GNCC Racing

Walker Fowler Race Report: Powerline Park GNCC

Monday, October 22, 2018 | 3:25 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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Walker Fowler Race Report: Powerline Park GNCC

CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio. (October 22, 2018) - Unwelcomed rain fell the morning before the Powerline Park GNCC in St. Clairsville, Ohio. Despite the less than ideal racing conditions, Walker Fowler knew he had a big day ahead of him since he could potentially wrap-up his fourth national championship at the penultimate round of the 2018 Grand National Cross Country Series.

Fowler faired off well during the start and headed into the woods second. Just eight miles into the first lap, Fowler made the pass for the lead and began to set a quick pace until his gloves got soaked with the cold, wet mud. After that he slowed down a little and the rest of the pack was able to pull back-up on him, which set the scenario for the remaining hour and a half. 

Walker Fowler wrapped up his fourth-straight GNCC title in his home state of Ohio.
Walker Fowler wrapped up his fourth-straight GNCC title in his home state of Ohio. Ken Hill

On the second lap, Fowler made a diligent move to let second place ahead of him to watch how he navigated through one of the tricker sections on the track. Since it was approaching the mid-way point of the race, Fowler and the other podium contenders elected to pit where Fowler regained the lead as the entered back onto the track. 

From there Fowler, regrouped and kept the momentum moving forward as he navigated the tricky track. Once the white flag came out, Fowler made his final charge as he worked through the lapped riders and brought home his sixth win and the 2018 GNCC title in his home state.  

“This was definitely one of the more difficult championships to win to date, and frankly I think that makes it more special,” said Fowler. “Everyone brought their best effort, and while we did not win every battle, we were able to win the war and that is what matters! It’s an incredible feeling to win both the race and the championship in front of my family, friends. And home state fans that came out to watch.”

Walker Fowler moved from seventh to fourth overall in the UTV championship standings. 
Walker Fowler moved from seventh to fourth overall in the UTV championship standings.  Ken Hill

After nearly four-months off from UTV racing, Fowler lined up on the second row and got a quick jump off the line. Unfortunately, his naturally aspirated car fell behind the turbo cars and he went into the woods last, which put him in eighth overall at the start of the race. Once the course tightened, Fowler was on an equal playing field and ran a consistent top-10 pace. It wasn’t until the white flag when Fowler was really able to makes moves, ultimately finishing fifth overall. This result vaulted Fowler from seventh to fourth in points.  

“I can’t do better than fourth based on points, but our goal at Ironman is a podium position with fifth at the least,” said Fowler. “This would solidify us as fourth overall for the season as well as top non-turbo car for the year. I would be extremely proud of that result as a team and for my awesome sponsors like Yamaha and Weller Racing who have given us an incredible machine to drive all season long!” 

Vickie Fowler drove her YXZ1000RSS backed by Weller Racing to a podium position last weekend. She battled the entire race, and managed to finish third in class. This result puts her in a three-way tie for second place in the Women UTV class, where she is currently winning the tie breaker. Vickie heads into the final round just needing another podium finish in order to clinch second place! ​The ​Ironman GNCC will conclude the 2018 GNCC series, this Saturday October 27.  

Current WFR Team Results:

Walker Fowler - XC1 Open Pro - 1st overall
Walker Fowler - UXC1 Pro Turbo - 4th overall
Vickie Fowler - UTV Women - 2nd 

Vickie Fowler’s podium finish at Powerline Park  put her ranked second in the Women’s class.  
Vickie Fowler’s podium finish at Powerline Park  put her ranked second in the Women’s class.   Ken Hill

2018 WFR Sponsors:

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