Trail Jesters KTM Racing – Big Buck GNCC Race Report
Wednesday, February 26, 2020 | 10:25 AM
With partly cloudy skies and cool temperatures our three XC2 racers lined up on the second row of the Big Buck GNCC to begin the 2020 season. As the green flag waved they were off and battling to the first corner and ready to show what they're bringing to this year of racing. Johnny Girror bumped bars with his competitors as he headed into the woods sitting in about 10th place. As the racers settled into their paces, Johnny picked off guys one by one until he made his way into the lead. Girror carried that position for the first half of the race until he found himself beginning to cramp up at around the midway point. After some serious battles, Girror crossed the line 2nd place XC2 and 9th overall.
With round 1 in the books Johnny is already thinking about the next race as he said “I feel like I have more to show and am excited for round two. I’m happy to be healthy and moving on with good championship points.”
Jesse Ansley also took on the XC2 class at Big Buck this past weekend after taking back to back XC3 championships the past two seasons. After spending his off season at Ranch Russell familiarizing himself with the change to four stroke Jesse was ready to take on this season. As the flag waved Jesse found himself dead last off the line with a stacked class in front of him. After checking in the first lap in 16th place, Ansley and his team quickly fixed a rear brake issue and he was on his way focused on moving forward. As the race came to a close Ansley found himself in a battle with teammate Simon Johnson, then while going for the pass on Johnson, Jesse ended up laying it down leaving him with 11th XC2 and 18th overall.
When asked about his feelings after this race Jesse stated, “I wouldn’t say happy is the right word for my finish, accepting would be better. As racers we want to win and meet our goals. I’m not mad or frustrated especially with it being the first race but I want to be more towards the front. Hopefully next race will be better, I will have a better mindset and we will continue to work on the stuff I am lacking.”
For the first time Simon Johnson lined up with the XC2 class this past weekend to begin his rookie season in the class. After also spending some of his off season at Ranch Russell Johnson had put in the work and was ready to get after it at round one.
Johnson headed into the woods mid pack and quickly learned just how aggressive the XC2 class is. “One slight mess up and three bikes would pass me” he stated. After a long three hour race in which Johnson constantly improved he finished the day 10th XC2 and 17th overall. As he prepares for round two Simon stated, “I’m happy with my results after round 1 but I’m already looking forward to round 2. I learned a lot about my body and my new race bike. My two goals coming into round 2 are to be in the top 5 and top 15 overall.”
Thank you to our team sponsors KTM, FMF Racing, Troy Lee Designs, Edelmann Sales, Specialized, Motorex, Dunlop, Bullet Proof Designs, P3 Carbon, Hinson Racing, SuperB Batteries, Motool, Seat Concepts, IMS Products, TF Racing Suspension, Squid Decals, Nihilo Concepts, Steve Hatch Racing, XCGear, Action Trailer Leasing, Reeva Transport, ZR Throttle, Engine Ice, Motion Pro, Renthal, ARC levers, Acerbis, TM Designworks, Twin Air, Spec Bolt, VP Racing and Loud Fuel.
About Trail Jesters:
Trail Jesters Racing is a KTM_SUPPORT TEAM established in January 2014. We race off-road motorcycles at the professional, amateur and youth level of national and regional series.