Can-Am / Motoworks' Chris Bithell placed third at the opening round of the 2012 GNCC Racing Season in Florida

Vista, CA (3/14/2012) – The 2012 GNCC series kicked off at River Ranch, Florida this past weekend and Motoworks’ first season in the series ended with a strong performance and podium finish for pro racer, Chris Bithell.

With a new program in place for the 2012 season, Can-Am/Motoworks’ Chris Bithell has been working hard in the off season dialing in his Can-Am DS450 and training hard to be ready for the season opener. “There are some differences this season, including parts we are running and a new mechanic, but everyone has put in a lot of time and hard work into making this a successful program, and I am excited for this season,” stated Bithell.

The course at the River Ranch GNCC has always been notoriously rough as the sandy soil gives way throughout the race and exposes palmetto roots, causing the track to become whooped out and treacherous. Just before the start of the afternoon classes, rain began to fall, and only increased the rate at which the sand gave way. Even with the brutal conditions, Can-Am/Motoworks’ Chris Bithell was able to make his way to the front of the pack.

“I didn’t really get the start I was hoping for, but I just gave it everything I have and went from dead last to third in about three laps,” said Bithell, who wasn’t about to stop his charge there.

Chris Bithell aboard his Motoworks powered Can-Am DS450 ATV

Once in the number three spot, Bithell stayed on the gas and took over the lead for a short time. “I would have liked to have taken the lead a little earlier, but the rough track and few other things, like when I got hit in the face with a vine and my goggles broke, which set me back,” said Bithell.

Despite a some challenges, Bithell was able to still cross the finish line in the number three spot, giving him the final position on the pro podium. “The quad worked really well for me out there today. We have a few changes to the quad from last year like the DWT tires, that worked well, Holz a-arms, and we are running the Motoworks linkage, so it is a little different, but it seemed to work really well and it helped to get me on the podium. I am really looking forward to taking it to Georgia now,” stated Bithell.

Round two of the 2012 GNCC series will only allow for a one week break as Chris Bithell and the Motoworks team head to Aonia Pass MX in Washington, GA on March 17th where Chris Bithell is hoping to capture his first win of the season.