What’s not in question is the fact that he’s having a banner year: with five wins by press time, “Ironman” Natalie is dominating the 2005 GNC season. At High Point, Muddy Creek, Red Bud, Birch Creek, Echeconnee, and Gatorback, Natalie has cemented his reputation as a fierce competitor, delighting his fans and thrilling spectators.

His performance in the third round of the GNC, in Gainesville, Florida, was typical. As described by atvaonline.com “After turn one in both motos, not a single rider got close enough to Natalie to challenge his run for first place.” And atvscene.com described his performance at Red Bud (the seventh round) this way: “Natalie rode a picture perfect moto and finished with enough time to ride to the finish line jump with his left arm high in the air.”

Even the best riders need top-notch equipment, so Natalie races on Maxxis Razr MX tires. “I think they provide the best overall traction of any on the whole circuit,” he told MaxxDaddy.

Repeated victories over talented, highly skilled competitors also require a better-than-average level of perseverance. The source of Natalie’s determination is clear when he’s asked about his motivation to race: “[I race] to know that I can be the best. I just like to prove to people that if you put your mind to something that you can be one of the best.”

The Pennsylvania native admires determination in others as well: Natalie was so moved by the fighting spirit of four-year-old Kyle Bartolini, whom he met early in the season, that he shared a podium with young boy at Red Bud. Accidentally injured two years ago while playing with a gun, and originally given a prognosis of quadriplegia, Kyle has now begun to walk, according to Natalie.

Natalie’s podium speech at Red Bud was quoted on atvscene.com: "I met Kyle Bartolini in Florida, where I told him to never give up. Today I was on the starting gate when Kyle came by and told me to never give up on this. He came up here to Michigan and showed me he was going to start walking and ride a four wheeler someday soon. He really inspired me. Because of him, I never gave up out there. I owe a lot of this race to him. This trophy is dedicated to him and so is this win."

The father of two little girls, ages four and ten, Natalie has also recently been vocal about his belief that racers should think of themselves as role models for young fans and act accordingly. He told MaxxDaddy that ATV racing is family-oriented, and that setting a good example for young people can lead them to become involved in the sport.

Natalie’s plans for his own future are grounded in his love for ATV racing: “I’d like to go on and win a few more championships after this year and then go on and be active in the industry in whatever capacity.” Fortunately for his many fans, Natalie will be where the ATV action is for many years to come.