THE second round of the 2016 China International ATV Invitational was held at the Dengzhou International Circuit on October 13-15, 2016 and Victorian Mitch Van Vliet sensationally brought the title home to Australia.
Mitch commented: “I was absolutely thrilled to be invited back over to China this year and represent Australia. I won in 2014 with a third-place and a first but to be back in top position on the podium this time with two straight wins has definitely been a highlight for me this year.
“Racing against Europeans, Chinese and New Zealanders really keeps you on your toes and when it rained I was hoping I was in for a chance due to my experience of so much mud racing in Melbourne,” Mitch added.
Team Manager/Organizer Bruce Wilkinson, Mitch and Liam Glover, who was on his debut trip, headed over to China to compete in the Invitational, however, it was unfortunate that Liam had a crash in practice landing him with an injury that forced him out of the event.
Mitch added: “It was very unlucky for Liam as he would have done well but that’s racing. Being an Invitational event we ride the quads the Chinese Federation supply and are allocated by ballot so everyone is on an even competitive level. This time we were back on board Yamaha 700cc Raptors which are a bit different to our 450s but it was still a great ride.
“I would like to thank the Chinese Federation, and Bruce, for believing in me and giving me the chance to ride again for Australia. Fingers crossed I will be invited back next year to defend my title,” Mitch added.
You can follow Mitch Van Vliet throughout the season via his official Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/Four-Brothers-Racing-367696716663091/