ATV/UTV Action Magazine

out with their new wheel that’s going to be a big seller here soon. Tire Balls, EVS, Quad Tech, Fuel Customs, WPC Metal Surface Treatment, Carillo Rods, Vortex, Renthal, Rath Racing, Streamline, Precision Racing Products.

There are a lot of people who make us competitive: my mechanic Ryan Cox, my race mechanic Paul Turner, and Mike from SSI. We have our own Signature shocks with Fox Racing, and Wienen Motorsports has its own Walsh, LSR and FMF products. It’s good that amateur riders can get their hands on these so they can get to that next level.

ATV Action: There have been some slight changes to the YFZ450R for

2014, like the A&S clutch, more power

Yes, those are Chad Wienen’s signature Fox Racing Float 3 EVOL RC2 shocks, which can be purchased directly from Wienen Motorsports for $1995 (front pair for OEM YFZ450R A-arms or Walsh MX Flow CW-signature A-arms, $1500–$1640). The rear CW-signature Fox Podium is $1095 for the stock swingarm and linkage or $470 for the Walsh/Wienen link.

The Walsh SR CW-signature swingarm is $950 with skid-plate mounts. The Walsh subframe is $700 with braces, and LoneStar Racing styles out the rear end with the racing axle ($339.15), disc brake hub ($120), sprocket hub ($142) and rear hub ($236). The FMF 4.1 full-system exhaust is $699.99 with the carbon end cap, and all are available at Wienen Motorsports by calling (815) 990-2980.

and revalved front shocks. How do you like the new machine, and what have you done to improve it?

Wienen: The new 2014 YFZ-R has been great so far, and we’ve had great success on it. One of the best things is the new plastic that’s very comfortable; there’s nothing to get caught up on.

And the engine has got improvements, like the new throttle body and more power this year, and that’s always a good thing, whether you’re racing or riding. Yamaha is really raising the bar.

ATV Action: What’s done to your race bike between race weekends?

Wienen: We basically tear everything
apart to make sure everything is all
right, put bearings and a fresh top-end
in it, and we make sure nothing is worn
out. We put fresh graphics on it and go
racing.

ATV Action: Do you set up your machine differently for each track?

Wienen: Basically, I have a pretty solid setup that I run everywhere. The first round was way different track conditions compared to the second round at Muddy Creek, and I actually ran the identical setup. That’s one of the things I do. I get my setup and don’t shy away from it. I know exactly what it’ll do in all the conditions I’ll be racing in. I think that’s when you know all your stuff is amazing.

ATV Action: Which are your favorite tracks?

Wienen: I like Red Bud in Buchanan, Michigan. It’s a big track that always has big jumps, and it gets gnarly rough.

It’s got conditions I really like to race in, and the lower section is my favorite section of any track we go to.

ATV Action: What advice do you have for amateurs looking to turn pro and make a living racing?

Wienen: The best advice I could give is always be positive and vocal, no matter what the conditions or how bad the event. Things could always be better, so accentuate the positive. Find your sponsors and give them what they want, like positive exposure for their products, and they’ll give you what you want in return. This is a sport that you either love or hate, and you have to love it to go at it at the professional level.

ATV Action: What are your goals for this and future seasons?

Wienen: Just being consistent. At every race, there is the possibility to go out there and get a win. If there’s an opportunity, I go for it, but you have to have the smarts to tone it back if things aren’t right before you get in trouble. If it’s there, take it and the championships will come.

ATV Action: Who’re the toughest challengers to you earning Pro 450 title three?

Wienen: John Natalie is riding really well, and the biggest thing is his starts.

His starts have been dialed. He’s starting really well, getting the first three holeshots, and that’s been the key so far this year. Josh Creamer, he’s had such brilliance, and so has Joel Hetrick.