GNCC Racing

Trail Jesters KTM Racing – The General GNCC Race Report

Thursday, March 19, 2020 | 11:15 AM

Trail Jesters KTM Racing – The General GNCC Race Report

Round three of the 2020 GNCC racing season brought the team to Washington, Georgia. As the green flag waved Johnny Girror found himself buried somewhere in the back half of the XC2 class. Johnny was able to make the necessary passes to push himself into the top 3 by the end of the first lap. Track conditions were tricky but Girror’s long legs worked to his advantage as he worked his way through the track's countless ruts and holes. Girror spent the entire 3 hour race in an all out battle while sitting in 3rd place the first 4 laps, and gaining the 2nd place position on the last 2 laps. Girror finished the day 2nd place XC2 just 6 seconds behind the leader, and 5th place overall for the day, and he stated “I’m happy with a second place and moving forward to the next round with the points lead.”

Johnny Girror hammering down through the Georgia woods. Darrin Chapman 
Johnny Girror hammering down through the Georgia woods. Darrin Chapman 

Simon Johnson had a less than ideal start for the day as he was pushed outside off the start and found himself towards the back of the class. As he headed into the woods Johnson tried to find a good flow, but struggled to put together good clean laps. Johnson was able to push himself up from the back of the XC2 class to a midpack position within the first lap. While struggling to find comfort out on the track, he also had some difficulties picking good lines with the trails being so wide and having so many options. Simon was able to pick off a few more places, and when he crossed the finish line for the day he landed himself 11th XC2 and 20th overall. With three rounds in the books, Simon noted “I’m not thrilled with my results but I feel like it’s a good start. I’ve learned a lot each race and I feel more and more prepared everytime I line up. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, and getting more races under my belt.”

Simon Johnson looking for the flow amongst the XC2 class. Darrin Chapman 
Simon Johnson looking for the flow amongst the XC2 class. Darrin Chapman 

Brayden Nolette rocketed his KTM 125 off the line when the flag waved, pulling one of his best starts in his entire GNCC racing career. With the different terrain throughout the track Nolette found himself loving some of the sweeter open and woods sections it had, while struggling in the deep ruts and big whoops. Checking in after lap 1 Brayden sat 3rd in the 150A class, with 1st and 2nd right in front of him. With his competition in sight Nolette put down a killer second lap where he moved into 2nd place and while feeling really good he pulled a gap on the rest of the pack. About half way through the 3 hour race, Nolette started hitting a wall fitness wise, feeling his flu symptoms from last week coming on and just not being 100%. Nolette was able to hold on until the checkered flag and finish his day 2nd place 150A. “I’m feeling like this season will definitely be full of a lot of learning and definitely a season for building myself as a rider and my bike as a 3 hour warrior” Brayden said, as he looked back at the first 3 rounds. 

Brayden Nolette singing his KTM 125 through some deep ruts. Darrin Chapman 
Brayden Nolette singing his KTM 125 through some deep ruts. Darrin Chapman 

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.