2007 GNCC Series Round #11 "Yadkinville, NC - Stomp" - Pro Race Coverage

Matt Smiley marches through the first few turns to get an idea of what he will soon be seeing at top speed. Smiley is a machine, quite and reserved until the throttle hits it's stop and for the next two hours he is reigning mayhem on anyone in his way. This season has seen Smiley's return to the top 5 and at almost any given race, Matt can find himself in position to claim victory.

With the riders assembled, the prayer completed and our national anthem being sung, soldiers of the Army National Gaurd salute old glory. Be sure to chat with these fine people at each event and thank them for their service no matter what your political views may be.

The start at this event is laid out to run the riders through a few turns, with the run to each corner allowing more acceleration to the next turn. I decided to pick turns 3 and 4 to capture the starts.

Not being able to see the first quads launch off the line is an experience in itself. You know what is happening but without sight, the sounds of the starts allow your mind to open up as you envision the events occurring just over the hill. I could see the tip of the blue flag wave as the area fell silent, knowing we had less then a minute before round 11 was underway. Seconds ticked away as I could see glove covered hands clenching bars, riders positioning themselves in anticipation and fans nervously twisting the barrier fencing and ribbon all hoping their rider would get out front first.

The sound of the machines lit to life and the hair stood up on the back of my neck as I could see for the first time through small gaps in those surrounding the start our XC1 Pro class ripping through the first turn. All fell almost silent as they braked for the tight left hander that turn two offered them, then the engines screamed as my lens settled on the first riders to clear turn three!

Chris Borich and Brent Sturdivant drag race out of the turn neither wanting to give an inch as turn 4 is approached.

Exiting turn 4, Borich and Sturdivant wheel to wheel as Sturdivants Max Power engine tried to out pull the Sparks powerplant of Borich's machine. Cook was slipping through in third with Ballance settling into 4th.

Bithell, Baker, Pickens and the rest of Xc1 get a first glimpse of the dust that would choke much of the course

XC2 fired off the line and Donald Ockerman grabbed the holeshot and was looking to get as much of a jump on the rest of the class as possible.

Brandon Sommers swings outside for some clean air as he heads after Ockerman

Junior A (22+)

Phil Cole came charging through the first few turns and was gone!

Vet A (30+) took to the field as the dust started to build in between the small gusts of wind that brought everyone some salvation.

College A (16-21)

Nathan Wallpe grabbed the lead early and was riding like a man possessed!