The Start of the 2009 Season!Words and Photos by: Jeremiah & Jennifer Adee, Back2ProductionsIn 2008, mud addiction got a new drug, the Championship Mud Racing series (CMR). The CMR made stops in Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana and Texas. The riders and sponsors really made the CMR something to talk about and competition to follow. Most races were held in East coast, with the season ending in Jacksonville, Texas. These men, women and children put their heart into this series and made it a very successful first year. There were wrecks, broken ATVs, wounded prides and winners. The sportsmanship in this sport is unlike any other. For the most part these teams in this series have become like families.As the 2008 season came to an end, changes were being made behind the scenes. Last season, there were two events held for every point’s race, the Mudbogs and the SwampCross. This year there will only be points racing in the SwampCross. The SwampCross is a three person race in a sea of mud. As the riders launch off the line they first have to deal with 10’ wall of mud and water as their ATV‘s slam into the pit. The track’s water depth will vary from shallow to depths of almost 4 feet. It takes the best of the best to win this and provides for great entertainment. It is like ATV and UTV Nascar. Although there may be mudbogs at the events, they are not sanctioned point races by the CMR. One reason the Mudbogs are not sanctioned this year, is because CMR wanted to have one major event that took place on Saturday so fans and racers wouldn’t have to take so much time off work to compete. All points races will be held on Saturday‘s. All races are open for any individual to race and win; however, only CMR registered drivers will receive points.

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The dates for the new season have been set. The stops on this tour are South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Louisiana. There has been mention of a certified race in Indiana but no dates have been posted as of yet. The first race will start off on the east coast in South Carolina at Carolina Adventure World on March 13th through 15th. April’s event is at Mud Madness in Louisiana on April 24th through 26th. At East Coast Off Road Park in Georgia, two events will ensue, one on May 7th through 10th and the other August 6th through 9th. Mud Creek in Texas will host two events on two separate dates; June 4th through 7th and November 12th through 14th. Fourth of July weekend you can catch racing at Red Creek Offroad Park in Mississippi. Southern Ridge in Alabama rounds us off on September 4th through 7th. Don’t miss any of the action. This race season is sure to top the inaugural year and be dirtier than ever.

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To race in the CMR it takes a lot of love for the sport of ATV mud riding. Event purses are getting better with over $45,000 in prize money for the 2009 season. The total cost for racing a complete 10 race season will far exceed the prize money the top riders will win. Mud riders have been trying to get the respect we deserve for years the Manufacturers have almost black-sheeped mud riding with your ATV? I have been mud riding since the late 90’s and back then we did not have an endless choice for mud tires. The Tri-Claw and Bi-Claw were the best tires you could get. Today, we have 32” tires with 2” deep lugs rolling on a set of 14” wheels! Mud riding has come a long way in the last ten years and I‘m glad to be a part of it. ATV manufactures have even started to get behind the mud craze. Arctic Cat was the first ATV Company to market a FACTORY snorkeled ATV, the Mud Pro. This beast comes lifted and with 28” tires right off the show room floor; all you have to do is add the mud! Can-Am is also showing its love to mud riding, as they are back for the 09 season as one of the CMR’s main sponsor along with ITP. Can-am teamed up with Gorilla Axle last year to offer the great factory custom ATV on the market. Can-am is arguably the top choice when it comes to picking an ATV for CMR mud racing. Can-am’s Outlander 800 has been a favorite since John Cannon won the mud bog at the 2006 Mud Nationals.

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Weekend mud warriors are being transformed into Pro-Mud Riders. Some of the stars of the 2008 race season were: Seth Russell and Matt Pate from I-45 racing, Russell Coker and Chase McCauley from Team Gander Mountain and Adam Ladner from Competition Sports/Mississippi Mud Nutz. The Youth Class was highlighted by Hannah Robertson with Team Bayou Snorkels and Drew LaFontaine with Competition Sports/Mississippi Mud Nutz. The women were shining with Lindsay Hocutt from Team MudATV Racing, Sherri Vines from Team Bad Company and Maggie Robertson from Team High Lifter/Polaris Racing. All the participants were unforgettable and put on a spectacular show.The faithful fans make it all worth it. This is truly a family sport. Sometime the family dog is present to cheer on the riders too! People show up from all sides of the USA to watch this muddy show. The sponsors provide great tents with products for all kinds of riders. With plenty of primitive camping available at the parks, it makes these events complete. But remember to show up early because there will always be a crowd. 2009 is sure to be a great season for the CMR. We look forward to seeing all the past year’s faces as well as the new ones. To learn more about the CMR, please visit their website at www.championshipmudracing.com. Good luck to all the teams that compete and congratulations to all the winners to come. See you at the races.

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