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View Full Version : 2008 GNCC Series Round#5 "Loretta Lynn's" ATV Race Coverage



Pappy
04-30-2008, 06:50 PM
Round 5 of the Can Am GNCC Series headed once again to the famous Loretta Lynn's Ranch for another exciting round of XC competition. Heading into this round, 8 time champion Bill Ballance had yet to grab himself a win but had seen the podium even if it wasn;t the top spot.

Ballance checks out the starting area which was nice and muddy due to the rain falling in the region. This marked the 4th straight round where mother nature has played a hand on delivering yet another challenging aspect to the event.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 06:53 PM
For Chris Borich, this event marked yet another chance to climb back atop the finishing order after battling hard at the Big Buck to secure a top 5 finish.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 06:55 PM
Matt Smiley has been running inside the top 10 at each event thus far in 2008. Smiley is a power house aboard his 450R and was a sure bet to be right in the the thick of things as race time neared.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 06:58 PM
Taylor Kiser has also been making his presence known and with being factory backed aboard the new KTM, he was looking to get back upfront after a 18th place finish at round 4.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 07:01 PM
For Jarrod McClure, knowing he has what it takes to run upfront and making it happen can be worlds apart. This talented young rider has finished inside the top 10 at each round with the exception of round 4 where a fuel issue knocked him out of contention for yet another solid finish.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 07:03 PM
The Army National Gaurd backed William Yokely is off to his best season in recent years, and the smile on his face shows he is enjoying the successes.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 07:06 PM
Micheal Houston has been battling the bad luck gremlins aboard his KTM, and was forced to run a Yamaha this round. It would be interesting to see how he faired aboard a back up machine and if would remain off the KTM if he finished well.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 07:08 PM
Privateer Bryan Cook is on fire, finishing inside the top 5 at all but one round. Cook could be in a position to finish well ahead of many factory backed riders this season and would be looking forward to yet another great finish at Loretta's

Pappy
04-30-2008, 07:42 PM
The pressure was on for Adam McGill coming off 3 straight wins. The factory KTM backed rider has been setting the pace and is riding with ahuge target on his back as he is making it known he is the man to beat so far.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 07:57 PM
When the green flag waved, it was Bill Ballance and Brandon Sommers battling for the holeshot. Sommers ended up winning the early battle.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:00 PM
The XC2 start got interesting as one quad gets pitched sideways through turn 1!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:01 PM
For a few of the classes, just getting into the woods was a challenge!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:03 PM
Dave Simmons leads Senior A 40+ out onto the course.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:05 PM
The first turn can be the biggest obstacle of the day for many.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:06 PM
Getting clawed over by 30 of your friends is not the start of a good race!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:09 PM
Donald Ockerman claimed his 4th XC2 win this round, keeping him soldily in the points lead in XC2

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:10 PM
The world famous MX track at Loretta's is toned way down for the Xc riders, but still offers a few jumps to kep it exciting

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:12 PM
Tyler Lenig on his way to a 5th place finish in XC2

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:13 PM
Mark Nottman rode his way to a 10th place finish in XC2

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:16 PM
The terrain this round features it all, and with mud sections and elevation changes, almost anything can happen as the racing gets cranked up.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:19 PM
When the leaders emerged from the woods, it was Bill balance leading Chris Borich as the pair heads through the MX section

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:23 PM
For Houston, the absence of mechanical issues had him running well, moving up each lap finally finishing 9th on the day!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:26 PM
For Chris Bithell, 2008 has started off in the opposite direction he would have liked. Working with a new team and aboard a new machine has found him back to square one. This round, he was steadily moving up and finished the event in the 11th position.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:27 PM
Adam McGill had worked his way to the front by lap two and was aiming his KTM to yet another podium as he is shown here leading Chris Borich

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:29 PM
Bill Ballance was back in 3rd and keeping the lead in sight

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:32 PM
Yokley had been hovering around the top 5 for most of the race, and was riding smooth and steady. Finding himself battling late in the race with Bryan Cook for the 3rd spot

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:34 PM
Brandon Sommers fell outside the top ten on the first lap and had his work cut out for him as he battled all day, finishing the event in the 8th spot

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:35 PM
Ryan Lane had another solid race, as he worked his way to 7th when the checkered flag came out

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:37 PM
The bad luck continues for Brent Sturdivant as he was forced out fo competition after lap 2

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:39 PM
McGill continued to set the pace as he has for the past 3 rounds, regardless of the conditions. Heading into the 3rd lap he was looking for another win to keep his streak alive.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:41 PM
Ballance regained the lead as the 3rd lap was scored and never looked back, taking the lead to the finish!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:43 PM
Borich was now back in second with McGill holding the 3rd spot. McGill suffered what is reported as an electrical problem forcing him out of the race and ending his chaces to battle for the win on the final lap. Borich found the checkered flag and the podium by finishing a solid second!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:45 PM
For Byran Cook, McGills problems opened the door for yet another podium appearence for the NC native. Cook scored 3rd at this round!!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:48 PM
The killer B's were back at round 5, but the sting was a bit less severe as the pair finds themselves working from behind. The season still has a ton of racing to go and the battles that are yet to be fought should prove to be epic as several riders now stand on equal footing to challenge for the win at every round!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:50 PM
For Bill Ballance, teh win marked a new begining for the 2008 season, and we all know how hard it is to catch him when he has his mind set on winning!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:53 PM
Borich rode a great race and his second podium visit for the season so far. I wouldnt count him out as the season continues and he gets out front.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:55 PM
Once again, the lone privateer on the podium was Bryan Cook! This year is shaping up to be monumental and could lead to bigger things for 2009 if he keeps stomping his way to the front of XC1!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 08:57 PM
Sommers collected his check for grabbing the holeshot and will be ready to improve his finish at round 6!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 09:02 PM
Jarrod McClure rolled into the finish line in 5th place, marking his highest finish of his pro career. The past two weeks has had McClure training extensively with a trainer and it appears it paid off. Keep your eye on this rider, he will be rubbing bars with the leaders in no time!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 09:08 PM
For the remainder of the classes in the afternoon race, the track was plenty brutal with some seriously steep terrain to deal with. Hard ground thrives at Lorettas and no rider would be spared a beating.

Pappy
04-30-2008, 09:09 PM
Getting a line around some of the rough spots gave tired muscles a quick break, albiet short lived!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 09:11 PM
getting out of teh way is appreciated by the faster riders, and thankfully some sections allow plenty of room for people to move

Pappy
04-30-2008, 09:15 PM
Xc2 winner Donald Ockerman gets his "groove" on as he accepts the non traditional trophy for his win!

Pappy
04-30-2008, 09:18 PM
Ockerman is joined by Kyle Martin and Spencer Dickerson on the podium as the top XC2 riders leave Lorettas with a memorable race and new items for the tropy case!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 09:54 AM
The Morning racers would bare the brunt of the conditions as they wouold be first to charge deep into the 12 mile course to brave the mud that was awaiting them.

The rising starts of the series may be on the last row, but by their smiles you would think they were ready for the Pro class!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 09:55 AM
Tyler Pittman awaits the start in the Schoolboy class. Walker Fowler and Cody Hill would both be missing this round due to injury.

Pappy
05-02-2008, 09:57 AM
Good times can usually be found in any direction you look, and it really adds to the enjoyment of the event, especially when you have to take their pictures:D

Pappy
05-02-2008, 09:58 AM
Long Time GNCC Racer, Mike Penland prepares for the start of the race

Pappy
05-02-2008, 12:36 PM
Stephanie Parton & Jen Lovely are having a blast at this years GNCC races with Jen making her return to racing after a taking a break to start a family.

Pappy
05-02-2008, 12:38 PM
Kim Muzzarrelli was attending her first GNCC of the 2008 season

Pappy
05-02-2008, 12:40 PM
Traci Cecco has her hands full with Angel Atwell as the pair close up in points for an exciting chase to the points championship!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 12:41 PM
For Lexie Coulter, her season is finally on track and it wouldnt surprise me to see her grab an overall at most any round

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:15 PM
The start at Lorettas is nice a nd flat, except for a few drainage ditches that in the past have caused their share of carnage. Add to the wide open run to the first tur, a health dose of water just begging for a victim!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:17 PM
Fans get the support level raised as the riders prepare to kick off another round of GNCC competition!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:18 PM
Mike Ockerman grabs the holeshot as the Senior 50+ class is first to head out!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:19 PM
Stephanie Parton pulls the holeshot in the Womans class!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:20 PM
Scott Kilby leads 4x4 Open as they head to turn 1

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:22 PM
Mike Penland put his Can Am out front at the start in 4x4 Limited

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:23 PM
Jordan Phillips was off to the early lead in 4x4 Lites

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:24 PM
Rick Cecco pulls to the front in U2

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:55 PM
Within the first few turns, the riders clean gear and machines were quickly turning into the familiar brown mucky mess we have come to love:p

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:56 PM
Using banners to try and clean off some muck doesnt usually work:p

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:57 PM
For some, getting your complete "mud on" involved a good dismount!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 01:59 PM
Pulling the holeshot is the only way to fly:cool:

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:00 PM
Trying to get the holeshot in reverse takes massive skill!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:02 PM
The day started kind of rough for a few:p

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:08 PM
With all the racers on the track, everyone moved to their spots in the pits or along the track to watch the event

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:14 PM
Douglas Hayes cleared the check point and was running out front, leading the overall and doing it aboard a Honda 250R!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:22 PM
Lexie Coulter rips through a turn as she heads back out to the woods

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:23 PM
Greg Condon was running upfront in the 4x4 open class, and was doing his best to hunt down the leaders

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:25 PM
Traci cecco clocked in and was running at the back of her class, which is a tell tale sign something was going wrong with her race right from the start

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:27 PM
Clifton Beasley was right where he has been running all season, out front in 4x4 Lites!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 02:30 PM
Goggles and gloves were changed as often as the riders could afford, and giving up a few seconds could pay off with better vision and control

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:21 PM
Rick Cecco heads to the pits for some repairs before returning to the race

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:22 PM
With mud covered riders, and very few morning racers running number plates, identifying who is who is quite hard:p

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:24 PM
Womens Novice had 7 entries this round, of which 3 riders entered made the 4 laps to complete the race.

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:26 PM
Dave Burton ran another strong race, but must really like the 2nd place spot because he has been finishing there the past few rounds! Next round Dave, I will give you the needed inspiration to get the lead!:devil:

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:28 PM
The track winds through the ranch, and near one of the many horse pastures. It makes for a nice picture when the horses and quads can both be seen, but i reckon the horses decided to be camera shy this round!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:30 PM
Angel Atwell assumed the lead on the 2nd lap and ran the lead all the way to the checkered flag! Another great run for her and one step closer to bringing the Womens class fight nose to nose!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:33 PM
Jesi Stracham was moving on this round, and she found herslef finishing 4th in Schoolboy!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:34 PM
Beasley on his way to his 5th straight class win!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:36 PM
Traci Cecco was working hard, but couldnt make up the ground on the leaders.

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:55 PM
The big uphill that is encountered after the last field section can become very busy as riders try their best to make passes

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:57 PM
For Greg Condon, this round of racing would find him running upfront again in 4x4 Open, as greg finished 3rd in class!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 03:59 PM
With Atwell taking the checkered flag, Lexie Coulter would find herself finishing 2nd as she put in a great ride! Way to go Lexie!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 04:00 PM
Jennifer Albright edges out Steph Parton to claim the 3rd spot!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 04:02 PM
The finish line was full of well wishes and congrats all around as one ghard fought battle was now over

Pappy
05-02-2008, 04:03 PM
This is yet another race where the women came from behind and took the top spots! A well earned victory for all!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 04:05 PM
Atwell takes it all in stride, I am pretty sure she has this winning thing down pat;)

Pappy
05-02-2008, 04:06 PM
If they start getting trophy guys for the women, I might be late to a few podiums:p

Pappy
05-02-2008, 04:07 PM
Three very happy young ladies take their moment in the spotlight!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:39 PM
Youth racing in the gncc series is alive and kicking, and although afew riders ditched this round due to the extremely high fuel costs, there were plenty of entries on hand to provide some serious XC racing action, mini style:macho

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:41 PM
90 Mod racer, Ryan Early is kickin' butt this year!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:43 PM
The kids this season have their hands full with mother nature, forcing all to deal with either rain/snow/sleet and generally bad conditions sans the first round.

Even though it wasnt raining this round, the left overs the kids would be forced to eat were in place as the previous nights rain had once again given them sloppy conditions

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:46 PM
Superstar Charlie Welch gets ready to do his thing as he awaits the start. The note on his quad is for my son, who under went emergency surgery monday night to repair a broken femur. The Welchs are super people and the blood of this sport. Charlie broke 2 ribs at Big Buck....proving you cant keep a champion down!!

Charlie and the Welch's, thank you all from us here, we deeply appreciate your thoughts!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:51 PM
When the green flag dropped, Josh Merrit was rounding the first turn with the holeshot in Super Mini

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:53 PM
Derec Robinson started out at round 1 with a 10th place finish, and then started his march to the front, finishing no less then 2nd in the following rounds!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:56 PM
More classes burst off the line and started their hour long race!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 06:58 PM
The DRR is a formidable quad for the mini racers in many classes, and will have its share of wins as more and more people see the value it offers and how well it preforms!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:00 PM
Brayden Shick hits the first turn as he mixes it up in the 90 Mod 8-11 class. Brayden had his best finish of 2008 at Big Buck by taking 2nd in his class! Awesome ride Brayden!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:02 PM
A few classes can really fill up, making for killer racing!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:04 PM
Water and mini quads usually dont mix, however in the GNCC series, they have them figured out!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:05 PM
Junior Austad leads a hard charging Charlie Welch throiugh turn one as Amy McConnel snaps some pics in the back ground. Hi AMY!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:17 PM
Sadie Welch may indeed be a sweetheart, but you best watch out when she gears up!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:19 PM
Merrit clocked in his frst lap and was off again, however he almost went over the bars as he landed one of the small jumps on the MX section!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:21 PM
Jerry Welch had better luck avoiding the water on te mx section, but ran int troubles and was only able to score 2 laps

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:22 PM
Matthew Harris does some water plowing!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:24 PM
Ryan Ratliff has been on fire scoring 2 wins at rounds 3 and 4!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:25 PM
Consistant finishes have Micheal Spaulding sitting 2nd in class points!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:28 PM
Logan Fluharty has also been putting in solid finishes as he too finds himself leading his class points

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:29 PM
Trevor Mcnaulty navigates the water on his built Honda 90!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:32 PM
Cheyanne Shadron pitted and was back out racing in no time

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:34 PM
The youth riders get their fill of the parking area, however this allows many of the teams to get a good view of the racing in this section. It is un-nerving to watch your child head off into the wilds at full throttle!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:35 PM
Allie Slate rode to a 5th place finish in 90 Limited 8-11. Good ride Allie!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:37 PM
Joseph Mousch ride his Camn Am in the 90 Limited Class 8-11. Joseph finished the day in the 9th spot

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:39 PM
Bryant Rowe giving it his all in the 90 Limited class

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:40 PM
Sometimes it takes a mom's touch to get you headed back out in the right direction

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:41 PM
Spaulding battling hard in the Super Mini class.

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:43 PM
Logan Merriman gets on the gas as he slides through a turn

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:44 PM
Clocking in at the check point

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:46 PM
Barbie dream house and a Ken doll:confused:

Only if its next to a XC track and Ken knows how to clean her quad!:macho

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:47 PM
No soccer moms here:devil: We have mom's that get involved!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:48 PM
The Shadrons are great people, and show us all how much family involvement there is in this sport!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:49 PM
These kids all deserve medals! Heart heart and more heart!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:50 PM
Harlen has this effect on children:devil:

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:51 PM
When the checkered flag cam eout, it was Josh Merritt on top and taking the win!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:52 PM
It is always great to see good sportsmanship!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:53 PM
Lining up to complete another round of fanstastic youth racing action!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:55 PM
It is awesome to see Josh Merrit joined by two great racers, Ryan Earley(R) and Derrec Robinson(L) on the podium!!! Incredible job guys!!!

Pappy
05-02-2008, 07:57 PM
That wraps our coverage of the Loretta Lynns Gncc, and I missed being there!! I will see everyone at the Penton, however I dont think Cody will be able to travel just yet :(

Be safe everyone, and round 6 is closing in fast!!!

hr15
05-02-2008, 08:40 PM
Thanks Pappy.We hope to see Cody soon,best wishes.

Admin
05-02-2008, 10:09 PM
Awesome Race Coverage, I felt like I was there, oh wait a minute, I was there, well it is time to go to bed before I make another crazy post at Midnight, lol.

my88r
05-02-2008, 10:20 PM
well great coverage as always:tired:

kchristine
05-05-2008, 10:35 AM
Pappy,we just love to read the narration you do to the photos.Brayden Shick looks forward to seeing what you have to say after every race. Thank-you for what you do and awesome pics!!!We also hope Cody is better very soon.
Kelli Shick

Pappy
05-05-2008, 12:21 PM
Thanks Kelli.

The youth coverage hasnt been so great this seaosn and it has to do entirely with the weather and me trying to have one foot on the race and the other getting my son ready for the 10 am event:p Looks like the next few rounds will have my full attention however:p

And a note to EVERY racer, we cant throw out a name if we have no idea who you are! I got some negative feedback about not using certain riders etc. or not giving enough credit to certain classes. First, its hard as heck trying to identify riders when you are all covered in muck, have no number plates and the bar code is either not matching your number plate etc. As far as the classes, I am just one lone soul running from daylight to dark and I can not catch or use every class in coverage....I wish I could!

The biggest thing you can do beyond asking mother nature to provide us with perfect weather and have number plates that can shed muck would be to email or pm me after the race! I would love to have some personal commentary to go along with coverage!!! So, get involved if you want to see some press, it works wonders for coverage and for your SPONSORS!!!! This whole endeavor is based to support the event and those attending!