainment president Scott O'Malley. "The ATV world certainly lost one of its staunchest supporters and fiercest competitors. Chris will truly be missed."