The 2018 race season continued this past weekend, March 19, with The General GNCC in Washington, Georgia. After a two-year break, the AMSOIL GNCC series traveled back to the facility, which is also known for the popular Aonia Pass MX track. Saturday’s rain showers created a rough and slick track for Sunday, but the KR4/Husqvarna team powered through the tore up course and left the Peach State with some impressive results.

When the XC1 Open Pro class launched off the line they were rubbing plastics through the first few turns entering the woods. Cory Buttrick and Layne Michael found themselves right in the middle of the action. Unfortunately Buttrick wasn’t able to stay in the mix long and went down in a freak accident, which resulted in a broken brake line.

“I fell off the start and broke my rear brake line,” explained Buttrick. “I immediately rode from the start line back to the pits to swap the brake system. From there I got back on track and tried to make it back into the top 20 overall to gain some points. I know it’s a long year and every point counts – that’s all I was thinking!”

Buttrick's mechanic and owner of JDP Suspension, Jay Downhour, quickly made his way to the KR4 pit area to get Buttrick back on course where he was able to finish 31st overall and 12th in class. Michael also experienced some setbacks. After running with the top six, and only 35 seconds out of the lead, during the first two and a half hours, Michael had some hard crashed on the last lap and salvaged seventh in class and eighth overall. 

Conner Keegan dominated The General GNCC. After checking through timing and scoring in second on the first lap, Conner made his way to the lead position and never looked back. In fact, Conner was the only rider in the 20-person class to complete six laps. Brandon Keegan also competed in the 4-Stroke A Lites class and finished 12th. 

Liam Draper got off to an excellent start off the XC2 250 Pro row, but had a series of crashes that had him crossing the line in 11th. “It wasn’t my best race,” said Draper. “I’m disappointed with how I rode. I just crashed too much, but it’s time to move on and get back to work!” 

Colin Keegan displayed some excellent sportsmanship this weekend and stopped his own race to help an injured rider, ultimately finishing 10th in the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class.