The Spartan GNCC
ATV Race Report by William Yokley
Round 7: Sparta, Kentucky
- May 31, 2008
Sparta, KY (6/2/2008) -
William Yokley finished 3rd Overall today in a
hot KY race. There were 216 total entries with
22 XC1 Pro Riders. Team Rider Mark Notman finished
17th Overall and 4th in the 26 rider XC2 Pro Am
Class.
|
William on
the Podium after the Sparta ATV Race
|
With rain in the forecast, I thought it was going
to be another one of those days in the mud with
lots of bottlenecks and frustrations. But the
rain went around for once and we had perfect track
conditions for the day. It was a scorcher though,
with the temps in the 90’s and high humidity.
I was pounding the waters like they were going
out of style in preparation for a hard run.
When the green flag flew, my Honda started immediately;
what an advantage to have one that cranks for
a change! I was off to a 3rd place start going
into the woods; I couldn’t have been more
pleased with my position with this being a mostly
tight, technical track with limited passing opportunities.
Brandon Sommers was leading the pack on lap 1
and made a mistake, allowing Bill Ballance and
I to get around. Later in the lap, Bill blew by
a turn and I was able to take the lead. With Adam
McGill hot on my tail, I had to keep my head down
and play it smart. I lost the lead going up a
hill, but regained it when McGill tagged a tree.
He passed me again in a field section and pulled
away a little bit. Toward the end of the 2nd lap,
I was able to pick the pace up and get back on
his heels as we made our pit stops. With a great
stop, thanks to my crew, I led once again. I led
most of the next lap; everyone was running hard
and I knew it going to be an interesting day.
Ballance caught up to me as I began to have some
rear brake issues; sometimes they would work and
sometimes not. I tried to keep it smooth and not
mess up, but Bill took a better line through a
mud hole and passed me. After a couple of miles,
he started inching away, leaving Brandon Sommers
and me battling for 2nd.
I was able to hold off Brandon until about 2
miles from the finish. I came into a turn a little
hot and threw the bike sideways; my wheel actually
dug in and tried to wreck me. I did save it but
Brandon got by; we battled to the finish and I
did get side by side a couple of times, but in
the end I finished up a close 3rd. Congratulations
to Bill and Brandon for a good ride, and to all
the fans who were cheering me on.
My teammate Mark Notman got off to a great start
going into the woods in 3rd. He got into a good
rhythm and halfway through the 1st lap moved into
2nd, and started pushing for the leader. Mark
started getting arm pump and started having trouble
holding on, so he slowed the pace and tried to
work it out. He got passed for 2nd but his arm
pump was gone, so he tried to pick the pace up
and battle back. The 4th place rider was right
on him on the last lap as he tried to stay cool
and make no mistakes. He was passed as they were
battling through some lappers, and finished just
short of the podium in 4th place in the XC2 Pro
Am class and 17th overall. All in all it was a
good points day.
The National Guard Yokley Racing Team had a good
weekend. It was hot and humid, and fitness played
a large part of the success. I want to throw a
big thanks out to Marc Spataro and Moto Pro Training
for all his help and guidance. Marc has developed
a fitness program for Mark Notman and me that
has allowed us to push hard all day, no matter
what the conditions. I want to keep him a secret,
but that wouldn’t be fair! I also want to
thank the KY National Guard for their neat displays,
support, and providing the Color Guard presentations;
without the Guard’s support, I would not
be where I am. We go to Yadkinville, NC in 3 weeks,
and it should be good and hot there. I can’t
wait and I’ll see you there.
Yokley Racing Team Sponsors:
The Army National Guard, Rocky Mountain
ATV, Polaris Industries, ITP Tires, Elka Suspension,
Roll Design, HMF Exhaust Systems, IMS/Roll, Tire
Balls, Andrews Cycle, Douglas Wheel Technology,
Baldwin Motorsports, CGR, O’Neal Clothing,
Panolin Lubricants, IMS, Hinson, 317 Graphics,
Intense Fabrication & Design, Tsubaki Chains,
Hardkor, Shoei Helmets, Axcalibar Axles, Streamline,
Powermadd, Moto Pro Training, and KG Clutch Factory.
www.YokleyRacing.com
Discuss
this in ATVriders.com Forum
|