Which brings me back to where I started with Steele Creek’s most memorable moments. I believe it was my first year at GNCC in 2011 when Thad DuVall had a really bad crash and ended up being airlifted from the woods because they thought he might have broken his femur. Luckily he turned out okay and walked away with some bruises. As if that wasn’t enough to get everybody’s heart pumping, the three-hour battle for the lead between Mullins and Strang was coming down to the final moments of the race and it looked like Charlie was going to seal the deal. However, Mullins slid out just feet from the finish line and Strang claimed the win. I always say this, but that moment was one of the most exciting I’ve witnessed in a while. Both of those moments were a bummer for Charlie and Thad and I don’t celebrate or wish those things upon any rider but they made things interesting to say the least.

As we said last week, this year’s event will not be partnered with the March of Dimes and therefore will not be themed purple. But hey, if you still want to run purple gear or numbers in support of the MoD cause, by all means do so! We just won’t have any additional activities or anything like that. But one memorable thing from last year was when the cute little gal whose grandparents entered the Can-Am drawing actually won an ATV! I don’t think it gets much more exciting than that. Also, if you remember last year we had an insane amount of spectators and fans so we’re only hoping to have the same hype for this year’s event.

The guys cover some more race-excitement below.

Our friend David Scearce from 318photo.com messaged me earlier this week about a rodeo that apparently will be in town on Saturday night at the Burke County Fairgrounds in Morganton. The gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 7, so bring the family out there for some good old-fashioned rodeo fun! The Burke County Fairgrounds are located on Bost Rd. right beside the Kmart on 181 as you’re headed up the mountain to the Steele Creek Campground.

That’s all for me this week. Looking forward to another great weekend of racing!

And here’s @JaredBolton:

Well GNCC racers and fans, it's time to go racing once again! Not just that but it's time to head to Steele Creek for the possibly the most unpredictable race of the year. Last week I talked about a few of the things that make Steele Creek so unpredictable and this year looks equally as promising. 

As we head to Steele Creek, we do have a tie for the XC1 points on the bike side. Although we're only 2 rounds in, that's still interesting enough to keep an eye on as only one of these guys will walk away with the points lead after Sunday. Charlie Mullins and Kailub Russell are the said riders racing for that points lead, and both have solid past performances at Steele Creek. 

Last year Kailub put in a stellar performance to take the win at Steele Creek, and did so with a pretty solid lead. While the duo of Kailub and Charlie will be the ones battling for the points lead, there are also a few riders who are definitely within striking distance. Josh Strang is a former Steele Creek winner, while Thad Duvall is also proving himself to be a threat this year as well. 

Then there's the battle in the XC2 class that will surely heat up this weekend as Zach Osborne, who landed on the podium in the first two rounds, heads back to the Supercross world. Guys like Grant Baylor, Jason Thomas, Jed Haines, Brad Bakken and more will surely be looking to make up some ground in the points this weekend. Andrew Delong was on fire at the opening rounds and gas set himself up as the man to beat. 

If you missed this week's Tuesday Toolbox, I caught up with a familiar name on the quad side from several years ago. Jesi Stracham was the first girl to land a podium on a mini quad several years ago. After making her way to the big quad and the morning race, Jesi ended up taking a few years off but is back for 2013. It's a pretty interesting story; so make sure to take a look HERE.

Well, I always hate to cut myself short but I'm spending this fine Thursday out on the track getting everything marked and ready to go. Hope to see everyone out at Steele Creek for a great weekend of racing. Until next time, Bolt-On out!

Thanks, Jared. And now we’ll send it over to @HotRodney22:

You know I've been contributing to Quick Fill for about three or four years now and every time roll into the infamous Steele Creek GNCC the hype can take on a life of its own. There are so many things that seem to sound like a broken record, and it has all been repeated so many times over the years. The immaculate beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the wild and crazy stories that have come from here and, if nothing else, the feeling you have just being there. And at the risk of sounding like a broken record, I can only think one thing again as the weekend approaches. To me it’s the majestic lore of the valley and the spirits that reside there that seem to somehow actually transform a normal ordinary racing series into a memorable moment for so many. Is this the mountains? Or something that lives in them awakening each spring to welcome our arrival and help set the drama for the rest of the season.

This time I will save the history of windstorms, rainstorms, bridge diving and craziness for fodder of the race chatter. I am however, drawn to a strong memory of the races here last year and if for nothing else, the finish of the XC1 battle between Chris Borich and Taylor Kiser. My biggest memory of that one was the final few turns as the they rolled into the finish line shekanes battling as intensely as I have ever seen two riders battle. Then, I recall seeing wheels in the air and Taylor Kiser emerging victorious.

I remember that morning race as well, when Marshal Goings nearly won the morning overall from the Sport 15+ class. Goings is now racing the College A class and has won both rounds, as well as an eighth place overall finish in Georgia at Round 2. He was also a top finishing non-Pro or Pro-Am rider in the afternoon race. Goings may be a bigger factor this season for top ten finishes than folks may even know in the afternoon class and all I can say to Chris Borich is enjoy this time at the top while you can. The war is only beginning and there are fierce battles that lie ahead to maintain your kingdom.

I remember North Carolina native Kevin Trantham taking his 4x4 to the third overall and win over all the other 4x4 machines in the race. I don’t know why, but that one seemed a little more special than many others. You could see a pride in his eyes that can’t be replicated but by pure joy and satisfaction.

What about the two-wheeled side of things? What memory making moment stands out most in my eyes in this one? I have to say this is where Maria Forseberg seemed to be gaining some momentum and was serious about winning overalls. She was only four seconds off Masters A rider Mark Patterson, but more importantly nearly two minutes ahead of morning overall champ Randall Riggs. Maria had finished sixth overall the previous two rounds last season. Although Maria did not get the her first overall until Powerline Park toward the end of the season, she set it in her mind that it was possible and laid the groundwork for her historical first morning overall win. In 2013, Maria may even win this one outright. The competition level in the Women’s Class has obviously risen to a whole new level. Jessica Patterson won Florida, which was not completely surprising. She then struggled in Georgia but something tells me that when JP$ shows up in North Carolina, there will be a different sort of rider ready to tackle the trail. I am saying this one may be one to watch.

The afternoon race for the bikes is set to be something of epic proportion just from the talent field alone. Last season saw Stew Baylor running in contention for the overall win on adjusted time, stealing second place away from Paul Whibley by barely one second. Though Stew is out this season due to injury, his younger brother Grant Baylor is making waves and an even bigger impact than many may have thought possible so quickly anyway. Last year, Andrew Delong was not yet up to speed his first race back due to pre season injuries. With Delong healthy and the young Grant Baylor riding so intensely, coupled with the likelihood of defending class champ Jason Thomas making a mark in the XC2 Pro Lites class may tilt the field once again in the overall and we may just be watching for the big upset to happen here this weekend.