Hetrick, Haagsma, Eller Podium at Spring Creek MX
Maxxis / Elka / Liquid Wrench / Honda AMA ATV MX Report

Maxxis/Elka/Liquid Wrench/ Honda’s Joel Hetrick (2nd) & David Haagsma (3rd) shared the podium again at Spring Creek MX

Hetrick started off the day on a promising note by taking the ATVriders.com fastest qualifier and backed it up with a first moto holeshot and win. “The DASA powered Honda works awesome. I pulled the first moto holeshot, it hooked up great. The Hinson clutch, Maxxis tires, and Tireballs got me out of the gate. Everything was just clicking,” explained Hetrick.

Joel Hetrick grabbed the Moto One Holeshot & lead start to finish

In the second moto, Hetrick put in another strong, safe, and consistent ride to finish second. “Second moto I battled with the roller section, but I did what I could and played it safe today. I was not too happy about second, but we kept the points the same so it is not bad. Chad rode awesome and he was really putting a hurting on me through the rollers. I tried to pick it up on the other side, but I just couldn’t do it today.”

Coming into Spring Creek, Hetrick had a tough week, but it did not prevent him from giving it everything he had. “Monday I had a stomach bug and Tuesday I actually wrecked while riding, so it was just an off week. I quit riding, regrouped, and ended up doing pretty well at Spring Creek,” said Hetrick.

Joel Hetrick finished 2nd in Moto Two for Second Overall

Due to a crash in the first round at Daytona, Hetrick remains in second place in points, 22 behind Wienen, but remains optimistic and confident heading into the last stretch of the season. “I knew going into Daytona I was a fast rider, but I went too fast and made a mistake when I landed on John Natalie’s tire. That was my fault and now I look back and realized I should have calmed down and finished the race to get a podium. I started out with just three points, so it was definitely a bummer for me, but I am looking forward now. After five wins in a row and two seconds, I think we are starting to get more consistent.”

Maxxis/Elka’s David Haagsma and Grayson Eller also had successful races, and Hetrick is supportive and happy with the whole team. “I was very happy for David Haagsma when I saw him up there. It is great to have both team riders on the Pro podium and Grayson Eller as well with his podiums. We are all clicking together, and I am really happy under the Maxxis/Elka tent.”

David Haagma claimed back to back podium finishes at Spring Creek MX

Haagsma took his second podium finish in a row with 3-3 moto finishes for third overall in the Pro class. “First moto I was second or third off the start and had a great race. I held Wienen off for a couple laps, but he was able to get by me in the whoops. The rest of the race I just held my own pace and with two laps to go Rastrelli had an issue, so I got third,” explained Haagsma.

In the second moto, Haagsma had a few good battles with both Josh Upperman and Jeffrey Rastrelli but came out on top for another third place finish. “It was the best finishes of my life,” stated Haagsma.

Maxxis' #422 David Haagma

The track was challenging but Haagsma’s setup was on point allowing him to perform as well as he did. “I have to thank Doug (Roll). He is out there looking at everything telling me what my suspension is doing and helping me out. Also thanks to Maxxis tires, DWT Wheels, and Sparks Racing for the power. I had two top three starts and that is big in these races. Everyone is fast and you have to get out front fast. This track is really rough and got brutal towards the end, so I also need to thank Flex bars, and The Program for getting me in shape,” said Haagsma.

Grayson Eller was the definition of consistent, taking third place overall in all three classes he entered: Open B, 450 B, and College 16-24.

Eller’s powerful Maxxis/Elka Honda was key to his successful weekend by getting him starts he needed. “I got my starts figured out this weekend and that helped out a lot,” stated Eller.

Grayson Eller Finished 3rd overall in all three classes ( Open B, 450 B, College 16-24) at the Spring Creek MX

In College, Eller picked good lines and made passes through the challenging whoop section during his heat race for first place. He then backed it up with fourth in moto two for third overall. “It makes me really excited to go to the next round and see if I can do better. I like Unadilla, it is always fun there.”

Eller’s third place finish in Open B helped him to gain some valuable points and close in on third in the championship race. “In another round I might be able to secure that,” said Eller. If so, he will be third place in points in all three classes.

Maxxis/Elka team riders will be back at round nine of the 2016 AMA ATV Motocross National Championship at Unadilla MX in New Berlin, NY July 16-17.

2016 Race Team Sponsors
Maxxis, Liquid Wrench, Elka, Fly, Scott, SSi Decals, DWT, Hinson, Bel Ray, Sunstar, Works Connection, Sandridge Foods, Impact Solutions, Fourwerx, Alpinestar, DC Designs, Precision Racing Products