With only 6 days to recuperate, and prepare after Round 1 in Florida, The team of GBC support riders arrived in Georgia road weary but enthusiastic about the second stop on the 2011 GNCC tour.
Near perfect temps greeted the riders and a considerable amount of rain in the days leading up to the event ensured that there would be no dust, and both rider and tire would be tested in the soggy Georgia red clay.
Always quick off the tip of the starters flag Kristen Atwell started the day off with another holeshot, and traded the lead back and forth throughout each of the first 4 laps.
The final lap saw the top 3 women all running within inches of each other right up to the checkered flag. Kristen finished in 3rd place and 6th overall. Known to excel as the series heads north to tighter and more technical tracks, watch for Kristen and her X-Rex tires to be making a visit to the top step of the podium very soon.
Forest Whorton continued his winning ways in the 4X4 +45 class and holds the points lead heading into the Steel Creek GNCC. Top 4×4 open contender Rick Cecco was running well, and hoping to track down his first win of 2011, but a mechanical failure dropped him from contention after 3 laps.
In the afternoon Pro race it was Johnny Gallagher who lead the way this time for the GBC brigade. Starting off the day near the back of the pack Johnny climbed his way up the ranking all day long to eventually cross the line in the 6th place position, 7th overall.
“I had a terrible day in Florida, so I was anxious to redeem myself here today. My Ground Buster II XC’s pulled me through all the deep ruts and mud holes with ease, and IÂ’m looking forward to Steel Creek.”
XC1 Rookie Kevin Yoho proved that his top 10 finish in Florida was no fluke by backing it up with a 7th place, and 8th overall.
Brian Cook used the traction of his GBC’s to get off the line quickest and was awarded the holeshot award. He ran in the top 5 for the first 3 laps before loosing time removing a stick that wedged itself in his chain.
Despite the setback Bryan was able to earn an 8th place finish, 9th overall. Keep a close eye on Mr. Cook at round 4 in 2 weeks, as Steel Creek is a track he has won at before. The XC2 podium celebration was covered in GBC Motorsports riders with FRE/KTM riders Aarol Bright, and Richie Brown taking the 2nd and 3rd place positions, as well as 12th and 13th overall.
The racing action moves north to Morganton North Carolina on March 26th, if you’re attending the race be sure to stop by the GBC pit area in the Pro Pits to say hello and pick up some cool swag!
