Masontown, WV (7/3/2012)
- The eighth round of the 2012
Grand National Cross Country Series took
place at what is perhaps the most loved
and most hated venue on the 13-race schedule.
Snowshoe is unique in many ways. It takes
place at the plush Snowshoe Mountain ski
resort, which offers upscale lodging,
restaurants and many fun off-track activities.
Ski lifts provide spectators with easy
course viewing access. The race starts
in waves on pavement right in the village,
just like the legendary Blackwater GNCC
event that took place not far from here.
When the riders get out on course, however,
all the comforts and quirks disappear
and are replaced by what is arguably the
roughest, toughest course of the year.
The challenge is compounded by an elevation
of 4242 feet, which becomes an issue for
both man and machine.
But our Team ITP cross country competitors
proved to be up to the challenge, scoring
wins and podium finishes with a number
of ITP QuadCross and Holeshot tire selections.
A big congratulations goes out once again
to Dave Simmons (Yam), who captured his
eighth straight Super Senior 45+ class
victory. He was also third overall in
the morning race among 219 entries. Simmons
won the 50+ Masters class in 2011 and
“dropped down” to the next
younger age group for an added incentive
in 2012, but he seems to be improving
with age.
Speaking of the Masters 50+ class, Ohio’s
Glenn McConnell (Yam) climbed another
podium with second place. This finish
moved him up to second for the season
in the class point standings.
Angel Atwell (Hon) finished out of the
top three for the first time this year,
but fourth place kept her in second place
in the points and still in championship
contention.
In afternoon racing at Snowshoe, Patrick
McGuire (Yam) finished a close second
in the XC2 Pro Am race. This accomplishment
extended his championship points lead
considerably. He’s only finished
outside the top five one time all season.
Greg’s ATV-sponsored Matt Hanna
(Yam) continued his recent run of top
XC2 Pro Am performances with his fourth
consecutive top-three ride, placing third
in class. This moved him ever closer toward
the upper end of the standings as he now
holds fourth.
And talk about toughing it out, XC1 Pro
contender Adam McGill (Hon) gave it a
go despite some serious injuries sustained
while training a couple of weeks earlier.
McGill was able to run one lap in an attempt
to salvage some points; he now holds fifth
in the premier class standings.
The next event takes place at the Wiseco
John Penton GNCC in Millfield, Ohio, July
7-8.
About ITP:
ITP is
proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary
this year. Since 1982, ITP has grown into
the world's #1 ATV/UTV aftermarket tire
and wheel source, and continues to provide
a complete line of innovative tires and
wheels for virtually all ATVs and UTVs.
For a copy of ITP’s full-color product
catalog, call toll-free: 1-800-859-4740.
For other inquiries or technical advice,
contact ITP at 1990 S. Vintage Ave., Ontario,
CA 91761; (909) 390-1905. Or visit ITP’s
website at www.itptires.com.
