California ATV racer Dustin Nelson has clinched the 2006 Yamaha/ITP QuadCross Championship Series aboard his Motoworldracing.com/Dubach Racing YFZ450. In winning his first ATV title, Nelson joins the select few riders ever to win pro championships on both four and two wheels. Additionally, Yamaha Motor Corp., USA is pleased to announce that Nelson will be factory-backed for the 2007-2008 seasons as he seeks to defend his championship.
Technically Nelson wrapped up the title after round 10 of the series’ 11 rounds on Nov. 19, but he arrived at Glen Helen Raceway in Southern California on Dec. 3 ready to finish the season with an overall win. He nearly got it. After grabbing the holeshot and leading the first moto, Nelson uncharacteristically spun midway through the six-lap event. Unable to restart quickly, he dropped to mid-pack before clawing his way back to fifth at the finish. Fellow YFZ450 pilot Kory Ellis capitalized for the win.
In the second moto Nelson put it all together, passing YFZ450-mounted John Shafe for the lead on the first lap and holding at all the way. In the overall results, Ellis’ strong 1-2 moto finishes put him ahead of Nelson, Chris Reilly and T.J. Dietrich – all aboard Yamaha YFZ450s. “I had a really consistent year with no mechanical failures,” said the likable Nelson after the event. “My bike’s reliability was huge and that made the difference.”