Allison Park, PA ”“ JT and Gretchen Bennett, team owners of JG Off Road, have made the difficult decision not to race during the 2013 season.

“Unfortunately due to economic circumstances and budget cuts, JG Off Road will be riding the 2013 season on the sidelines,” the Bennetts said. “We aren’t ready to call it quits just yet, and we will still be attending select events to see everyone and maybe even race one or two. For now we just do not have the financial capacity to support a team for this season.  We will take this time to reflect on past seasons, regroup, and hopefully be able to put a strong team together for 2014.”Â

JT Bennett debuted in the off road world as a privateer rider and built a career that would see him become a multi-time AWRCS Champion, GNCC Amateur Class Champion and ISDE competitor. While Bennett was still continuing his racing career, he and his wife Gretchen decided to give back to the sport by forming their own team, giving up and coming riders the support they needed to win championships.

Mandi Mastin won the 2007 Women’s Championship when the team was still under the TDI/GEICO tent. In 2009 JG Off Road swept the OMA podium with Paul Whibley taking first overall, Jimmy Jarrett taking second, and Scotty Watkins taking third. In 2009 Whibley also clinched the GNCC Championship. Jimmy Jarrett would also add three ISDE gold medals to his record while a member of the team.

“It's been a great ride, coming up from the amateur ranks to racing as a privateer pro, to having the opportunity to run and own our own team,” Bennett said. “We've put a lot of hard work and dedication into racing and the team over the past 20 years and it's been a lot of fun. We've built a lot of great memories. It was a hard decision to sit back this year, but it was one that had to be made.”Â

 “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors that have helped us throughout 2012 and even before that,” Bennett continued. “Without all of you, our team and our accomplishments would have never been possible.  We would also like to thank our family and friends for all of their support throughout the years, you truly are the backbone of our team and we couldn’t do it without each and every one of you.  And lastly, we would like to thank each other for being strong through the ups and downs and not killing each other in the process.”Â

“In addition, we’d like to thank our team sponsors Honda, GEICO, Kenda, Silkolene, DP Brakes, AXP Racing, Moose, Super Sprox, PG Graphics, Cycra, Tsubaki, Factory Connection, FMF, Works Connection, CV4, BRP, No Toil, Rekluse, IMS, Moto Tassinari, Outerwears, Renthal, G2 Ergonomics and Zip Ty."