2006 GNCC Series Round #8 -The Spartan - Sparta, KY - Race Coverage

As I headed over to the start of the Afternoon Race, I saw Houser Racing’s Jeff Houser heading to the pits after racing in the 22+ C Class in the Morning, and he finished 14th in a class of over 40 riders.

I was able to catch the Pros just before they were leaving their pits to head over to the starting line, and I couldn't help but notice that William Yokley finally received an IMS oversized gas tank for his LT-R450, and I must say IMS did an excellent job designing the tank as it blends right in with the stock plastic and provides approx. an additional gallon on fuel according to William Yokley.

Prior to Sparta, Yokley has been using a stock tank with an aluminum fabricated quick-fill system attached, which doesn't work nearly as smooth as the real deal.

"Mighty" Matt Smiley was geared up once again and ready to race the Polaris Predator as they have come to an agreement for the remainder of the 2006 season, and he was more determined as ever to get back up with the front runners.

Chris Jenks has really proven his talent in the past two races winning the Overall, and he is doing it all working a fulltime job and even doing most of the wrenching on his Honda himself with the help of his family.

Jenks makes some last minute inspection off his Houser Racing 450R before heading over to the starting line.

Andy Lagzdins signs a Sligo Press poster for a race prior to gearing up for the race, and for those of you that suspected he was making the switch to Polaris this weekend, I am sorry, but I just couldn't resist the temptation. Last Tuesday, Andy Lagzdins offered to help me with doing some testing on the Polaris Outlaw and Predator, and I happen to have some Polaris gear, so it was a perfect fit atleast on Tuesday.

With Rodney Tomlin announcing to the Pros to head over the start, Brandon Ballance put on his game face and mounted his Yamaha YFZ450.

Over at the start, Rhett Butler patiently waited his turn to lineup on the Pro Row with his mom by his side. Many of you probably don't realize how young Rhett really is, but he just graduated High School three weeks ago the day after the "John Penton", which makes him the youngest rider on Pro Row.

Rhett Butler may be the youngest, and Kim Kuhnle is the oldest as he is twice the age of most of the riders on Pro Row, but as he proves with this photo, he still has what it takes to be competitive on the track and loving every minute of it.

Adam McGill was his usual playful self and just couldn't sit still as he jumped from bumper to bumper, well maybe not, but he did jump on Michael Houston's Bumper followed by a quick dance, which had Houston thinking "where does he qet all of this energy", lol.

Meanwhile, Johnny Gallagher sat on his bumper to keep Adam McGill off it, and he received some consoling from the Morning Overall Winner, Traci Cecco, on the condition of the track and some of better lines for him to take during the Afternoon race.