GBC Motorsports Report - Steele Creek
Friday, April 12, 2013 | 4:55 PM
Anaheim, Calif. – Positioned right in the middle of perhaps the most motorsports-frenzied region of the United States, the Steele Creek GNCC in Morganton, NC offers some of the most challenging terrain that racers will face on the entire 2013 tour.
When the green flag dropped in XC1 action Jeff Pickens and Kevin Yoho quickly surged to the front of the pack to run 3rd and 4th in the early stages of the 2-hour event. Yoho would spend much of the day running within sight of the leaders and finished an impressive 6th on the day. An intense last-lap battle between GBC teammates resulted in Eric Hoyland earning 8th, Johnny Gallagher finishing 9th, and Jeff Pickens rounding out the top 10. Gabe Phillips made a solid return to action after his Round 2 injury, and his 11th place finish made a total of 5 GBC racers in the top 11 spots in XC1.
Jay Shadron grabbed his first College A class win of the season and his pace was fast enough to also earn the coveted Amateur Overall honors.
In the AM racing, Rob Smith led the way for GBC-equipped riders with his 2nd place in the U2 class and 2nd place 4x4 Overall. Joining Smith on the Overall podium was 4x4 Open class winner Bryan Buckhannon. This marks three straight wins for Buckhannon in his quest for another class championship.
Additional outstanding finishes by GBC racers include: Forrest Whorton 2nd (4x4 +40), Daryk Pitzer 2nd (College B), Kara Merritt 3rd (Womens), Ryan Smith 3rd (4x4 Novice), Cory Blinkiewicz 3rd (Vet A), Kevin McKeown 4th (College A), Clint Graff 5th (College A), Nathan Hornacek 5th (Junior A).
The next round of GNCC racing takes place April 20-21 in Union, South Carolina. Be sure to check in on GBC Motorsports’ racing efforts by following us on Facebook and Twitter.