Weekly Updates (Chelsea Taylor)

I’m not sure if the snow is ever going away. It seems as if it’s never going to end here in Morgantown, as soon as it all melts it begins to flurry again. As I sit here writing this entry the flakes are flying and we have about six inches of snow on the ground, but the team here in the office is dedicated to making sure all the pre-season tasks gets taken care of so everyone trucks through the snow to get to the office. 

With only 23 days left until the first round, we are working around the clock to make sure the first round goes as smooth as possible! With that being said, the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Fast Track Registration Program is now open. You can pre-register for the first five rounds and within a few weeks you’ll be able to sign up for the full season! Don’t forget that every time you register you’ll receive a $20 Race Gas gift card. Although the name has changed these gift cards are still redeemable on anything Rocky Mountain ATV/MC offers. Get registered for Wild Boar by clicking HERE.

Just a quick reminder that the season credential application is open. You don’t have to be an XC1 racer to get your hands on a cool GNCC credential. You can purchase one that’s good throughout the whole season and it will save you time and money. Click HERE for more information and the application form.

That’s all the updates for right now, but make sure to follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for more updates on the upcoming race as they become available.

A Thick Pot To Stir (Rodney Tomblin)

One thing is certain, 2016 holds the possibility to be one of the greatest seasons on record. It is a cliché we have stated numerous times leading into each of the past few seasons. Each time though, it has rang true and again all indicators are pointing in that direction. We are truly blessed as a racing community to have all that we have in the GNCC Racin’ Nation. It gives us purpose to work for something sometimes larger than life and it gives us drive to be better each and every day. The passions lie deep and the talent pool is just as deep. Everyone knows that the XC1 class has a lot going on but perhaps the class with the most potential next to that is the XC2 Pro Am.

The fact that XC2 is going to be one to watch is no true surprise, but what may come as a little bit of a surprise is the actual talent that will be vying for top spot in this class. It’s something we said was coming but it may be sneaking up on us faster than we realize. The youth class prodigies are making their way into the upper ranks and in reality we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg of what future competition holds in GNCC. I am speaking of ATV racing right now but it can be said across the board.

As Cole “Train” Richardson makes his departure from the XC2 Pro Am class it opens a new door and a new era in the class. The spotlight that is getting ready to shine is not broadening because Cole is leaving the class but more so because of the riders that are moving up and stepping up. Another factor that appears may be moving out of the class is Cody Collier which leaves the class now wide open and a lot of attention has been focused on Westley Wolfe to be the next one to beat in this class.

If you look at results from the Ironman GNCC then you know some pretty amazing things occurred. Wolfe stepped up to XC2 Pro Am and literally owned the class on that day. Is it proof that he will be the “one to beat?” The answer is, not necessarily. It was impressive and it was quite a big statement he made but is it truly proof he can run that pace against that competition for 13 solid rounds?

Along from the College-A class with Wolfe comes his fiercest competition. Both Greg Covert and Kenny Shick are moving up to the class as well and each one know they are capable of besting Wollfe and each did it twice last season. Greg Covert is not only one of GNCCs rising stars but he is also a major competitor in the WYNOA series where he finished as lone of the top riders in that series. Kenny Shick is has been working with Johnny G and Chris Borich and could bring to the table a whole new level of competition himself.

I caught up this past week with Covert and he tells me “I'm moving up to XC2 with the National number 21. This off season has been really good as I have been hitting the gym harder than ever and been able to get good seat time that I usually never get to do over the winter offseason.” He said the weather in NY has been really mellow and has actually had the chance to hit a few winter races with his Dad. He said they went to Sparta, Georgia for the SORCS race this past weekend and he finished 2nd behind Hunter Hart and eighth overall starting from the second pro line. He said “With only three weeks until round 1 I'm going to keep pushing myself to get better. I have had a taste of what winning feels like and I'm ready to take the XC2 championship.” He also said “I know I am capable but it is going to take a huge team effort! I couldn’t do it without help from a lot of people including sponsors like Hygear Suspension, Waynesburg Yamaha, Houser racing, Spider Graphix , moto-xperts, fly racing, FMF, and Scott.”

Shick, on the other hand, is working hard with GNCC’s “Most Wins in GNCC History” record holder, and former 6-time champion, Chris Borich. The thing that Kenny as well as many around him are hoping the added drive and desire being displayed by Borich as this time is a good way to get him on the right track to winning himself. He also has the influence of Johnny G, which will be another notch in his belt approaching the new season. The big picture here is that this may be about the best time ever to train with Chris Borich as he is seriously working harder than ever to try and come back to reclaim the championship and title number seven. Shick is in a good place right now.

Other players to watch will include the return of some of the players like Marty Christofferson who says that one more year in the class and he feels he will be ready. We have to remember that Marty is a late bloomer only racing for the first time when he was 16 years old. So with actual limited experience he holds in racing by comparison he is way ahead of the curve and another season honing his skills in XC2 may present him to be a bigger player in this game than some may give him credit.

AJ Koontz, who may not have had the most impressive season overall last year, is another one to watch if he can get things going in 2016. AJ is always a threat and strong starter. Finish results from last year are in no way shape or form a real indication of how he can ride. AJ, along with Randy Hamilton, Blake Tornes and Levi Coen are my picks of veteran XC2 riders to watch out for and possible surprise challengers heading into the homestretch of this class championship.

The proof that the future holds the excitement I speak of is as plain as the nose on your face. Realizing that I may have overlooked some unknown variables there is a possibility that I could be way off mark. However I have been heralding the coming changes and challenges for some time now and like the crazy old man on the corner with a sandwich board reading “Repent! The End is Near!” I stand firmly in my belief that the warning of the coming new era is coming to pass.

That’s it for me for now. Till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs. 

Racing Down South (Jared Bolton)

This past weekend saw a full schedule of races taking place, including two that I’ve discussed for several weeks. In Georgia, the SORCS Winter Series visited the same venue we’ll be racing round two of the 2016 GNCC Racing season at. Jeff Russell, Ryan Echols, Mike Miller and myself all made the trip down to check the race and the facility out.

I actually arrived Friday afternoon and spent a while riding, checking out the SORCS course and scoping out some of what we’re planning on using as part of the GNCC course next month. Saturday’s quad race ended up seeing a pretty big turnout of GNCC regulars, plus the usual SORCS racers and more. In fact, there were actually a whopping 30 riders signed up for the Quad Pro class! 

When the green flag flew, it would be Walker Fowler jumping out to the early lead with Cole Richardson and Brycen Neal close in-tow. Fowler would control the opening laps before Richardson would take the lead on lap three. Fowler would end up suffering some slight mechanical issues and actually have to end his race early, so the battle for the win was on.

In the end, Cole Richardson would end up coming away with the win over Brycen Neal and Jarrod McClure. Brycen had a stellar 2015 GNCC season, and he looked to be absolutely on fire at the SORCS race, ultimately setting himself up to be one of the guys to keep an eye on as the 2016 season begins.

Sunday’s bike race also saw a large number of riders, even with the opening round of the AMA National Enduro Series taking place just a couple of hours away. Jason Thomas would take over the early lead with MCS/Obermeyer Suzuki teammates Chris Douglas and Ricky Russell close behind. How close? Well, for the first 3 laps, the top three guys were less than ten seconds apart!

Thomas would onto the lead until lap three when Ricky Russell would put on a charge to move from third, to second. When the checkered flag flew, Ricky would come away with the win over Thomas with Chris Douglas rounding out the podium in third. There’s no doubt that these guys put on a heck of a race and everyone in attendance seemed to really enjoy the new racecourse.

I ended up sticking around for Saturday’s quad race, but that evening I made my way over to Wedgefield, SC for the Sumter National Enduro. As far as racing goes, well, I ran into some rear brake issues that put me way behind but nobody cares how I did.

This year’s National Enduro opener was pretty highly anticipated, as many felt like it would be anyone’s race to win. The return of Charlie Mullins would be one of the biggest storylines heading into the race, but the news of a slight foot injury left many wondering how strong Charlie would be. As the first section scores came in, the answer to that question would be “pretty strong!” as Charlie would come away with the section win.

Unfortunately Charlie would struggle throughout the rest of the day and end up eighth overall on the day. While that’s not what Charlie had hoped for, that’s still a good finish after sitting out nearly two years and mending an injured foot. The win in section two would end up going to Jesse Groemm, who I mentioned was riding extremely well at the previous weekend’s Burnt Gin Hare Scramble just down the road.

Section three would see Grant Baylor coming alive to take the win, while big brother Stu would take the win in a tough and muddy fourth section, but the surprise would come in section five. Chris Bach showed that he’s getting better at the enduro game as he took the win in section five and Stu Baylor would claim another section win in the final section of the day.

With this many guys claiming section wins, it’s hard to pick a clear winner without breaking down the results. In the end, it would be Grant Baylor claiming the overall win ahead of Russell Bobbitt and Jesse Groemm while Stu Baylor and Andrew Delong would round out the top five. Overall, these guys put on a great race, with some close times. It truly was anyone’s race to win and staying consistent throughout the day was key. Grant Baylor was able to do exactly that as he came away with the win and leads the points into round two, which actually won’t take place until after the Cannonball GNCC. That gives a good bit of time for some of the “enduro only” guys like Russell Bobbitt to make adjustments and come out swinging when that series rolls into Alabama. Keep an eye on these guys, it will be a good season!

On-Track School Program (Chelsea Taylor)

GNCC’s On-Track School Program has been around since 2012 and continues to grow every year. The program has reached over 14,000 students across 10 states in its four years. With the help of Chuck Lemaster this past year we were able to develop a program specifically for middle school ages, meaning in 2016 we can reach even more students!

The program focuses on anti-bullying, goal setting and ATV/motorcycle safety. Although students hear about majority of the program through their normal school classes, they tend to enjoy it more because of the way the program is produced – It’s not every day that they get to witness a 450cc ATV or bike sitting in their gymnasium. Sometimes the athletes even get to eat lunch with the kids!

The program takes place on race weekends, typically the Friday before. Depending on the amount of schools scheduled, there may be two separate programs with one being in the morning and other in the afternoon. We start by introducing the racers to the students before moving on to the main topics that will be covered.

There’s a few hands-on sections where students get to be involved directly with the racers. Majority of the students agree that their favorite part comes at the end of the program. This is when we have a competition to see who can get dressed in riding gear the fastest. The goal of this exercise is teamwork and proper ATV/motorcycle safety. Each class cheers for their team and the racers help the kids get dressed making for lots of laughter and smiles. 

This past year brothers Tanner and Keegan Walker participated in the program at the Somerset round. Not only did Keegan get to showcase his life outside of school to his friends, but also to his teachers. It was an overall awesome experience to see Keegan be a role model to his fellow class mates.

Of course at the end of the presentation, students can meet the riders and get autographs—and each student gets a free ticket to the weekend’s race!

With all this being said you may think, “Hey, I’d like that in my school or my kids school!” We’re currently looking for schools to bring this exciting program to this season. If you have any suggestions send them over to [email protected], but keep in mind that we like to stay about 30 minutes from the racetrack please!

Headlines

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Fast Track Registration Program Now Open

GNCC Racing Extends Partnership with FMF

Tuesday Toolbox: Bryan Buckhannon

Racer Productions Mourns Loss of GNCC Family Member Katherine Whibley

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Looks Forward to 2016 GNCC Season as a Continuing Sponsor

Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4 Arrive-N-Ride Announces 2016 Team Lineup and Sponsors

What's new on RacerTV.com?

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News from GNCC, Riders and Sponsors 

Racer Productions Mourns Loss of GNCC Family Member Katherine Whibley:
Racer Productions would like to extend condolences to the family and friends of lifelong GNCC family member Katherine Whibley, wife of two-time GNCC National Champion, Paul Whibley. Katherine passed away due to injuries sustained from a car accident in late December in her home country of New Zealand. read more...

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Fast Track Registration Program Now Open:
The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Fast Track Registration  is now open for the 2016 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series, presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship. Racers can now pre-enter for the first five rounds of the GNCC series. read more...

GNCC Racing Extends Partnership with FMF:
Racer Productions, producer of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC), presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, is pleased to announce the continued support of FMF Racing as a feature level sponsor. read more...