2007 GNCC Series Round #6-The Penton-Millfield,OH Pro Race Coverage

[Pappy]

Junior B

Jeremy Benson leads the class of 41 riders into the first turn!

[Pappy]

I dont know if Bill slowed down enough to read it, so here it is for him to enjoy!

[Pappy]

With all riders deep into the woods, I set out to try and find a spot that I could get shots and avoid the dust....

I could hear the Pro class rocketing above me on a ridge, but with everything green I could only see a passing helmet shrouded in dust. Finally, getting closer, I could hear the leader.

Bill Ballance came past me in his usual fashion, smooth and fast

[Pappy]

Borich wasnt far behind, trailing just back from the dust trail being kicked up by Ballance

[Pappy]

When I saw Smiley in 3rd just behind Borich, I knew Ballance was going to be in for a long day. With the teammates running together, they could lay down an assualt without fear of battling each other...this was going to be a fun race!

[Pappy]

Yokely came through and looked behind him and there wasnt anyone.....a gap had developed and he seemed surprised or may have just been wondering where everyone was.

This spot was busted as XC2 started in this section with Brandon Sommers still outfront. A few clear shots and then it was time to roll out.

[Pappy]

My trusty pitbike and I traveled to the farthest section I knew of to try and head off the leaders. Sitting there for what seemed like forever I could envision the battle being waged in my mind. Had Borich and Smiley ran down Ballance? Was Borich in charge now? Had Smiley laid waste to both of them maybe it was just the heat.

Once again, the sound of the leaders worked its way towards me, and from my spot down in a bottom, i could only set up and wait for the rider to bust this corner to answer my questions.

It was Ballance still out front early on lap 2

[Pappy]

I had snapped 8 or 10 shots of Ballance when i could hear another rider, and before I could even attempt to focus through the dust, Borich came by me like a fat man after a ham sandwich!

[Pappy]

The dust had barely been carried out of the corner by a much appreciated wind when the grunt of a thumper bounced off the trees and it was the #4 ride of Chris Jenks!

[Pappy]

Smiley had dropped a few spots and was running in 6th or 7th. It was reported to me after the race that he had a spill and had trouble finding his quad Yes, in areas it was dusty enough to not see anything!