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.
Thomas Brown will be right where he
needs to be, and it’s great that the team
will have two of us up there.
ATV Action: Thanks, Chad! ❏