Dalton Millican Gets First Overall Win at Dirt Days at Loretta Lynn's Ranch
- 26 Aug 2010
Eighteen-year-old Millican was born into a racing family, his father is six-time Top Fuel World Champion and Television Host Clay Millican. Millican has been racing in the ATV National Motocross Series for the past couple of years, steadily progressing up through the ranks. Last year Millican moved up to the fiercely competitive 450A and the Production-A classes. True to form and early predictions regarding the young talent, Millican managed to pull-out his first overall win at the biggest race of the year, Dirt Days at Loretta Lynn's Ranch. This is the oldest race on the ATV national circuit, it draws the very best racers in the biz, and more of them in fact than any other event on the AMA ATV Motocross Series calendar. And yes, the property is owned by the world famous Coal Miner's Daughter, Loretta Lynn.
The soil on the Hurricane Mills, Tennessee track is sandy with a sawdust additive, which explains the odd smell. You absolutely have to be in shape for this one - the indigenous heat and humidity will sap your strength if you're not finely tuned and fully prepared.
"It feels great to get this win, I really still can't believe I did it," remarked Millican. "This means a lot, especially to do it in my home state, only a few hours from my house. I have been trying all year to get a win, and do it at our biggest race of the year is an incredible feeling. It takes so many people to make this all possible, it is unfair that I am the only one standing on the podium after such a big win." "I think training at Joes Byrd's Quad Riding School made it my race. Joe's track is similar and I am sure that being used to the Tennessee heat helped as well," added Millican. Millican has been training with Joe Byrd, the two-time AMA Champion, since the beginning of the 2009 race season. "The training I receive at the Joe Byrd's school is second to none," commented Millican. On Saturday Millican kicked off the weekend in grand style in the 450A class, pulling the holeshot and leading the entire race, giving him his first moto win in the 450A class. A muggy rain storm that night left the track a mess for the start of moto two on Sunday though. With help from his engine builder Jeff Maxey, and Micah MacDonough from Custom Axis Racing Shocks, Millican was able to get his bike properly prepared for the sloppy conditions. When the gate dropped for the second moto on Sunday, Millican exploded into the first corner ahead of the field, he was never once challenged on his way to the checked, and his first ever overall victory in the 450A class. Humble to the bone, Millican thanked his sponsors for their help with his first win and for their continued support. "I use K&N (RU-4740) air filters, (KN-116) oil filters, K&N filter oil and K&N filter cleaner. These products are working out great and I wouldn't change a thing. I get top level performance and never worry about my engine being protected." "I am planning on training much harder during the off season, so when I start the 2011 season, I will be in better shape physically than I have ever been," said the intensely determined Millican. "I believe doing this will lead me to a championship." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
