2009 GNCC Racing - Round 1 - River Ranch - ATV Race Coverage

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 06:59 PM

Brandon Sommers was holding second as he now would face the black dust being kicked up by Borichs Suzuki

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:00 PM

XC2 was off the line and it would be Brian Wolf with the lead

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:01 PM

Eric Hoyland would be the last identifiable rider to this turn, from this point on it was pitch black!

Eric provided us with some comments after his race:

"I left Indiana last year with a smile on my face knowing that my goals for the 2008 GNCC racing season had been reached: a top 10 finish in the XC2 class and a top 25 overall number. With those accomplished, I knew that my goals for the 2009 race season would have to be one step higher. So my goals for this year are a top 3 finish in XC2 and a top 15 overall number.

To be one up on my goals, I knew that I would have to step up my workout and find some way to ride during the West Virginia winter season. So we packed up and headed down to the Sunshine State. We found a great place to ride in Okeechobee, Florida called the Kriton Ranch/Thundercross. Great people there. They made us feel at home, except 60 degrees warmer than the Mountain State.

I got to see my fair share of whoops and high-birm turns. Setting my quad up for the sandy whoops is different than any other terrain. It gets set up a little bit higher and stiffer than normal so I can charge the vicious whoop sections that Florida has to offer when the flag drops.

I knew a good start is important on a fast track like this, so I kicked my bike with all I had and pulled off a second on the holeshot. I really have my Maxxis tires mounted on Hiper wheels and my Recluse clutch to thank for giving me the traction I needed for that great start.

I was running 2nd the first lap until about 50 yards from the finish line when I had the option to hit a jump or go around it. So I did what any 21 year-old kid would do: I hit the jump. But I did not hit it hard enough, and I face-planted into the bank on the other side. I quickly got back on and came through the check point in 3rd place about one minute behind 2nd. I held it there strong in 3rd for the next few laps mostly thanks to my Fast Flexx Bars and my ARS FX suspension components with my Exit Shocks, which all allowed me to weather the whoops better. With more laps comes fatigue, and on the last lap I got passed for 3rd place.

My goal for Florida was to get on the podium, but 4th was all I had in me. Now, I have to hold my head up high, wash all the sand off my bike, and charge into Georgia with a positive attitude, looking to dominate the XC2 class."

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:03 PM

Walker Fowler would be making his College A racing debut and wasted no time in making it known he wasnt here to fool around. Fowler out front!

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:05 PM

Junior A 22+ racer Fred Marley was your leader as the class dives into the turn

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:06 PM

Curtis Forrester held the lead at this point in Senior A

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:20 PM

Without knowing who was starting where, I lost track of what class was running

i could then maybe figure out who swung wide and wiped out one of my tripods and flash units

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:21 PM

Micheal novak heads out with Vet B

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:28 PM

I had barely set up when Borich came screaming by still holding the lead. he looked fast in practice on saturday and it was showing that what he had done in the off season had was paying off.

**Pappy** · 03-02-2009, 07:29 PM

Brandon Sommers was running in the #2 spot as more of the XC1 class could be heard screaming my way

Thread: 2009 GNCC Racing - Round 1 - River Ranch - ATV Race Coverage

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