Motoworks / Can-Am's Chris Bithell placed fourth at the Mountaineer Run GNCC in Masontown, WV

Vista, CA (5/29/2012) – Can-Am /Motoworks’ Chris Bithell took on the challenge of the rocky and technical Mountaineer Run at round seven of the 2012 GNCC series and claimed a top five finish at the end of the day.

Marvin’s Mountain Top in Masontown, WV was the location for round seven. The course was rocky and technical with several hill climbs and creek bed crossings. The track did become quite rough and the warm weather that was present added to the fatigue factor for some racers, but Can-Am/Motoworks’ Chris Bithell was up for the challenge.

Bithell got off to a good start and was in the top five as the XC1 pro class headed into the woods. Bithell charged hard and was able to take over third by the second lap. Bithell was looking strong and fast as he negotiated the tight trails and was still holding down third, heading into the final lap.

Chris Bithell was running in third place until some lapped traffic slowed Bithell's pace dropping him back to fourth

It looked as if Bithell would be ending his day on the podium, but toward the end of the race, lap traffic came into play and there were several areas where passing was difficult, if not impossible.

Unfortunately, Bithell encountered some of that traffic and it slowed his efforts, dropping him down to fourth place. Bithell tried to remount a charge but ran out of time before reaching the finish line and settled for a fourth place finish.

“Everything worked really well for us this weekend. We just ran into some bad luck in the last lap,” said Bithell.

Bithell is currently ranked fifth in points and could easily move into the top three with a little luck on his side.

Round number eight of the 2012 GNCC series will once again head to West Virginia on June 23rd for the coveted Snowshoe round of the series, where Motoworks’ Chris Bithell will be going for the podium.