Wednesday, October 25, 2017 | 11:30 AM
Chris Bach Retires from Professional GNCC Racing
2017 GNCC Finale at Ironman Raceway Marks End of Professional Career
Crown Point, Ind. (October 25, 2017) – It is with a very humble and grateful heart that I announce the end of my professional racing career following the 2017 Ironman GNCC. As you can imagine this decision has not come easy. Following a few major injuries and very difficult 2017 season both physically and mentally, I’ve decided it is time I step away from professional racing and shift my focus to other goals in other aspects of life.
First and foremost, I want to thank my amazing parents, who instilled the values and work ethic that allowed me to reach the top tier in this great sport. For blindly supporting me and roughly shaping me into an adult, then having the bravery to let me travel, explore, and allow the real world to shape the rest. To my girlfriend, Danielle, for supporting me through injuries, crazy travel schedules and this decision to follow another path.
I’d also like to personally thank those who have been behind me my entire career. Ben Weathers, Johnny Gallagher, Bart Hayes, and George Pollard- I would have never made this journey without your support, guidance, and helping hands along the way. Jay Gobel and Heather Avery with Maxxis Tires, Max Steffens and Dale Spangler at WPS/Fly Racing, Donnie Emler Jr at FMF, Scott Wright at IMS – I’m honored to have worked with you professionally and personally 10+ years. I hope those relationships continue. Johnny Campbell at JCR Honda- Thank you for all you’ve taught me both on and off the track, as well as your guidance and friendship.
To RPM Racing and all the 2017 team sponsors. Thank you for the unwavering support this season and the opportunity to represent and be a part of your brands. My first sponsor in the XC1 class was RPM/KTM in 2010 and I’m happy to end my career where I started.
Thank you, Racer Productions and all the GNCC staff members for providing a series that has allowed me to showcase my talent and abilities, network with industry elites, and for giving me the platform I needed to earn a comfortable living while chasing my childhood dream. Without your efforts I would have never had the ability to even write this letter.
Finally, I’d like to dedicate my career to my best friend, guidance counselor, mentor, mechanic, truck driver, auto mechanic, landlord, roommate, co-pilot, fellow white dog lover, and general partner in crime, Dale “Cookie” Cooke. I’m proud to own all my career accomplishments, but nothing will top sharing my first and only GNCC overall win with Dale. With this accomplishment alone, I can confidently say I’ve done all I came to do.
Due to ongoing health issues from previous injuries, I will not be able to race the 2017 Ironman GNCC. I want to formally apologize to my family, team, sponsors, and fans that expected more out this 2017 season. I also expected more and it weighs heavily on me that I will be unable to deliver on those expectations. I will still be in attendance to cheer on my Indiana friends and fellow competitors.
Thank you all for the memories.
Sincerely,
Chris Bach #984