GNCC Racing

Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4 Arrive-N-Ride's Thad DuVall Captures Third Overall at a Muddy Round 5 of The GNCC Series

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 | 2:05 PM

Round 5 of the 2016 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series took place on Sunday at an all-new facility in South Carolina, presenting a unique atmosphere both on and off the race track. The Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4 Arrive-N-Ride Team adapted well to the new terrain, claiming 13 top-ten finishes throughout the day, five of which were inside the top three.

Thad DuVall minimized his mistakes and rode a solid race to capture 3rd overall. Photo: Ken Hill
Thad DuVall minimized his mistakes and rode a solid race to capture 3rd overall. Photo: Ken Hill

The 1 p.m. Pro race was shortened to only two-hours, with many parts of the original course removed due to heavy rainfall earlier in the day. However, that didn't stop Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4 Arrive-N-Ride's Thad DuVall from putting his Husqvarna FC 350 atop the podium with a 3rd place finish. After missing the last round due to injury, DuVall bounced back to put himself in a favorable position early on. With a top-five start, DuVall made it up to 3rd on lap two, where he consistently charged to catch the 2nd place rider of Jordan Ashburn for the remainder of the race. Making up substantial time in the final laps, DuVall ultimately crossed the finish line two seconds back from the runner-up position. 

"Jordan and I are friends off the track and we trained together in Florida in the off-season so it was a blast to play around in the sand with him once again, except this time there was a little more mud involved!" DuVall said. "I had a lot of fun today and I'm thankful to be back on the podium after a rough string of races this season."

Thad DuVall is all smiles on the overall podium. Photo: Ken Hill
Thad DuVall is all smiles on the overall podium. Photo: Ken Hill

It was also announced on Sunday that DuVall will once again represent his country at the 2016 ISDE in Spain, competing on the USA Trophy Team aboard a Husqvarna TE 300 in the E3 class.

Hunter Williams continued his impressive streak in the 4 Stroke B Lites class, capturing his second-straight victory in the class. Williams holds the lead in the championship standings with five consistent top-five finishes so far this season.

Hunter Williams has shown his skill in all types of conditions and terrain this season. Photo: Ken Hill
Hunter Williams has shown his skill in all types of conditions and terrain this season. Photo: Ken Hill

Additionally, Arrive-N-Ride Grass Roots rider Mark Proper captured a victory in the Senior B (40+) class in his first GNCC appearance of the season. 

Coleman Brinson powers through the mud, sand and tree roots in the 250 A Class. Photo: Ken Hill
Coleman Brinson powers through the mud, sand and tree roots in the 250 A Class. Photo: Ken Hill

1 PM Pro Race

250 A: Coleman Brinson - 12th
4 Stroke A Lites: Colin Keegan - 8th, Conner Keegan - 6th
Senior A (40+): Derek Pacheco - 7th
Senior B (40+): Mark Proper - 1st
4 Stroke B Lites: Hunter Williams - 1st, Brittan Laird - 10th
250 B: Eddie White - 14th 

Riders in the 10 a.m. Amateur race saw the worst conditions of the day as the rain poured down for a majority of the one-hour race, which was cut short due to the weather. Cole Groover battled the tough conditions to earn his third podium finish of the season with 3rd place in 200 C Schoolboy (12-15). His teammate, Brandon Keegan, fell victim to the tough conditions where he got stuck in a mud hole to ultimately salvage 15th in the class. The ANR teammates now sit tied for 4th place in the championship standings after five rounds.

Cole Groover stays dry before taking off in the morning race.
Cole Groover stays dry before taking off in the morning race.

10 AM Amateur Race

200 C Schoolboy (12-15): Brandon Keegan - 15th, Cole Groover - 3rd,
Noah Stewart - DNF
4 Stroke C Lites: Ethan Greve - 9th
Elite Masters 65+: Al Chuppa - 3rd 

Youth racers were lucky enough to race at 8 a.m., beating the extreme rainfall that came later in the morning. Dylan Brinson captured another top-ten finish in the Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class with 8th place, while his teammate Jacob Pacheco kept his top-ten streak alive with a 10th place finish in the 65 (7-9) class.

Dylan Brinson takes advantage of the open track during the morning's Youth race. Photo: Ken Hill
Dylan Brinson takes advantage of the open track during the morning's Youth race. Photo: Ken Hill

8 AM Youth Race

Super Mini Jr. (12-13): Dylan Brinson - 8th, Ronnie Kosarik - 13th
85 (12-13): Brian Keegan - 16th
65 (7-9): Jacob Pacheco - 10th, Dylan Kosarik - 15th

The Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4 team will return to racing on Sunday, May 15 for the Limestone 100 in Springville, Indiana.

The team would like to extend a big thanks to the supporters that make this program possible: Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, Moose Racing, Maxxis,  AMSOIL, Keegan Wireless, Husqvarna, SunStar, DP Brakes,TM Designs,Samco Hoses,HBD Graphics, Motion Pro,Twin Air,Wiseco,Enduro Engineering, EKS Goggles, IMS Tanks, Bullet Proof, Thor Helmets, ARC Levers, Pro X,Cometic gaskets, Moto Master Rotors, NEKEN, Super B, Seat Concepts, Pro Circuit, Beaver Creek Cycle, Hinson and Parts Unlimited.

About the KR4 Arrive-N-Ride Program 

Whether your dream is to compete in the entire GNCC or Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series or to enjoy the ultimate racing weekend vacation, we can help! With our current unstable economy and the rising cost of fuel, it's making it harder to get to the races, and this burden is hurting racing family's across the country and abroad. We can save you time, money, and hassle! For an affordable fee, KR4 can offset the cost of racing and have everything ready for you. Let us prep your race bike while you train during the week, attend school or work, or spend time with your family. Just before race day, jump in the car, head to the airport or drive to the track, and we will meet you out there. It doesn't matter how far away you live. Your bike, gear, and fuel will be waiting, just Arrive-n-Ride! To learn more and sign up for your Arrive-n-Ride Experience, please contact [email protected] or visit our website.

About KR4 Performance

KR4 Performance is a leading professional and amateur race team that participates in the Grand National Cross Country Championships (GNCC). We are paving the way for the future of off-road racing with our unparalleled Arrive-n-Ride Program. Our team won the 2012 GNCC XC2 Pro Lites Championship, and we were awarded the 2012 GNCC Sport Ambassador Award. Our solid team structure is made up of former GNCC pros, expert motorcycle mechanics, and industry enthusiasts that are 100% dedicated to helping you achieve your racing goals. Check us out at www.kr4performance.com.