2004 GNC MX & TT Banquet

[Admin]

The Banquet is held just across the Ohio Border in Fort Mitchell, KY. The city of Cincinnati, OH is on the other side of the river, which is where I flew into to attend the event.

[Admin]

The Banquet has been held for the past few years at the Drawbridge Inn, which is a fairly large hotel, but with other 800 people in attendance for this years event, the facility was quickly filled to capacity. This years crowd was up from just over 700 last year and 600 the year before, so things are definitely going in the right direction for the growth of the sport.

[Admin]

Guest began arriving well before the 5PM time the gates opened to get a chance to get settled into their hotel rooms and socialize with fellow riders.

Among some the riders in Attendance was Pro Rider Jathan Seale with his wife Kay. Jathan finished third in the TT Pro Class, and he will also be attending the GNCC Banquet in a few weeks to also receive his award for finishing 3rd in the GNCC Pro Am Class.

Congratulations Jathan on such a successful racing year!!!

[Admin]

2nd Place TT Women's A Class Rider, Amanda Slaton, was looking terrific when she showed up for the banquet.

[Admin]

MX 265A Champion & 2nd Place Pro Am 265, Jeremy Lawson, had plenty to be happy about this season, and I am sure he can't wait till next season.

[Admin]

Once inside, many of the riders were quickly approached by David Screws, ATV Ridin XtraATV Racin' Extra (http://www.atvracinextra.com) looking to find out any big news from the riders as the headed over to the ATV Sport voting.

Darin Ogden revealed some of his news to David:cool:

[Admin]

Jeremiah Jones & Keith Little took some time to talk with each other about their plans in the off season, which from the sound of their conversation. I don't think they will be relaxing much over the winter.

Keith Little will be heading to Arizona to Lonestar Headquarters to begin preparing for next season by racing out on the West Coast, and Jeremiah Jones will be heading to California for testing & training with his New Suzuki Team:D

[Admin]

The ATV Sport crew kept busy handling the voting for the "ATV Sport People's Choice Awards." With over 800 people in attendance, they were busy tallying the votes.

Also, they were collecting names of people who were interested in purchasing this season's ATV Sport Television shows on one CD for only $10, which I thought was a great bargain for some great racing action and stories.

If you are interested, please send an email to Jerrod Kelley jkelley@ehlertpublishing.com at ATV Sport and let them know, so they will make this happen.

[Admin]

The voting took place from 3PM - 5PM before the banquet doors opened, and it was great to see so many people involved in the voting.

[Admin]

While the Ball Room remained locked, I took some time to a sneak peak at all the work that Sherri Tayler has put in along with the many other volunteers have put into making the banquet possible.

The first thing that caught my eye was the long table full of products donated by various manufacturers including(Fullbore, Laeger, PEP, Baldwin Motorsports, Sparks Racing, Longenberger, JB Racing, and many more).

$5.00 dollar tickets could be purchased at the beginning of the night and placed into the jar that they wanted to take a chance at winning. One lucky ticket for each item would be drawn through out the evening to determine the winner of each prize, and some of the prizes were valued up to almost $2,000:eek:

[Admin]

Across the room in the corner, was table after table of contigency prizes that were donated by various companies in the Industry to giveaway to the top 10 finishers in most of the classes.

[Admin]

Table after table was lined up with awesome looking glass trophies for the top finishers in each class

[Admin]

All the tables were decked out with tons of stickers for everyone to share along with ATV Racin Extra papers. Also everyone received a program of the evening events along with an Updog Industries Cup. All the tables were clearly numbered, and a seating chart was posted along the outside wall to let everyone know where they needed to sit.

[Admin]

Once the doors opened, everyone rushed over to the table full of goodies to buy chances. I think Sherri was a little surprised at the amount of tickets someone wanted to buy.

[Admin]

Sherri's Daughter and Michelle Hetrick also helped out with drawings along with Julie Farr.

[Admin]

ATVA President, Doug Morris (left), was in attendance along with Blue Groove Photos, Matt Robertson (Right), who provides most of the awesome action shots from the TT events that we all have viewed this year on EXriders.com, ********.com, atvaonline, and ATV Racin Extra. Matt has devoted his time to bringing us all the TT action, and I greatful that he is part of the EXriders.com Supporting Journalist Team.

Thanks Matt:D

[Admin]

The "Dunk Daddy", Jason Dunkelberger, arrived with ashley on his side.

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Harold Goodman & his date Jessica

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Women's TT A Rider, Jamie Luburgh hung out with Pro Rider Pat Brown.

[Admin]

East Coast ATV's, Dave Gibson, was showed how much he was appreciated by Michelle Reiser's father for all his support this season. Do you think Dave was just a little embrassed:eek2:

Dave Gibson put in countless hours supporting his race team this season in the GNC Series and his hard work payed off with John Natalie Jr, Dustin Wimmer, and Michelle Reiser all having great seasons.

Dave Gibson also helped GNCC racer Chris Borich.

[Admin]

Suzuki's ATV team coordinator, Rod Lopusnak, brought out his son Rod Jr. to enjoy the festivities and meet many of the top ATV riders.

[Admin]

With everyone seated, and the award cermonies about to begin after eating an incredible dinner, Debi Bartosek opened the nights events with informing everyone about success of her 50/50 drawings at the National Events for raising money to provide medical services at the track with Doc Ragon.

[Admin]

The 1st Place finishers in the Short Track Series were next to take the stage to accept their season end awards.

[Admin]

Darin Ogdin won Both the Pro & ProAm Production Championships in the three race series.

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Short Track 70cc Modified, Lake Kuba

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Short Track Women's Class, Mandy Brodil

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GNC TT Top Finishers

Youth Production 13-15

1st Place Tyler Brock

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0-50cc Limited

1st Boby Bessire
2nd Devin Laird
3rd Zachery Wentz

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51-70cc Modified

1st Tyler Skipper
2nd Lake Kuba
3rd JJ Birt

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71-90cc Modified

1st Michael Blanchard
2nd Joel Hetrick
3rd Ryan Partee

[Admin]

71-90cc Production

1st Landen Williams
2nd Ryland Johnson
3rd Kalob Dycus

[Admin]

Women's

1st Mandy Brodil
2nd Amanda L. Slaton

[Admin]

Senior 40+

1st Jeff Hillian
2nd James Gourley
3rd Donnie Allgood

[Admin]

Veteran 30+

1st Scott Morris
2nd Marc Noreuil
3rd Richard Hetrick

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16 24 Years

1st Eric Jennings
3rd Johnny Jackson

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200/300

1st Jordan Orr

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Production C

1st Tyler Smith
2nd Daniel Epley
3rd Cody Kuhnlenschmidt

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Production B

1st Matt Kendrick
2nd Jeff Hillian
3rd Robin Seitz

[Admin]

Production A

1st Mitch Reynolds
2nd Cain Rogers
3rd Houston Lowder

[Admin]

4-Stroke C

1st Brian Egloff
2nd Travis Outland
3rd Candace Lee

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4-Stroke B

1st Daniel Hancock
2nd Robin Seitz

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4-Stroke A

1st Stephen Loxley
2nd Jason Steadman
3rd Brian Foltz

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Open C

1st Jordan Orr

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Open B

1st Bobby Giles II
2nd JOhnathan Mcghee
3rd Jerry Boling

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Open A

1st Houston Lowder

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265 C

1st Tyler Smith
2nd Cody Kuhlenschmidt
3rd Daniel Dunn

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265 A

1st Houston Lowder
2nd Danny McGraw
3rd Eric Jennings

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Pro Am Production

1st Tim Farr
2nd Keith Little
3rd Darin Ogden

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Pro Am Open

1st Nathan Dallas
2nd Daryl Rath
3rd Scott Morris

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Pro Am 265

1st Harold Goodman
2nd Robert McClure

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Pro Class

The Top 10 Pro Riders were brought up on the Stage to be recognized.

[Admin]

3rd Place went to Jathan Seale

[Admin]

Tim Farr won the Pro Am Production class, but lost fell short of the Pro Class Championship by one point in an incredible points battle between Keith Little and Tim Farr

Congratulations Tim Farr on a Great Season in both TT & MX

[Admin]

The TT Champion, Keith Little, held his Trophy high in the Air to celebrate his Victory. Keith Little was 100% dedicated to his race program with the help of Lonestar Racing, and it payed off big for the "Alabama Slammer"

Congratulations Keith Little!!!!

[Admin]

ATV Sport "People's Choice Awards"

Throughout the Evening, ATV Sport presented the "People's Choice Awards" to those with the most votes in each category.

"Youth Rider of the Year" went to to none other than Joel Hetrick. Joel put together another impressive season in both the TT & MX Series with the help of Hetrick's Racing.

[Admin]

"Most Influential Aftermarket Manufacturer" was awarded to Mark Baldwin of Baldwin Motorsports for his extensive effort in trying to improve upon the manufacturer designs with various aftermarket parts.

[Admin]

"Amateur Rider of the Year" went to Jeremy Lawson

[Admin]

"Race Team of the Year" went to Team Suzuki / Yoshimura for unmatched track presence and support provided to Doug Gust in his quest to win the National Championship. Doug Gust not only went on to win the Championship, but he did it while putting together the longest winning streak in GNC MX history, which was a direct result of the extensvie efforts of his entire team, which allowed him to focus on his job and that was Winning Races!!!!

Brant Russell, Yoshimura Vice President, and Rod Lopusnak, Suzuki Marketing Manager proudly accepted the award for their representing companies. These two individuals have taken it upon themselves to bring the ATV Industry into the spotlight, and we all should be grateful for their valiant efforts

Thanks Suzuki/Yoshimura :D

[Admin]

"Promoter of the Year" went to Donny Banks for building and maintaining one of the best MX tracks in the GNC Series at Echeconee Park. Donny's Promoted Round #3 of the GNC Series in Macon, GA in 2004 and it has been a racers favorite for years, and I expect this to continue as long as Donny is involved.

[Admin]

"Mechanic of the Year" went to Rich Hetrick for his dedication to keeping his riders out front especially in the Youth Classes. Rich is 100% dedicated to the sport and it shows in his efforts at the track and at his shop in PA.

[Admin]

If winning the "Mechanic of the Year" Award wasn't enough, Rich Hetrick also went on to win the "Engine Builder of the Year" Award which pretty much left him speechless.

Congratulations Rich Hetrick, and obviously the many riders you have supported over the year have recognized your dedication.

[Admin]

"Most Influential ATV Manufacturer" went to none other than Suzuki for their extensive presence at the GNC Series in 2004. If 2004 wasn't enough of a great step forward, they plan on taking larger leap in 2005 by supporting several riders in the GNC Series including newly added Pro Rider, Jeremiah Jones. Also, they will be extending their program to also include several amateur riders in their program as well, which is extremely exciting news.

Thanks Again, Suzuki for all your support, and I only hope the other manufacturers step up and follow your lead.

[Admin]

Finally, "Pro Rider of the Year" went to Doug Gust for not only winning the National Championship, but also because of the way he represented his fellow ATV racers by being a true professional and setting an example of a True Champion. Doug Gust not only shined on the track, he also shined in the pits as he never was too busy to take the sign an autograph for a fan.

I must say that we are very fortunate that not only Doug Gust, but almost the entire Pro Class have all been great role models to the younger riders, and we should be thankful that our sport is blessed with such great family oriented people.

[Admin]

Weekend Warrior Trailer Giveaway

Also, all the top 10 riders names from the TT & MX GNC series were put into glass, and the winner drawn received the biggest prize of the evening. A Brand New Weekend Warrior Travel Trailer worth around $25,000:eek:

The lucky winner drawn was Ross Dantonio, and I am sure Katelynn Dantonio was will share in the prize.

[Admin]

GNC MX Top Finisher's

0-50cc Limited

1st David Nevrotski
2nd Devin Laird
3rd David Beer

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51-70cc Modified

1st DJ Spurling
2nd Brian Petrovcic
3rd Christoper Wild

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71-90cc Modified

1st Thomas Brown
2nd Joel Hetrick
3rd Jake Brattain

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71-90cc Production

1st Ashton Laird
2nd Jerrey Rastrelli
3rd Charile McVay

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Youth Production

1st Ricky Stair
2nd Brandon Shipman
3rd Garrett Helmic

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Women B/C

1st Heather Gaul
2nd Lisa Scherer
3rd Leslie Ragon

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Womens A

1st Heather Byrd
2nd Angela Moore
3rd Michelle Reiser

[Admin]

Senior 40+

1st David Porter
2nd Tommy Tantillo

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Vet 30+

1st Randy Hurst Sr
2nd Brian Giles
3rd Greg Lombardo

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16-24 Yrs

1st Cody Miller
2nd Jesse Sheaffer
3rd Daryn Capitena

[Admin]

200/300

1st Jordan Aydelott
2nd Robert Confer
3rd Kyle Schuchter

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Production C

1st Aaron Meyer
2nd Nathan Canaan

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Production B

1st Thomas Hager
2nd Daryn Capitena
3rd Mitch Reynolds

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Production A

1st Bobby Ross
2nd Cody Miller
3rd Trent kandel

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4-Stroke C

1st Aaron Meyer
2nd Jake Anderson
3rd Jarrod Mills

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4-Stroke B

1st Ryan Slingluff
2nd Thomas Hager
3rd R Clay Homes

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4-Stroke A

1st Jeffrey Thompson
2nd Justin Hanusosky
3rd Cale Downen

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Open C

1st Nicholas Carter
2nd Michael Ulery
3rd William Waskiewicz

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Open B

1st Denton Boyer
2nd Chase Cunnigham
3rd Brian Giles

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Open A

1st Aaron Reisig

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265 C

1st Wesley Smith
2nd Jason Burner
3rd Ross Dantonio

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265 A

1st Jeremy Lawson

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Pro-Am Production

1st Pat Brown
2nd Matt White
3rd Bobby Ross

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Pro-Am Open

1st Chad Lohr
2nd Aaron Reisig
3rd WL McCarley

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Pro-Am 265

1st Pat Brown
2nd Jeremy Lawson

[Admin]

Pro Class

The final awards of the evening were presented to the Top 10 GNC Pro MX Racers.

Mark Interviewed each rider about their season and expectations for next season.

Joe Byrd was the 1st to be interviewed, and he was excited about his 1st Place finish at Loretta's to finish out the season, and his wife's(Heather Byrd) National Women's Championship.


1st Doug Gust
2nd John Natalie Jr.
3rd Tim Farr
4th Jeremiah Jones
5th Kory Ellis
6th Dustin Wimmer
7th Tavis Cain
8th Keith Little
9th Joe Byrd
10th Jason Luburgh

[Admin]

The Rookie Pro Rider, Dustin Wimmer, finished the year in 6th Place after having an extremely impressive first Pro Season. Dustin is young and full of talent, and I expect to see big things out of him next season.

Congratulations Dustin, and I wish you continued success in the Future:macho

[Admin]

Last Years Champion, Jeremiah Jones, finished 4th in the Pro Class this seaon aboard his Yamaha, but he was very optimistic about riding for Suzuki/Yoshimura on the LTZ400.

Jeremiah is 100% dedicated and he definitely has the speed which he proved to everyone at Southwick with laptimes similar to those of Pro Motorcycle Rider, Ricky Carmichael, who also recently signed with Suzuki during the off season.

[Admin]

3rd Place went to Tim Farr after having a very successful 1st season aboard the Honda TRX450R. With the late release of the machine, Tim & Mark struggled in the beginning getting the quad to setup to their liking, but as the season went on, Tim Farr begin settling into the 450R and found himself on Podium Several times.

I don't expect to waste any time over this winner to insure that he returns to the Podium Next Year.

Congratulation Tim on a great season in both the MX & TT Series.

[Admin]

2nd Place Finisher, John "The Ironman" Natalie Jr, did the unthinkable by finishing in front of two factory backed riders aboard his East Coast ATV Yamaha. John depended soley on sponsors like Maxxis, Gibson, Custom Axxis, Shift, Rausch Creek, and many others to get him to the top.

He spent all last winter traveling south training for this season, and it paid off ten fold. John Natalie Jr. lives and breathes atv racing, and it was great to see him accomplish so much this season after years of coming so close to greatness.

The speech that John gave at the GNC Banquet was one of the best of the evening, and I was not surprised one bit. John is all about the fans and helping the sport grow, which is shown in his posting on EXriders.com.

John currently hasn't been signed by any major manufacturers for next season, but I am sure that someone will snatch him up before the start of next season :macho

[Admin]

Finally, the MX National Champion, Doug Gust, was awarded his #1 Trophy and Plaque. It is difficult to put into words what Doug Gust has done for the growth and attention of ATV Racing, and once again, I am so thankful that he has spent the past 20 years of his life racing ATVs and represting the entire ATV community in a positivie light!!!

Thanks for Everything Doug, and I wish you continued success next season.

[Admin]

Also throughout the evening, the winners were drawn for the various products donated. Sherri kept busy handing out the winning prizes to the lucky winners

[Admin]

Jamie Luburgh was the lucky winner of a Sparks Exhaust System and Air Filter Setup:D

[Admin]

Also, 50/50 drawing was done a little different at the banquet with 10 number drawn, and the lucky 10 lined up on the stage and where offered to split the money or draw number and sent one of them packing with nothing similar to the Pepsi Challenge.

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After several people found themselves leaving with nothing, the remaining 6 or 7 decided they would split the money, which left Sherri and Julie with plenty of counting to do to split it up equally.

[Admin]

Finally, before the after party began, Weekend Warrior presented it Appreciation awards to Debi Bartosek, Doc Ragon, and Jorge Cuartas for all their work this year for the Series.

When you see these three special people next season, be sure to thank them for all their hardwork behind the scenes to better ATV Racing for everyone.

[Admin]

Oh Yeah, we can't forget about all the awesome door prizes that were given away to lucky ticket holders throughout the evening.

Smitty was one of the lucky few to pick from an assortment of prizes.

[Admin]

With the Award Ceremony over, it was time for everyone to loosen up and celebrate a great season. Joe Byrd took full advantage of the evening to celebrate his wife's Championship, by having a Limo waiting to take her and his good Friend Doug Gust out to check out the Cincinnati city lights at Night.

[Admin]

With everyone inside the limo, we were off to Cincinnati, OH. After driving around the city and sharing stories from the past year, we headed back to the Drawbridge Inn.

[Admin]

When we arrived back to the Drawbridge Inn, we headed back up the Ballroom to checkout what was going on.

I ran into Angela Moore and Scott, and I am pleased to announce the two are now engaged to be married next October in Las Vegas, NV:D

Congratulations!!!

[Admin]

Jeremiah Jones & Jamie Rentz are also engaged to get married. The love bug seems to spreading around in the ATV crowd.

Jamie joked with Jeremy about him leaving for California for a month for training & testing while she will be home alone:(

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Jeremiah took out some time to sign autographs for anyone that asked.

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The Dance stage was starting to get busy with many people out on floor having a good time.

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Chad Lohr & his Father showed many riders how people dance back home in Virginia Mountains.

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Legacy ATV, John McGhee, wasn't afraid to work his moves on the dance floor.

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The dancing action was so intense come resorted to wearing goggles:eek2:

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Guinn Lickman & Jason Dunkelberger took a break from the dance floor to kick back.

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Keith Little even had his main sponsor, Dan Fisher(Lonestar Racing) out for an evening fun.

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Dustin Wimmer & Gilbert Attix were definitely having a great time.

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Heather Byrd & Stephani McIntyre talke about the highly anticipated AMA Sports Award Banquet this weekend. Heather if going up against Stephanie Parton, GNCC & Mandy Brodil, TT for the Female rider of the Year.

Stephani McIntyre, AMA, will be working hard all week to have everything in order for when all the Nominees arrive.

I am leaving Friday Morning for Las Vegas, NV myself to see if EXriders.com will be able to beat out Cyclenews.com and RacerX.com, so keep your fingers crossed because this would be a great boost to EXRiders.com and allow us to do even more for the ATV Industry.

I hope everyone enjoyed my GNC Banquet report, and I hope to have great news when I return Saturday Night.

[Pappy]

great coverage harlen, best on the net:macho


and good luck to EXR at the awards banquet, GO TEAM:macho

[quadchick3]

Harlen those pictures were awesome!!!

Good luck to heather this weekend, she deffinitly deserves the award.

fyi; we should be going to pick up the weekend warrior trailor from ray christy in PA the thanksgiving weekend. ross is pretty positive he wants to sell it, pay off his 450r and more parts.

[QuadJunkies]

Originally posted by Pappy
great coverage harlen, best on the net:macho


and good luck to EXR at the awards banquet, GO TEAM:macho !!!!!!!

[twisted threads]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Pappy
[B]great coverage harlenQUOTE]

Yep awsome coverage!!

[craZy400]

The best as always!

[TC426EX]

Great coverage indeed!!

[Quad18star]

Amazing coverage ..... there is no doubt in my mind , that this site is the best there is on the Internet .

Keep up the great work .

I wish we had awards banquets like that up in my neck of the woods. Looks like a great time was had by all .

[TWISTED]

Where was Kory Ellis? I don't see him in any of the pics.

[quadchick3]

Kory Ellis and Tavis Cain were not there this year.

[TWISTED]

Oh and before it slips my mind, Katelynn I've seen you all geared up at the nationals looking adorable but you're VERY east on the eyes all dressed up!!

[Hawk III]

awesome coverage!!! anyone else think that Darin Ogden should have won the "MULLETT" award this year? :D

[Cindi]

:D CONGRADULATION to Exriders on the best website. Harlen Great job. It was good to see you up on stage and getting recognized for all your hard work. Keep it up.

Cindi H;)

[quadchick3]

Originally posted by TWISTED
Oh and before it slips my mind, Katelynn I've seen you all geared up at the nationals looking adorable but you're VERY east on the eyes all dressed up!!


hahaha adorable at the track are you serious? thats when im complete with my dirt mustache, and hair that looks like it hasnt been washed in a week. i love it though.

be ready to see me next year in '05 in my sick racing gear, it looks hotter than ever.

[kwatts400]

Be sure and post pics!

[dasheek]

seems like every time you see goodman he has a different pretty lady by his side. See him at the local track one week and he has a lady and a few weeks later it is a different pretty lady.......must be nice to be that good:D

[420MINI]

0

[Heather 6H]

Nice pics and great coverage!!!! Keep up the good work!

[quadrcr87]

dasheek are you talking about Milan? If so what were you riding and what class

[creechfan]

i know it was a crapy season for him, but there was no DANA .

:ermm:

[dasheek]

yeah i ride at milan once in awhile. I make it out to more practices then races due to my work schedule. I race in the novice class. I ride a yellow 400ex with chrome burgard a-arms rpm axle and tcs shocks.

[creechfan]

whoa! i did not notice there was two other michigan riders right on the post lol.....

you guys ever run Dutch, Log Road, or Red Bud?

i have been to all 3 but i have not made it to milan yet......


i seen harold at the Onsted TT race in Oct...i thought it was prety cool to be racing the same event as a pro....:D


btw, i am from the jackson michigan area

[dasheek]

i have never been to the other tracks i don't race full time seriosuly just whenever i can get the chance and since milan is so close to my house i go there more for convience than anything not the "great track" hahaha

[Jersey450R]

That was one of the greatest threads produced from atvriders.com, thank you for that. Great job and look foward to the next one!