Contact: JG Off Road Racing
JT Bennett
1.412.389.3801
For Immediate Release
JG Off Road Racing/GEICO Powersports GNCC Team
Starts Season Strong
Lake Wales, Florida (March 3, 2010) - The JG Off Road/GEICO Powersports GNCC Team started the 2010 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country season in strong fashion, with Jimmy Jarrett finishing 4th in the XC1 class, Scott Watkins finishing 8th in the XC2 Class and Ashley Crouch in 4th in the Women's Class at the Parts Unlimited River Ranch GNCC, in Lake Wales, Florida.
An early morning rain shower created muddy conditions on the track, but early threats of thunderstorms had passed away by the start of the 1 p.m. race. High winds moved through the area as the storm passed around the track, and kicked up sand as the riders prepared to start the race.
Jarrett launched off the XC1 start line first and barely missed the $250 MotorcycleUSA.com holeshot award to Yamaha's Paul Whibley. The two battled wheel-to-wheel until Jarrett was able to move ahead of Whibley to lead the first few miles of lap 1. Jarrett settled back into 5th place until the final lap, when he powered ahead to 4th.
"I was really nervous on the start line because when I was practice starting, it was taking me a couple of kicks," Jarrett said. "I had a great start and the battles were really good out there. I felt strong all day and this is a strong finish going into Georgia."
Watkins recovered from a 15th place start in the XC2 class to move up into 6th place by the second lap and 5th by the third lap.
"I took off pretty far back in the pack," Watkins said. "I knew if I didn't get up as fast as I could I'd be stuck in the rest of the day. It was like someone took the rug underneath of me with two laps to go. By the last lap I was just spent. Hopefully I can turn things around for a better showing in Georgia."
Scotty would like to thank his sponsors, GEICO, JG Off Road, Moose, Shoei, Smith Optics, Pirelli tires, PG Graphics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.
"We couldn't ask for a better start from Jimmy," said JT Bennett, co-manager of the team. "This Florida track deteriorates fast, and even if you are in the best shape of your life, it can still take a toll on you. Scott came through on about the 4th lap and said he wasn't having fun anymore, and I can understand that, I've had those days. But Scott stuck it out and we're really proud of all of our riders."
Crouch battled arm pump and blisters to come in fourth against competition like KTM's new rider Maria Forsberg and WMX rider Sarah Whitmore.
After the start, Crouch started to catch riders until she hooked up with multiple Defending Women's Champion Mandi Mastin. Crouch sailed to a fourth place finish in the class.
"I'm pretty proud of my ride today," Crouch said. "Last year I got a third place here, but this year I competed against Maria and Sarah. I'll definitely have to step it up with Maria here this year."
Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.
Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.
Watkins would also like to thank Shoei.
Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, House Forcepower, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.
The JG Off Road/GEICO Powersports team will stop at the Alligator Enduro on Thursday, March 4th in Daytona, Florida before traveling to the Maxxis General GNCC in Washington, Georgia for the Sunday, March 7 bike race.
About JG Off Road
JG Off-Road Racing is owned by JT and Gretchen Bennett. JT started out as a privateer rider, working hard to build his racing career and is a former multi-time AWRCS Champion, GNCC Amateur Class Champion and ISDE competitor. After 17 years of racing, the Bennett's decided to start their own team as a chance to stay involved in racing and give back to the sport. JG Off Road started in 2009 and strives to provide strong results in all aspects of racing. Bennett has built a solid partnership with GEICO Powersports to give the team a winning outlook and a hard to beat attitude.
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