Finally, in a small way, the weather has turned here in Morgantown. But there's still way too much snow on the ground here to go riding, so, again, if you're training with championships in mind in 2010, you had better head South, or, the way it has looked lately, head west.
This week's news comes to us courtesy of Rachel "New Desk" Fluharty, who files this report:
Jesse Robinson answered our shout out in last week's QF to call in and give us an update. It turns out that due to some budget cuts, Robinson lost his factory ride with Husaberg. But Robinson said he's been training all winter long on a 250 two-stroke. Robinson said his options are open and he's getting ready to head to South Carolina to get ready for the first round of the National Enduros. Robinson said he'd also be back for all of the GNCCs. As for Josh Summey, Robinson said he didn't get his deal and that he's just riding a demo bike from a local dealership.
Photo By: Matt Ware
Adam McGill is no longer riding one of these ATVs.
Contingency is still steadily rolling in. Yamaha and Honda announced their payout schedules and they're looking good. We're getting everything posted on our contingency page on the Web site. http://www.gnccracing.com/pages/2010-gncc-contingency-programs
This is a public service announcement from our scoring manager, Dan Reinhart: If you've earned a number, e-mail or fax the form to Dan. http://www.gnccracing.com/pages/2010-gncc-national-numbers.
Photo By: Matt Ware
See him all pushed around in the upper left? That's probably how Josh Kirland felt when we didn't interview him for Tuesday Toolbox!
After Kirkland, we'll talk to Justin Williamson and then Santo Derisi. Still have some suggestions? Send them my way with why you think that person should be interviewed. I got a ton of emails that I really appreciated!
And last but not least, if you see Bryan Cook tomorrow, wish him a happy 30th birthday!
Thanks, Rachel. Remember when we used to joke that Bryan Cook just doesn't get mentioned enough? He's been getting his due here lately!
Now I turn it over to Rodney Tomblin:
This Thursday dawned a beautiful sunshiny day here in Southern Ohio where I live. The temperatures all around are back on the rise at least for a few days. And a report from a friend of mine in Florida says that the lizards have regained control of their muscles and can now hang out in the trees without fear of falling. Back here in the great white north it is not much reconciliation. However, that sure is good news for the GNCC crews that have made Florida their winter proving grounds.
I hear that the new ATV Champ, Chris Borich, set up camp in sunny F-L-A right after the banquet and is still on fire ready to pick up where he left off. Ten wins is a statement as far as I am concerned and may be the standard again this year. However, the rest of the guys have got some good things going on as well.
Photo By: Matt Ware
Bryan Cook is a hot topic lately.
The Yamaha trio of Bill Ballance, Taylor Kiser and Walker Fowler has been somewhat under the radar. I hear that a lot of testing and training has been taking place on the Ballance Compound. Who knows what's going on there. Not a lot leaking out. This will add to all the suspense leading up to River Ranch. I know Bill is on a bit of a mission this year. Taylor Kiser is on a mission of his own as well. And Walker could be an instant threat in the XC2 Pro Am Class. Be on the lookout in the sunshine state for this trio though, rumor is they are ready to head south and put it to the real test.
Some other ATV news I am hearing goes like this: One of the big questions left open from last year, the XC2 Pro-Am runner up and Snowshoe GNCC Overall Champ, Brian Wolf seems has picked up a new ride in 2010. I heard HMF will be the flagship sponsor for his program and looks like he may be moving to the Honda.
McGill is looking fast on the Can-Am, he's been putting the machine through its paces. I imagine this machine will only get better with someone like Adam pushing it to its limits. And Brandon Sommers is back on the bike and getting back to speed. He is still limping but my ATV eyes and ears tell me he is, "dedicated to being a threat in Florida."
Photo By: Jason Hooper
Inching closer and closer to "Mullins on a Yamaha" again official status.
I spoke with Thad Duvall who says things are still going well. He said Barry is headed back today and that they should begin riding together soon. Thad has been training and riding with Robby Austell and Brad Bakken most recently. Thad said he is also looking forward to Paul Whibley arriving soon. He feels with the experience of Randy, Barry, Paul and Jason Raines that he is for sure going to find his groove.
Jason Thomas is back stateside and is getting ready now in Ohio with Fast Freddy, and Team Monster Energy Andrews Yamaha is getting geared up. I am sure we will be seeing the move south sometime soon and get some riding reports from him. He now goes by a new name by the way. He and others now refer to him as UK-7-in regards to his new national number.
That is about all the juice I have for now and it is sure enough to make me excited. If this isn't enough for you, I hear a number of GNCCers are heading to N.C. for the OMA this weekend. Looks like a road trip may be in order. Maybe I will see you there...until next time, God Bless Your Heart and all Your Vital Organs!!!
Thanks, Rodney. And now our final intrepid reporter, from the GNCC home office in Hickory, North Carolina, Jason Hooper:
The Aussie invasion has started! Josh Strang was the first rider to make the return from Down Under, flying into his new home state of California. Strang will be living in Cali for the majority of the year and "commuting" back East for most of the rounds. Word is that he's out at Rodney Smith's house getting whipped into shape and preparing for the 2010 season.
While not returning to the States (because he never left), I talked with Shane Watts today and he's in good spirits and ramping up his program for 2010. As many of you know, Watts had a scary crash a few months back that left him with a broken back, but he has fully recovered and is riding again. Watts will be racing select GNCCs this year, and will for sure be at round one in Florida. Can he pull off another upset win in the sand? Only time will tell.
Watts also told me that he would be picking up Glenn and Ben Kearney from the airport today, thus completing the Aussie invasion. Husqvarna had shipped a couple of bikes to Watts' house for the Kearney brothers, and they're pumped to get back, get the bikes built and get out riding this weekend. Wattsy will stick to his trusty KTMs, though. From what I've heard, Glenn will no longer be working with Wyatt Seals as his mechanic, and his brother Ben will be taking that position.
And that's it from Hooper. Otherwise we're just in a holding pattern right now. We've never seen an off-season quite like this. After so many riders spent so long working and waiting for help from sponsors, everyone is now scrambling to get their new equipment ready for the fast-approaching season.
Ready or not, we'll be in Florida in March. See you then!
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