PDA

View Full Version : 2005 GNCC "The Penton" Round #7 Morning ATV Race Coverage



Admin
06-08-2005, 12:44 PM
<center>http://www.atvriders.com/images/atvracing/gncc/2005/2005NationalNumbers.gif (http://www.atvriders.com/results/2005GNCCMorningNationalNumbers.html)</center>
<center>Click Here (http://www.atvriders.com/results/2005GNCCMorningNationalNumbers.html)</center>


Millfield, OH was the destination for the 7th Round of the GNCC Series, and for yet another year the forecast wasn’t looking anything close to picture perfect with severe thunderstorms forecasted for Friday night into Saturday.

Friday Evening, the sun was quickly overtaken by the Clouds moving in from the west followed by intense lightning and hail the size of a nickel, which sent many running for cover. The rain continued on and off into the night with heavy down pours at times.

Saturday Morning, as the Youth Racers were putting in their final laps on their shortened yet extremely technical track for youth riders, many morning class riders were prepping their machines for the mud while others headed to Tech Inspection.

Team Safari Rider, Jean Lovely, had her worst race of the season in the past mudfest at Loretta Lynn’s, so she was hoping for better luck this weekend in the mud as the battle is on between her and Ashlie Whaley for that 5th spot in the Women's Class.

Admin
06-08-2005, 12:47 PM
Racer Productions was out early stripping the top layer of mud off the track in a few sections, but it wouldn't make much of a difference as these riders were bound to be completely covered after one lap.

Admin
06-08-2005, 12:52 PM
The Woods sections were some of the slickest as riders had to deal with the slime and the exposed roots which meant riders better have some fairly new tires that are slightly under inflated if they wanted to get any traction this weekend.

Admin
06-08-2005, 12:55 PM
With the morning race set to start at 10AM the morning racers began to lineup to be the first to get to the starting area for a good starting position because getting out front early could be a huge advantage in the mud.

#588 Scott Wilson, (29-34 C Class), wasted no time getting to the staging area along with #438 Matt Hanna (Stock Class).

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:13 PM
½ Hour before the start of the morning race, the riders were released from staging to the starting area, and for many, the ride to the starting gate wasn’t pleasant as many received flat tires from a stake buried in the mud that punctured their tires.

Luckily for Mike Butler, he wasn’t one of the unlucky riders. Mike Butler makes the trip to the GNCC events all the way from Missouri, and after traveling to the races last year just to support his son, Pro Rider #24 Rhett Butler in the Afternoon, he decided to give GNCC racing a try this season himself, and he has done extremely well, which is no surprise considering speed of his teenage son.

Mike Butler is currently 2nd in Points in the C Class 35+ behind the extremely fast Thomas Wright.

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:18 PM
The Women were lined up on the front row as the points battle between Stephanie Parton and Traci Cecco Remains intense as these two riders continue to alternate winning races, so if the trend continues, Traci Cecco heads into the Penton with win in her favor after Stephanie's won at Loretta's.

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:20 PM
Kim Muzzarelli was back once again after making her season debut at Loretta's, but this time, she brought her 400EX back out of retirement after not feeling as comfortable on the YFZ.

Win or lose, it is always great to see Kim at the Track:D

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:26 PM
Alba Actions, Traci Cecco, and her very supportive husband, Rick Cecco, make some final preperations for the race by putting kitchen gloves overtop her regular riding gloves. Also, notice the foam taped to her helmet which helmets keep the mud from sticking to her helmet, which can add several pounds to your helmet. Also, Traci installs extra large handguard protection over her standard handquards to keep her controls and grips as dry as possible.

It may not be conventional and look stylish, but if it gives her slight advantage, then it will be well worth it. Besides, you won't even be able to tell after a few miles anyway.

Best of luck to both Traci & Stephanie in another exciting year of racing in the Women's Class.

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:34 PM
Nine Super Senior Riders lined up on the 2nd Row in hopes the mud might be an equalizer and give them a chance to over come the dominant #207 John Gallagher.

John Gallagher is well on his way to winning yet another Championship this season, and he is enjoying every minute of it as the Gallagher family lives and breathes racing.

John and his son, Pro Rider #18 Johnny Gallagher chat before the start of the race.

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:40 PM
The man everyone would be watching today would be none other than #253 Billy Good as continues his Morning Class domination as he has only finished 1 race lower than 2nd Overall which was due to him getting locked up with Ashlie Whaley and experiencing mechanical issues at Big Buck.

Not only is Billy a great rider, but he is also an extremely nice guy and clean competitor to race against, and it is great to have him as involved in GNCC Racing.

After winning by almost 5 minutes at Loretta's, Billy was once again the favorite for the win this weekend in the mud.

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:42 PM
Stock Class Rider, Nathan Derrick, is also quickly making a name for himself with several impressive finishes this season and a 4th Place finish at Loretta's which his best of the season as he moves up to 4th in points behind Michael Sroka.

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:45 PM
Michael Sroka ran into some issues at Loretta's in the mud, so for the Penton, he decided to mount some help onto his front bumper incase he would get stuck, lol

Sorry, I couldn't resist :D

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:51 PM
Stock Class Rookie, Thomas Koontz, was falling a sleep on the line waiting for the start of the race.

Admin
06-08-2005, 01:56 PM
Several rows back, Utility Unlimited Rider, Neil Belcher aboard his custom Polaris machine was looking for his 4th win of the season and his opportunity for a rider on a machine other than a Vforce to finally win the Championship in this competitive class.

Stock for Stock, I don’t any machine can compete with the Vforce in this class, but Neil has definitely put together a unique machine that qualifies for the class, but it is far from stock.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:02 PM
Utility Stock Rider, #213 Ken Robey, made the switch to the Kawasaki after his DNF at Loretta's aboard his Suzuki. Ken felt the Suzuki was a great machine, but stock for stock, it couldn't handle the abuse that his Kawasaki could at a GNCC race, so was forced to make the switch.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:06 PM
11 Time GNCC Champion, Mike Penland, has some serious competition this year in the Utility Stock Class and is currently in a tight points race with Michael Swift for the Championship with Ken Robey in third.

Last year wasn't a walk in the park either for Mike Penland as him and Ken Robey stayed within only a few points of each other the entire season with Mike winning the Championship.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:10 PM
Dale Simpson decided to try his luck in the Utility Stock class about his Honda Recon, but I would recommend a long sleeve shirt at the next event.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:11 PM
With overcast skies and the continued threat for rain, this young guy was in his glory as he stomped through the mud before the start of the race.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:13 PM
With the playing of the National Anthem and the riders prayer, the Morning Race was about to begin.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:14 PM
A large crowd of fans stretched around the start area as the race was about to begin.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:17 PM
With the 10 Second Call, Rick stared at his watch ready to wave the flag at the precise second.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:18 PM
#202 Traci Cecco grabbed the Women's Holeshot with Stephanie Parton and Ashlie Whaley in pursuit.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:19 PM
Shanna Bradshaw aboard her 400EX was off to a slow start, but with 2 Hours of racing anything could happen.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:21 PM
Team Suzuki/Troy Racing, #201 Stephanie Parton, slinging roost into the air, heads into the woods chasing after Traci Cecco in the lead.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:23 PM
In 3rd Place, Ashlie Whaley with Jean Lovely and Angel Atwell in chase

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:25 PM
Starting in the 2nd Row, Super Senior Rider, William Guinter was able to get the jump aboard his Vforce and take over the early lead.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:27 PM
It wouldn't take long before, John Gallagher put his Hybrid YFZ out front and begin pulling away from the pack early in the race.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:29 PM
Stephen Vasko felt he would be the one to beat of the line this weekend with his Yamaha, but it wasn't meant to be as he got off to a slow start.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:31 PM
Starting in last place was Ken Vickerd after having trouble getting his 450R to fire, but it didn't take him long to work his way up to 2nd place before the end of the 1st lap.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:33 PM
For the Stock Class, The Derrick Brothers put their YFZ machines out front early with Andy grabbing the Holeshot and completely covering his brother Nathan in mud.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:37 PM
With the Derrick Brothers out front, Billy Good, Michael Sroka, Marcus Gonzalez, and Jarrod McClure all battle for position as they became buried in mud except Michael Sroka, who was able to avoid the roost for atleast two turns.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:39 PM
Nathan Derrick, Billy Good, and Jarrod McClure quickly worked their way to the front as they headed into the woods single file.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:43 PM
Starting on the 4th Row, C Class (16-21), which has Nick Devore grabbing the Holeshot, but before the end of the first lap, Josh Konecheck, would take over the lead with Nick dropping back to 2nd place.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:45 PM
Chaos broke out behind Nick as 39 C Class riders began to pile up as they stomped on their brakes heading into the 2nd turn, which had several spinning around backwards

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:47 PM
The Utility Mod Class started next with Cliffton Beasley edging out Jason White for the Holeshot, but by the end of the 1st lap, the Class Champion, Scott Kilby had taken over the lead.

Admin
06-08-2005, 02:58 PM
Brandon Lockahrt was off to a slow start, and he didn't show any mercy to Joseph Jackson aboard his Yamaha as Brandon almost rode over top of him.

Brandon was on a mission and quickly moved his way through the pack with a few seconds of Kilby in the lead after the 1st lap, but it would end up being his last lap.

Maybe his Kawasaki fell in love with another ATV in the woods :devil:

Admin
06-08-2005, 03:00 PM
The C Class (22-28) would have Jonathan Long grabbing the Holeshot, but he would never even complete the 1st lap :(

Admin
06-08-2005, 03:02 PM
A massive pileup formed behind Jonathan as these 48 riders battled for position.

Admin
06-09-2005, 06:35 AM
The Utility Unlimited Class was less eventful,but there was a great battle for the lead as three green machines headed into turn 3 side by side.

Admin
06-09-2005, 06:39 AM
Robert Obrick was able to claim the lead and held the lead until the 2nd lap which ended up being his last lap of the day.

Admin
06-09-2005, 06:42 AM
In the C Class(35+) Thomas Wright didn't waste no time taking the lead with the Holeshot, and he never looked back as he would go on to win his 5th race of the year and held a 9 minute lead after three laps, and he was the only rider out of 28 to complete 4 laps in the class:macho

Admin
06-09-2005, 06:46 AM
The Utility Stock Class was one of the last classes to start with only the 1st year racers starting behind them. Keneth Trantham grabbed the Holeshot aboard his Red Kawasaki, and he would maintain the lead for the 1st lap.

Admin
06-09-2005, 06:49 AM
Ken Robey was also off to a great start running right behind Trantham and running with him the entire 1st lap before making his move in the 2nd lap to take over the lead with Trantham remaining less than a few seconds behind.

Admin
06-09-2005, 06:52 AM
Even on the start, several riders needed help from the fans to keep them moving through the mud, and these guys obviously weren't afraid to help out and get a little muddy.

Admin
06-09-2005, 06:57 AM
The 1st rider through the scoring barrels was #202 Traci Cecco with a lap time of 21:06 and she held a 34 second lead over Stefanie Verkade

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:02 AM
Traci held the physical lead, but #253 Billy Good held the overall lead with a lap time of 21:06 with 2nd Place Stock Class Rider, Nathan Derrick rounding out the top 3 overall with a 21:29 lap time.

With the muddy conditions, the overall leader board was bound to change several times before the end of this 4 lap race.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:06 AM
Angel Atwell was over 2 minutes behind Traci after the 1st lap as she headed into her pits for some fresh gloves and goggles which allowed Jarrod McClure to make the easy pass as he tracked down and passed Nathan Derrick to take over the 2nd place spot behind Billy Good.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:10 AM
By the beginning of the 3rd lap, Billy Good had closed the two minute gap separating him from physical leader, Traci Cecco, and made the pass to take over the physical and overall lead as Billy proved once again that he is relentless in the mud.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:14 AM
Jarrod McClure remained in 2nd place with only a 1 second slower laptime than Billy Good, but he remained just over 30 second behind Billy Good.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:20 AM
With Traci Cecco maintaining the lead in the Women's Class, the mud took its toll on Stefanie Verkade as she dropped out of 2nd place back to 7th while Angel Atwell made the jump from 7th up to 2nd Place in one lap and was closing in on Traci Cecco with a minute faster laptime.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:23 AM
#201 Stephanie Parton was well off her normal pace as she was over well over 3 minutes back in third place, but her luck wasn't about to get any better as her 3rd lap time of 39:05 would sent her back to 6th place as the mud wasn't working in her favor this round.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:27 AM
With the riders due in for the completion of lap three, the track conditions continued to deteriorate as Ohio clay began to make some section of the track almost impassable, which was especially the case for some of the hill climbs.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:29 AM
Spectators gathered around the base of the hills to watch and some even jumped into the mud to help out the stuck riders.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:34 AM
Billy Good was once again the 1st rider to complete the 3rd lap as he took the white flag, but the mud was beginning to slow him down as his laptime was almost two minutes slower than the previous lap at 26:00 minutes

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:41 AM
Billy Good didn't have to worry about Jarrod McClure after the 3rd lap because Jarrod race was cut short when his CDI failed on his 450R, which left him sitting in the woods. Jarrod took it in stride and even smiled for the camera after having to be towed back to his pits.

With Jarrod McClure out of the race, Scott St.Clair would move into 2nd place in the Stock Class, but his chances of catching Billy Good were slim to none as he was over 11 minutes behind Good:eek:

Chris Neal was now up to 3rd place after starting out the race in almost last place.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:50 AM
By the end of the 3rd lap, Angel Atwell had closed the minute gap seperating her from Traci Cecco and the battle was on for the final lap as they rode bumper to bumper.

With only one lap left, Traci and Angel were in the top three overall behind Billy Good, which would be the 1st time that the Podium wasn't dominated by Stock Class riders this season.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:53 AM
Angel Atwell was completely covered in mud from riding in the roost of Traci Cecco, which kept her motivated in her attempt to make the pass on Traci Cecco early in the final lap and take over the Women's Lead and 2nd Overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 07:57 AM
Meanwhile, Ken Robey was on a mission on his new ride as he recorded the 2nd fastest third lap time of 26:03, which was only 3 seconds slower than Billy Good, and with adjusted time this moved Ken Robey into 4th Overall in on his Stock Kawasaki.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:00 AM
Michael swift had moved into 2nd Place in the Utility Stock Class, and was 2 minutes behind Ken Robey in 5th overall with Kevin Trantham hanging tight only 5 seconds back in 6th Overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:10 AM
There was no stopping Billy Good in the final lap as he never let up even after having an incredible lead. Billy Good would go on to earn his 4th Overall Victory of the season.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:14 AM
No sooner than Angel took over the Women's lead, her YFZ began to "Spit and Sputter" which woud ruin her chance at winning her 1st race of the season and finishing a career best 2nd Overall :(

With her goggles off and laughing in her helmet, and probably thinking "Why Now." Angel's would head to her pits and never finish the last lap, which left the door wide open for Traci Cecco to take the win.

Great race Angel, and better luck next time.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:16 AM
Traci Cecco remained hard on the gas with less than a few miles to go for the finish line to claim her 1st Podium position of the year.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:20 AM
Traci's Alba Action YFZ brought her to the finish line for her 4th win of the season. Traci was overwhelmed with join as she drove to the podium to greet Billy Good who finished an amazing 7 minutes ahead of Traci in 2nd Overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:21 AM
Traci and Billy exchanged stories from the race while they waited to see who would be the final rider to join them on the podium.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:49 AM
Several minutes later, Chris Neal was the next rider to complete the 4th lap with a 2nd Place Stock Class finish and was intially thought to have finished 3rd Overall, but when after adjusted time he actually finished 7th Overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:55 AM
Utility Stock rider, Michael Swift, surprised everyone with his 3rd Overall on his Kawasaki as he finished less than one minute behind Traci Cecco with adjusted time, but he didn't get his chance on the podium because his great performance wasn't realized in time.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:57 AM
Finishing less than a minute behind Michael Swift was Ken Robey in 4th Overall after an impressive race.

Admin
06-09-2005, 08:59 AM
Kevin Trantham held on to finish 5th Overall less than 18 seconds behind Ken Robey with yet another Utility Stock rider, Robert Smith finishing 6th Overall as the Utility Stock Riders dominated the Morning race holding 4 of the top 6 overall positions.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:02 AM
Scott Kilby would go on to win his 6th straight race of the season and finished 10th Overall with Jason White in 2nd place with an 11th overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:04 AM
Thomas Wright rode himself to his 5th C Class (35+) Victory and a 15th Overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:04 AM
A mud covered John Gallagher won yet another Super Senior Race and finished 18th Overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:05 AM
Ashlie Whaley had her best race of her career in the Women's Class finishing in 2nd Place and 19th Overall

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:07 AM
Finishing less than 5 seconds behind Ashlie was Jean Lovely with her best finish with a 3rd and 20th Overall.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:12 AM
Stephanie Parton wrapped up her championship here last year with the Women's Class Win at her home track would rather forget this year's race after finishing after a disappointing 5th place finish, which has her tied with Traci for the Points lead, but once again Traci has one more win. In this competive class with throw aways, the number of wins will make the difference between the champion and 2nd place, so we will see if Stephanie can tie it back up at the Mountaineer.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:13 AM
Kevin Johnston had taken over the lead in the Utility Unlimited class with David Binkley less than a minute back in 2nd place, but the finally lap would take its toll on Kevin with David taking the Utility Class win and the only utility Unlimited rider to complete 4 laps.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:15 AM
Kevin Schmitt would have his best race of the season aboard his Polaris with a 3rd Place finish, which I am sure made the long drive home to Florida much easier.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:16 AM
Neil Belcher's win streak ended after a disappointing 9th place finish.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:18 AM
Jason Bougher held the lead heading into the last lap in the C Class (29-34), but Derek Robinson was able to make the pass in the last lap and take the win with Jason finishing in 2nd Place.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:20 AM
Nathan Derrick ran into problems in the 3rd lap which dropped him out of the top 10 Overall, but he still managed to put together a 4th place finish in the Stock Class which is two in a row for Nathan.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:23 AM
With the popping of the Champagne bottle, Billy Good celebrated his Victory at the Penton, and this concludes the Morning Race Coverage, but I will post a few more photos from the event for fun.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:24 AM
Michael Sroka wishing for drier conditions

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:24 AM
Missie Legge as determined as ever!!!

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:25 AM
Shanna Bradshaw leading the train

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:25 AM
Chris Neal working his way through the pack

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:26 AM
John Gallagher taking a quick nap while racing with cruise control on.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:27 AM
I wouldn't recommend using glasses as goggles.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:28 AM
Yee-Haw!!!

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:29 AM
"I wish I could pass this guy because he is roosting me to death"

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:30 AM
"Whoops, someone is about to lose their seat" If you see me at the track, I have a solution to the Z400 Seat Flying off the back and the droopy fender problem.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:31 AM
Can you say power to spare!!!

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:32 AM
Jay Condon wishing his frame was still on order.

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:32 AM
Mud FreeStyle

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:33 AM
"Don't you ever put that camera away?"

Admin
06-09-2005, 09:35 AM
With the Mountaineer this weekend, I am sure everyone had plenty of time to clean the mud off their machines, and some probably could have used the extra time.

I will be back in action, and I will be sporting a new look, so you better look close this weekend at the Mountaineer to find me:cool:

I hope everyone enjoyed the coverage :D

cdalejef
06-09-2005, 10:52 AM
Great coverage Harlen! Are finally getting those implants you've been wanting? :D

Admin
06-09-2005, 11:32 AM
Originally posted by Jeff@QuadShop
Great coverage Harlen! Are finally getting those implants you've been wanting? :D

No, they weren't able to implant a camera lens into my eye to take pictures, so I could take photos in the Morning and Race at the same time.

I am sure this is what you were talking about:devil:

cdalejef
06-09-2005, 11:34 AM
ROTFLMAO!!!

madmud
06-09-2005, 11:52 AM
well done coverage. greaaaaat pics:p

hope more mud-races will follow:devil:

greetz from Austria,
Markus

yoshz400rider
06-09-2005, 12:26 PM
thanks for the pics my brother got 6th overall on his ute. I would love to know how to fix the droppy fenders i hate it. But if youbuy new plastic the moutns just break right away anyways.

cdalejef
06-09-2005, 12:35 PM
Originally posted by madmud
hope more mud-races will follow:devil:

greetz from Austria,
Markus Ahhhh.....finally someone who shares my love! :D

Admin
06-09-2005, 03:05 PM
Originally posted by madmud
well done coverage. greaaaaat pics:p

hope more mud-races will follow:devil:

greetz from Austria,
Markus

Thanks and Welcome to ATVriders.com and be sure to spread the word to all your fellow Austrian ATV riding friends about ATVriders.com

parkers30
06-09-2005, 03:13 PM
Originally posted by Jeff@QuadShop
Ahhhh.....finally someone who shares my love! :D

He loves is so much he starting racing in the desert? :blah: :confused:

RaptorRacer45
06-10-2005, 12:01 PM
Originally posted by yoshz400rider
thanks for the pics my brother got 6th overall on his ute. I would love to know how to fix the droppy fenders i hate it. But if youbuy new plastic the moutns just break right away anyways.

My 1 freind fixed that problem by custom bending a piece of 1/4" steel and creating a custom fender mount...since then hes never had that problem again:cool:

JLanphear
06-14-2005, 08:56 PM
Deff. amazing race coverage!

300ex_ryda
06-21-2005, 06:59 PM
amazing race coverage man! love the pics!