Welcome to Quick Fill.

I don’t mean to go all Bolt-on here, but it really seems like Thursdays come earlier and earlier each week. I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the jam-packed schedule of racing we’ve had so far this summer or if we’re just that excited to finally reach the race weekend. I’m going to guess it’s a little bit of both, but in any case, we’re going GNCC Racing this weekend! And not to mention we’re doing so in the metaphorical backyard of the Racer Productions office, as well as many of our GNCC Racers out there. I always enjoy having a race in the home state of West Virginia, mostly because I get to sleep in my own bed all weekend but also because it gives us the opportunity to rehash the history behind what is now the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series.

It all began in the mid-1970s when Big Dave Coombs stumbled onto the West Virginia town of Davis, where he came up with the idea of the rough and tumble 100-mile motorcycle race that would soon become the Blackwater 100. Blackwater was meant to encompass the gnarliest terrain that only the toughest riders and strongest machines could survive, and from what I’ve seen and heard – it was every bit of that. From there, the Wiseco 100 Miler Series was born (and you think the current 12-miles are long!). While the 100-mile courses were challenging and exciting to watch, as the series transformed into the current GNCC model, the races were cut down to two- and three-hours long with a little more rider and machine friendly terrains. But if you ever wonder why the West Virginia rounds like Mountaineer Run and Snowshoe are so darned tough, well it’s because the Coombs family will always hold a special place in their hearts for “America’s Toughest Race” and this region naturally lends a hand in keeping that tradition alive with its brutal rocks and true cross-country terrain. Just remember, it’s rounds like this that have made GNCC Racing what it is today, and that’s a true testament to just how tough this sport is and how much tradition and history is built into what we do. So as we embrace the homey feeling of these West Virginia rounds, it’s great to remember the history of the sport and how much it’s evolved over the years.

Layne Michael and WBOY Channel 12 News chatting about GNCC Racing

This morning I took Layne Michael and Thad DuVall, two West Virginia boys, to the Morgantown radio station for some pre-race banter with the folks at WVAQ and WKKW. After visiting last week with a motocross racer, the DJs were very surprised to hear that these guys race for THREE HOURS at a time. I guess when you think about it, for those who don’t see this go down 13 weekends out of the year, watching guys race for three hours is a pretty huge deal. Even for those of us who do watch every round, three hours is a pretty huge deal. And just as Thad put it today, “this weekend’s race is going to be more of a survival game than anything.”

I think Thad is onto something there. Thinking about the championship chase, for any class really, it’s sort like a game of survival. You race for two or three hours in some of the gnarliest conditions known to man for 13 weekends out of the year, it only seems natural that something goes wrong. Granted, with the technology and sheer knowledge of machines these days, most people prep both man and machine to the point that there’s little margin for error but you can’t always control your atmosphere.

Thad DuVall (right) and Laybe Michael in the 96.9 WKKW Studio in Morgantown

Bike strategies and preparations have played an especially large role in this year’s championship chase. Charlie Mullins tested out the KTM 350 last round at the John Penton and it proved to hold solid as the 350 actually went 1-2 with Russell taking the win. Mullins will be back on the 350 this weekend at the Mountaineer Run where he says the smaller engine will benefit him being up north with the technical terrain. Another strategic move that we’ve seen work out to the advantage is DuVall’s decision to ride a 250F at the last few rounds. It all started when the DuVall camp saw the prime opportunity to showcase Thad’s skills on the CRF 250 in the muddy Kentucky terrain and it turns out they were onto something when Thad took the win. Well, it seems as if he can’t get enough of it now and will be riding it this weekend in his home state, where we could see it work to his advantage once again with the rocky terrain. It’s interesting to note that three of the top five guys in the XC1 class won’t be on 450s this weekend.

This weekend hosts Round 4 of the UTV race schedule and it’s bound to be a great one as so many of our side-by-side competitors are from this area. I know the Coastal Drilling and March Westin crew has a big group coming out to watch for their annual block party extravaganza. Ok, maybe not annual but they threw one heck of a party last year. We’re going to try something new this weekend and extend the GNCC Live online show to cover the UTV race at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. We’re in the process of testing new equipment so we thought it would be cool to stream the UTV race on the web for everyone to see. Now this doesn’t mean we’re going to stream all UTV races live online, this is a one-time deal right now until we can figure out more details and hopefully one day be able to stream for long periods of time. So tune into RacerTV.com this Saturday from 1-3 p.m. to catch the ATV racing and then at 4:30 p.m. for UTVs from the Mountaineer Run GNCC. And hey, our very own Rodney Tomblin will be riding co-pilot and we’re hoping to get him hooked up with a microphone and a GoPro to capture all the great moments.

But that’s it for me this week. Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend in our home state of West Virginia!

Josh Strang gave it his all in capturing a podium finish at the Penton

Here’s Chuck LeMaster with a few notes on Team Faith’s extracurricular activities for this weekend.

Thanks Jen - We had an awesome time at the John Penton. The Team Faith Youth Water Truck Water Slide was a huge hit! The KTM boys all came over and got things started off and before we knew it, we had 100 people slipping and sliding their way down the hill! It was a great way to cool off after a hot Ohio day.

Coming into Masontown, Team Faith Youth will be hosting a Water Balloon Catapult Contest! Build your own catapult, see who can launch a balloon the farthest, and we will have cool prizes for the winner! I CANNOT guarantee that a water balloon fight won't break out - so be prepared!

The Saturday night youth activities have been going great - but we know there are some youth ATV racers that are not able to stick around. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that Team Faith Youth is expanding to FRIDAY NIGHTS as well! This coming Friday will feature a tug-of-war contest, cool prizes and short devotional for the ATV youth. Everyone is welcome - see you at the races!

Tune into RacerTV.com this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. for a special edition of GNCC Live!

@JaredBolton:

I’m going to spare everyone the whole “time is flying/can’t believe it’s already almost summer break” speech this week because I believe most of you are on the same page as me with that. We’re chugging right along through this awesome 2013 season and we’ve reached that point where things will start to get even more interesting as we start seeing championship battles unfold.

Yesterday, I briefly scanned through every single points paying class, just out of curiosity, to see how many riders are contending for year-end points (my estimation ended up somewhere around 530, but keep in mind I just glanced at each class very quickly) and I had yet another moment where I remembered just how unique and special GNCC Racing is.

Kevin Sutphin takes his first 10 AM overall at the Penton. Woot!

There are just fewer than 1,700 players in the NFL, almost 1,300 in the MLB and the NBA has just around 450. Now, out of those basically 3,500 professional athletes. Do you think there are over 500 amateur athletes that get to compete each week alongside the stars of those sports? Nope. Just another thing that makes GNCC Racing so special.

Another thing I’ve been trying to do with Tuesday Toolbox since I took it over early last year is give those amateur riders some of the coverage they deserve. Speaking of that, as always, if you have any recommendations for a Tuesday Toolbox, I’d love to hear them. Doesn’t matter if it’s bike, quad, UTV, industry insider, amateur, or pro. Pretty much anyone related to GNCC Racing that you think would make a good Toolbox interview; I’d like to know. Just drop me a line at [email protected]

How awesome to see Kylie Ahart on the overall podium!

Now onto what’s really on everyone’s minds, this weekend’s Mountaineer Run GNCC. This was a new addition last year and it proved to be a popular addition as I heard a lot of good things from a lot of different riders about the course. At the same time though, it’s no cakewalk. Most everyone knows that the West Virginia terrain is pretty challenging and The Mountaineer Run definitely offers up some of that challenging terrain.

The terrain is only part of the challenge though, as the riders will surely be challenging each other. Right now the FMF/KTM teammates of Charlie Mullins and Kailub Russell lead the point standings on the bike side. Kailub came away with the win at The John Penton but Charlie hung in for second, which still gives him a decent points lead. It just so happens that both of these riders did some racing last weekend, and both of them came away with wins as Charlie won the Loose Moose National Enduro over Nick Fahringer and Brad Bakken, while Kailub won the Welborn Farms Mid-East Hare Scramble (just up the road from the former Yadkin Valley Stomp GNCC site) ahead of Jesse Robinson and Trevor Bollinger.

Mud Fleas!

Of course, these guys do have some challengers. Thad Duvall is the only other rider to snag a win this season, and kept the KTM duo honest for most of the race at The Penton, until a blown shock took him out of contention for the win. Chris Bach has landed a couple of podiums this season, but mostly has shown that consistency is key by only landing out of the top 5 twice this season, which is good enough to put him 3^rd in the overall points so far.

We’ve still yet to see Paul Whibley on the podium this season, although he did come very close at The Penton. Whibs is still dealing with the lingering injury but if there’s one guy you should never count out, it’s definitely Whibley. Some may say Josh Strang has been struggling this season but what it really boils down to is readjusting to the east coast, and a little bit of bad luck thrown in as well. Don’t forget that Strang has also landed 3 podiums this season and has put himself in podium contention at some point during every race, so expect to see him back up front soon.

The XC2 class is really heating up with Andrew Delong sitting out with a hand injury after some tough luck in Kentucky and Indiana. Jason Thomas briefly took over that points lead after Delong’s misfortune in Indiana, but Grant Baylor has been able to log back-to-back wins which now gives him the XC2 points lead over Thomas. Delong still holds onto third place while Jed Haines is fourth and in a close battle for that spot with Zach Nolan and Shane Hufford as those guys are each separated by one point.

For the first time...ever? we had a co-holeshot award with Fred Marley and Mike Lancaster

The Women’s class points battle is pretty interesting to watch as well. Kacy Martinez holds a 1-point lead over Maria Forsberg heading into this round. Mandi Mastin has worked her way into third but Becca Sheets is only two points behind her while Jessica Patterson sits in fifth. However, don’t forget that at the end of the season, the Women’s class only counts the best 9 races, so these ladies worst 4 races will be dropped and could have an effect on how things shake up. Only time will tell!

Wow. All that info and there’s even more I wanted to talk about. We’ll save that for the coming weeks though. Hope to see everyone out this weekend at The Mountaineer Run. Until next time, Bolt-On out!

@HotRodney22:

The 2nd running of the Mountaineer Run GNCC rolls into Masontown, West Virginia this weekend and for whatever reason, this one is quickly becoming one of my favorites. There is a lot of lure here for me. It ranges from just being in “Almost Heaven” or if it is the terrain, which seems rather challenging or the fact that I get to ride shotgun in this weekend’s Side X Side races!

(Big) Larry Hendershot from Hendershot Performance and I have become somewhat acquainted over the course of the last couple of seasons. Larry and his son (Little) Larry really got my attention obviously when they signed up and there were two Larry Hendershots in the car. Then, on the podium. And then I realized that the streaks of white rolling past me at the finish was the lightening quick ride of Hendershot Performance and Larry and Larry. I would often joke and laugh with the duo and earlier this season I stuck my foot in my mouth. I said, “I have ridden in a UTV race with Team Faith’s Chuck Lemaster a few years back but things have changed and the cars seem so much faster than they were back then. I wouldn’t mind riding in another race in a car like yours.” Then his eyes widened and Larry said, “You should! You can ride in the car with Larry. He is a good driver and you would have a blast. These cars are fun now and you are gonna be shocked when you see the difference.”  It was then and there I knew I would meet my demise. I went and did now. I shot my mouth off and someone took me up on it. That never happens. What the blue blazes am I gonna do now?

Who votes @bhawk8 brings back the stache!?

It kind of slipped my mind for a few weeks and then Larry asks, “What race you riding?” I said, “Well, I would like to do it at one close to home. Maybe Millfield or Masontown would work.” It was finally decided Masontown would probably be the more challenging and exciting ride for me to take of the two.

So here I sit a few days before the Mountaineer Run GNCC and I am busy beating a dead horse here at home (Not really beating a dead horse, just working on a project that seems to not make any progress. I don’t want to alarm anyone, I don’t even have a live horse to beat) when the phone rings and it is Larry asking, “Are you ready to go this weekend?!” And I was like “oh yeah, you know it man!” As I swallowed hard thinking, “Uh Oh!”

Larry and I talked for a little while about what to expect as a passenger. How not only the cars have progressed over the past few years but the safety standards and equipment to protect drivers and passengers. When I rode we were wearing regular riding gear and now you must wear a fire suit before you can even think about it. Good rule, especially knowing what these cars are capable of these days. Most cars that one sees on the trails at the GNCC are valued with all the modifications and such at around $30,000.00 for one of the cheaper models. The good cars could be valued at $60,000.00 to $100,000.00 easily. I am glad I am just riding and am not responsible for any repairs because I feel “Little Larry” who will be driving is going to try and make me scream like a little girl, if for nothing else, for calling him little.

Get your reservation for this year's GNCC U now! They're filling up fast!

I really don’t know a lot about the Hendershot Performance program but next week when I offer my personal “Tales from the Trails” I will let you know what it is like to ride in one of the most sophisticated off-roading contraptions on the planet. I am sure I may have a few choice words for my pilot as well but I am truly looking forward to this weekend and cannot wait to experience this for myself at the elite level of performance. And someone tell Scott Kiger and William Yokley and whoever those boys are at Team Big Country Powersports to look out. I am going be screaming past them with an attitude and to please not laugh if they happen to see tears filling my goggles. I am not driving and I will be holding on for my life so please say a little prayer for me. The Larry’s have promised me a ride that I will never forget. Oh boy..

As far as racing, this should be a great weekend of battles shaping up. We are heading into the last half of the championships round wise and the summer break is just around the corner. The next two West Virginia rounds are going to be exciting and crucial possibly in the championship points battle. The rocks are coming so let’s hope everyone is ready to roll into the Mountaineer state.

The big questions for the ATV racing rolling into this weekend are going to be;

• Will Hunter Hart rebound after last rounds defeat in the Youth class battles?
• Can Westley Wolfe take his fourth overall win of the morning and position himself for the number 201 plate at the end the season?
• Can Emily Wise get another holeshot in the College B class?
• Can anyone stop Brycen Neal in the XC2 Pro Am Class?
• Will Chris Borich get win 66?
• Can Johnny Gallagher keep on his solid ride roll and find the podium for a second time this season?
• What about “Big Poppa P” Jeff Pickens? Is he going to get another holeshot and can he make it back to the podium?

There are obviously a bunch more questions than that on both the bike and ATV side of racing. But as far as bikes go, I think the major question in this one is: can anyone stop the roll that Mullins, Russell and Duvall are all on. Josh Strang is picking it up and after his podium in Ohio following Duvall’s issues it will be hard pressed to keep him from making another appearance up there once more. You can tell that all the guys, including Strang who is a former champion and probably recognizes the same type of elite level, realizes that those guys happen to be on that level that is extremely hard to match. The bar has been raised and everyone is working to following in their path.

John Glauda Jr. finally dethroned the Youth champ last round. Congrats!

The morning races always offer excitement on the bike side of things. Unfortunately some of the excitement won’t be there. Randy Riggs our morning overall champion for what seems like forever was severely injured at the Limestone 100 GNCC. He is obviously missed on the trail by fellow riders and we know he misses being able to be out. If you are in the frame of mind, keeping Randy and his family in your prayers would surely be appreciated. There is a long road ahead for Randy and we certainly hope the best and smoothest road of healing for him. A number of you know Brit from Stuk MX Graphics who is one of Jason Thomas’ sponsors printed a get-well banner for Randy and made it available in Ohio. Mandi Mastin let us know that the banner will be back at sign up for those who missed out signing it and let’s us know that they will be getting it to Randy soon.  

As mentioned, the morning races always offer total excitement and sometimes surprise. One of the coolest surprises of this year’s morning bike race is the competition boost we saw in the Women class. The addition of Motocross superstar and X Games Gold Medalist Jessica Patterson and west coast WORCS star Kaci Martinez to already star studded and competitive lineup of women including multi time national champions Mandi Mastin and defending champ Maria Forsberg and you have a mix for some of the best racing to come.

Patterson, who captured the first win of the season in Florida admittedly found more of   challenge than expected as the series moved north. Patterson took the win in the WMX Triple Crown of Motocross round 2 at High Point this past weekend announced her retirement from MX after this season and stated she would be focusing on her off-road career adventure and focus on GNCC the next few seasons. She said she has found a new joy and love and hopes focusing on this discipline will make her one of the world’s greatest most rounded women in motorcycling history.

That’s it for now. Till next time, God Bless Your Hearts and All Your Vitals Organs.