2007 GNCC Series Round #11 "Yadkinville, NC - Stomp" - Pro Race Coverage
Pulling off the paved road onto "Cross Country Lane", brought the 2007 Can Am GNCC Series back to Yadkinville N.C. for round #11. The "Yadkinville Stomp" gets it's moniker based on this regions aversion to the many vineyards that dot the landscape as this is wine country.This weekend however would be about racing and riders trying their best to wrap up class championships and others who had to battle for everything to fend off charges from those wishing them defeat for their own points advancement.
One rider that I have been following all season, along with the rest of the XC2 class is Brandon Sommers. Brandon has had a stellar year claiming all but 1 class victory leading to this round. Sommers had this round to dominate and then he could look forward to his next step, XC1.
XC1 rider Andy Lagzdins was to be aboard the new KTM this round after a week or so of fabricating parts to get the beast in race ready form. Spectators and fellow riders swarmed the machine all weekend asking questions and checking out yet another machine that could show us another factory backed team for 2008
Jason Weigant interviews the Pro riders before they gear up for the event. Chris Borich is always a favorite for the win, and the battle that has been brewing for the championship with Bill Ballance is as heated as ever. Borich entered this round with a slight edge in points and the building momentum from his win at Unadilla had him stoked and ready to prove once again that he wants this championship more then ever.
Bryan and Bonnie Cook chat before being called to the line.
Many riders I spoke with have mixed feelings regarding this event due to it being tight with little passing room and the fact it is prone to being dry. The dust can be dealt with but passing would be extremely tough and challenging based soley on how the constant turning can wear you down.
This fine young lady arrived on the arm of XC1 Pro rider Brent Sturdivant. As I suspected, she spoke no english, and called him "el presidente" Ofcourse I am kidding, but the fun loving rider was raring to go, however I am betting you would rather see her then him so here ya go
Chris Borich and Bill Ballance have been giving any cross country racing fans a show all season. Wheel to wheel racing, pit strategy, some heated exchanges and even some trash talk on the podium have kept those of us not in their shoes entertained and riveted to either the results or hunkered around the checkered flag at each round to see who would pull out a win.
I don't believe there is a bigger smile on the circuit as Chris Bithell's. Outgoing and fast becoming a crowd favorite, Bithell has turned on the juice the past few rounds and his time up front was coming.
Early rounds of this year had me reporting that the stress involved with Ballance's much sought after 8th championship had to be playing on him like a ton of heavy mud. I have no doubt that the man's thoughts are still filled with the quest, however running rumshot through his plans is none other then Chris Borich. The ferocious battle that is now at fever pitch may be lifting some of that weight from Ballance's thoughts and just maybe give him some refocus as heads into the final three rounds. In a complex way, the battle may be sharpening the cagey vets claws and we could see expierence win out! No matter what the outcome, this year has been filled with excitement and may go down to a cold day in a corn field in Indiana before we crown a new champ or bow to a new legend.
Brian Baker gives one of his rugrats a hug prior to taking his position on the line. Baker is one of the good guys but has been dealing with bad luck and mechanical misfortune for the better part of the season.
Reply With Quote
Ofcourse I am kidding, but the fun loving rider was raring to go, however I am betting you would rather see her then him so here ya go
