Youth Racing at its Best (Jen Ken)

Beginning with Saturday’s Youth ATV racing, I have to say I’m pretty darned impressed with the performance by Ronnie Rusch to capture his third straight Youth overall win. Rhett Cox held the lead for a majority of the race and while things were looking good for the Kentucky native, little Ronnie came out of nowhere, apparently hopping a log and a hot line to take over the lead just before the finish. While Rhett seemed bummed to take second, he was also really excited to know that he has the speed to take that overall win this season in the Super Mini (14-15) class. Joey Ocel finished only ten seconds behind Cox for his first overall podium appearance of the season with a great ride as well.

Sunday’s Youth bike race was another good one with Conner Smith taking the overall victory to be the third unique winner so far in 2015. Conner pretty much held his own all race long with a hefty lead, which is probably something he’s not complaining about after that one! Jesse Ansley, who took the season opener in Florida, finished second and Chase Hayes landed himself right back on the podium with third overall. Those three are going to be tough to beat as they’ve shown already this year. But perhaps even more impressive is a fifth overall finish from South Carolina’s Brody Johnson in the Super Mini (12-13) class. It’s crazy to think that just last season Brody competed in the 85 (7-11) class where he finished outside the top 20 all but one race. And now he’s working his way toward an overall podium appearance! Where did the time go…

4x4 Pro Battles (Jen Ken)

When it comes to the 4x4 Pro class, it’s a toss-up as to which three riders I’m going to see atop the podium because the competition level is so stacked this year. Right know it’s Factory Polaris/Team UXC Racing’s Kevin Trantham with the early advantage and two race wins under his belt, but ATV Parts Plus/Can-Am’s Bryan Buckhannon, the round two winner and reigning champion, doesn’t appear to be going anywhere just yet. Trantham and Buckhannon were the two battling for the first-ever 4x4 Pro Championship last season and we may see that same battle coming into the final rounds this season. However, BNR/Can-Am’s Rob Smith, who finished second at the last two rounds, has proven to be just as tough a competitor as anyone. Smith has a few wins under his belt from 2014 so he’s also got confidence on his side knowing that he’s capable of landing in the center of the podium, which makes for a dynamic championship battle still to come.

The Newest Crop of WXC ATV Racers (Jen Ken)

Women’s ATV racing will forever be coined with names like Traci Cecco, Angel Atwell, Lexi Coulter and Kristen Atwell because of the great strides those ladies made in showcasing women’s racing in the 10 a.m. race. While some of those names have been altered a bit since the “glory days”, we still see Traci Cecco-Pickens and Angel Atwell-Knox ripping through the GNCC series in a little bit different capacity, aka: with the addition of little ones! Heck, Angel locked up the 2014 WXC Championship after taking time off and admittedly not training as much as she’d like to due to new mommy time. And Traci came to Steele Creek after much time off the bike and landed a fifth place finish in the WXC class, so what I’m trying to say is that those ladies are natural born champions. However, it’s been exciting to see the progression of women’s ATV racing, especially with the Women Amateur division in addition to the premier WXC class. I would say arguably the first rider to experience that transitional period is current WXC points leader Alicia McCormick. In 2013, Alicia finished third overall in the Women Amateur class, where she moved into WXC in 2014, finishing fifth in her rookie season. This year, she sits 2-3-1 through the first three rounds, where she captured her first career victory in North Carolina. She’s got one of the most consistently good starts to her season so far, and it’s fun to watch the excitement and joy she gets in accomplishing her goals. Another rider who has become a steady podium contender over the last two seasons is Kara Merritt. Kara has been a consistent finisher over the years but this season in particular, she has turned up her intensity and is making a push for the center of the podium! Also, 2013 WXC Champion Kylie Ahart, who is riding on Yamaha’s All-American ATV program this season, is one of the younger competitors in the class but what she lacks in years she makes up for in skills! And impressively enough, Kylie actually finished second last round with a DOUBLE EYE INFECTION. It sounds kind of crazy but she was battling vision issues through the week leading up to Steele Creek but once the green flag flew, her “inner racer” took over and led her to the podium. And they say girls aren’t tough, ha!

Man of Steel at Steele Creek (Jared Bolton)

It’s kind of hard to believe that Steele Creek has already come and gone, but what a great weekend of racing it was. There’s no doubt that the ATV side kept everyone on their toes with their battle down to the wire, but it was also pretty interesting to see Kailub Russell put in another dominating ride. There’s no doubt that KR has established himself as the man to beat, and with a 3-for-3 record so far this season, he’s become a bit of a Superman.

"SuperRussell" had a pretty interesting Instagram post earlier this week where he said, “I remember watching the great Juha Salminen dominate @gncc_racing when I was a kid. And when he would ride by on the way to the start wearing all black gear, I remember thinking to myself. "Nobody's beating that guy today". It’s pretty funny because quite a few people I’ve spoken with have been comparing KR to Juha because nobody has really dominated in the fashion that Juha did, until KR. It’s also funny to me because I remember thinking the exact same thing about Juha.

It also got me to thinking, in the 2 years that Juha Salminen spent in GNCC Racing, he racked up 17 wins in the 26 events he raced. That’s an impressive 65 win percentage. KR currently sits at a 45 win percentage since moving up to the XC1 class in 2011. To put things in perspective, Paul Whibley claimed 2 GNCC championships in the 9 years he contested the series, and his all-time win percentage was 16%.

Another interesting tidbit was that in the 2 seasons Juha raced, only 3 other riders claimed wins against him. That of course being Doug Henry’s impressive ride in Florida in 2005, Nate Kanney’s 2 surprise wins at the end of the 2006 season, and of course Barry Hawk claimed a total of 6 wins against Juha.

The question now is, who will step up and try to topple the current Man of Steel and breakthrough for a win in 2015? Or, how long can KR extend his win streak?

No Hype Can Touch It (Rodney Tomblin)

It’s as if every race fans dream has come true. Everyone talks smack and everyone thinks of so many different, and sometimes off the wall, scenarios that just don’t seem very likely. Yes it is within the realm of possibility, but it is not probable so to speak. Or is it? By all accounts this is starting out to look like the improbable is probable and wow what a head turner the 2015 Amsoil GNCC presented by Maxxis is turning out to be. No one can deny the fact that there appears to be a new era dawning and there is no amount of hype that can touch what may be about to happen in what should be the hardest fought championship title in the history of the ATV title chase.

Adam McGill came out swinging and by all accounts should be looking at 3 wins had it not been for the last lap final turn run in with a lapper at the season opener. Regardless, Adam rose above it and came out and made a statement at round 2 and then again at round 3 this past weekend in North Carolina. Adam is without a doubt in a zone this season and the look in his eyes is pretty serious. He is as light hearted as ever but when his race face is on it’s as if he is a different person. As good as things are it is still early and as long as Adam keeps that perspective he may be able to win the war that will have many more and tougher battles ahead. He has never been in this position before; the question is how he will react?

Battling on Back (Jared Bolton)

While a lot of focus is on Kailub Russell running out front, there seems to be some pretty good battles going on throughout the rest of the top 10. Josh Strang has been adjusting to his new Husqvarna well, but both Thad Duvall and Ryan Sipes have seemed to take a liking to their Huskys as well. Of course, you also have to throw Yamaha duo of Grant Baylor and Jordan Ashburn into the mix as well. Both of those guys have had flashes of brilliance in the first three rounds, and it’s only a matter of time before one, or both of those guys crack into a podium finish.

Chris Bach had a get-off at Steele Creek, which took him out of podium contention. However, a strong opening round by landing on the podium in Florida and a solid top 5 finish in Georgia still have him sitting higher in the points than he was this time last season. Last year was definitely a bit of a learning season for the JCR Honda squad as Bach adjusted to the Honda, while the rest of the team adjusted to what GNCC Racing is all about. So far this season, they’re on track to put together a great season, it’s just a matter of having the right luck to go along with everything.

Then of course there’s the all-out battle in the XC2 class. Jason Thomas and Nick Davis went back and forth in the opening rounds, but a little misfortune from Davis resulted in a 22^nd place finish at Steele Creek, and handed the points lead over to Jason Thomas. During his first go-round in the XC2 class, Thomas proved that staying consistent, healthy, and finishing races is another big key to GNCC Racing and that, plus a pair of wins is exactly what he's on track for once again in 2015.

Layne Michael is another rider who is working his way up to becoming a true championship contender in XC2 as well. With a 2^nd place finish at Steele Creek, Layne has now worked his way into 2^nd place in the XC2 points. Of course, you also can’t forget about Craig Delong and Trevor Bollinger! Last year’s top amateur and XC2 runner-up currently sit 4^th and 5^th in XC2 points, respectively.

Whose Keys Are These? (Rodney Tomblin)

As far as Adam’s position goes he may be in a position that no one has ever found themselves to be in in the history of our sport. The evidence of this fact is found in the results of the first three rounds. It appears though a number of young talents and even veterans are stepping up the game, and even if they do not end up title contenders they will play a monumental role in the outcome. As everyone gains confidence we will see a lot of new faces working their way into podium contention and even possibly opportunities to win. What does it take to become a champion? Consistency, it has always been and always will be the key to becoming champion.

If anyone knows what and where the key is, it is Chris Borich. He fought for this title for many years, and he has fought so hard that he has even set the All Time Win Record in GNCC. He is no slouch for sure and to actually beat Chris you must outsmart him. He may be down but he is not out. He knows as well as anyone that he has a long road ahead but if you saw him in North Carolina, he is very calm. His confidence was not bold but solid like a true champion and that is going to be hard to beat.

Another top challenger is of course Walker Fowler. Fowler as we have been told has been under the weather and trying to regain full strength since the start of the season. Obviously strength is there as he proved in Florida but repercussion might that bring. Did he take himself back a notch or two by pushing too hard and in the end will those 5 points be that critical from the opening round? Ask Walker and I am sure he will say that it is all about winning and like last season those points could very well be the key at the end of this fight.

One rider that may not show championship contention yet but may possess more than we realize is Chris Bithell. Chris is another rider that races from the grassroots level. Like Adam he was a part of the early factory involvements until about 3 years ago he was still under a factory rig. Good things come to an end and even though it may have looked like Bithell was struggling and maybe about to give up a whole new light sheds.

Chris Bithell is working harder and is more determined than maybe some folks give him credit for. There is a new fire in his eyes this season and though he has not had the finishes he wants, he is showing that there may be something coming and as he said “the family support” like McGill speaks of is what is fueling his fire. “Adam isn’t the only one out here doing it on his own. If it wasn’t for family I wouldn’t be here and the sponsors and fans are a huge part of it too.” Maybe Chris Bithell has found a key of his own.

You CAN Race This Weekend! (Jared Bolton)

While this weekend is in fact Easter weekend, there’s still the chance to do some racing! If you feel like heading back to Morganton, North Carolina, the Mid-East Hare Scramble Series will be in action on Saturday (yes, Saturday) at Antioch Speedway. It’s a pretty cool event and definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area. It takes place at a dirt track, and it’s pretty awesome to open your bike or ATV up down the straightaway and around a banked turn of a dirt speedway.

I’m actually heading back home to North Carolina myself, and I’m going to borrow a bike from my dad and make my way over to the race on Saturday. I pre-entered in the Sportsman class because, well, I don’t want to mess with anyone’s points for one, and two, I haven’t ridden a motorcycle since November, so the first lap should be interesting. If you come out to race and see me around, feel free to say hi!

Also, for those of you who may not be able to make the trek south, the PAMX Thor Spring Series will be in action this Saturday at Pleasure Valley Raceway in Armagh, PA. Since it is Easter weekend, they're also having an Easter egg hunt for kids on Saturday afternoon. So if you feel doing some flying on a motocross track, you've got the opportunity to do so!

#ThrowbackThursday (Jared Bolton)

Headlines

Video Report: Steele Creek ATVs

Tuesday Toolbox: Jake Froman

FMF Steele Creek Photo Galleries

Russell Makes it Three-in-a-Row at Steele Creek GNCC

McGill Wins the FMF Steele Creek GNCC

What's New on RacerTV.com?

This week The Racer X Show with Greg White features highlights from an exciting thirteenth round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri where Ryan Dungey once again claimed the win, further extending his points lead. Also featured will be the eleventh round of AMSOIL Arenacross, featuring Ricky Carmichael's Road to Supercross from Austin, Texas.

Round three of AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series Presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship took place at the picturesque Steele Creek Campground in Morganton, North Carolina with the FMF Steele Creek GNCC, and this week's show will feature action from both Saturday's ATV and Sunday's bike racing.

Also featured this week will be our Roadrace Segment, presented by Yoshimura highlighting information from the past weekend's MotoGP race. As always, information on how to watch racing on television or live in person will be featured.