GNCC Racing

Trail Jesters KTM Racing – The Bulldog GNCC Race Report

Trail Jesters KTM Racing – The Bulldog GNCC Race Report

Thursday, May 28, 2020 | 7:55 PM
Thursday, May 28, 2020 | 7:55 PM

Trail Jesters KTM Racing – The Bulldog GNCC Race Report

The 2020 GNCC racing season is back up and running, after a pause due to COVID-19, this past weekend in Washington, Georgia. Johnny Girror found himself buried in the back of the XC2 class as the green flag waved to start the race. Johnny quickly got himself in the groove as he made up ground throughout the first lap, pushing himself to 2nd place by the check in of lap one. Lap two brought a nasty crash for Girror where he ended up taking the handle bars to the stomach and left him struggling the rest of the race. Girror did all he could to overcome the pain and keep himself in a good points position throughout the rest of the 3 hour race. Johnny finished the day 4th place XC2 and 11th place overall for the day. After the race Johnny stated “I’m happy with 4th place, I still got some points considering the circumstances. I’m ready to move on and get ready for the next one!”

Johnny Girror hammering down through the Georgia clay. PC: Shan Moore
Johnny Girror hammering down through the Georgia clay. PC: Shan Moore

Without getting the best jump off the start, Jesse Ansley, managed to stay within the front pack of racers, Ansley said “That was a big confidence boost for me since it seems like I get pushed around a lot in the past.” Jesse found himself getting into a flow after the first few laps and began making passes, pushing his way up through the back on the XC2 pack. On the 3rd lap Ansley crashed which re-injured a past neck injury. Ansley decided it was in the best interest of his health to call his day short and end his race after this crash. Ansley went on to say “I had some great battles out there and was having fun until my crash happened. It’s unfortunate but I just have to heal up and get back to 100%.”

Jesse Ansley making a splash through one of the water crossings. PC: Shan Moore
Jesse Ansley making a splash through one of the water crossings. PC: Shan Moore

Simon Johnson had a less than ideal start for the day as he found himself towards the back of the class. As he headed into the woods Johnson focused on finding his flow and making passes which he quickly started doing through the dust of the dry race track. Johnson was able to consistently put down smooth laps and battle it out around the 11th place position all 3 hours. Simon was able to hold off his competitors, and when he crossed the finish line for the day he landed himself 11th XC2 and 19th overall. Simon stated “I’m not happy with my results because I know with a little fine tuning I can be exactly where I want to be. I feel like I was able to pick back up where I left off but I want more. Learning more and more each race, it’s just a matter of time before it all clicks.”

Simon Johnson looking for the flow amongst the XC2 class. PC: Shan Moore
Simon Johnson looking for the flow amongst the XC2 class. PC: Shan Moore

Taylor Johntson was excited to be back and line up on the front line of the morning race in the WXC class and with a great jump off the line she was near the front of the pack into the first corner, but a rider went down in front of her in the second corner causing her to also go down. Johnston quickly got back on the bike and began a game of catch up through the dusty Georgia track. Taylor got into a good groove and started making passes and battling it out with her fellow competitors, as she consistently improved and moved up in her class. At the waving of the checkered flag Taylor crossed the line 9th WXC. Looking back at the race Johntson stated, “I don’t think anyone is happy with a 9th place finish, but it’s the best so far this year so I’m happy to be making progress.” She also went on to say “I’ve been working remotely since we got back from The General and that’s exactly when I started training harder. I feel stronger now than before the break and I’m ready to continue to push and make progress.”

Taylor Johntson in the zone while making up ground in the WXC class. PC: Shan Moore
Taylor Johntson in the zone while making up ground in the WXC class. PC: Shan Moore

At the wave of the green flag Brayden Nolette raced to the first corner only to end up crashing there, after swiftly getting up he ended up being second to last into the woods. Nolette got himself mentally focused and began a game of catch up on this tough dusty course. Checking in after lap one Brayden was able to move himself into 2nd in 150A class, with 1st place in his sights. In an all out battle with the 1st and 3rd place, Nolette was able to hit all his marks and put down a solid 2nd lap where he took over the lead. As the rest of the race progressed the Nolette would shuffle positions with the other top 3 riders in his class for a 3 hour long battle for the lead. As the checkered flag waved marking the end of the race Nolette pulled across the finish line 1st in 150A and 41st overall. When asked about this pause in racing due to COVID-19 and its effect on racing, Brayden noted “I feel like I came back better than where I left off which is exactly what I wanted. I am hoping to keep progressing and get this 3 hour race where I want it!”

Brayden Nolette battling his way to a 150A win. PC: Shan Moore
Brayden Nolette battling his way to a 150A win. PC: Shan Moore

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 KTM 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.