Jarrod McClure Takes Ironman GNCC Pro Win
Wednesday, November 4, 2015 | 3:00 PM
The JMR / Atvriders.com backed team of Jarrod McClure and Randy Hamilton put in an outstanding performance at the final round of the Grand National Cross Country Series this past weekend at the Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana. McClure earned his second overall win of the season after commanding the lead for the majority of the race, which secured McClure third overall for the year in the XC1 Pro ATV points race. Teammate Randy Hamilton found himself on the podium again in the XC2 Pro Am class finishing second for the day and an impressive thirteenth overall.
The Ironman GNCC is always the last stop of the GNCC series in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The old “Always save the best for last” quote can be used at this race because it is definitely a favorite among a majority of racers. The facility brings to the table everything a GNCC track could offer, steep hills, creek crossings, tight woods, and open fields. The track conditions were near perfect for the day as racers headed to the start to let it all hang out at the last race of the season.
DWT’s McClure pulled a mid pack start and went into the woods around seventh position. As riders hit the first creek crossing the lead group jammed up in the main line and McClure was able to get around almost everyone and get into the lead. McClure held onto the lead for the next two laps even though he was under pressure for the front spot.
“We all came into the first creek out there and as McGill went into the main line everyone else hesitated and were just lined up waiting to go through. I knew there was a good line to the right after walking the course, so I hoped up over these big rocks and passed about five or six guys putting myself right into the lead. I had some pressure early on from Wolf and Bithell, they both passed me twice out there, but I was able to get back around them. It was a lot of fun, and I was so happy to be battling with Chris at his last race. I will always remember that,” said McClure.
McClure dropped out of the lead in the third lap, but he stayed right with McGill out front as they pair pulled away from the pack, but McGill suffered a mechanical issue in the final few miles of the race, which allowed McClure to take back over the lead. He held the lead to the checkered flag to secure his second win of the year.
“It was just an awesome day out there today, my ATV worked flawless. The Baldwin motor was super fast, the DWT tires were hooking up, and the Elka/Teixeira suspension soaked up everything. Adam and I were really motoring on that last lap and I was looking forward to taking it to the finish with him, so I am bummed he had issues. Once he was out, I put it in cruise knowing I had a comfortable gap on second. I am super excited to pull another win this season in case anyone thought I just got “lucky” at Snowshoe, ” said McClure.
JMR’s XC2 Pro Am racer, Randy Hamilton, earned second for the day in his class, but it was no easy task for him after he got bucked off his ATV early on in the race. Randy remounted and began a hard charge back to the front. By lap two, Randy was back into second, but the leader had almost pulled a minute on him. Hamilton then had issues with his rear brakes on the last lap after breaking his axle carrier. He nursed his ATV around the final lap and was able to secure second for the day still having a two-minute lead over third.
Jarrod McClure finished a GNCC career best third overall in the XC1 Pro class, while his teammate Randy Hamilton finished fourth in the XC2 Pro Am class and 16th overall for the year. The JMR team cannot thank there sponsors enough for all the support and plan on coming back next year with an even stronger program.
JMR Racing Team Sponsors:
DWT, DWT Tires, JMR, Elka Suspension, Teixeira-Tech, HMF, IQ defense, KG power sports, Bowers Motorcycle, ATVriders.com Powermadd, Sunstar, Moose Racing, Fourwerx, Spider Graphics, Bell Helmets, Precision, DP Brakes, Moto Pro Training, Gorilla Offroad Company, Glann Innovations, Matto Cycle, Py Racing, Baldwin Motorsports, Bel Ray, Impact Solutions, Wiseco, Santor Design Co, Dirtworks Motorsports, Hot Rods, Pivot Works, Works Connection, Rockwell Watches, IMS, Aliant Batteries, WRP.