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View Full Version : 2009 GNCC Racing Series - Round#2 - The Maxxis General - ATV Race Coverage



Pappy
03-08-2009, 04:47 PM
Coming off of a busy round 1 in Florida, some rest and relaxation was in order for just about everyone in attendence, unfortunatley for most any free time would be short and rest time even shorter.

With only a few days seperating the rounds, many headed north to Georgia and would find themselves amongst friends as Durhamtown Plantation would serve host to us as we counted down the last few days before heading to round number 2!


For Brian Wolf, some quality time with the family was job #1...along with some more riding and tweaking of his set up as he looked to do well at the General.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 04:48 PM
Walker Fowler does his best to aggravate his dad Danny:p

Pappy
03-08-2009, 04:50 PM
Florida sent a few riders away with some battle scars. A vine snagged this rider and tried to rip his head off:p He was ok...very sore for a few days!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 04:52 PM
Behind the scenes fun never ends, unfortunatley it doesnt last long enough as work is the order of the day

Pappy
03-08-2009, 04:56 PM
For the Ballance crew, there always seems to be something to fix, tweak, adjust and check on Bill and Brandons machines. Lucky for them, they have some good help to make sure thier machines are always ready to go.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 04:58 PM
Coming off his win at round 1, Taylor Kiser spent his time keeping himself ready as well as his machine. Kiser has his sights set on being the top privateer in a class filled with factory involvement, and you can bet he will do all he can to be upfront when the checkers fly!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:00 PM
Don Ockerman works on his own shocks as he dials in for the change of terrain that will be encountered in Georgia.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:02 PM
FRE-KTM rider Adam McGill rips it over one of the awesome jumps found on the Durhamtown mx track. With round 2 featuring a portion of the Aonia Pass MX track, getting some air time wouldnt be a bad thing for the riders.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:04 PM
Plenty of GNCC bike riders make Durhamtown an annual stop in between the first 2 rounds, and several lay it out there when it comes to the mx side of things!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:06 PM
It doesnt take much prompting to get some tricks out of people:p While racing may be on everyone's minds, having fun and just enjoying the time seemed to be over taking the work involved to make the first two rounds.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:08 PM
Jerry Welch gets some air as he spends the afternoon riding. Jerry is now riding in the morning race, stepping it up from his days racing the 90 Mod class.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:13 PM
When McGill was done his serious work, he took a few fun laps and thrilled his fans with an awesome display of freestyle tricks:p He refused to do a back flip stating that it wasnt his intention to turn up his level of greatness...atleast not yet:blah:

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:16 PM
The days dirt is washed away as everyone cleaned gear and quads as they prepared one last check before leaving for the race the following day

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:18 PM
Super Senior racer Glen Pritchard looks off in the distance as a rider hits one of the trails that surround the camping area. Pritchard left round #1 with his class win and did so in a commanding fashion.

We wish him a successful season and will be keeping in touch with Glen as he works towards a class championship!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:19 PM
No means NO dude:devil:

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:22 PM
Parker Jones gets ready to do a photoshoot as the warm Georgia sun starts to set. Jones is an extremely talented racer and will be in the hunt for many podium finishes and wins in 2009.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 05:23 PM
Even for Jones, the day wouldnt end when the tracks closed. A lower control arm change was in order before packing things up and heading out.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:31 PM
Friday morning found the parking areas filling up quickly as those that stayed the week down south now mixed in with those joining the series at round two.

Work never ends as Brandon Boso and his dad work on installing tireballs in thier new Maxxis tires.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:32 PM
The Fox Suspension support trailer was busy as well, getting racers shocks rebuilt or set up

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:35 PM
Warnert Racing has one of the biggest pit areas and rightfully so. Teaming Amatuer and Pro teams from the same pit is not only a big undertaking, it can at times seem overwhelming when you walk by. These guys work from the time they pull in and it is always easy to grab a few pictures of something going on there.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:37 PM
Warnert Racings XC1 Pro racer Chris Bithell hangs out pitside as the day goes by. Chris among many others were wanting to get this round over with so they could finally go back home. Many of these guys have been away from home for weeks, some months as they trained and prepared for the 2009 season.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:38 PM
Keeping things rolling behind the scenes is non stop work for those involved with the series. A quiet place away from it all is just the ticket to keep things organized.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:41 PM
Tire Balls Jeff Stoess works at keeping racers equipped with his product. Tireballs have become almost mandatory in the higher ranks of the series to help stave off flats.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:42 PM
XC1 Pro racer Brandon Sommers is always a cut up, but I think his expression summed up the way he and his teammates felt as the past few weeks have been a blur with travel and training schedules running them ragged

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:46 PM
They say Johnny G just loves to play with the rubber gloves and slick stuff:p Dr. Love had no comment:devil:

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:49 PM
Brian Cook works on getting his chest protector set up as the sun started to really raise the days temperatures. Mid 80's would be on tap for both days as we continued to enjoy awesome weather for the first two rounds. Just the week before, 6 inches of snow had hit this region but was long gone by the time we arrived.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:51 PM
Wes Stone is kicking it old school this season as he rides aboard one slick Roll 250R. I am pretty sure Wes loves passing the 4 strokes:p

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:53 PM
This lil' rascal cruised the pits looking for someone with the stones to run him.....there were no takers:p

In a few years, we will see him trade in the battery powered ride for a 50cc machine and rip it up in the youth classes!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:56 PM
Ty Sievard and his pop head off to change out his shocks.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 06:59 PM
Taylor Kiser putting a few custom clicks to Johnny G's shocks. The Rockstar just doesnt know when to stop lending a helping hand:p (Noone is looking, just turn a few knobs:devil: )

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:01 PM
Brandon Ballance stated he is looking at running the entire season which we are very glad to hear. BJ is a straight up good guy and is a welcome addition to the series and well respected by his fans and fellow racers.

Brandon idled the day away soaking up some rays and reading a book.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:03 PM
Micheal Swift checks out his set up after arriving at the track.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:04 PM
One of Warnert Racings ace wrench's gets some final touches squared away on Rick Cecco's machine.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:05 PM
With little time between the first two rounds, wrenching was non stop in almost every pit

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:07 PM
ATVRider magazine editor, Thad Josey checks out Womens racer Jessi Stracham's YFZ. Thad would be racing a stock DS450 in this round for an upcoming article.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:08 PM
Wildchild Charlie Welchs's machine gets a dose of duct tape in an effort to deflect some mud that would surely be encountered during the early morning youth race. Charlie smoked the field at round 1 and claimed his class win and wanted to pull a repeat here at the General.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:11 PM
When Sadie Welch saw that I had done a photoshoot with her brother at the opening round, she was bound and determined to have her own when her and her mom regrouped the family at round two.


I've been watching Sadie race since she was still wearing pink snow boots and it makes me feel pretty old seeing her grow up so fast! She is a precious little lady who has a smile that can melt a glacier and I was honored to be able to take a few pictures of her.

Ladies and Gents....Sadie Welch

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:14 PM
Sadie will be sporting some new plastic at round 3 and we will try and get a few updated pics of her and her ride at Steele Creek.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:18 PM
Schoolboy class racer Kyle Riley would join the series at this round and would be proud to debut his new GNCC prepped 300ex

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:19 PM
Rilys dad has put in some hours on this machine and has a few trick parts to show off as well, including this custom dry break

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:21 PM
Kyle looks to do well this season if they can keep a machine under him. This boy can pound out laps and taking it easy on things hasnt quite been one of his skills:p

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:23 PM
AJ Koontz is a hard working college student who hails from Shippensburg Pennslyvania. AJ loves racing and is looking forward to a safe and successful season aboard his ultra clean Honda 450R!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:26 PM
Jamie Bithell is campaigning a DS450 in the College A class this season. Being the brother of XC1 rider Chris Bithell, you would think he would have a Pro level ride......but the reality is Jamie's DS is mostly stock and he intends to keep it that way. Look for an upcoming article on this up and coming young racer.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:29 PM
The day seemed to fly by and before I knew it the sun was setting, but not before I was able tos nap off a shot fo Womens class racer Jessi Stracham. Jessi has her work cut out for her this season as the competition level has taken a big jump in her class and if she wants to run upfront she will have to dig deep and work as hard as she can to make a name for herself!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:31 PM
Dave Burtons slick 450R was now away from the dealer show in Indy and now finally at a GNCC as Dave joins the series at round 2. Burton rode well last season in C class in the morning race and would be looking forard to making the switch to the afternoon race.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:34 PM
The morning starts early at the GNCc's, with the Youth racers being called to the line first for the 8 am start. Young Micheal Mussi gets ready to head to the line as the sun just starts to crest over the horizon.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:38 PM
Jay Shadron gets a few last minute checks performed as he waits on the line.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:41 PM
Pep talks, encouragement, race strategy, you will see it all on the line. Sometimes just a "be safe" from mom:)

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:43 PM
For some, just a few seconds to think for themselves as they get things right in thier head.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:44 PM
The long week was playing on everyone, but I think Merriman just party'd too much:blah:

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:45 PM
Derrec Robinson pulled off the win at round 1 and wanted to get himself back on that podium here at round 2

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:47 PM
82 riders were entered in this round, and hopefully we will see that grow even more as we head into the core area of GNCC racing!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:51 PM
Super Mini would be first to get the green flag and the two entires were off! Levi Coen would get the holeshot over Ryan Early as they worked through the starting area and headed to the woods.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:53 PM
90 Mod(12-15) would fire off next and it was Derreck robinson in the drivers seat as the class hits turn 1

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:54 PM
90 Limited (12-15) would be led out by Jay Shadron as he grabs the holeshot!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 07:58 PM
90 Mod (8-11)

Wyatt Wilkin would get the holeshot over his fellow racers as they rip through the first turn!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:04 PM
90 Limited (8-11)

Adam Kerber pulls the holeshot aboard his DRR

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:11 PM
70 CVT is an action packed class that fields some awesome young racing talent!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:14 PM
There were 2 mudholes that I wanted to catch and the leaders almost beat me to the first one. Unfortunatley thier people had them cross the creek about 30 yards below the marked crossing so I wasnt able to catch them until they rode back towards my position.

Levi Coen was still leading Ryan Early mid way through the 1st lap

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:17 PM
Derreck Robinson wasnt wasting any time as he tried to put some distance between himself and the rest of his class.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:19 PM
Dog Howarth was keeping Robinson in check as they raced out of sight

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:20 PM
Blake Chirdon pilots his machine through the water crossing like a pint sized pro as the top 3 in 90 Mod (11-15) were now all ahead of thier class and had clean track ahead of them.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:22 PM
With only 4 or 5 quads having crossed the water, it was already showing signs of becoming bad and getting worse. Jay Shadron pressed on through but it would no be up to rider ability as the 2 main crossings were turning into a slick mess!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:23 PM
Water can drown out a mini quad very fast and it was taking its toll on several

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:27 PM
Wyatt Wilkin pours on the power as he powers his way out of trouble

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:29 PM
Getting some direction at a mudhole can really help, and when your a youth racer it can mean the difference between making it another lap versus a tow back to the pits

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:31 PM
A good line would only be good for a short while as the Georgia soil turned super soft super fast!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:32 PM
For some, it was a full throttle run!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:34 PM
By the sound of high reving mini's, I could tell that the 2nd crossing was now getting bad. When I crested the slight hill and could see it for myself, I knew my assumptions were correct

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:36 PM
Davis Chloe works his Can Am through the muck

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:37 PM
Ryan Earley had over taken the lead and was now looking to get past lappers as fast as he could

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:38 PM
Coen wasnt going to just let him go, and had his eye on him as he clears the ditch

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:40 PM
Jay Shadron was flying! He came ripping up to the ditch, eyes searching for the best line , and with a burp of the throttle was clear and chasing down the overall leaders!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:42 PM
More direction helped some of the younger riders as they approached the ditch

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:44 PM
The drop wasnt bad, but coming into the face is what was causing problems as many bumpers found dirt and sent the riders crashing into the bars or making them hit hard enough to let off the gas enough that getting out of it would be problematic

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:45 PM
For those that were there to help, I am sure every racer thanks you as well as the parents!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:46 PM
Charlie Welch did all he could and was looking for some help

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:47 PM
It took 3 men to get him out of there

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:49 PM
After enough sticks were gathered, the crossing was alot easier for the kids as the valley peak wasnt as severe. From there it was more wide open racing and the kids wasted no time getting back on the gas after clearing that bottom

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:50 PM
Ryan Earley would keep the lead and race to his class and the overall win!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:51 PM
Jay Shadron would race to his class win and claim the 2nd overall position!

Following behind Shadron, both in finishing order and in this picture, Blake Chirdon would have a great race and claim the final podium spot!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:53 PM
I geuss he got a little more then some video:p Thank you for your efforts down there!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:54 PM
Wyatt Wilkin would run to the checkers and claim his first win of 2009 by taking the 90 Mod (8-11) class victory!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:57 PM
Tristan Garrett would finish 2nd in 90 Limited (8-11) as the course markers show the way to the finish line

Pappy
03-08-2009, 08:59 PM
I dont think Blake Chirdon stopped smiling the entire day, and rightly so! Great race and congrats on your 3rd place overall finish!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:02 PM
Jay Shadron was pretty pumped to be standing tall on the podium. He didnt have the finish he wanted in Florida and more then made up for it with an outstanding ride here at round#2

A big "Heck yeah" Jay!!!!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:03 PM
Ryan Earley kicking off the start to the 2009 season by grabbing himself an overall at round 2! Good job Ryan!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:10 PM
It was a hike over to the starting area but atleast sleet wasnt hitting me in the head like last year:p

Stephanie Verkade and Lexie Coulter are all grins as the starting rows were assembled

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:12 PM
Angel Atwell came out swinging at round 1 and wanted badly to lay the smack down again here at the General.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:13 PM
Last year Kristen Atwell saw the pdoium quite a few times and proved she had what it took to be there when it counted

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:17 PM
Go get'em dad!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:20 PM
Frank Batista is going after Johnny G for best hair of the series:eek: :D

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:22 PM
It didnt take long and the riders were getting geared up for the start

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:23 PM
U2

Rick cecco would dive to the inside and take the holeshot, but he wouldnt be along long as Benson and company would soon be all over him!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:24 PM
Womens

Angel Atwell was fired up and out front, right where she wanted to be!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:26 PM
Super Senior

Glen Pritchard rocks turn 1 as he battles towards turn two!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:27 PM
Bryan Buckhannon works the middle as he misses out on the holeshot but would soon be the class leader

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:30 PM
4x4 Limited


Mike Penland works his Can Am around turn 1 as he grabs the holeshot

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:32 PM
Sans numberplates, I cant tell which class is which but I want to give them thier due!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:34 PM
Sport 15+

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:36 PM
36+ C

Rodney Baker was working hard to get his nose out there first to grab the holeshot!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:39 PM
16-19C

Aaron Grabbar slides into turn one and gets the holeshot. Aaron would ride to a class win this round!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:41 PM
Glen Vair from Athens, AL grabs the holeshot in 20+C

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:46 PM
24+ C

Chris Barnes holds his line and hammers his YFZ as he battles at the start. Barnes would ride to victory in his class!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:47 PM
Womens Novice

Heather Bash runs unchallenged through turn 1.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:49 PM
Schoolboy 13-15

#300 Kyle Riley looks to turn 1 as he and 2 other riders run dead even as they approach the turn.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:51 PM
Mr Robert Smith would be the race leader as they closed in on the 1/2 way point of lap 1

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:53 PM
Benson would be running 2nd as he leads Cecco in this picture. Benson would break his swingarm forcing him to the pits.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:54 PM
Albright would overtake the lead in the Womens class with Kristen and Angel Atwell run in order behind her

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:55 PM
Traci Cecco would be within striking distance early on, but wouldnt be able to close in to challenge for the lead.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 09:59 PM
Cody Anderson pulls the trigger on his Sportsman 850 as he wheelies out of a ditch

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:00 PM
These ditchs arent terrible, but they are worse then I was able to show in the pictures. Soft deep dirt awaited riders at the bottom and going over the bars was done in a blink of an eye

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:02 PM
This rider did injure his arm, however with some assistance he was able to right his quad and get back to his pits.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:05 PM
Rick Cecco assumed the lead in U2 and was now the race leader

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:06 PM
Rob Smith was charging hard after Cecco

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:07 PM
Kristen Atwell had moved past Albright and was now the class leader. Angel was shadowing Albright and would soon make the pass to claim the second spot

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:09 PM
Glen Pritchard was on a mission. He was super fast at the opening round and at round two he had unleased the dawgs!!!!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:10 PM
The course itself was wide open as described many that walked the majority of it before the race. From what I could tell, going fast wasnt going to be an issue this day!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:19 PM
A quick hustle over hill and dale had me in the thick of things...literally:p Riders were sailing off quads like mad as they hit the crossing to hard

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:20 PM
The number of lines through this section grew almost with every quad that approached it

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:21 PM
Being friendly kind of got thrown out the window:p

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:22 PM
Most of the action was taking place from my position and out in front of me, and I wasnt interested in getting much closer:p

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:23 PM
There would be some sore wrists after this race

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:24 PM
I heard someone yell my name and as I turned all I saw coming at me was a wall of muck:D Now the lines surrounded me as I got myself good and trapped right in the middle of this mess

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:26 PM
Angel Atwell now had the lead but would have to wait for lappers to clear before she could get some clean track in front of her

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:27 PM
Kristen Atwell, now in 2nd place, would charge one line but get hung up and required some help getting free

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:28 PM
Jeremie Dudding making sure I was covered on all sides:p

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:30 PM
I was hoping for a few seconds free of any quads to get th ehell out of there but before that happened, the 4x4 classes hit the section. With the amount of roost them mudhounds throw, I surely didnt want to be within 50 feet of any of them...and I found myself directly beside the line they wanted to use:chinese:

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:32 PM
Now covered in mud, and trying to clean my camera gear, the break I had wanted finally came as the section settled down to a nice peaceful piece of Georgia mudhole:huh

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:35 PM
The KTM people are everywhere it seems:p Gas, laptop, internet connection and a chair.....if he had had a kitchen sink I would have used it:eek:

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:39 PM
The warm sun had risen the temps to hot by the time the 1/2 way point of the race had been reached. In the sun, riders would heat up quickly and hitting a camel back would sure help! For others, stopping and asking for water or making a pitstop was the only options

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:44 PM
Garon Davis of the S.I.C.C. racing team would find himself in 2nd place when the race was over in the Sport 15+ class! Great ride Garon!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:45 PM
Cody Anderson was hollarin' for Penland to move as they passed me. Anderson would go on to finish 5th in 4x4 Limited

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:47 PM
Angel Atwell would hold her lead until the checkers flew, claiming her second overall win of the 2009 season!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:49 PM
Glen Pritchard would slide into scoring as he claimed the Super Senior win marking his second straight class victory!

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:50 PM
Rick Cecco would claim his first victory in the U2 class of 2009 by taking the checkers ahead of a hard charging Robert Smith.

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:52 PM
Now how does Angel manage to do what she does and not even chip a nail:p

Pappy
03-08-2009, 10:54 PM
The podium was set, with Angel Atwell claiming the win, Kristen Atwell claiming 2nd and Traci Cecco marking the final position with her 3rd place finish. A 3 way tie for 2nd in points in the Womens class will have them clawing at each other more then ever as we look ahead to round 3!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:03 AM
Bill Ballance awaits his call to the line as the 1 pm race was on us in no time. Ballance is coming off surgery just prior to the season opener and would once again be racing hurt, however this time I think its more then he can push through and deal with. We wish him the best, and honestly I would have prefered to see him sidelined then riding hurt but you wont keep him from atleast trying:p

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:05 AM
Tom Wright awaits his call to the line. Wright rode to a 13th place finish in the XC1 class at round 1 and was eager to show he can run inside the top 10.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:09 AM
Jeff Pickens was ready to go as we headed to the line. Pickens scored himself a top 10 finish at the opening round by finishing 8th.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:11 AM
After a dismal run at round 1 due to mechanical issues, Brandon Sommers was looking ahead to this round to get back in the top 5 and battle.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:13 AM
Ryan Lane caught up with the series at this round, and I was wanting to see if he would be rusty coming out of the off season. Lane capitalized on solid riding last season and worked his name into the top 10 at many rounds.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:15 AM
The startingrows were finally assembled and we were just moments away from kicking off round #2!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:19 AM
Chris Borich takes a look to his left as the seconds tick away prior to the green flag. I decided to hang back a bit from the first turn after taking a face full of roost during one of the AM class starts that had my left eye fuzzy the rest of the day:p

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:21 AM
The green flag flew and my lens was trained on FRE-KTM's Adam McGill right from the start. McGills starts have been almost sheer perfection and I had a feeeling he would be the one to lock onto once again.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:24 AM
McGill prepares for the first turn as everyone closes in around him

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:26 AM
McGill would claim another holeshot as those behind him pour on the power as they try and gain positions before a hard right hander at turn 2

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:27 AM
Ever imagine what it looks like from the riders perspective going through turn 1 in the XC1 class?

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:29 AM
David Crane, Eric Hoyland and Josh Kirkland press through the first turn as the ultra competitive XC2 class takes the track

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:32 AM
Senior A would see Dave Simmons back in the mix at this round. Simmons would run wide open o turn 1 unchallenged but would be passed as Curtis Forrester before hitting turn 2. Forrester would have a great start but DNF the event.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:34 AM
College A

Andrew Cornell and Walker Fowler would lead the charge to the first turn. Fowler had commented that if he got the starting position he wanted he was going to be full throttle until the second turn

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:36 AM
Fowlers wide open run ended abruptly as he hooked a rut and was about to let the crowd gathered at the starting area see how a good wreck looks!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:37 AM
The Georgia dirt was about to meet Fowler with a resounding thud!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:38 AM
End over end Fowlers YFZ flipped as he was sent rolling along with it as the rest of the class now had to dodge the quad and Fowler as they headed for the line of spectators

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:39 AM
This wasnt going to be a simple flip over, Fowler doesnt do anything average:p

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:41 AM
Like a bad dream, it wasnt going to end without some scary milliseconds of fear as spectators now started to scramble. I could see the KTM rider closing in on the still tumbling Fowler and I remember thinking this could now be very ugly!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:42 AM
It can happen so fast, and you start saying a prayer the second you see a wreck happening. Fowler, his quad and the KTM rider now all come together in one tense moment

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:43 AM
Finally it was over as Fowler takes one last roll

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:44 AM
Within seconds, Fowler was up, remounted on his ride and after a quick tweaking of his clutch lever and handgaurd, was now faced with running down his class

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:47 AM
Junior A fired off the line next as Rob Oakley battles for the lead entering turn 1

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:50 AM
Jeff Miller and Justin Petroff battle for the eled through the first turn in Vet A

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:53 AM
Jake Stonebraker hits the first turn hard on the gas as Stephen McCulloch gets the cold shoulder in College B

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:55 AM
Junior B would have a well mannered start as the racers work into turn 1 in an orderly fashion:p

Pappy
03-09-2009, 07:58 AM
Vet B 30+

A traffic jam in turn 1

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:05 AM
With the starts complete, I hustled through the woods to try and cut off the leaders. My wait was very short when the first XC1 rider approached at a high rate of speed! It was McGill hammer down!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:07 AM
Borich was so close that my flashes didnt have time to recycle. Mcgill's win at this round last year was marked by a 6 minute margin of victory, I dont think anyone wanted to let him run away with it this year!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:11 AM
Brian Wolf was smoking fast as he rips past me. The course was fast, almost to fast in some sections but these guys can handle it:p

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:16 AM
The course was rutted in many sections as the soft soil gave way. At many of the small stream crossings, the dirt that was added as a make shift bridge would get very deep ruts by the end of the race

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:18 AM
Racing condtions had deffinatley improved this season over 2008. The mud wasnt a factor for most

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:19 AM
Wide course in the woods would be filled with kickers and ruts. Having a good suspension set up would be the ticket to making good time.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:21 AM
McGill holding the lead as lap 2 was underway.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:22 AM
Chris Bithell was a few seconds off McGill and riding strong!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:23 AM
Bithells roost still filled my lens when Borich came into view!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:25 AM
BJ Ballance was having a solid start to this race

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:26 AM
Santo Derisi working his way through the Georgia clay

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:29 AM
Jeff Pickens eye's up the next turn

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:32 AM
Eric Hoyland was keeping the XC2 leaders in check as he zips past me for another lap

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:38 AM
Parker Jones wasnt quite where he wanted to be at this point in the race, but was moving up.

After the race, Jones stated:

"First off had a bad draw of spoons. I ended up mid pack on the hole shot. I Got tangled up with a few fellow racers heading into the woods. After checking in 21st after the first lap I had to ride my heart out to work up threw the pack. My adrenaline kicked in and I kicked it up a notch through the fast and wide open terrain. I then Got hung up in the sticky mud after all the spectators where gone, so I had to get out my self, and pulled off a # seven position at the checkered flag.

Parker Jones XC2 Pro-Am

Thanks to my 2009 Sponsors
Moto X Perts, Moto X Nutrition, Dreyer Honda, HMF, ARS-FX, ASV, Tire Balls, Fasst Company, Rath Racing, Precision-RP, Quadtech, MSR, IMS"

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:41 AM
Blake Kreamer looked alot stronger then his finish shows. Blake finished 7th at round 1 and 18th this round in the XC2 class.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:44 AM
Walker Fowler had to ride even harder if he wanted to catch the leaders in College A. Fowler has been down before and has always come back, and this would be another test of this incredible young riders fortitude as he set his sights on claiming a solid finish.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:46 AM
Multiple lines were starting to spring up everywhere as riders looked to make things happen in the woods

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:47 AM
Tagging a tree can end your day real quick

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:49 AM
Wes Stone works his Roll 250R through the trees on his way to a 7th place finish in Junior A

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:52 AM
The mix of terrain will keep your attention focused, especially when the speeds increase!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:53 AM
Dropping the hammer...on the brakes....you get to do it all at a GNCC:p

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:55 AM
I could hear the leaders coming, but had no clue who was leading until they filled my lens. Chris Bithell was now in charge with Borich right on him.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:56 AM
McGill had slipped into the 3rd position

Pappy
03-09-2009, 08:58 AM
The pro ranks were now mixing it up heavily with lappers

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:00 AM
Johnny Gallagher hits the throttle as he races out of sight. Johnny G would end up in the 8th spot at the end of the race

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:02 AM
XC2 racer Brian Wolf's hard work paid off as he raced to the class win!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:05 AM
Josh Kirkland would have a great run in Florida and followed Wolf in for 2nd in XC2

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:06 AM
Hoyland would move up to 3rd in XC2 and would hold the spot when the race ended. This would be Hoylands first XC2 podium!


Hoyland stated:

"Going from sand to clay, you gotta make some changes in the way you set up your bike. For a wide open track like Georgia, I like to set up my Exit suspension a little lower to the ground so I can rail the hard-pack corners in the field sections. I like to run Maxxis Razr 2 tires and six pounds of air on top of Tireballs to help me steer easier. A fresh set of Spider grips and mud guards for my hands and foam over the air filter, and my bike is transformed and ready to conquer the clay and hard-pack terrain. The only thing that is the same is the throttle, it still has to be held wide open!

Drop of the flag and around the first turn, I was placed about 8th knowing that I had some ground to cover. I just stayed calm and learned the track and came in 7th after the first lap. Ok, but I had to put my head down and charge towards the front of the pack. I stayed smooth all day, and the last lap I was in the position to catch 3rd place. It was all throttle from there, taking 3rd and pulling the fastest lap time on the fifth lap out of the XC2 class.

This was my first podium finish ever, and it felt awesome. Now I will train even harder for the next race in North Carolina, except this time I will be looking for the win.

I have a lot of companies to thank for helping make my first podium finish possible:
Exit Shocks, ARS FX, Fasst Flexx Bars, Rekluse, Hiper, Maxxis, HMF, QuadTech, Baldwin Motorsports, REM Performance, R.G. Honda, O'Neal, and SPY Optic"

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:12 AM
Gabe Phillips would fare better in the red clay of Georgia as he finished in the 9th spot in XC2


Gabe explained a little about his day after the race:

"In Georgia I had a really good start then as soon as we went into the woods I lost my seat... then went to mid pack. I really liked the track it was like riding back home. I was feeling really good but a crash took the wind out of my sail. I had a flip after the finish of the 4th lap and jammed my wrist and hurt my side. I finished 9th and 21st overall. I hope at North Carolina I will have better luck and put it on the box...

2009 sponsors
R.G. Honda, MXN, Fineline Grafix,Quad-tech,Laeger,Fox Shocks,Douglas Wheels,Oneal,IMS, Flexx,Hmf,Teixeira Tech,Rekluse,Prines Powder coating,Asterisks,Friends and family for all the support...Thanks"

Well Gabe, crashing out and losing your seat and still finishing in the top 10 and in the top 25 overall tells me you had the hammer down!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:14 AM
Dave Simmons would mark his first GNCC of the 2009 season by taking the Senior class win!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:15 AM
Even the fields would punish you as the acceleration bumps and braking bumps started to take thier toll

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:17 AM
Bithell came screaming out of the small woods section after pro row. With this being the final lap, it was going to be a huge win if he could hold the lead.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:19 AM
Borich check his dry break before unleashing the beast as he ran down Bithell. Reports started coming in from all over that the pair of racers were having an all out war through the field sections!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:22 AM
Junior B would see David Burton enter thier ranks this round. Burton was pretty excited to be running in the afternoon after spending a few years in C class in the morning race.

David had this to say after the race:

"Well the race went better then I thought! I ended up 3rd and 86th overall.

My race started out well with a solid start as I entered the woods in the top 5. I dropped back a few on the first lap to get a feel of riding in the afternoon and to see how I felt. I scanned in 7th the first lap. The second lap my confidence was higher so I started pushing more and scanned in 5th. The last two laps I managed to keep a solid pace with no issues and passed a person a lap to end up 3rd in class and 86th overall. Being my first race in the afternoon I was extremely happy with the outcome. The hundreds of hours spent building the quad paid off."

I think the credit goes to the rider at the race track Dave
:D

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:26 AM
A crash would ruin any chances Sturdivant would have this round

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:28 AM
Borich would come into view of the finish line and Bithell was nowhere to be seen. It was reported that he ran out of fuel while leading the last lap!

Chris Borich claims his first win of 2009!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:29 AM
Taylor Kiser would push hard all day and was rewarded with his second trip to the podium in as many races. Kiser would take the number 2 spot!

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:31 AM
Last year, McGill was all about "checkers or wreckers". His focus has switched for 2009 and he has a new attitude that might just have him where he needs to be when it comes time to crown our 2009 XC1 Champion. McGill rounded out the top 3.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:33 AM
Borich was stoked with his win. The issues that kept him from winning races last year seem to have been dealt with and he will be the one that folks will have to knock down in 2009 as he powers through another round.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:36 AM
McGill is a riot on the podium and truly enjoys the limelight while retaining his sense of humor and humility. All smiles, McGill leaves round 2 sitting 3rd in XC1 points and will need a few wins to keep things close.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:38 AM
Taylor "The Rockstar" Kiser is finding out that he most deffinatley has what it takes to make it to the top of the XC1 ranks and put a sting into the factory backed teams. Being a privateer and finding your mark has to be the icing on the cake for this young racer.

Kiser claims a win at round 1 and slips out of Georgia with a solid 2nd.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:41 AM
Chris Borich and Taylor Kiser are now dead even with 55 points as we leave round 2. Borich is at home at the tracks we will be hitting over the next few rounds and it will be interesting to see if Kiser can keep his momentum going and give Borich a challenge when things get tight.

Pappy
03-09-2009, 09:43 AM
Thats all folks! The first two hectic rounds of racing are now complete and we leave Georgia tired and will be looking for a few days of down time before gearing up for round #3 at Steele Creek in North Carolina.

And mega props to Walker Fowler who had that spectacular crash in turn 1. Fowler charged back to claim the win in College A!

I hope to see everyone there along with some new faces as the series usually really gets packed after round 3. Be safe, and we will see you all soon!

Galleries, press releases and Full race results (http://www.atvriders.com/atvracing/gncc-xc-atv-racing-2009.html)

RaptorRacer45
03-09-2009, 11:44 AM
Great Job again Pappy, looked like a rough 1!

Ill be back at Steele Creek!:D

Flynbryan19
03-09-2009, 12:00 PM
Good job as always Pappy. It was good meeting you this weekend.

When can we expect the photo gallery to be up? I know you got atleast one picture of me as I remember you snapping it as I went by. :D

Pappy
03-09-2009, 12:50 PM
Galleries will be up as soon as Harlen gets back in tonight from California. It was a big weekend fo us, 3 major events on both ends of the country:p

fastredrider44
03-09-2009, 05:06 PM
Originally posted by Flynbryan19
I know you got atleast one picture of me as I remember you snapping it as I went by. :D

Same here. I even yelled Pappy as I went by just to get him thinkin who that muddy 450r was.

Simon MX49
03-10-2009, 01:32 AM
Awesome coverage, only thing keeping me sane not bein there this year. I'm goin back to MX for the forseeable future after racing strictly GNCC's last year and its taking its toll after just 2 rounds. Keep up the coverage :D

ATV Rider Mag
03-10-2009, 07:29 AM
Great job Pappy! Your photos and story rocks out! See ya in NC!

Pappy
03-10-2009, 07:58 AM
Originally posted by ATV Rider Mag
Great job Pappy! Your photos and story rocks out! See ya in NC!

Thanks:p

Check the server, there is a folder in there with your name on it.

angelon400ex
03-10-2009, 03:36 PM
Wow! Pappy! I feel like I was just at a race and got to see all the best highlights! You do an incredible job! See you at Steele Creek :D

gaatvr
03-11-2009, 12:23 PM
Yo Pappy,
Youve got a PM..
Great Photos Pap,

RS
.
.

Originally posted by Pappy
Thanks:p

Check the server, there is a folder in there with your name on it.

Pappy
03-11-2009, 12:28 PM
Thanks Rick...I replied to your pm

Mxjunkie
03-12-2009, 07:56 PM
Loving the coverage for this year guys!! The hard work is really showing and the interviews make you feel like your there! Gotta love it, keep up the great work! :D

CBRSLIDER
03-16-2009, 11:20 AM
Not being part of racing anymore sure can be tough BUT PAPPY you sure made me feel like I was there. Thanks I appreciate it.

Pappy
03-16-2009, 03:41 PM
No problem CBR....I will always do my best:p

Those yelling at me...I try and yell back:p Not sure if anyone saw me having a hissy fit with my flash units:chinese: Fixed now..my fault 100% but they still took the blame at the time:D

A special thanks to William Yokely for not taking my head off when he was trying to make a pass in the woods (Mainly thanks to the tree he saw and didnt commit or my forehead would have been kissing his right front tire:eek2: )

Hey Chris Borich....either pass the rider in the lead or back off the throttle. I got yelled at for not getting enough shots of you. Not my fault you decided to hitch a ride on the grab bar of the rider in front of ya until the last lap:devil: :blah: The nerve of some people LOL!

Thanks for the help of those that thought I forgot my flash units. Even more thanks for putting them back after I yelled to leave them where I had them set up:p 4 different times folks saw the units and grabbed them up haha.

I will NOT get muddy at round #3:chinese:

Hope everyone has a safe race this weekend at Steele Creek. Hopefully I be back and swinging hard this weekend.....I love that track!

Jersey450R
03-16-2009, 04:06 PM
any pictures of james eaton on a honda, junior A, # 51, hes good friends with tom wright...?

Pappy
03-16-2009, 04:20 PM
Originally posted by Jersey450R
any pictures of james eaton on a honda, junior A, # 51, hes good friends with tom wright...?

No clue bud, when they are covered with mud, anything past the start can be iffy when trying to ID a rider. Click the link in my signature and search away:p