FOX Racing Shox rider Joe Haavisto wraps up the 2009 NEATV Pro and Pro-Am Championships!

This weekend brought us to the final round of the NEATV Series at Jolly Roger in Lempster, NH

10.13.09 This weekend brought us to the final round of the NEATV Series at Jolly Roger in Lempster, NH. I consider this to be my "home track" because it is less than an hour away, and is where I began my racing career 9 years ago. I felt very confident going into this last round because I had already wrapped up the PRO championship at Round #11, which was two weeks ago in Walden, NY. I also had a 52 point lead in PRO-AM going into the last round, so all I needed to do was finish a moto to get the PRO-AM championship as well. Although I was confident that I had both championships wrapped up, I went into this race with the same effort and drive as any other race. The turnout for the weekend was great, the pits were packed! National PRO riders Josh Creamer and Cody Miller showed up, making for some extra competition. I also had a lot of friends and family members come out to support me and cheer me on during the final round.

Pro moto one- I didn't get the greatest start, spun out on the line. Rounded the first corner in 7th place, and I knew I had my work cut out for me! Due to rain Friday night and lack of sun, the track hadn't dried out by Sunday morning, leaving for a one-lined track. This made it hard to pass, every time I tried it seemed like I would fall behind rather than gain any time. I eventually passed two riders and finished the first moto in 5th.
Pro moto two- Got a great jump off the line, rounded the first corner in second behind Mike Pilotte. About two laps in, I was able to get around Pilotte and pull away. Josh Creamer, who started in 3rd place, was also able to get around Pilotte and stayed on me for the remainder of the race. I was able to stay a consistent few seconds ahead of him and ended with the moto 2 win. This gave me a second overall in the pro class.

Pro-Am moto one- Very similar to the first pro moto. Got a bad start, and dealt with limited passing ability related to the track condition. Got around a couple of riders and finished 4th in the first pro-am moto.
Pro-Am moto two- Came around the first corner in third behind Pilotte and Creamer. Both Creamer and I got around Pilotte, but I was unable to pass Creamer finishing second in the second pro-am moto. Finished second overall in the Pro-Am class.

The program that I had this season was great. I had very few issues with my bike and had a very successful season. I would really like to thank every one of my sponsors for the support that I got this season. The championships would not have been possible without the support. I am very proud to have met the goal that I set at the beginning of the season to defend my championship titles from the 2008 season. I would love to have the chance to race with the same program next year, because I am confident that I could obtain the 2010 championships!

Be sure to check out the articles on the growing NEATV series in ATV Insider and Dirt Wheels magazines. And keep your eyes out for a race report and pictures at www.kawasaki.com and www.atvriders.com.