| 5th
- #15 Jeff Pickens Yamaha YFZ450 ATV - 59
Pts. |
Rounding out the top 5 in XC1 points finds Jeff
Pickens suddenly thrust into the limelight as
he does battle with the elite of the class. Talking
to Jeff one would think he isn’t quite where
he needs to be to be competitive, but his results
are showing otherwise.
With two 7th place finishes at the first two
rounds, Pickens would claim a 5th and 6th in
the following two rounds that have him grounded
in the points chase. With no big off season
changes, Pickens could be the stealth rider
who finds himself coming out on top if things
remain unchanged.
Heading into races that favor Pickens experience,
it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities
that he could find his first XC1 podium at any
given round. In seasons past, he has always suffered
an injury that put a halt to his charge and if
he can remain healthy, continue to run strong
and find just a touch more speed, we might see
him challenging for a few more spots up the chain
in points by the later part of the season. As
one of the new crop of XC1 racers, the future
looks extremely bright for Jeff.
| 6th
- #4 Bill Ballance Yamaha YFZ450 ATV - 58
Pts. |
Bill Ballance is a cornerstone in Pro ATV racing,
and the health issues he had to face last season
only solidified what we all know, that he is one
tough machine. Leaving the 2009 season unsure
of a full schedule return, Ballance arrived at
round 1 with even more support and respect then
he has ever had. You can cheer for other racers
or another brand but it’s hard to not acknowledge
what this man brings to the series on and off
the quad, and many would have given up or cut
back, but not Ballance. When the dust settled
at the opening round, Ballance looked worked and
would have to settle for the 5th spot.
With Taylor Kiser under his wing, Bill would
have a one two punch to offer the XC1 class
in what should have been an extremely successful
season for the team. Ballance would find the
podium at rounds 2 and 3 as he finished 3rd
at both events.
Momentum seemed to be swinging heavily to the
blue crew but tragedy would strike just prior
to round four as Ballance was ejected from his
Yamaha during a high speed run during a practice
session leaving him broken and battered. With
broken bones needing time to heal, it appears
the weight of the team's XC1 hopes for a championship
will fall solely to Taylor Kiser. Ballance hopefully
can make a comeback at some point this season
but the chances of a title run are all but over
for the Champ.
| 7th
- #13 Chris Bithell Can-AM DS450 ATV - 57
Pts. |
Warnert Racing would split the spotlight in their
XC1 ranks as Chris Bithell would share space with
Adam McGill under the big rig. Bithells 2009 season
was filled with frustration as he struggled to
get back to where he once was. Chris would never
give up and gives it his all but when your left
spectating at more rounds then you finish, its
hard to stay positive and focused.
Talent explodes from Bithell and everyone on the
track knows he is an amazingly fast racer. With
the changes put in place during the off season,
Warnert had a double edged sword to slice up the
XC1's ruling class.
| |
|
#13
Chris Bithell leading in Georgia
|
Chris would come out swinging at round 1 and found
himself just off the podium in 4th. He would slip
to a 5th place finish at round two after leading
the race. Of course round 3's mechanical issues
would swish away his momentum but he would come
back at round 4 taking another 5th place finish.
Only a few points separate him from being right
back in the hunt for a much better season and
if things click, Bithell will be back and winning
races.
