The 2011 GBC Motorsports Heartland Challenge kicked off last night with the four-hour Side-by-Side races.

After a tough four hours of racing, it was the 850 Modified class’s Team Elia who would edge out the Yokely Racing team for overall win with 21 laps and a time of 04:06:05.

Team Yokely were the first off the start and took an early lead, but the Yokely team began to fall off the pace a bit late in the race and fell back to second place overall. The team tried to remount a charge and got close to retaking the lead, but ran out of time, forcing the Yokely team to settle for second overall with a time of 04:06:11. Fortunately, the team’s time was more than adequate to take the Open class win by over five minutes.

Fellow Open class racers, Team Xtreme put in a strong effort finishing 21 laps in a time of 04:11:37 that would put them in second in their class, but also give them the number three spot on the overall podium.

The ATV teams are now getting ready to battle it out for the top of the podium. Yamaha/Ballance Racing’s Taylor Kiser, Walker Fowler and Thomas Brown will be teaming up in an effort to take top honors in the Pro class against challengers, Jeff Pickens, Johnny Gallagher and Traci Cecco. In the Pro Utility class, Team Can-AmTalk.com/UXC Racing’s Michael Swift and Cliff Beasley have teamed up with Can-Am’s Adam McGill in an effort to take back their championship status from the Zakowski Racing team in what will be one of the most intense races of the day as they battle it out for the top of the podium.

We will be posting live updates throughout the event, so check back often to find out the latest and what is going on with your favorite teams!!!