Anaheim, Calif. – As hard as it seems to believe after the phenomenal 2012 season filled with class wins and championships for GBC mounted riders, this talented and determined group somehow has managed to step up their level even higher over the off-season and has come out swinging at the opening rounds of GNCC competition in 2013.

Round 1 – River Ranch

Starting things off in the brutal sand whoops and palmettos of Westgate River Ranch in Lake Wales, FL, Robert Smith used the grip of his GBC Dirt Commanders to power his way to the Utility Overall and U2 class win. Following closely behind in 2^nd Overall and grabbing the 4x4 Open class win was 2012 champ Bryan Buckhannon. Forrest Whorton picked up right where he left off at the end of last season, cruising to another dominating win in the 4x4 +45 division.

In the afternoon XC1 action, Jeff Pickens led the way for GBC on his XC-Racer equipped Yamaha with a 6^th place finish. “I feel right at home on my GBCs and it gave me the confidence to really push for a good finish to start the season,” Pickens said.”

BNR Motorsports’ Kevin Yoho turned many heads with his 7^th place finish despite a challenging off-season that saw him endure major surgery after a practice crash. New to the GBC team, Gabe Phillips had a solid XC1 debut with a 9^th place finish. Johnny Gallagher struggled after an early crash that left him with an injured knee but managed to salvage a 10^th place finish at day’s end.

Thomas Koontz made the step up to XC2 for the 2013 season and shocked the established stars of the class with a 3^rd place finish on his XC-Racer tires.

Other standout rides by GBC racers at round 1 included: Kara Merrit 2^nd (Womens), Jay Shadron 2^nd (College A), Ryan Smith 2^nd (4x4 Novice), Clint Graff 3^rd (College A), Nathan Hornacek 3^rd (Junior A), Walt Schumacher 3^rd (Junior B).

Round 2 – The General

With only 6 days to recover and prepare, the GBC brigade rolled into GNCC Round 2 at Aonia Pass MX Park in Washington, GA with their expectations set high. Perfect track and weather conditions greeted the 450+ ATV racers and set the stage for what would be an epic day of racing.

XC1 class veteran Johnny Gallagher set out to make up for his sub-par finish in Florida, pushing his GBC XC-Master equipped Yamaha through the pack from 9^th on the first lap to 3^rd place Overall by the time the checkered flag flew. “I felt really good today and my tires were hooking up perfectly out there,” said Gallagher while standing on the podium for the first time since 2003.

Kevin Yoho’s 5^th place gave GBC two racers in the top 5 and also marked the young rider’s best finish of his racing career. “After the off-season I had, to put in a top 5 ride today is awesome and I can’t thank everyone enough for helping me get healed up and ready for battle,” Yoho said. Jeff Pickens ran a very strong race to bring home 6^th place ahead of Eric Hoyland who ended the day in 8^th.

In morning race action BNR’s Rob Smith once again led the way for GBC with his U2 class win and 2^nd Utility Overall. Bryan Buckhannon once again bested the 4x4 Open class and made it 2 GBC backed machines on the Utility podium with his 3^rd place Overall. Ryan Smith made winning a family affair with his 4x4 Novice class win.

Additional notable finishes by GBC backed riders included: Walt Schumacher 1^st (Junior B), Kara Merrit 2^nd (Womens), Scott Day 3^rd (4x4 Lites), Daryk Pitzer 3^rd (College B), Jay Shadron 3^rd (College A), Kevin McKeown 4^th (College A), Todd Moskala 4^th (Junior B), Ashley Barbee 4^th (Womens).

The next round of GNCC racing will be April 6-7 in Morganton, NC and the Steel Creek campgrounds. Be sure to check in on your favorite GBC riders’ progress by following us on Facebook and Twitter.