"Snowshoe is the very definition of a GNCC race, with its ski slopes, huge rocks, slippery conditions, fantastic views, enthusiastic fans and, of course, that trademark starting line. I was so proud of Dave Simmons for capturing his class championship, earning yet another amateur title in his storied career," said Pat McGuire, Public Relations / Race Support. "ITP prides itself in supplying racers and recreational riders alike with tires for this type of varying terrain. Whether it's mud like that found in Howard's Hole or relying on extreme durability for conquering large rock fields, ITP will get you to the finish line." 

The annual AMSOIL Snowshoe GNCC in Snowshoe, W.Va., has long been popular for its scenery, golfing, resort, paved starting line and, perhaps above all, the challenging terrain. Round nine saw 475 racers enter the youth, a.m. and p.m. sessions. At the end, only 82 total racers finished on the lead lap in all three sessions combined. Twenty-nine racers were saddled with DNFs at Snowshoe. Reaching the finish line is often seen as accomplishment for many. 

ITP Tires had six wins in the West Virginia slopes and were led by Dave Simmons' repeat Super Senior class championship. Dave Simmons kept his perfect season going with a solid Super Senior (45+) class win in the morning racing action. Simmons, who came in as the defending 2014 class champion, has essentially secured another title aboard his Yamaha YFZ450 with ITP Holeshot GNCC tires after tallying 180 points in his perfect 9-for-9 run. 

ITP racer Angel Knox also recorded a class victory for ITP, as she won the WXC class again. Her fourth consecutive class win (sixth in all) has pushed her to third in the class standings despite missing round three in North Carolina. The team also posted two solid second-place podium finishes in West Virginia, with Kenny Rich Sr. (Masters 50+) and Schoolboy Jr. (13-15) racer Tanner Talbott. Rich Sr., who posted his first podium in the last three races, leads his class. Talbott has nine consecutive podiums, including two wins, to carry the points lead into round 10. 

College A (16-21) racer Westley Wolfe won his class and finished 14th overall in the highly competitive afternoon session, outdoing four Pro class racers and 18 Pro-Am racers. With his fifth win of the year, Wolfe leads the class by five points at the GNCC summer break. Fellow ITP racers Greg Covert (second at Snowshoe) and Kristian Meyer are in the top four of class standings. Brayden Shick finished third in the College B (16-21) division to maintain his class points lead. He has three wins and seven podiums thus far this year. 

With seven straight podiums and after notching his fifth win of the year with a class overall at round nine, Media All Stars / ITP racer Mark Batson gained more ground in the Senior A/B (38+) ranks. The Yamaha racer, who sits third in his class, will need to keep the momentum once the GNCC schedule resumes in September.