2006 GNCC Series Round #9 -The Wisp - McHenry, MD Morning Coverage

[Pappy]

2006 GNCC Series Round #9 -The Wisp - McHenry, MD



Round #9 of the GNCC series rolled it's way into the Wisp Ski resort for what is usually one tough course. Riders who have braved this track in the past know full well it can rip your quad to pieces and leave you stranded to enjoy the scenic views from high atop the mountains.


This is the first GNCC I have been up to attending this season, and it was great seeing old friends and catching up with everyone. Mike Penland is always ready to go, and the hurry up and wait game was in full effect!

Morning ATV Results (http://www.atvriders.com/atvresults/gncc200609morningatvresultsclass.pdf)

[Pappy]

John Gallagher Sr. had found himself a hat. He said it was previously damaged with logo's from a quad that was not worthy to be placed on his head. After a quick retro fit, he proudly displayed his newest headgear!

[Pappy]

I did not get hard numbers, but it did seem that entry numbers were lower then in years past. With the rising cost of fuel, it surely could be a contributing factor.

The morning racers started lining up on the slick grassy slope at the starting area.

[Pappy]

As ATV racing continues to grow, the fan participation grows right along with it. pro rider William Yokely signs autographs as he makes his way to find a spot to catch some of the morning race.

[Pappy]

Elka representatives were eagerly walking the pits showing thier latest release, a newly design steering dampner. Here Santo derisi gets the scoop on the new unit.

[Pappy]

William Yokely had one of the new units mounted up and will be running it at the WISP

[Pappy]

The morning action was underway, with Traci Cecco grabbing the holeshot.

[Pappy]

The remainder of the women's class followed in chase, with a wreck occuring just after the first turn. Albright was the rider involved with her nerf bar making serious contact with her neck. A few seconds passed but word was sent she was ok and back on the course.

[Pappy]

Next off the line was the newly formed Journalist/Industry class along with the Super Senior class, which had John Rowling(Rowlrag) grabbing the holeshot.

[Pappy]

Jeff Stoess was back in the action this round on an ATVriders.com Polaris Predator.

[Pappy]

Mike Penland came ripping up the slope and grabbed the holeshot in his class on his Can-AM

[Pappy]

The Utility classes are gaining more and more attention these days from fans and the manufactures. Wrestling 700 pounds for 2 hours is more like work if you ask me, but these guys make it look effortless.

[Pappy]

One thing I noticed returning to this round was the decline in the usage of the V-Force. This class used to sound like small block chevy's ripping it up!

[Pappy]

There was no less competition I am happy to report as these two V-Forces hammer on!

[Pappy]

The slick grass would soon be worn away revealing a nice super slick track for these guys to rail on!

[Pappy]

I do apologize, I do not do coverage the way others do. I also do not wear a suit and tie but prefer a more laid back style. So get used to it! I was just so stoked to be back out there grabbing the action

[Pappy]

ATVrider.com member "countypark" was riding good at the start.

[Pappy]

Without any wrecks at the start, the action was fast and the classes hit the track to do battle

[Pappy]

Stock Class rider Shawn Collins was mid pack at the first turn. He worked himself up to 8th before his engine decided that it was not racing no more:p

[Pappy]

A few riders tangled but quickly got themselves going in short order.

[Pappy]

As the classes lessened in number, the usual roar of racing did not seem to be in the air. The foliage was doing a great job of keeping this event quiet.

[Pappy]

I did my best to get you in the action, I hope that everyone will get a chance to either race or attend one of these events. Pictures just can not explain it all!

[Pappy]

Running two wide at the start of the Wisp can come back to hurt you. The combinations of speed, wet grass and offcambered track lead to a few small encounters

[Pappy]

As soon as the alotted time had passed, another class was on its way!

[Pappy]

With grass flying the leaders were well into the course and reports were coming in that Traci cecco was still in the lead

[Pappy]

Another class off the line and underway

[Pappy]

Clean machines and dry riders greeted the Wisp, only the well prepared would see the end of the race!

[Pappy]

I knew what carnage laid ahead, there is a well known reason why the Wisp is the last round before the > break< ...pun intended:D

[Pappy]

Some tires, rims and skidplates were going to sacrifice themselves on this battlefield.

[Pappy]

Riders who had starting issues would have to play catch up.

[Pappy]

Although the overall number could be down, the number of morning classes was not!

[Pappy]

Keeping track of which class was which seemed pointless as I just kept capturing the action

[Pappy]

Swinging wide to avoid an expected pile up worked for alot of riders.

[Pappy]

At 11 1/2 miles, the Wisp affords you a great variety of terrain. Getting through the first turn can be the hardest obstacle of all

[Pappy]

The Polaris Predator has made an impact on GNCC racing in my absence.

[Pappy]

The trusty 400EX will remain a stable quad for this type of event. I do not think the goggleless rider cares for roost:p

[Pappy]

The last riders made thier way through the first turn and the 2006 Wisp round was underway!

[Pappy]

As fans, family and pit crews made thier way to different spots along the track, I spotted Micheal Mussi's family out to watch the race. The youth atv riders do not run at this round, but it was great seeing alot of them there!

[Pappy]

Fans flocked to the operating ski lift to gain easy access to the top of the mountain and a birdseye view of the action

[Pappy]

I made my way to one of the obstacles the riders would encounter. This halfpipe would serve as a drop in for quads and mud would replace the snow usually found here in season. The Morning racers only entered the halfpipe twice, the Afternoon racers would be forced to work thier way through the entire pipe.

[Pappy]

Awaiting the riders would be a few inches of water;) The right side of the track was relatively dry, and the innocent looking patch of water was full of deep holes that would test some.

[Pappy]

Traci Cecco in the lead was the first rider to encounter this area. Picking the outside line got her a bit wet but in an instant was out of the pit and gone!

[Pappy]

John Rowling was not far behind Traci and would take over the lead on lap 2, only to have Traci regain it. I was told John may have hurt his leg but have not confirmed it.

[Pappy]

Jeff Stoess was running in 3rd has he worked his way out of the water

[Pappy]

At 59, most men are worried about thier money market fund. John Gallagher Sr. worries about the important things, like laying the smack down on riders 1/3 his age! John found himself on the podium again at Wisp, which worked out well for him. He recieved a sweet plaque and stole a kiss from the trophy girl! Go John!:D

[Pappy]

Harlen Foley, the man responsible for the growth and direction of atvriders.com gets ready to drop in on the half pipe. He has been doing well when he races the Yamaha Raptor 700 and this round was no exception. Harlen went on to finish 2nd overall! Great job Harlen.

[Pappy]

Being a photographer, surrounded by photographers, you would think Harlen would get a few great shots of him in action. With the self professed talent at trackside sceaming for $500 a picture, it took yours truly to get the man what he wanted:devil:

[Pappy]

I was expecting a closer battle during the first lap, but the riders appeared from the woods spread out.

[Pappy]

A few wiser riders picked the drier line and kept themselves dry for the next lap

[Pappy]

The once docile looking puddle was quickly turning into a major hassle

[Pappy]

To the left , holes and mud, the center all water. Hit it a bit too fast and you was a wet puppy for the next 2 hours!

[Pappy]

The drop in and climb out were steeper then a few riders had planned on

[Pappy]

The first lap was an awakening to some:p BURRR thats cold:p

[Pappy]

A wider shot of the hole

[Pappy]

the Utilities were right at home in this swamp

[Pappy]

Finally groups of riders started showing up and the pristine wisp grass was about to get landscaped by the GNCC's:macho

[Pappy]

The line of choice on the first lap was whatever you headed for when you dropped in:p

[Pappy]

With the first lap almost under thier belt, and that mudpit behind them, a slick grass covered series of offcambered turns greeted the riders next

[Pappy]

Flat tires were again the name of the game at Wisp.

[Pappy]

Sliding out and heading in the wrong direction.....aint it fun!:D

[Pappy]

Site member gbcap slip sliding his way to the scoring tent

[Pappy]

Reaching the scoring area for me is a good thing:D

[Pappy]

A brief field section allowed some to suck much needed wind and get ready for round 2 with the mountain!

[Pappy]

Traci Cecco locked down another win at the Wisp.

[Pappy]

The future Pro riders gathered to get pictures and watch Traci have fun with the champagne. I have not explained to my wife why my boy came home smelling like a night out:D

Folks, thats about all i have and I am sure a few others want to get in here and post up some pictures and the full results. Jeff Stoess was injured when he wrecked while running in 3rd overall and he commented he was going for some stitch work so we hope he gets through that with no problems. John Rowlings did something to his ankle and had some swelling which probably kept him from a great finish. We hope he gets back on his feet quickly!

Again, I enjoyed seeing everyone again and look forward to trying my best to get to a few more this year. i hope everyone enjoyed the pictures!

[countypark]

Originally posted by Pappy
ATVrider.com member "countypark" was riding good at the start.


Great picture Pappy, probably one of the best I've seen of myself.

I wish I could have kept my first lap pace up for the whole race but the rocks took their toll on my old butt.

Still managed a third place finish though.

The kid that won the Sport class was on fire, Travis Bell is going to be one to watch in the future. At one point he was in contention for the podium but he fell back to a 10th place finish overall.

[450robot]

awsome pics pappy! hey look! you got one of me with my pretty new atvriders graphics! unfortunatly i took victim to the rocks and blew 2 tires, and lost my front brakes... maybe some tireballs are in order?

i wish i wouldve known you were gonna be there, i wouldve stopped by and said hey

[SwainRacing]

Great Pics Pappy! Although i didnt see any of me in there! LOL It was a fun race, even though I ended up ofer the bars once and got a flat on the 3rd lap. Glad to see you are getting out to some of the GNCC races now.

[niece450]

Great pics:D your captions are the best!!!

[Pappy]

Originally posted by SwainRacing
Great Pics Pappy! Although i didnt see any of me in there! LOL It was a fun race, even though I ended up ofer the bars once and got a flat on the 3rd lap. Glad to see you are getting out to some of the GNCC races now.

I wish I could have gotton a few more pics. I was trying not to over do it so I could make the drive home without having to pull over and sleep:p I may soon be trying to do more traveling nd race photography so be prepared. You all know how much I love to take pictures:p

[Pappy]

My son Cody took a few of the pictures used in this thread, and he snuck in at the podium and grabbed a few shots.

[Pappy]

he was first inline for a shot of the bubbly! Ofcourse he had a $3000 camera of mine in his hand that is now pretty sticky:p i told him he atleast could have exposed the picture correctly to make it worth while:D

[Pappy]

Andy Lagzdins was the featured rider on the plaques at the WISP. It is great to see him having a decent year!

[Braff1]

****This is Lil-Braff**** (forgot I was logged on under dad's name. Oops!:p)

What a tough track! Congrats to everyone who finished and better luck next time to those who didn't.

Great pics Pappy! Keep 'em coming!

[250RXCrider]

Originally posted by Pappy
I knew what carnage laid ahead, there is a well known reason why the Wisp is the last round before the > break< ...pun intended:D

I finally got my picture on atvriders.com! Thanks again Pappy for the great morning coverage and this was a great race. Now time to see what the quad damage is like:(

[md1985250r]

That was a brutal track! My first ever GNCC race, can you say exhausted?? I finished 3 laps in the time most people did 4 laps. At least I finished. I intend to do better next year. Congratulations to all !!

[Pappy]

Brutal:p 2003 was brutal.

A few sections of course fence bore the brunt of sliding quads!

[Pappy]

All in a days work for the RP crew to make repairs before the afternoon race

[Pappy]

Once stopped, it was a task to get going again as traction was not imported at the WISP!

[Pappy]

"That is going to cost us a fortune in grass seed":devil:

[Pappy]

I am pretty sure this is John Bowers of Bowers Motorcycle Supply.

[Pappy]

Rick Cecco directly after he finished the race expalining some of teh action to his friends

[Pappy]

Riders lined up to hit the half pipe

[Pappy]

Cody captured a different angle of John coming through the mud

[Pappy]

Jeff Stoess coming out of the pipe.

[Pappy]

Stephanie Parton chasing down the leaders

[Pappy]

Foley on the move.

[Pappy]

Rick Cecco on the Rincon

[Pappy]

Two wide through the pit

[Pappy]

Thats about all she wrote folks. I am planning on being at Yadkinville so please say hello!

[cdalejef]

Great pics Pappy and it was great seeing you again.
Big congrats out to Rick Cecco for finishing 2nd in utility mod on his stock Rincon (with Tire Balls). It was also Ricks first time racing a utility in the GNCC series! :eek2:
As for me, John Rowling and myself had made our way to 1st and 2nd overall and was pulling away from the field when I had a close incounter with a rock which ended my day :grr: . My elbow is a little swolen and I have a nice new scar to add to my growing list :p

[RaptorRacer45]

Originally posted by Pappy
Thats about all she wrote folks. I am planning on being at Yadkinville so please say hello!

Awesome!, ill cya there also Pappy, ill make sure to say hi:D probably after the morning Race though:macho

[Prey]

ill see ya there Pappy

Jeff, were you running around/riding on the predator with a yellow photo vest on?

[Jamie@Cardiostack]

Originally posted by Jeff@TireBalls
Great pics Pappy and it was great seeing you again.
Big congrats out to Rick Cecco for finishing 2nd in utility mod on his stock Rincon (with Tire Balls). It was also Ricks first time racing a utility in the GNCC series! :eek2:
As for me, John Rowling and myself had made our way to 1st and 2nd overall and was pulling away from the field when I had a close incounter with a rock which ended my day :grr: . My elbow is a little swolen and I have a nice new scar to add to my growing list :p

i want too say congrats too rick also. he had a very impressive ride on the slowest machine out their, his top speed going up the slopes was 36 mph. and i hope your arm is alright

[cdalejef]

Originally posted by Prey
ill see ya there Pappy

Jeff, were you running around/riding on the predator with a yellow photo vest on? Yep, that was me.
My arm is ok, no broken bones. :)

[gbcap]

Thanks for the shot Pappy. That section kept getting worse and worse as the day went on! this track beat the crap out of me!! 2 hours and 39 minutes later i took 7th in my class for my first GNCC. ill take it after all.

[yfzster]

Originally posted by Pappy
Thats about all she wrote folks. I am planning on being at Yadkinville so please say hello!
That last picture #11 is me:) Thanks pappy,Great pics!!!

[yfzster]

Here is a slideshow from the wisp.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/yfzster/slideshow?.dir=/74cf&.src=ph

[popo]

Originally posted by gbcap
Thanks for the shot Pappy. That section kept getting worse and worse as the day went on! this track beat the crap out of me!! 2 hours and 39 minutes later i took 7th in my class for my first GNCC. ill take it after all.

That's pretty impressive for a 1st time. Especially on one of the roughest tracks on the circuit besides Unadilla.

[Admin]

Originally posted by popo
That's pretty impressive for a 1st time. Especially on one of the roughest tracks on the circuit besides Undillia.

I can't wait till Unadilla to race again, which will probably be the only other GNCC race that I will run this year unless I decide to race St. Clairsville.

[gbcap]

Originally posted by popo
That's pretty impressive for a 1st time. Especially on one of the roughest tracks on the circuit besides Unadilla.

thanks. this is my first true year of racing. i tried to do the 02 wisp on a 300 ex and failed miserably. did i mention that it was bone stock.

this is prolly only my 15th race or so and first of this magnitude (that i actually completed a lap). it is alot different doing a race for 2.5 hours instead of 1.5 hours. illl be back for more thats for sure!!

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1571.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1573.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1583.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1586.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1589.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1590.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1599.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1607.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1626.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1633.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1654.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1704.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1736.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1743.jpg

[gbcap]

now lets just say i couldn't stop intime on this one. seems like it is the common thing that happened this week. the person on the inside hits the slick grass and just rockets forward!! I'm in the green jersey in the back.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1755.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1757.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1758.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1759.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1763.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1784.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1797.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1808.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1823.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1865.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1879.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1881.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1887.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1889.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1891.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1892.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1896.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1899.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1901.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1906.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1907.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1912.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1918.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1939.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1941.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1945.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1956.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1976.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1991.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_1995.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2001.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2004.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2013.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2017.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2022.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2029.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2031.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2034.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2036.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2038.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2056.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2065.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2070.jpg

[gbcap]

well since there is no PM coverage yet...not sure why. Maybe admin is on vacation still at deep creek. I'll post my PM pictures in this thread too!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2104.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2119.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2139.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2225.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2226.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2227.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2228.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2229.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2241.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2247.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2251.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2252.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2254.jpg

[gbcap]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2263.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a347/gbcap/WISP%202006/DSC_2268.jpg

[ridekfx]

very nice gbcap,,, good stuff

[mills_racing]

nice pics pappy and gb ....gb gotta pic of me .

[md1985250r]

I believe gb got this one of me...



now i messed it up :mad:

[md1985250r]

a couple of more of me....

[md1985250r]

the other one...

[md1985250r]

the one gb got of me..

[md1985250r]

i just cant get this right...maybe now???