Tom Clark Motorsports Sparta GNCC Press Release

For only the second time this season, the sun was out at the Weekend Warrior GNCC in Sparta, KY, and the Tom Clark Motorsports Race Team was out in full force to take advantage of the great conditions.

 

As the morning race got under way, Tom Clark's Angel Atwell quickly moved to the front of the pack, taking the lead by the third turn. She rode smart and rode fast, checking in with almost a 30 second lead over Traci Cecco by the end of the first lap. Soon after, Angel and Traci checked out, battling out their own race with several minutes between them and the next group of riders. Once again, lap traffic and bottlenecks played a big part in the outcome of the race, as Angel was stuck behind a wrecked racer as she watched Traci and Michael Benson pass her by. Nonetheless, it was a well fought race, and an impressive third place overall finish was earned by Atwell, putting her well within stiking distance of the points lead. “I had so much fun this weekend, I went out, rode hard, and really had a good time. Obviously, I would have loved to get another win, but I'm not giving up yet,” said Atwell.

 

In the afternoon race the excitement for the team continued with an incredible ride from XC2 rider Josh Kirkland. In his first year in the Pro-Am ranks, he has been proving himself as a top contender in the class, and this week was no exception. At the end of the first lap, Kirkland rode his Tom Clark Motorsports Honda through the checkpoint second in his class, third overall. He held his class position the rest of the race, earning his first ever podium finish. “We're so proud of what Josh has done! This is his first year riding for our team, and I couldn't be happier with our decision to bring him on board. This finish is huge, and we expect to see him up there again soon!” said team manager Melissa Szczerba.

 

Also in the afternoon, Pro rider Jeff Pickens finished inside the Top Ten aboard his Tom Clark Motorsports Honda after a nasty wreck on the start. He went in the woods at the back of the pack, but continued to pick off riders with each lap, ending with a  very respectable 9^th place finish.

 

Team riders Bernie Kasslar (Super Senior) and Jamie Bithell (College B) also had very impressive rides, both ending with second place class finishes in two hard fought, come from behind battles. Bernie Kasslar started off the morning with a bad start and went into the woods at the back of the pack. He fought his way up to the front, where he secured his best finish of the season, ahead of class champion John Gallagher, giving him the determination to have a repeat performance again at the next race. Jamie remains tied for first place in his class, and is looking forward to once again securing that lead independently.

 

“Overall, the team had a unbelievable day, which is a relief after all the mechanical issues we experienced at the last race,” said Melissa Szczerba. “We have such a great group of racers and wonderful families backing them up. We really couldnt ask for more than what these guys are doing. They go out, and really put their heart into racing, and it shows. It's an honor to support this sport, and this team. We're looking forward to another great race in Yadkinville in a few weeks.”Â

Sparta Race Results

Rider                             Class                Class Finish      Overall Finish

Angel Atwell                Womens           2                      3

Jeff Pickens                 XC1                  9                      10

Josh Kirkland               XC2                  2                      11

Josh Biland                  Junior B            11                     117

Jamie Bithell               College B          2                      46

Stephen Mcculloch      College B          7                      84

Bernie Kasslar             Super Senior     2                      62