Beckley, WV: Bryan Buckhannon, who is known for his intense competition driving Can-am’s Outlander in the 4x4 Open Class & Can-Am’s UTV, is at it again!  The 5 time National 4x4 Open Champion returns looking for his 6^th national win.  Bryan seeks new podium wins driving Can-Am’s Maverick as he takes on the UTVs.  This year he introduces his nephew Bryan Walker to every GNCC course.  Together they walk each track before the race to gain an understanding of the terrains, from sand to clay, that challenge their skills while racing. 

Round 1 – River Ranch, FL

With the holeshot under his 4x4 tires, Bryan rode the first 2 laps of the race not only 1^st in class, but 1^st overall.  Can-Am’s Outlander held sturdy as the GBC tires were mincing grains of sand to become almost naked to the human eye.  Near the end of the 2^nd lap Bryan’s 4x4 experienced electrical difficulties resulting in a loss of power steering.  Nonetheless, Bryan’s desire to capture his class victory exceeded a tough-to-handle ATV.   In addition to Bryan’s dedication the well-built Can-Am machine, he rode fast through the sand obstacles of River Ranch, FL.  Bryan brought home 4x4 Open win, maintaining 2nd overall of all the sport utilities.  Buckhannon wrapped up River Ranch with a 4^th place overall finish of the entire morning class. 

Bryan Walker, 11 years old in May, joins GNCC’s race circuit riding in the Junior 125, 8-11 years old class.  Walker joined his uncle for a taste of GNCC’s race thrill during the 2012 season only to decide he wants to be just like “uncle.”  Walker has committed to racing the entire series this year.  Although he had never raced on sand before River Ranch, Bryan enjoyed learning how his Yamaha ATV could handle in dry loose landscape.  Walker went into the woods from the start line in 5^th place.  During the race Walker pushed his way to 3^rd.  Nearing the end of the race Walker found himself tangled up as the 4^th & 5^th place riders made their way past him.  Bryan Walker wrapped up River Ranch with a 5^th place class finish & 27th overall of 64 competitors.

Round 2 – The General, Washington, GA

Bryan Buckhannon was 2^nd off of the holeshot & grabbed the lead by the end of the first lap.  Once again the Can-am Outlander proved to be a powerful machine.  Bouncing off of the Georgia clay, Fox Shox didn’t miss a beat.  The suspension of Fox Shox helped comfort Bryan throughout the GA race as an unexpected battle of the loss power steering struck again.  The red tacky clay truly challenged the Can-am Outlander around turns.  At the end of the race Bryan’s body had faced a workout that he would feel all day long on Sunday.  Even though Bryan’s ATV lost power steering for a second time he has no doubts in future race success on the Can-am Outlander.  Can-am’s Simon & Gabriel, assist Bryan’s mechanics, his dad & Charlie, with Outlander knowledge to support the mechanic’s labor efforts.  Bryan won his class, 3^rd in utility & 6th place overall of the morning riders.

Bryan Walker had great race learning about a completely new riding ground of GA red clay.  Walker once again experienced how his 4 Yamaha wheeler handles.  Walker didn’t let the GA red clay bump him around as he rode hard proving himself with a 6^th place finish of 18 JR 125, 8-11 years, class riders.  Now more determined than ever, Walker can not wait for Steel Creek as he seeks a victory on his Yamaha Raptor.

The General brought on the 1^st round of UTV racing.  Nick Stafford jumped in The Maverick of Bryan Buckhannon as the two started on row 4 in XC1 Class.  Eager to take off, Bryan held the throttle a bit too heavy on the start line, causing the UTV not to fire.  Bryan & Nick entered the woods last of 4 rows & began picking off UTVs to move up in places.  As a first time rider Nick Stafford quickly learned the definition of a racer who is out to win: passing UTVs between trees that didn’t look like a UTV would fit & a couple of times Bryan’s Maverick went from 4 wheels to 2.  Bryan Buckhannon brought his Can-am Maverick home in 7^th place & is already mapping out what changes will be made to gain places on other UTV riders. 

Both Bryans are very pleased with the support of their 2013 sponsors:

Can-Am - GBC Tires - ATV Parts Plus - LTE Exhaust - DP Brakes - Fasst Company - Fly Racing ~ Lazer Star lights - Spider Grips - Fox Shox – Amy McConnell’s XC Photos - Twin Air - Rath Racing ~ SSI Decals - HiPer Wheels - Swampfox Motorsports – Tireballs – HRP - Stafford Racing – James’ Body Shop - Superatv.com – Johnson Motorsports