2013 FTR ATV Racing Round #8 January 27, 2013 Okeechobee, Florida

Okeechobee, FL - The front line at round eight of the Florida Trail Riders Hare Scramble Benefit race on Saturday in Okeechobee, Florida looked a lot like the front line of a GNCC race. Seasoned pros including defending champion, Chris Borich, Chris Bithell, Johnny Gallagher, Adam McGill and Walker Fowler made the race along with soon to be rookie pros Gabe Phillips and Braden Henthorn. Up and coming pro-am racer, Landon Wolfe was also in attendance.

The racers faced a six mile course with thick dust and gnarly palmetto sections. Chris Borich made it clear why he’s a four time champion and took the win over the stacked field. Borich got a good start and was in second position as the racers charged through the first field section. The number one wasted little time in taking over the lead and came through the check point in first at the end of lap one.

Borich continued to hold his lead throughout most of the race, although McGill did manage to get around him for a brief period. The wheel to wheel battle came to a close finish at the one hour and thirty minute mark with Borich leading McGill by a quad length.

“It was a really fun race, my Suzuki was working well. I like when everyone comes out and races, it a good time,” said reigning GNCC champion Chris Borich.

Baldwin’s Adam McGill gave it his all to earn the close second place. After nailing the holeshot he battled all day with Borich. Their aggressive battle made for an exciting show as the two racers were wheel to wheel the entire race.

Walker Fowler earned third place behind the two veteran racers on his Am-Pro Yamaha. The young racer had a solid start and was near the front for the beginning of the race. Thick dust and tight sections set Fowler back a bit, but he didn’t lose any positions. He came across the line about thirty seconds behind the leaders.

Chris Bithell had his first race on his new Maxxis / HMF Suzuki. The number four didn’t get a good start, but had worked his way through dust and lappers to take over the fourth position in lap two. He continued there until the checker flew on lap six.

Fifth place went to rookie pro Braden Henthorn. Pro-Am racer Landon Wolfe and Johnny Gallagher came in battling for sixth and seventh. Gabe Phillips had been in the mix as well until a bent steering stem took him out of the race.

As the off season draws to a close more and more pros will head south for training. We can expect to see the same racers at next week’s Florida Trail Riders Hare Scramble in Brighton, FL as they continue to prepare for the 2013 GNCC season opener in March.

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