Chino, Calif. - June 29, 2009 - Going into this race, everyone knew it was going to be tough. The newly configured 20-mile (twice the length of a normal GNCC event) course was a serious track that featured everything. Big elevation changes, mud, rocks, multiple lines and a neat start in town, were just some of the features. Before the event even started, many were comparing this to the infamous Blackwater events of years past.
Team Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki rider Chris Borich rolled into the round nine event of the Grand National Cross Country Series with a healthy point lead. He also knew that one mistake on a course like this and a healthy lead could turn into a deficit in a hurry. Borich and his Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki team were prepared and they were all looking forward to the event.
At the start of the race Borich was up front but missed a turn in the middle of the first lap. By the time he got back on course had fallen way back to ninth place. He would have his work cut out for him for sure.
By lap three, Borich had moved back into the lead of the XC-1 Pro Class and was riding strong. The fuel injection on his Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki QuadRacer R450 was a definite advantage. Borich seemed to be getting traction in places where the others were struggling. The Yoshimura power was a big help as well. Some of the hills on this course were nearly vertical so having a lot of power on tap was important. As it turned out, that extra power put him over the line in first place less than a second ahead.
"We had a good time out there," Borich said enjoying an ice cold Rockstar from the victory podium. "I just wanted to get out and not worry about the points. We're sitting pretty right now. My Suzuki worked so good, it never missed a beat and this was one tough race."
The series will continue in September after the Summer Break.
1. Chris Borich - Team Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki
2. Bill Ballance ӏ
3. Brandon Sommers ӏ
4. Jarrod McClure ӏ
5. Bryan CookÃ