2004 GNCC Round #8 Rausch Creek PM Race

The 8th Round of the GNCC Series was in Mountains of Tremont, PA. The track went between two ridges and completed a big circle that was about 10.5 miles long.

Standing at the two mile marker you could see the pits across the valley.

The one thing you didn't have to worry about at this event was mud because the majority of the track was hard packed gravel with several rock gardens thrown in the mix.

Another view of the course

There weren't but one hill climb on the course and it was optional.

As brutual as this course was in sections if you didn't take the time to walk the course, you were in for some surprises during the race. While I walked the course, I ran into Traci Cecco checking it out as well. It really helps during the race to know what obsticles are on the course and if there are alternative lines that can be used for passing.

There is much more that goes into winning a race than showing up the day of a race and going to the starting line. Occassionaly, you can get away with winning without much effort, but winning a championship requires much more effort.

The Ballance Team and Johnny Gallagher head out Friday night after getting everything setup for the race on Saturday.

Friday Evening a thunderstorm rolled through and dampened the ground for the Morning race, but by the time the Afternoon race was ready to start the track was all dried up and extremely dusty in sections.

William Yokley talked with Angel Atwell about the course before the Afternoon Race.

John Natalie Jr.,GNC Pro MX Racer, with the help of East Coast ATV setup one of his YFZ for the XC race.

Rob Zimmerman finally made the switch from the 400EX to the 450R!

Michael Houston has had his share of problems the last two rounds, but he was back and ready for action. He honors the American Flag during the National Anthem.