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View Full Version : 2005 GNCC "The Wisp" Round #9 Morning ATV Race Coverage



Admin
07-25-2005, 01:10 PM
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McHenry, MD - Early Saturday, the Morning racers began making there way to the starting area in hopes of securing the best starting position because with the brutal track conditions that await the over 300 riders that signed up for the morning event, there were bound to be bottlenecks, and it is better to be ahead of them than part of them.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:17 PM
Amongst the record turnout of 303 riders, was none other than #202 Traci Cecco(Alba Action) looking to regain the Women's Championship as they battle between her and Stephanie remained extremely tight with the pair each having 4 wins heading into the Wisp.

Kyrie Brafford(left) talked with Traci on the starting line, and once the series resumes after the summer break, Kyrie will be geared up and ready to compete herself because she will finally be 16 years old :D

Since your birthday is only 5 days away Kyrie, Happy Birthday (July 30th)

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:20 PM
Kevin Patterson (Cheetah) was finally back to racing in the 16-21 C Class after banging himself up Loretta's

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:28 PM
Quentin Brown was back to give GNCC racing another try this season after finishing 9th in the 29-34 C Class at Big Buck aboard the same machine that UK Pro, Paul Rowlands used to compete in the GNCC Series when he flew from Europe for a few races the past couple of years.

Unfortunately, Rowlands was paralyzed last year when he crashed at the start of a race in Europe and now is confined to a wheel chair, but it hasn't stopped him from being involved in the sport as he continues to manage a race team in Europe and his good friend, Andy Lagzdins, will be flying to Europe in less than one month to compete in the Ponte De Vaux with Paul's help.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:30 PM
Thad Josey, ATVrider Magazine Editor, borrowed a Honda 450R from Chris Borich to see what it was like to ride a Pro prepped machine, and ofcourse, I am sure we will see a detailed article on his experience in the very near future.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:38 PM
As many of you probably have already figured out, I can't take photos while racing even though I have considered mounting a cheap camera on the ATV for fun. My father, Ed Foley, has come along way this year with his photo skills and is responsible for many of the photos from the Morning Race Reports.

His first time out with the camera, I looked at the photos and thought he was trying to capture landscape photos because the quads/riders were normally hidden in the trees or bushes, so I explained that you didn't have to hide from the riders:devil:

Thanks for everything dad and too everyone else that helps make the Morning coverage possible.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:42 PM
Women's Start
It was finally time for the race to begin, and the Women's Class are always out front to kick off the Morning Race.

The start had Traci Cecco putting her Yamaha out front early with Angel Atwell ducking to the inside and Missie Legge on her 400EX going wide.

***VIDEO*** Women's Start (4.5MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/09women.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:44 PM
As Traci Cecco and Angel Atwell battled for the lead, Stephanie Parton moved into 3rd after Missie Legge flipped her 400EX on the slippery grass as Stefanie Verake spun around.

Luckily, Missie was ok and returned to the race

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:48 PM
A mile into the race, Traci maintained the lead with Angel Atwell hot on her heals as they climbed the steep grass covered ski slope before making a right hand turn and shifting into 5th gear wide open on a gradual uphill grass straightaway before baring off into the rocky woods.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:50 PM
In a staggered line the remaining women began there ascent up the steep incline with Erika Jones leading the way followed by Stephanie Parton, Jean Lovely, and Stefanie Verkade.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:52 PM
The slippery climb brought all four of them to a stop as they lost traction and began to spin and slide back down, which had spectators rushing to help.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:57 PM
Ashlie Whaley was able to capitalize on the situation and catapulted herself up several positions as she powered her YFZ right up the slope, but unfortunately her charge would be short lived as her and another rider would collide only another mile into the race and send her to the back.

Admin
07-25-2005, 01:58 PM
Super Senior
Next off the line, were the Super Senior Class, with the Class Leader, John Gallagher grabbing the Holeshot


***VIDEO*** Super Senior Start (3.3MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/09supersenior.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:00 PM
Ken Vickerd was close behind Gallagher in 2nd place until he spun out allowing William Guinter to take over the 2nd spot aboard his Vforce.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:01 PM
Thomas Waybright powered himself up the hill ski slope without a problem

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:03 PM
James Olsen and Ken Vickerd also made there attempts on the hill as well as another Honda rider found himself stopped near the top.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:09 PM
4 Stroke Stock

Will Cashion's inside line choice paid off for him as he grabbed the Holeshot while Mark Rhodes, TJ Whited, and Billy Good charge in behind him.


***VIDEO*** 4 Stroke Stock Start (3.3MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/09stock.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:12 PM
Many in the class, found themselves creeping up the hill with tires spinning looking for traction.

I found myself back near last place on the start

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:14 PM
Last Year's Overall Winner, Mark Rhodes, wasted no time taking over the lead by darting to the inside of Cashion and making the pass with TJ Whited in 3rd

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:19 PM
Michael Summers worked on tattooing his PRM bumper into Matt Travalena thigh as many riders collided going around the sharp off chamber down hill turn which was shaded by the trees and remained covered in dew at the start of the race, which had the grass slick as ice.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:20 PM
Riders were going in every direction

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:23 PM
Mark Rhodes quickly pulled away with Will Cashion beginning to feel the pressure of Billy Good as he quickly moved up into 3rd palce, but the pair of them would quickly be claimed by the track as Billy Good woud end up snapping his Steering stem in half ending his day early and Cashion dropped back to 2nd to last place before the end of the 1st lap.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:25 PM
Utility Unlimited

John Ribley held the inside corner with Doug Henke charging in hard from the Outside as they battled for the lead.


***VIDEO*** Utility Unlimited Start (3.3MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/09utilityunlimited.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:27 PM
Doug Henke was able to roost his way around the slick down hill turn and take over the lead and near looked back as him and the Vforce make for a perfect pair, which earned him his 203 number last season.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:28 PM
Many of the other riders began to spinout heading around the turn with Kevin Johnston hanging on to take over the 2nd place position.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:33 PM
29-34 C Class

Travis Moats roosted the competition off the line as he jumped out to a huge lead off the start with James Barron way back in 2nd place, but it wouldn't take long for James to reel in Travis and take over the lead as the they battled for lead until Donald Woolfard moved in and passed the pair of them and put a 4 minutes on them by the end of the 2nd lap.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:37 PM
35+ C Class

Thomas Wright was looking to wrap up the 35+ C Class Championship at the Wisp and he wasn't settling for 2nd place in the process as he jumped out to the early lead over John Saxon,2nd place rider in points.


***VIDEO*** 35+ Start (3.0MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/0935class.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:39 PM
Utility Stock

Sam Williams was able to put his edge out Michael Swift and Mike Penland for the Holeshot.


***VIDEO*** Utility Stock Start (3.0MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/09utilitystock.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:42 PM
16-21 C Class

The largest class of the day with 47 riders on the line was the 16-21 C Class, which was going to make for a crazy first couple of turns.

Mitch Wright was able to get the jump and grab the Holeshot


***VIDEO*** 16-21 C Class Start (3.6MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/091624class.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:43 PM
Michael Coker wasn't as luckily and found himself flying tumbling off the start.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:45 PM
Jeff Vansdal found himself jammed sideways heading through the water barrels, which brought the remaining riders to a stop as the first of many bottlenecks formed.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:46 PM
With this bottleneck cleared, Ian McPhail heads through the section.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:49 PM
Utility Mod

Scott Kilby grabbed the Holeshot and looked well on his way to his 8th straight win of the season which would have wrapped up the championship, but the day wasn't anything close to that as he never completed a lap :(

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:50 PM
With Kilby out of the race, Ryon Hicks was able to power his way past Jason White aboard his Orange Brute Force and take over the lead.

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:54 PM
22-28 C Class

Mark Pittman would grab the Holeshot, but it didn't help him much as he would go on to take over 2:23 to complete the 1st lap after running into problems, but it was a testament to never giving up

Admin
07-25-2005, 02:56 PM
1st Year Racers 16-24

Benjamin Plunley put his Suzuki out front early and quickly began to pull away and would go on to win the Class and was the only rider in the class to complete all three laps.


***VIDEO*** 16-24 First Year Racer Start (2.7MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/091624fyr.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-25-2005, 03:02 PM
1st Year Racers 25+

The last class off the line and the longest run to the 1st turn proved that 500cc Predator definately has a speed advantage over the rest of the class as several of them battled for the lead heading into the 1st turn with John Griffin from Alabama leading the way.


***VIDEO*** 25+ First Year Racer Start (2.5MB QuickTime Movie) (http://www.atvriders.com/videos/2005/gncc/0925fyr.mov)

Download Quicktime Player (http://appldnld.m7z.net/qtinstall.info.apple.com/pthalo/us/win/QuickTimeFullInstaller.exe)

Admin
07-29-2005, 07:31 AM
With the last class released, the Morning Race was underway and with 300+ riders on the track and obstacles awaiting them at every corner, bottlenecks began to form every few miles as many became stuck on the hills and others found themselves stuck on the rocks, roots, and stomps that littered the track.

Richard Elijah needed some help climbing the ski slope hill.

Admin
07-29-2005, 07:41 AM
By the end of lap one, Traci Cecco was leading the Women's Class with only a 5 seconds gap between her and Angel Atwell in second place.

Stephanie Parton was almost six minutes behind the battling pair out front after she broke her footpeg off early in the 1st lap, so after completing the 1st lap, Stephanie pulled into the pits and called it a day, which left the door wide open for Traci.

Admin
07-29-2005, 07:44 AM
Mark Rhodes was a man on a mission after he got off to the early lead and began to pull away from the rest of the Stock Class, and by the end of the 1st lap, Mark had moved himself into 1st Overall with a laptime of 34:51 and was less than 30 seconds behind Traci and Angel battling outfront.

Admin
07-29-2005, 07:47 AM
Jarrod McClure and Harlen Foley were battling for the 2nd Spot, after the pair of them were able to recover quickly from poor starts and work their way through the pack, which took some time and had them almost two minutes behind Mark Rhodes after the 1st lap.

Admin
07-29-2005, 07:52 AM
Doug Henke also was a man on mission as he held down 5th Overall with a 36:59 lap time, but only a held a minute lead over Kevin Johnston in 2nd Place.

Admin
07-29-2005, 07:56 AM
Stock Class newcomer, Todd Krupinski held the 2nd spot early in the lap until he found himself hung up in a rut, which dropped him back to 4th place, and his troubles just began as he would drop back to 19th by the end of the lap two.

Admin
07-29-2005, 07:59 AM
With Stephanie out of the race, Erika Jones was able to quickly move up into 3rd Place with a two minute gap between her and Stefanie Verkade, but that gap quickly disappeared as Stefanie picked up speed and moved to within a few seconds of Erika by the end of the second lap.

Erika Jones goes over the bridge in her 2nd lap while Stepfanie Verkade is going under the bridge to complete her 1st lap

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:02 AM
Neil Belcher and his Hybrid Polaris/250R was up to 3rd place and only 24 seconds behind Kevin Johnston after the first lap in the Utility Unlimited Class, but his race day would end in the 2nd lap after experiencing mechanical issues.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:06 AM
Marcus Gonzalez switched to his Vforce to compete at the Wisp in the Stock Class after his Honda 450R locked up on him at the Mountaineer, and he was off to a great start early in the race, but he had dropped back to 18th by the end of the 1st lap.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:08 AM
The track was claiming rider after rider early in the race and unfortunately, Jesse Way, ended up wrecking and breaking his Arm/Wrist, which took him out of the race as he joined a list of just under 100 riders that only completed one lap or less in the race, which was 1/3 of all the morning riders.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:10 AM
ATVriders.com Journalist, Fred Mudd, also was one of the unlucky ones as well after getting off to a great start in the morning, he wrecked hard, which took him out of the race as well.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:13 AM
Mark Rhodes seemed to be immune to the rough conditions as he maintained a huge Overall lead in a repeat performance to his Overall Win last year at the Wisp.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:29 AM
Harlen Foley was able to pass Jarrod McClure when he became stuck on a hill, and he quickly started passing rider after rider trying to track down Mark Rhodes in the lead until he encountered a huge bottleneck of atleast 50+ ATVs.

Riders were lined up waiting for their turn at climbing a root covered hill that had several riders stuck and turned sideways on the hill, which included Traci Cecco.

Harlen worked his way through the riders to get his chance at the hill, but it slowed him down enough that Chris Neal was able to make up the over minute gap the seperated them at the beginning of the lap and move in behind him.

Chris yelled at Harlen to "Go" and try to make it up the hill, but Harlen didn't see any open lines, so Chris went around him and made his attempt and was hungup. Harlen found and opening and began the climb to the top to maintain the 2nd spot behind Mark Rhodes and moved into 2 Overall passing Traci Cecco and Angel Atwell.

In frustration of sitting in the bottleneck, Harlen decided to pick up the speed to try to catch Mark, which would cost him big time.


"I knew that I lost some valuble time in the bottleneck, and I now had Chris Neal right behind me, so I decided to pick up the speed. Unfortunately, a log was kickec out onto the track that was in the line that I took the lap before, so I was forced to the left into the rocks, which wasn't a good combination with speed on a downhill.

My front wheel jerked sideways and I found myself flying over the handlebars and landing on top of a rock that knocked the wind out of me as it caught me right under the arm pit.

As I got up, Chris Neal rode by asking if I were OK, and I couldn't even respond, but I quickly shock it off ,and erased the pain from my mind. I jumped back on the Suzuki and amazingly there wasn't any major damage except the rear wheel was caved in on the axle hub, which caused it to bounce a little,but with all the rocks it wasn't too noticable"

By the end of the 2nd lap, Chris Neal moved to within 2 minutes of Mark Rhodes recording the fastest 2nd lap time of anybody, and Harlen held onto the 3rd Overall Spot only 34 seconds behind Chris Neal.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:32 AM
Angel Atwell took over the Women's Class lead and put two minutes between her and Traci by the end of the 2nd lap.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:34 AM
Stefanie Verkade moved to within a few seconds of Erika Jones by the end of the 2nd lap, and she would make the pass early in the 3rd lap to take over the third place.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:44 AM
Jean Lovely was in 5th Place in the Women's Class, but she was over 27 minutes behind Erika Jones after two laps.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:49 AM
Mark Rhodes recorded the 2nd fastest third lap time which was 16 seconds slower than John Wright's 38:06, but it was more than enough to finish over 3 minutes ahead of Chris Neal with his second Overall Win as the Wisp in a row in front of his Maryland Homestate crowd.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:50 AM
Chris Neal finished 2nd Overall and earned his third Podium appearance of the season, which isn't bad for a guy in his mid 30's.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:54 AM
Jarrod McClure was able to close the gap on the slowing Harlen Foley and take advantage of a bottleneck near the end of the last lap that allowed him to pass Harlen while he was stuck behind a rider hung up on a rock.

The 3rd overall finish helped to secure his 2nd Place position in points behind Billy Good, but as long as Billy finishes roughly in the top 10 two more races, Billy will wrap up the Championship even if Jarrod wins the remaining 4 races.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:58 AM
Harlen Foley finished 4th Overall, and was happy to have finished after having one of his worst wrecks in his racing career with his second worst coming last year at the Wisp when he flipped in mid air landing on his head and shoulder after him and Vasko collided early in the race before it was restarted.

Admin
07-29-2005, 08:59 AM
Only a minute behind Harlen, Doug Henke finished 5th Overall in a very impressive charge aboard his VForce as he easily won the Utility Unlimited Class.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:01 AM
Angel Atwell held on to win her first official race of the of the season.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:10 AM
Traci Cecco proved why she has been the Women's Champion in the past by never giving up even after finding herself stuck in the 2nd lap and dropping back over 2 minutes behind Angel. Traci continued to charge hard in the last lap and was able to close the gap 1:25 and finished in 2nd Place behind Angel.

The 2nd Place finish puts Traci in the Women's Class lead, but with 4 races left and Angel winning the Wisp, it is up in the air for all three women now because if Angel wins the last 4 rounds she will take the championship. If Traci and Stephanie split the remaining wins they will each have 6 wins and it will come down to who has the most 2nd place finishes, so this battle remains intense and exciting to watch.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:12 AM
Kevin Johnston finished 9th Overall and 2nd in the Utility Unlimited Class, which was the boost he needed in the points chase as he closes the gap on John Ribley with the points lead.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:13 AM
Michigan Rider, TJ Whited, had his best finish of the season finishing 12th Overall and 8th in the Stock Class behind only 3 seconds behind Gary Kiehl in 7th

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:18 AM
Ken Robey continues his charge to the top in the Utility Stock Class with his second Win in a row and third straight top 30 Overall finish since making the switch back to the Praire.

Ken is now up to 3rd in points in the championship chase and has a chance of catching both Mike Swift and Mike Penland and Win the Championship if he continues this charge when the season resumes in the fall.

Congrats Ken:macho

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:19 AM
Maryland Resident, Shawn Collins, experience of riding in the rocks with good friend, Mark Rhodes, payed off big as he recorded his best finish of the season with a 10th place finish in the Stock Class and 15th Overall

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:22 AM
Chad Hill was able to hold off Mike Penland and finish in second place for his first GNCC race of the season, which is impressive considering that Mike is in a battle for the Championship.

Mike Penland will need to be on top of his game the remaining 4 races to secure yet anothe Championship

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:24 AM
Tom Wright wrapped up the 35+ Championship with his Win and 19th Overall finish with his Class rival John Saxon finishing in 2nd Place less than two minutes behind Wright

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:26 AM
Michael Swift finished 3rd in the Stock Class and 21st Overall behind Dave Bishop in the Stock Class finishing 12th for the 5th time this season.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:28 AM
Mechaniscville, MD resident, Donald Woolford won the 29-34 Class with a three minute lead over Travis Moats

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:30 AM
John Gallagher wrapped up the Super Senior Championship with his win at the Wisp, so I wonder if he will move to Senior Class and see if he can give John Cunningham a run at any of the remaining races.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:32 AM
Travis Moats finished 30th Overall and took 2nd place in the 2934 Class less than a minute behind the 22-28 Class winner Daniel Regalia.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:33 AM
Jamie Bougher had his 3rd best Overall finish of the season with his 32nd Overall

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:35 AM
James Barron took 3rd in the 29-34 Class

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:37 AM
Ty Blairs charge to the top in the Utility Unlimited Class continued as he finished 4th and moved with a few points of 3rd Place Dave Ecker in points

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:37 AM
Ken Vickerd finished in 2nd Place in the Super Senior Class

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:38 AM
Jim Clester finished 3rd in the Super Senior Class for the second race in a row.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:39 AM
Thad Josey completed two laps aboard his Chris Borich loaner 450R, so keep an eye out for his story in an upcoming edition of ATV Rider

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:40 AM
Mark Rhodes on the Podium

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:42 AM
Chris Neal and Jarrod McClure join Mark on the Podium and share their stories with the crowd.

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:43 AM
Mark Rhodes celebrates his Wisp Victory!!!

Admin
07-29-2005, 09:47 AM
Sorry for the delay in the race coverage, but I was in some serious pain for week after the race, which put me behind and I had to keep moving forward on all the other events, so I didn't fall further behind and cause everyone to wait.

Thanks again for all your support

gnarlyknobbies
07-29-2005, 02:23 PM
Hey Harlen,

Great coverage! Thanks for mentioning the Pro Race Story on Chris Borich's Alba Action 450R that will be out in the September issue of ATV Rider Mag. The bike was iincredible but the boulders and bottlenecks made for a terrible finish. Got hung up so much but it was so much fun! OK, no more details!!!

TJ

RaptorRacer45
07-29-2005, 03:08 PM
Nice Coverage, The 50+ rider bottleneck was where my day was stopped, after makin it up the hill my Quad turned sideways and right back down into a tree i went, bein wedged till the track workers could get a chainsaw and free me.......but it was fun, and i did finish the lap and my only lap of the day....anyway lookin forward 2 racin again sometime in another GNCC:D

PowerMadd789XC
07-30-2005, 12:11 PM
Awsome coverage harlen , good job.:D

300racer
08-04-2005, 07:41 PM
awesome coverage harlen. I only got a half a lap in after the wreck in the first turn I couldn't turn left very far or my kill switch would fall off and I had a flat tire.

Jersey450R
08-20-2005, 12:21 AM
Originally posted by Admin
Tom Wright wrapped up the 35+ Championship with his Win and 19th Overall finish with his Class rival John Saxon finishing in 2nd Place less than two minutes behind Wright
I rod with Tom at a local motocross track tonight. Great guy. Hes a great all-around technical rider.