Weekly Updates (Chelsea Taylor)

A couple of days ago I celebrated my birthday, and I’d just like to take a quick moment to say thank you. I had so many sweet messages from members of the GNCC Racing Nation! You all have been so kind to welcome me in the middle of the season, and you all honestly make my job the best! Although we work long weekends, seeing you all at the races truly makes it fun, and I can’t wait to start my first full season with you guys in Florida!

Just as a reminder our season credential application is now open! Now you may ask yourself, “Why would I pay for one of those?” First, they’re just plain cool because they’re customized for ATV, bike, mechanic and etc. Second, they’ll save you money. Third, they make the front gate procedure faster, and the faster you get in the gate the faster you can hang out with your friends! Lastly, they take the place of armbands so if you’re one of those people who can’t stand armband they’re perfect! Click HERE for more information and the application form.

Just last week Bolton was talking about how we haven’t heard anything in regards to the N-Fab/AmPro/Yamaha bLU cRU Off-Road Motorcycle Racing Team, well earlier this week they released their team members. It looks like Nick Davis will be making the switch to blue while still staying in the XC2 class while also racing the AMA National Enduro Series. In addition, both Daniel Milner and Grant Baylor will be returning!

Well short and sweet, that’s all for the updates this week!

Boots on the Track (Rodney Tomblin)

The past few years we have witnessed a great thing happening for Veterans of War in the GNCC Racin’ Nation. It has all happened through a great program called Vigilant Vet Racing. A simple program and idea that has turned monumental results in the lives of some veterans suffering from PTSD. It is an all too common issue plaguing many of today’s vets. Rick Proctor a veteran himself and victim of this PTSD found an outlet that helped him release some built of energy and frustrations associated with the disease. It also presented an opportunity for comradery with fellow and like-minded folks he had been missing. This really seemed to help him begin to adjust a little better and the idea of VVR was spawned.

Rick started an not for profit organization and acquired a few sponsors to help get things rolling. He began inviting veterans to come give the sport a try and see if they too could find some relief in their struggles. Not only would they be get to ride but would have a team there to back them every step of the way. The program has been more than successful and many have made GNCC and VVR a big part of their lives finding a sense of normality with so much to focus on and having new friends who share the same feelings and though.

Rick and the folks at VVR are stepping things up once again this year and I go the following message concerning the 2016 season. Feel free to copy and paste the message to share on your social media because it is truly a worthwhile cause.

In 2016, Vigilant Vet Racing is introducing a new program designed to get more Disabled Veterans out on the GNCC racetrack. As we’ve known since we officially formed our nonprofit in 2013, off-road riding and racing provides a sort of  “therapeutic” benefit to Veterans who battle PTSD and other issues related to their military service. For the two hours they are on the racetrack, all of their thoughts and concentration is focused on what is right in front of them instead of haunting memories or disturbing thoughts of combat. The time in between events is spent training, practicing and wrenching on their bike. The exercise they get from riding and training goes along way toward improving their physical and mental health. The camaraderie that is shared at the track with other Veteran racers, families etc. help to fill a void that all Veterans have after leaving the military. The family-friendly atmosphere helps ease the Veteran back into society. And the list goes on….

While Vigilant Vet Racing has been able to spread the word about off-road riding/racing’s benefits to Veterans, we frequently run into some who would love to try the sport but don’t know where to start or could use some help getting started.  This is where our new program comes into play. Starting this year, Vigilant Vet Racing will provide a race-ready 2011 Can Am DS-450 to a Disabled Veteran who is new to the sport to race a full season in the Grand National Cross Country Series. The organization will store, maintain and haul the bike for the Veteran so that they do not have to worry about getting a trailer. Eventually we want to be able to provide racing gear, equipment and virtually everything they’ll need to get started into racing at no cost to them.

Our goal with this program is simply to get more Disabled Veterans involved in the sport of off-road so that they can realize the benefits that we highlighted earlier. While we only have the resources to support one racer on a donated ATV this year, our plan is to eventually add a bike and UTV to the program. We’d like to extend a special “Thank You” to Brian and Judy Keane who graciously donated the 2011 Can AM DS 450.

Also Thank You to our sponsors and supporters: Racer Productions, GNCC, Waynesburg Yamaha, Fly Racing, Lone Star Racing, Western Power Sports, Spider Graphix, FourWerx Carbon, Greg’s ATV, Ryland Johnson Racing, Alco Cleaners, BNR Motorsports, Glann Innovations, Get It Performance, Pirate MX, Fasst Company, EarthX, RZ Masks and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA).

It’s a great cause and again feel free to share the message. You may impact a veteran change lives just by providing this information. It could help someone get on the right track to healing and in so many ways relief. I also would like to say thank you to Rick and everyone who helps make this happen. I thank the many men and woman who have and are serving our country to protect our rights and freedoms.

Off-Season Racing Is At Peak Level! (Jared Bolton)

By now, we’ve heard about the pre-season racing events that have been taking place over the past couple of months and there’s plenty more on the horizon before we get back into the swing of things in GNCC Racing. Last weekend we actually made our way to the SETRA Burnt Gin Hare Scramble in Wedgefield, South Carolina. This is always one of the biggest off-season events of the year with a huge number of top names ready to get in some seat time before the season begins.

This year’s event was no different as the front row took up nearly the entire width of the starting line. When the race got underway, it would be Jesse Groemm controlling the majority of the race. In fact, Groemm would pull out to a pretty big lead by the halfway mark, while there would be a multi-rider battle for the rest of the top spots. Russell Bobbitt, Grant Baylor, Andrew Delong, Ricky Russell, Evan Smith, Drew Higgins, Steward Baylor and more would all swap positions multiple times through the opening stages of the race.

As the race wore on, things would begin to spread out a little more. Delong would end up experiencing an electrical issue that would cost him some time, while Grant Baylor would become the man on the move as he began working his way through the pack. When it was all said and done, Grant would actually work his way into the lead in the closing stages of the race to steal the win away from Jesse Groemm, who would come away second. Russell Bobbitt put together a great ride to finish third with Drew Higgins and Ricky Russell rounding out the top five. Make sure you check out the video I threw together from the race. I don’t shoot and edit much video anymore, so I’m a little rusty but it’s well worth checking out the racing action!

While at the Burnt Gin, I was talking to Jim Fairey, who helps run the SERMA Club that puts on the event. Jim told me that both the Burnt Gin Hare Scramble and Sumter Enduro benefit way more than their club. The actually donate the majority of the race profits to multiple local organizations including Camp Burnt Gin, which is for children and young adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness. So not only are these events great, fun, pre-season racing events but they also support great causes!

As we look ahead to this weekend, there’s multiple events happening but two that stand out will be the opening round of the AMA National Enduro Series taking place just up the road from where the Burnt Gin Hare Scramble was last weekend, while a couple of hours to the west will be another round of the SORCS Winter Series. However, it’s not just any round, it’s the Spartan which will take place at the same venue we’ll be racing the Cannonball GNCC at in March.

Both of these events promise to be highly attended events as everyone looks to get in that extra seat time before the 2016 season begins. If you’re attending the SORCS race, you’ll get a little teaser of what to expect when we visit the venue for round two of the 2016 GNCC Racing season, but don’t expect much of an advantage because our course will be a bit different. Regardless, this is still a great opportunity to know what to expect at round two!

By the time you read this, I’ll likely already be on the road heading south. I’m heading out to Sparta to get a an idea on the layout for the GNCC in March, and I’m planning on sticking around for the quad race, then I’m going to make my way over to South Carolina to attempt to race the Sumter National Enduro… I say attempt because it’s been a long time since tried riding hard for more than two minutes at a time.

Overall, it’s going to be an action packed weekend of racing down south. If you see me around at either event, feel free to say hi and if you have any cool stories to share next week, drop me a line at [email protected], I’d be glad to share!

Prep Work (Chelsea Taylor)

A couple weeks ago Bolton talked about staff changes for 2016, but this week I wanted to discuss a little more about what we do and the work that goes in to creating America’s premier off-road racing series.

Chances are, if you go to the races every weekend you see many of the same faces. However, what you don’t see are the people who only work at the office. Here in Morgantown we have a whole design department dedicated to making everything we produce look top notch. Those flyers you get in the mail or posters you see? That was Heather and her intern Kayla G, not to be confused with our Online Content Manager, Kayla Olliver, who works hard to make sure the websites are up to date and doubles as one of the registration girls at the race.

We also have a full-time secretary. This way when you have a question and need to call the office on a Thursday or Friday when many of us are already at the races there’s someone here to answer your call and help. As of now, Lindsay from registration is covering as we look to bring on someone new to the team. Lindsay is just one of the many employees who pull double duties.

Other staff does that as well though. One weekend you may see them, but the next weekend they may not be there. The GNCC and ATVMX series are on alternating weekends, which help out a lot, but sometimes the Pro Motocross events interfere and Tim Cotter or Marketing Manager Nick Koester may be attending the Pro Motocross events.

Sweepmaster, Tommy Harris spends the week prepping our machines for each event whether it is changing oil, washing or simple maintenance work. Ryan Echols and of course Jeff Russell are also in the garage helping out as well!

There’s a whole slew of staff in front and behind the scenes here at Racer Productions. We all work with multiple series and events, but that’s what keeps us on our toes. No matter how hard we try and plan everything out, there’s bound to be something we didn’t plan for come up, but staying busy always keeps us on our toes to work everything out.

But with all this being said, we are here for you. If you need anything don’t hesitate to reach out and call us. You may even question if it’s worth bothering us, but I can ensure you that nothing is too small for us. Possibly you’re using our “Get Press” template, and need someone to review your grammar, we can help with that. Or possibly you’re questioning your eligibility to race a certain class; well we have people here for you! The willingness for staff to help is just another thing that makes GNCC Racing so great.

The World is Watching (Rodney Tomblin)

I’m not sure if many of you caught it or not but DirtbikeMagazine.com released the list of America’s 25 Best Off-Road Racers and guess what? The list was weighted heavily with GNCC racers with Kailub Russell topping the list for his accomplishments in GNCC, National Enduro and the ISDE before his injury. Each one of these accomplishment were noticed in a major way and GNCC gets yet another feather in its cap.

Not surprising there were several other top GNCC racers mentioned as well and it became apparent that folks all around the world know what’s going on in our little nation. As Russell took top honors Ryan Sipes took the number three spot with his accomplishments at ISDE winning the overall and his performance in GNCC.

Josh Strang came in number four with three GNCC wins and four other podiums plus a National Enduro win. Josh is not only strong but consistent and if you remember his progress it went a little like this before he won his title a few years ago. Like so many others, Josh has a lot of eyes from across the globe watching his progress.

Then young Grant Baylor was named number five just simply for the amazing rides he has been putting together at such a young age. Let us not forget he is still barely 18 years old and has a lot of growing before he is done. This kid could be the thorn in a lot of sides for a number of years to come.

A surprise to some being named number nine is Steward Baylor. The older brother and original prodigy child, Stu has had some major bad luck and injuries since his XC2 days where he accomplished some major feats. That and this past season’s consistent comeback and ride through injury at ISDE earned him the spot.

Thad Duvall was name number thirteen and some may say he deserved a higher ranking but still it’s a top honor. The judges may be reserving the rights though to see how 2016 goes and you may see a much different ranking next year. Thad is poised for a good season.

The long, tall and lanky boy from Indiana comes in at number 14. Chris Bach’s impressive win at the Tomahawk GNCC against Kailub Russell opened a lot of eyes on the JCR/Honda program he has helped build in GNCC. Bach not only had a strong season GNCC racing but also made appearances at six GPs and at the 24 Hours of Glen Helen.

Former National Enduro champion Andrew Delong earned honors as number 16. An injury riddled year kept him from true potential but this season may show us a new and improved Andrew with old style hunger that got him to where he is now in the sport. 

UK Jason Thomas ranks in at number 17. A good number that was at one point in time his GNCC number. Jason just went through a reset period in his career and knows that its now or never as he rolls back into XC1 competition. I think we may see a different Thomas next season in the class and he could be one to come along and surprise you when you least expect it.

Jordan Ashburn ranks number 20 for 2015 for his shear consistency and strong attitude. He found the podium many times but could not find the win. 2016 will bring a new look to Jordy as he is working on some big things and should have an announcement soon. Ashburn’s change may be the spark he needs to get the burning fire to burn out of control.

Even though he has been away for a while with injury, Cory Buttrick still ranked in at number 22. His solid comeback performances did not go unnoticed and could be an indication that folks are looking for big things to come for the former top pilot. The one thing critical for Buttrick’s comeback is to remain as healthy as possible and show steady improvement on his way to gaining his potential speed. This one may be the surprise we forget to factor till its too late.

The number 24 spot went to Rough and Rowdy himself, Ricky Russell. Ricky also plagued with injuries over the last few years put in a solid ride and battle for the XC2 championship finishing second in that class. Ricky also won the fourth round of WORCS racing proving he has speeds on both his home west coast and here in the adopted east coast home. Ricky is one to watch as well and don’t be surprised if he figures out how to win an overall or two.

So in my conclusion I count twelve GNCC regulars on the list. Four of the top are GNCC competitors and half the top ten are. Among the regulars there are a few names of those that frequent GNCC such as Mike Brown at number 11 and Russell Bobbitt at number 15. A few others have raced a GNCC but not on any type of regular basis. Pretty impressive and obvious that folks are watching GNCC all around the world.

#ThrowbackThursday (Jared Bolton)

In honor of this weekend’s Sumter National Enduro, we’ll take a look back at the 1994 Manchester Forest GNCC, which was held on part of the same property where the enduro is. Fred Andrews would come away with the overall win ahead of Scott Summers and Tommy Turtle himself, Tommy Norton!

On the ATV side, we’ve got some throwbacks from the 1996 Loretta Lynn’s GNCC where Barry Hawk took the win ahead of Ricky Matteson and Bill Ballance!