What started out with a 10 hour drive in the rain, ended up being an amazing weekend to race. Round 2 of the ATV MX Mountain Dew National Championship Series was in Blountville, TN this past weekend, April 5th and 6th. 24 riders were in the College Boy 16-24 age group class and 33 riders in the 450 A Class, splitting them in 2 divisions. Jake Howald hit the track in his division race in the college boy class with a respectable ride, finishing 7th. He had a decent ride making a few rider errors but was able to recover and qualify for the main on Sunday, April 6th. The time rolled around for the division race for 450 A Class and Howald was ready to go. The track was somewhat beaten since it was near the end of the day but maneuverable. With a bad start and unable to gain enough positions to qualify, he finished a disappointing 12th. Howald would then have to qualify in an LCQ of 17 determined riders in a two lap shoot out. Howald was up to the challenge and determined to give it his all. He finally got the start he had hoped for and by the time he rounded the 2nd curve he was in 2nd holding onto it for the duration of two laps, qualifying for the next day’s final.
Sunday, April 6th, a beautiful day in the Tennessee Mountains came and racers were blessed with perfect track conditions and weather. Howald had a 7th place finish in the college boy 16-24 class, ending with a 7th place overall for the weekend. In 450 A, he was in 10th position, keeping pace until the final lap when he was able to make two passes, finishing 8th. Howald ended the weekend with a 12th overall in 450 A.
In the points run, Howald is tied for 7th place in College Boy 16-24 and also tied for 18th in 450 A. Howald was pleased with his results but always pushes to better himself. He continues to train at the gym, watch his nutrition and get as much seat time as possible. When he is not working he is committed to doing whatever it is he can to achieve his goal of an ATV MX CHAMPIONSHIP. He would like to thank his family and sponsors for all of their support: “Thank you to my sister, Michaela Howald and girlfriend, Brooke Larsen for all the love and support they showed this past weekend, packing my gate, manning the pit board and Go-Pro and helping me prepare for the races. Thanks to my Mom for helping drive to Tennessee and home and for the awesome food. To my little brothers, Gabe and Owen, it was awesome to share this amazing weekend with you both there. Thank you to Joel and Lisa Janssen and Pro Rider, Cody Janssen, of JANSSEN MOTORSPORTS, Your support and encouragement is priceless. To Dr. William Johnson, Chiropractor of Winnebago, thank you for helping me be in the best condition possible for each race. Thank you to BWR, Brian White thank you for all you do. Also, huge thanks goes out to SSI Decals, Elka Suspension, Walsh Race Craft, Fly Racing, FMF, Rath Racing, GPS Off-Road, 100%, Renthal, Hinson Clutch Components, Dynamite ATV, Sunstar, DP Brakes and Tweeked Powderworks for everything needed for a solid program. I am so honored to have all of your support. I will do my best to make you all proud” Round 3 of the ATV MX Mountain Dew National Championship Series is in Mount Morris, PA, The Maxxis ATV Stampede, May 17th and 18th. Howald will use these next couple weeks to gain more seat time, continue training and build endurance and speed.