Bryan Buckhannon Race Report: The General GNCC
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 | 9:25 AM
Can-Am/QuadBoss/BikeMasters/Kenda racer, Bryan Buckhannon clinched the 4x4 Pro win and topped the morning podium at The General, round two of the 2015 GNCC series at Aonia Pass.
It was a tough and muddy course for the second round of the GNCC season, but Bryan Buckhannon was determined to get the win in the 4x4 Pro class. After getting a late jump off the starting line, Buckhannon found himself toward the back of the pack, but it didn’t deter Buckhannon as he quickly began working his way through the competition. “My Quad didn’t fire until I pushed the button the second time, so I’m not quite sure what happened there, but I finally got going and caught up to the rest of the pack. I got a lot of mud thrown at me, but I started picking people off and worked my way up and took the lead,” said Buckhannon.
Buckhannon was running strong, but there was a three-way battle for the lead so Buckhannon made a smart move on the final lap that gave him the advantage he needed. “My nephew actually helped me plan out some lines, and he picked a line out for me about a mile from the finish. I took it at the end, and I was able to barely get the lead and take the win. This was also our first race with our new mechanic John Rodgers, and it was his first win with the team so that was exciting for us,” said Buckhannon.
For the GNCC SxS XC2 race, Buckhannon was on the second row for the start. “I was third off the start from the second row, and we were running really well and having an excellent race, but there was so much mud, my radiator got all caked up and it caused some overheating issues,” said Buckhannon.
Buckhannon was only able to complete two laps before disaster struck. “We had an H2 sensor heat up and was up against the exhaust and it caught fire right at the end. Luckily, we had a fire extinguisher and put it out. This was the first time I have ever been on fire. Looking back and seeing flames was a little scary,” said Buckhannon.
There was not much damage from the fire and no one was hurt. “We learned from this experience and are going to use it to our advantage. There is no reason why we shouldn’t be on the podium at the next round because we have a great program in place,” said Buckhannon.
Racing is a family affair for the Buckhannon family, and Bryan Walker Buckhannon (Buckhannon's nephew) was ready for action in the 90 (8-12) class. The number 17 took the early lead and was over four seconds ahead of second place, but with all the water and mud, it was too much for his machine to handle and it ended his day early. “I really have to thank Chuck Frazer and his family. Chuck worked really hard to get the quad together and his family has helped us so much, I just want to extend a huge thanks to them,” said Bryan Buckhannon.
Both Bryan Buckhannon and Bryan Walker Buckhannon will be back and ready for action at Steele Creek GNCC for round three in Morganton, NC on March 28th.
Bryan Buckhannon would like to thank all of his 2015 sponsors: Can Am, QuadBoss, BikeMaster, Kenda, MSR, Fasst Co., Cycra, Dragonfire, Spider Grips, Rath Racing, SSI Decals, Fox Shox, JBS, Lazer Star, LTE, Stafford Racing, Swampfox Motorsports, ATV Parts Plus, XC Photos, ATVriders.com