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View Full Version : 2005 GNCC "Steele Creek" Round #4 Afternoon ATV Race Coverage



Admin
04-07-2005, 07:33 AM
The Afternoon racers were also busy prepping their machines for the muddy race that awaits them at 1PM. Junior Class Rider & ITP Track Rep, Jim Pinkston, has had much luck the first couple of rounds with his Honda, but he kept his spirits high in hopes the mud would work in his favor this weekend.

Admin
04-07-2005, 07:38 AM
William Yokley’s father was busy cutting the outer knobbies off his ITP front XC tires, which is common for many Pro riders. They cut them off to help prevent the tire from trying to climb out of the main tire groove on the track.

Admin
04-07-2005, 07:45 AM
#4 Matt Smiley once again spent most of the morning going over his new ride for 2005 and what ever he is doing on the Polaris Predator before the race must be working because he has adapted quickly to the Predator with a Podium finish and hasn’t finished below 8th Overall yet this season.

Admin
04-07-2005, 07:47 AM
The Four Stroke Tech Crew were busy setting up their huge Canopy

Admin
04-07-2005, 07:55 AM
#10 Greg Trew was also busy going over his YFZ before the start of the race, and he announced that he will no longer be riding for the Lewis Racing Team this year due to the logistics of him living in Florida and them located in Kentucky, which prevented him from testing different setups and training on a race prepped machine between races.

Admin
04-07-2005, 07:58 AM
#14 Andy Lagzdins has been having a career best season finishing the first three races in the top 10 Overall as he strives to improve upon his National Number for next season.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:00 AM
#1 Bill Ballance had his Yamaha YFZ450 ready to go, and looked extremely relaxed walking around the pits joking with fellow riders and signing autographs for his fans.

Sadly, #5 Chad Duvall wouldn't be heading to the starting line for this round after injurying his thumb.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:10 AM
The track quickly deteriorated toward the end of the morning race, and the GNCC crew had their hands full pulling out stuck riders as over 65 riders or 25% of the morning races never even finished half the race and less than 100 riders finished the complete 4 laps out of 247 participations.

This photo quickly sums up why there were so many DNFs in the morning, and it would only get worse in the Afternoon. The Afternoon race was delayed until all the morning races were cleared from the track.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:12 AM
Finally, it was time for some afternoon racing action, and Racer Productions decided to try something different this event and have the Pros stage their quads and then lineup at the 1st turn against the fence and run over to their machines one at a time when their name was announced.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:15 AM
The final three riders standing against the fence were your Top Three Pro Riders this season(Chris Borich, Bill Ballance, and William Yokley) and not surprisingly these riders were the top three from last season.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:18 AM
The only difference this year was that Chris Borich held the Points lead heading into Steele Creek aboard his Alba Action 450R.

Chris acknowledged the cheering crowd as he walked over to starting line with his hand held high in the air.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:19 AM
#4 Matt Smiley was already on the line with his father in the background waiting for the start of the race.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:22 AM
#9 Brandon Ballance had plenty to smile about as well before the Afternoon race as he is having an awesome start to the season with a Podium finish in Florida and another top 5 Overall in Georgia.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:24 AM
With a Brisk wind coming out of the West and Clouds starting to emerge over the mountain tops the Afternoon race was about to get underway after the playing of the National Anthem.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:25 AM
#6 Bryan Cook and #11 Michael Houston stand in honor of our Freedom as American's before the start of the race.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:27 AM
With the Start of the race, Factory Yamaha Rider, Bill Ballance, put his powerful YFZ out front around the 1st turn with the rest of the Pro Class in chase.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:29 AM
With Ballance out front, there was a three way tie for 2nd with Chris Borich, Brandon Ballance, and Chris Jenks side by side as they chased after the roost of Bill Ballance.

Admin
04-07-2005, 08:31 AM
William Yokley, Bryan Cook, Todd Knippenberg, and Bryan Baker were in chase as they headed for the 2nd turn.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:19 AM
#9 Brandon Ballance makes the pass on his Brother Bill several miles into the 1st lap to take over the lead with Chris Borich, Greg Trew, and William Yokley all in chase.

Meanwhile, on the Start Chris Jenks was in the top three off the start, but he would spin out in the 4th turn and drop back several positions heading into the woods, but his teammate, Michael Houston would have even worse luck and stall his 450R on the same turn, which would send him out of top 10 back to last place.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:28 AM
Hometown Riders #6 Bryan Cook & #16 Santo Derisi were one of many riders to get stuck in the 1st lap, and Santo buried his Honda in the mud which dropped him back several positions early in the race.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:35 AM
By the end of the 1st lap, Bill Ballance had once again taken over the lead, but only a few miles into the lap, Chris Borich passed Bill for yet another leader.

With the brutle track conditions and stuck riders all over the track creating additional obstacles for the Pros that the Overall Leader would change several times each lap through out the race with new lines constantly forming, and the key was picking the fastest line for that lap because it may be the worse line the next lap.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:38 AM
Close behind Borich and Ballance were #2 William Yokley and #10 Greg Trew who really needed a strong race after a string of bad luck had dropped him out of contingency the first three races of the season.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:40 AM
#9 Brandon Ballance had dropped back to 5th Place, but remained less than 30 seconds behind Chris Borich in the lead.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:45 AM
Just a few seconds back in 6th place was #8 Jeremy Rice and right behind him #23 Bryan Baker, but unfortunately for the pair, they would both pick bad lines heading through the mud pits and bury their machines in the mud losing several minutes on the leaders before being able to return to the race which dropped them both back to 12th and 13th by the end of the 2nd lap.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:56 AM
#13 Todd Knippenberg was running strong in 8th early in the 2nd lap, but also would get stuck for a short period of time which would allow several riders to get around him, but he also was able to pass several other riders which kept him in the top 10 by the end of the lap.

Admin
04-08-2005, 07:58 AM
By the beginning of the 3rd lap, William Yokley had taken over the lead.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:03 AM
William's lead wouldn't last long as he would get caught up with lapped riders and get stuck, which allowed Bill Ballance and Chris Borich to move back out front.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:05 AM
#10 Greg Trew would also get into the act as he also would pass as way up front only to drop back several positions as the top 4 riders were constantly changing position mile after mile, which made from some exciting racing, so it was anyones guess who would be out front by the end of the race.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:17 AM
Meanwhile, while the top 4 riders swapped positions back and forth, Matt Smiley made his charge on his Polaris Predator through the pack by using his experience to move all the way up to 6th place right behind Brandon Ballance who was almost one minute behind the leaders early in the third lap, but with Matt Smiley breathing down his back, Brandon stepped up the pace as the two riders closed the gap to less than 2 seconds of Chris Borich in 4th by the end of the lap as the top 6 riders ran bumper to bumper.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:31 AM
#7 Chris Jenks was also on a tear as he recorded the fastest Pro lap time of 24:52 which was over 1 minute faster than Bill Balance out front, but surpisingly the fastest laptime in the 3rd lap went to Pro Am rider Scott Barron with a 24:39 as he worked his way up to 2nd in the Pro Am Class.

Jenks used his impressive speed to move his way up to 7th place and within 10 seconds of the lead pack early in the 4th lap.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:34 AM
#11 Michael Houston also was looking to make up some time as his lap time was only 1 seconds slower than his teammate Chris Jenks as he worked his way back up from near last place to within striking distance of the top ten behind Todd Knippenberg.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:38 AM
By the end of the 4th lap, Santo Derisi was just preparing to head back out on the track to complete only his 2nd lap of the race after running into a problem with one of his front tire/wheels, so his crew replaced both front tires and wheels and he headed back out to get him some practice as the leaders were coming around.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:40 AM
When the Pros emerged from the woods to head down Pro Row, Chris Borich was once again out front with just over a lap to go, so would he be able to hold on for another win and extend his points lead?

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:43 AM
Yokley and Trew remained only a few seconds behind Borich, and Bill Ballance was back to 4th place as lapped traffic was becoming a major problem for the leaders.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:47 AM
Matt Smiley had passed Brandon Balance and moved into 5th place as they headed into the pits, but Brandon was able to make up time in the pits and get back out ahead of Matt Smiley once again as they headed back into the woods.

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:54 AM
#7 Chris Jenks stops for fuel as he remains in 7th place and only a few seconds behind Borich in the lead

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:57 AM
Rounding out the top 10 were #23 Bryan Baker, #14 Andy Lagzdins, and #24 Rhett Bulter.

Once again, Andy Lagzdins continued to ride strong as he kept himself in the top 10 Overall

Admin
04-08-2005, 08:59 AM
#8 Jeremy Rice wasn't having any luck as he found himself stuck several times, but he wasn't given up as he stayed on the gas and picked up a few positions and moved back up to 12th.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:02 AM
An Obviously worried, Bonnie Hamrick, looks off into the distance looking to catch a glimpse of her fiancé Bryan Cook through the trees as he was late heading into pits and had dropped several positions after finding himself stuck yet once again dropping him back to 14th.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:07 AM
Amazingly, by the end of the 4th lap, Bill Ballance once again took over the lead and began to pull away from everyone in the 5th lap with his great line choices through the mud and around lapped traffic to pick up time.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:09 AM
Unlike Bill's low speed attempt through the mud, Adam Johnson never lets off heading through this pit which completly covers him in water.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:12 AM
Matt Smiley continued his charge to the front as he passed his way up to 2nd Place behind Bill Ballance with Chris Borich close behind in 3rd.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:14 AM
Greg Trew was back to 5th place behind William Yokley as they remained only a few seconds behind Smiley and Borich.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:17 AM
#23 Bryan Baker was also making up ground as he recovered from dropping back to 12th earlier in the race and was back up to 7th just over a minute behind Chris Jenks.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:19 AM
Unfortunately for Brandon Ballance, he had a rock get lodged in his front wheel the size of a golf ball which took him several attempts to free his wheel, and he dropped all the way back to 9th place.

Admin
04-08-2005, 09:21 AM
Brandon’s misfortune gave Andy Lagzdins an opportunity to pick up one more position as he moved into 8th place were he would go on to finish the race with yet another Top 10 Overall.

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:08 PM
When the Checkered Flag came out, It was #1 Bill Ballance out front to take his 2nd win of the season to tie Chris Borich with two wins each.

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:16 PM
The next rider to emerge from the trees in 2nd Place was #4 Matt Smiley for yet another Podium appearance with his Polaris Predator, but there was no sign of Chris Borich as the Alba crew looked on wondering why he wasn't in front of or right behind Smiley?

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:24 PM
William Yokley captured the final podium spot with Greg Trew right behind him as they crossed the finish line only a few seconds behind Smiley.

Chris Borich would emerge from the woods over a minute later with the look of disappointment as he missed the podium for the 1st time this season with his 5th Overall finish, which would put him in a perfect tie with Bill Ballance for the points lead.

In the final mile of the race, a lapper became stuck on a tree and Matt was able to squeeze by him, but before Chris could make the pass the lapper pulled into the path, so Chris tried to go around and over a log, but he ended up getting it stuck into his front end, which forced to the get off this quad to get free which took away chance of a podium finish with William and Greg only a few seconds behind.

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:26 PM
You could tell that William Yokley was excited to be back on the Podium after just falling short the last two rounds.

Bill and William talked about the race amongst themselves as Matt Smiley was interviewed.

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:27 PM
Matt Smiley proudly displays his 2nd Overall Trophy

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:29 PM
#1 Bill Ballance has proved to everyone that he still has what it takes to win especially in a race where split second decisions were critical in staying out front.

Congratulations Bill on another great race for Factory Yamaha!!!

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:31 PM
Let the Celebration begin for these three Factory Riders(Yamaha, Polaris, and Suzuki). Last year, the only rider receiving any factory support was Wiliam Yokley on a very limited basis, but things have changed for 2005, and the horizon looks even better with impressive performances by these great racers.

Admin
04-08-2005, 04:31 PM
Check back for the Amateur Afternon Coverage:macho

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:04 PM
After the A.M. racers spent 2 hours grooming the course:D the afternoon racers were in for thier share of the mess!

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:12 PM
Pro AM

This highly competitive class did not quite start the way the majority of riders would have hoped! Wyatt Westmoreland was in the middle of the excitement, upside down! He went on to complete 3 laps and finished a disappointing 32nd

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:18 PM
Adam McGill was out front and looking to get another class win. With 2 wins going into this round, Adam is having a super start for 05!

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:23 PM
Sean Neidlinger clears the creek. This Flagtown N.J. resident had high hopes for a good finish at Steele Creek. Unfortunatley he finished 21st at the last 2 rounds. We all hope his season turns around as he can get upfront and fight for a win.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:26 PM
Rob Hertz hammers across the rocky creek bank on the 1st lap. By the looks of that stick, Rob was working early on making his way to the front!

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:27 PM
Glen Coriell completed his first GNCC race for 05 at this round and finished 10th in class.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:29 PM
Jeffrey Pickens started the season on a good note with a 6th place finish at the Lonestar, followed by 2 finishes out ofthe top 20. At Steele Creek he was back in the groove and took the 9th spot.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:34 PM
Micheal Lucas had his YFZ haulin' and walked away with the 12th spot. With the last 2 finishes getting him close, i'm certain we will see him break into the top ten before long.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:38 PM
Adam McGill is sitting in the drivers seat now that his win at Steel Creek brings him to 3 class wins! A 39 point lead and 3 top 10 overall finishes is a sure sign this rider will be a force to be reckoned with next season!

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:40 PM
Chris Bithell brought his "A" game to this round and finished 3rd in his class.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:43 PM
Scott Fleischhauer and James Wahl are caught in this picture battling the elements. Scott went on to take 4th place and sits in the #2 spot in class points.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:44 PM
Frank Kendall was "in it" all day:(

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:47 PM
Josh Whitehead on his way to a 15th spot ride at Steele Creek.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 06:59 PM
Open A

Tom Hertz prior to the start of this round. Tom is currently in a 3 way tie for 3rd in points after Steel Creek. He finished 10th this round.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 07:02 PM
Mike Benson and Cliff King battle for the holeshot. Benson rode hard all day and took the class win, King took a solid 3rd.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 07:04 PM
Jonathan Shaff brought home 6th place and is currently ranked 10th in his class

Pappy
04-12-2005, 07:06 PM
DJ Maples had his best finish this season with an 8th at this round!

Pappy
04-12-2005, 08:08 PM
Anthony Hill rockets across the rocks on his way to finishing 12th. Anthony has improved his finishes at each round, and could be seeing top 10 finishes if he can keep up the pace!

Pappy
04-12-2005, 08:11 PM
Ryan Lane currently sits on top of Open A with a 23 point lead over second place. Ryan has been ultra consistant this season finishing no worse then 4th! Here he is shown on his way to a 2nd place finish.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 08:14 PM
4 Stroke A

Marc Marshall grabbed an early lead but fell back to 9th. He picked up the pace and finished in the 5th spot.

Taylor Kiser got the win. That makes 3 wins for Kiser and a 12 point lead over Todd Rothermel who finished in 8th. Roy Lippencott was your second place finisher.

Pappy
04-12-2005, 08:26 PM
Wesley Kinsley works thru the muck, finishing 29th in class.

Pappy
04-14-2005, 07:54 PM
Junior

Rob Zimmerman is all clean before the start of round #4. Unfortunatley he posted a DNF this round:(

Pappy
04-14-2005, 07:56 PM
Kevan Logston battles at the start with Jeffrey Vensel. Kevan went on to win the Junior class, with Vensel taking 2nd

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:04 PM
Mark Walters got off the line slow, but worked his way back to finish 16th

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:08 PM
VET

Scott Smalley made for an impromtu place to snuggle up for a nap awaiting the start:p Scott finished 11th in VET

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:10 PM
Gary Belbeck on his ultra sharp Z400. Gary finished 19th.

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:12 PM
Jeff Brest gets a few words from Stephanie Parton before the start. Jeff went on to grab the 5th spot!

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:15 PM
Wayne Siegers grabbed the holeshot and rode to a 4th place finsih. Wayne Edwards tackled Steele Creek and walked away with a solid 2nd place ride.

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:17 PM
Richard Yaslik was looking well prepared for the adverse conditions. Seen here at the start, Richard went on to take home an 8th place this round.

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:19 PM
Kenneth Tincher on his way to the 13th spot

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:22 PM
Gary Belbeck getting down and dirty!

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:29 PM
Senior

Dave Simons and John Cunningham Jr. battle at the first turn. Dave went on to win the Senior class with Cunningham grabbing second.

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:31 PM
Nathan Gogno was off to a good start, and even led for 2 laps until an accident put him out of the race with a broken collar bone.

Get well soon Nathan.

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:35 PM
4 Stroke B

Garrett Wheat checks the roost as he tries to get his quad thru the deep mud. Garret finished 18th

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:37 PM
Tony Isbell completed 4 laps and took the 25th spot

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:41 PM
Owen Kapalski was in for a rough day. Completing 1 lap, he finished 38th

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:43 PM
Adam Johnson rode smart and finished in 8th

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:48 PM
Open B

Blake Kramer and Darrin Jumper await the start. By the looks of the quads, you can tell just how much of a mess the pit areas were

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:49 PM
Darrell Bozarth working his way to a 3rd place finish.

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:51 PM
Justin Schuler rode just outside a top ten finish and took home the 11th spot

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:53 PM
Darrin Jumper sets sail on the choppy section of course enroute to a 9th place finish

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:56 PM
Sport

Tom Bobrowicz was charging hard at the start

Pappy
04-14-2005, 08:57 PM
Tom rode a good race and was your 3rd place finisher!

Pappy
04-14-2005, 09:00 PM
We may add some additional coverage, or possibly a gallary. The mud covered so many of the riders numbers and bar codes that we are unable to identify the majority of riders in our pictures. With over 1000 pictures of the afternoon race, these are the clearly identifiable riders:eek:



See everyone at the Big Buck:cool:

bradley300
04-14-2005, 09:20 PM
any 265A start pics pappy?

Thorsdad
04-18-2005, 07:00 AM
Pappy

Scott Smalley finished 11th not 16th nice pics. I carry a can opener now if you need it. :D :D

Admin
04-18-2005, 07:57 AM
Originally posted by bradley300
any 265A start pics pappy?

Hey Bradley, what year are you wanting photos from? There isn't a 265A Class anymore?

The 2 Stroke A/B Class now starts with the Senior Riders.

bradley300
04-18-2005, 08:04 PM
265A/B from steele creek. sorry, should have been more clear. any pics of the start if you have them. thanks!

gaatvr
04-21-2005, 09:14 AM
Just wondering whats going on with this link. It always goes to Steel creek instead of The Big Buck..

gaatvr
04-21-2005, 09:17 AM
I have some cool shots of you from last weeks race .. Just start pics though..

bradley300
04-21-2005, 09:26 AM
post them up! or send them to bradatv@yahoo.com !thanks!

gaatvr
04-21-2005, 09:39 AM
Not sure on how to post pics in here?

bradley300
04-21-2005, 09:42 AM
send them to my email and i'll post them in the SC race thread

gaatvr
04-21-2005, 09:56 AM
They should be there soon..

bradley300
04-21-2005, 10:40 AM
nice pics! i'm posting them now in the sc PM coverage