The weather in Crawfordsville, Indiana is always a huge factor when it is time for the “Ironman” race. With cool temperatures and the wind blowing at a sustained speed of twenty miles an hour, UXC Racing’s Michael Swift and Don Higbee knew the conditions would be chilly but much better than last year’s mud.  On Friday morning Team UXC members walked the 11-1/2 mile course to prepare for the final round of the 2013 season. The track conditions were almost perfect, the woods were somewhat open and fast with multiple lines in certain areas.  The field sections were tacky and even showed signs of dust.

Claiming the #1 plate at the 12^th Round in St. Clairesville, Ohio, team UXC rider Michael Swift (#207) felt a bit of relief going into the last round of the season.  Still looking for a win, Swift positioned his race quad in the U2 class just behind the Open class. As Ricky Towery dropped the green flag, #207 battled his way for the second position entering the woods.  Emerging from a short woods section into an open field, Swift found himself in third after hanging the front a-arm of his quad on a root.  Beginning the second lap Swift made a pass in a mud section to take the lead in the U2 class. “I felt like it took me a little bit to get in race mode due to the cold weather. Once I got the lead, I put my head down and set a good pace making good decisions on open lines and lap traffic,” commented Swift.  Maintaining the lead all the way to the finish line, #207 finished his day with a U2 Class win, 1^st overall 4x4 and 4^th overall in the AM race.  “I had an awesome day out there, my Renegade 800 XXC performed its best and the track was great. A big thanks to BRP and all my 2013 sponsors who make this possible.”

Team UXC rider Don Higbee (#640) felt right at home with the cool temperatures.  Higbee started his day with 4^th place going into the woods and quickly battled his way into 3^rd position.  Team UXC’s #640claimed the 3^rd place podium finish for the day in the 4x4 Senior class. “We had a perfect run at round #13.  The weather was cold and windy, so I felt like I was at home in Wyoming.  Everything seemed to click and we put the #640 Renegade on the 4x4 Senior Podium with a 3^rdplace finish.  The class has been one of the most competitive all year and I am happy with securing the 2^nd place position in the year end points.  I want to thank all my sponsors and especially Michael Swift and Team UXC Racing for keeping my bike running in top form all year.  Our success this year was due to 13 good consistent finishes,” states Higbee.

Tayton Swift also had a great day aboard his Apex machine in the 90-limited class for 8-11 year olds. Tayton started the first lap 15^th out of 29 riders.  He worked his way into the 9^th spot before the checkered flag was flown. 

Team UXC’s #108 Maverick XRS began the day in the woods with a 3^rd place in the XC2 Pro-Am class.  Making a successful pass for 2^nd just after the start and patiently waiting to make the next move to take the lead, their race came to an end just before completing the 1^st lap due to an issue with the steering. “We have learned a lot this year racing the Maverick and the most important lesson we have learned is how competitive we can be in the SxS division with taking the win at Powerline Park.  We look forward to the 2014 SxS season,” noted Swift. Team UXC’s #108 claimed 2^nd place for the GNCC 2013 season, an impressive finish for a first year team.

Team UXC would like to thank all our sponsors, friends, family, and fans for a successful year of racing.  We look forward to another great year of racing in 2014. Stay tuned for more racing action in 2013 as both members of Team UXC Racing, Michael Swift and Don Higbee, are heading south of the boarder to compete in the Baja 1,000. 

Team UXC Racing sponsors for the 2013 GNCC Race season:

CAN-AM BRP – MAXXIS – ROX Speed FX - CAN-AMTALK.COM  - CUSTOM AXIS Shocks - SSI Decals – EVANS Coolant

FLY – HIPER - RICOHETTE - LEATT – DP Brakes – FASST - CARBO ROCKET – HMF - MOTO CONCEPTS - KAL-GARD – SPIDER Grips – OUTERWEARS – DIRTWORKS - THERMO TEC - FOURWORX CARBON - SANTOR DESIGN – SCOTT - MOTO PRO - TWIN AIR – PIAA - HI-TEC - AMERICAS MOTORSPORTS - DRIVEN POWERSPORTS - TIRE BLOCKS – R+B COMPONENTS - MIKE PENLAND RACING - WALSH