The Stomp Amateurs keep racing tight midway through GNCC season.
By Charkie Huegel
A great race course awaited the riders on Sunday May 9th in Yadkinville, NC. Although there was some dusty sections that clouded visibility, the majority of the track was perfect. In addition to the usual rough double track that we are familiar with at GNCCs, racers also battled through some tight sections trying not to hit their handlebars on the thickness of trees to either side. The Stomp's layout also featured some steep hills, a whooped out sand section, and even a creek jump to air it out. Thanks to a varied track, we were able to see which riders have the most diverse riding skills.
The Youth race launched at 8 am. With Aaron Plessinger not racing due to an injury, it was all Layne Michaels for the taking in the Supermini 14-15 class. Plessinger and Michaels are the only racers that have won a race in the Supermini 14-15 class. In Yadkinville, Michaels took the win, followed by Zack Hayes in second and New York's Derek Holcomb took possession of the final podium spot.
Grant Baylor celebrated his birthday by winning not only the Supermini 12-13 class, but by taking the overall victory. Local racer Jordan Smith showed the national scene that he can find the throttle. Smith was second in his only GNCC this year. Third place was Anthony Stone. Stone now sits second in the Supermini 12-13 championship points.
The top 65cc racer was Kaleb Ward from Pennsylvania. Ward finished an incredible 40th overall against the older racers and larger bikes. Ward is 2nd in the 65cc 10-11 class championship. The 65cc 10-11 championship leader is Braxton McGee, who has yet to claim a class win. McGee is showing how crucial consistency is during a full series of GNCC racing.
Tyler MacDonald took his fourth morning race win of 2010. MacDonald was able to hold off a charging Robby Austell. Austell had to work his way through the dust after a poor start but was able to climb up to second before the checkered flag flew. Third overall was Patrick Beaule from Quebec.
Randy Riggs won the Masters A class with a very fast 8th overall. Riggs leads the class in points after claiming his third victory of 2010.
The women's class tried to follow Maria Forsberg but they were unable to match Forsberg's speed. Mandi Mastin made up some time at the end, but it just wasn't enough for the win. Mastin was forced to settle for second place on this day. Ashley Crouch finished third and was lucky to stay away from the battle behind her. Fourth, fifth, and sixth place finishers had a brawl all race. Leeann Bange, Emily Raines, and Kelly Hall finished in that order and it was a close and exciting race with only seconds between them.
The top C class racer was Steven Wiggins. Wiggins sits third in the 4-stroke C lites class and was elated on taking his first win in his home state.
The Vendors' Row challenge was back again this year. Vendors and business that support the GNCC series get competitive and have fun on the race course. Joshua Knapp from won the bragging rights on Vendors' Row. Knapp topped Joeseph Boisvert in second and A level racer turned mechanic, Jimmy Woodford, in third.
The Afternoon race at 1pm featured the best off-roaders in the US and beyond. The Open A class had four racers finish in the coveted top 20 overall. Hayden O'Kelley, on a Beta, showed what he can do by winning the Open A class, top amateur, and earning an incredible 13th overall. Jordan Ashburn finished second and this was the first time this year Ashburn has been bested. Who wants to bet he comes back fired up in Somerset?
Corey MacDonald and Chase Bishop had a fierce fight while flying between the trees. MacDonald came out on top with third in Open A and 19th overall to Bishops fourth in Open A and 20th overall.
Robby Norwood topped the 4-Stroke A lites class with Chris Douglas and Ted Mullins in second and third.
Zach Nolan and Chris Meadows raced hard trying to force each other into mistakes and then sprint off, only to be hunted down. The game lasted the whole race and right into the finish. Nolan came out on top to take the 250A class win. Meadows earned a tough second place in 250A.
Tyson Ezell lead the 200A class for over thirty minutes, but it was Cody Gragg that took the win. Gragg made the pass and put on a charge to get out of sight.
Vet A 30+ proved to us the the old(er) guys still have game. Phil Smith led the majority of the race, only to have Duane Conner take it from him on the last lap. Both riders had incredible overall finishes with 30th overall for Conner and 31st for Smith. John Beaver came from behind to take third in Vet A.
The top B class racer was Trevor Bollinger. Bollinger is a local NC racer and it was fitting that his first 4-stroke B class victory with a 39th overall should come in his home state.
It was a fantastic day of racing on fun and challenging track. The next race is Sunday May 23rd in Somerset, PA. We hope to see you there to race or just watch!
-Charkie Huegel
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