Welcome to Quick Fill. Summer break is here, so riders are out in other areas doing what they think they need to do to contend for titles when we come back in September. For sure, there are some that feel 2010 has given them what they wanted, but I feel like there are many more who aren't satisfied with their results of yet. Nate Kanney's win at Snowshoe is a testament to how many riders can win when things finally go right for them on any given Saturday or Sunday. Who could be the next to do so? We'll find out in two months.
Photo By: Shan Moore
Get well soon JJ!
Now I'll turn this over to Shan Moore, who has some news that's interesting, and some news that's, unfortunately, even worse than what we heard about Jarrett.
Thanks, Jason. We're just starting a nine-week stretch where our guys and gals will be doing a variety of activities to try and stay sharp and in tip-top shape for the final four rounds of the GNCC series this fall. And for the most part, I'll spend this time touching bases with different riders to see how they're spending the break. Some will take a bit of time off from riding, while others, like Cory Buttrick and Charlie Mullins, will be racing every weekend.
Speaking of Buttrick, the Ohio rider recently became the AMA Vintage Off-Road Grand Champion, winning the award at this year's AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio - it's the second year in a row he's won the award. Actually, this year he tied for the overall honor with for GNCC Youth contender Adam Giddings. Buttrick finished first in the 201-250cc A class with a 1-1 moto score, and first in the 251cc-Open A class with a 1-1 moto score. He also won the 201-250cc A class in the hare scrambles competition. And in trials competition, Buttrick finished second in the Vintage Old School class.
"Vintage racing is fun... it's a challenge. You definitely know not to go too fast on the old bikes, but you can still go really fast on one," Buttrick said in an AMA press release.
Cory had told me at Snowshoe that he had just purchased a Penton trials bike from the early 70s late 60s era. Having won a GNCC round this year, as well as a national enduro round, and now a vintage title, Cory is certainly showing his versatility and his competitiveness.
Last week I spoke with Charlie Mullins and he and his fiancée' were spending some time at Myrtle Beach, at Randy Hawkin's place, just taking it easy. Charlie broke a toe at Snowshoe, but he tells me he feels fine and he's even entered in a triathlon event in a week or so. Charlie stays super busy during the season, racing a mountain bike league on Wednesday nights and competing in LL motocross qualifiers on off-weekends from the GNCC schedule.
Rachel Ayers (Charlie's fiancée') also told me that they have created a Fan Club for Charlie on his website, www.Charliemullins.com. People can sign up for his monthly newsletter, which will have race updates, riding tips, photos, and more. Also, they're going to give away a free autographed jersey once a month to a newsletter member... just a little something to connect with the fans. There will also be contact info if people want to write to him.
As for Snowshoe winner Nate Kanney, I expect he will spend the break "pounding rocks" in New York, although he did tell me he was going to race the national enduro round in Maine on August 22nd. I really expect Nate to be a major force in the final four rounds, which will be in what he considers "his territory". The Snowshoe win went a long way towards restoring his confidence after a shaky start to the season, and at the level that these guys are at, confidence is everything.
Photo By: Shan Moore
Will Whibs be on his WR or a new YZ by Unadilla?
Of course, Josh Strang will be on the west coast pounding out motos, so I expect there to be crazy competition at the front of the pack when the series resumes at Unadilla. Strang, Kanney, Mullins, Buttrick, and Whibley (especially if he's on the YZ) are sure to be primed and ready for action when September rolls around. And don't forget the super fast, but inconsistent Thad Duvall.
On another note, I'll be shooting the Husaberg launch in Michigan next weekend where the press will get its first look at the 2011 models, which includes for the first time a two-stroke. It would be cool to see Husaberg get involved in the GNCC series and the new 250 two-stoke would be a prefect fit for the XC2 class.
On a sad note, earlier in the year I wrote about making friends with the Highland folks, who are building off-road and motocross bikes and ATVs in Oklahoma. I spent about an hour in the office of Chase Bales (Highland COO and co-owner) talking about the future of the company and his plans to race GNCC and motocross. This past weekend, Bales and two other company execs were killed in a plane crash, the three returning from a business trip to Detroit. Here is a link to the local story: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20100711_298_0_Asmall157409
The Highland crew competed at the Florida and Georgia rounds with one of their riders from Sweden, getting in some testing before their bikes were to go into production later this summer.
I'll leave it at that for this week.
Okay. Let's turn this over to Rodney Tomblin.
Thanks Jason. As I write this week's contribution to Quick Fill I am on the road to Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, NY. It is where the GNCC will kick off the last four rounds after the summer break. One may think, "Rodney isn't a little early to go set up for the GNCC?" The answer to that is, "Yes...yes it is!" But I am not headed there for GNCC; I am actually headed up for round 9 of the ITP/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship.
This should be an extremely exciting race from a racing standpoint in all classes as championships are on the verge of being claimed. Add to that the there is also a North/South series within the national championship. In this respect it is round 4 of the North and that series is heating up too. It will be especially exciting from a spectator's standpoint once the AMA ATV Pros hit the track. Two-Time and defending champion Dustin Wimmer is against the ropes with a 25 point deficit on his teammate Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki rider Josh Creamer. Wimmer has claimed only one victory this season while Creamer has won 5. Add into the mix Motoworks/DWT/Can Am's John Natalie and Baldwin Motorsports/PEP Honda rider Josh Upperman, who have both found the winners circle. The way things have been going, we could see another winner this weekend. Guess we will have to wait and see. Read all about it a www.atvmotocross.com.
In the GNCC Racing Nation, we enjoy another week off to prepare ourselves for the upcoming battles that will unfold this fall. If you are wondering how to kill some time, there is a great article on www.offroadjunkies.com where Charkie Huegel and the boys break down a perfect summer break for you.
News and information is kind of slow this week, however, I know that a few of the GNCC boys are preparing themselves for a trip out west to Washington to run a round of WORCS. It looks like GNCC ATV Champ Chris Borich, Johnny G and Adam McGill are headed to Olympia, WA to keep in tune during the break. I know that Borich has run a few on occasion and has been a real threat and competitor in that series. I wonder if the east coast boys will fair well in the rugged mountainous terrain of Washington. I for one cannot wait to hear how it all goes down. I know the posting boards will be lighting up soon on this one and it will be fun to watch all the cussing and discussing on how so and so are going to show so and so what it is all about. I for one am not sure what will happen, but if I know one thing, I know those three boys will have a good time. I just wish someone would say..."Come on out with us, Rod!"
Photo By: Amy McConnell
The Wolfs celebrating another big Snowshoe win.
Sorry to be so short this week, but I hope to have some good bench racing and maybe an interesting story from my road trip to the "Dilla" with sponsor coordinator, Dean VanLeewuen. In the mean time here is some information on things going on as well as some good reading to pacify your off road racing need.
I got this information this week on a young man I noticed earlier this season as being young and fast. He also finished in some morning ATV overall top 10 positions to boot. Meet Sport 15+ Class racer Roman Brown. http://www.customaxisshocks.com/PRESS_2010-07-12.php
Lucas Comeaux sent me a link to an interview that he did with Chris Bach after The Snowshoe GNCC. This is also an interesting for you to read while you wait for racing to return. http://www.acadianaracing.com/Interviews/bach.htm
And one last reminder of a special event this weekend at Fast Traxx in Nelsonville, OH. This message from Shawna Bickley:All Fast Traxx riders and friends please mark your calendars for July 17-18 2010. We will host our 1st annual Riding for Ryan Fundraiser Event. Open Practice 10am - 6pm both Saturday and Sunday. Free Camping Friday and Saturday. No AMA or Dist cards needed. Supercross, Motocross & Grand Prix Courses will all be open for this weekend. $20 per rider to ride all day. We will have Riding for Ryan tee shirts and stickers for sale. All profit will go to Ronnie and Crystal Earley for medical expenses. If your going to make one practice this year please make it this one. The tracks will be prepped, disked, watered and maintained throughout the weekend.
Shawna & Norm Bickley Fast Traxx Promotions LLC17575 Jacksonville RdMillfield Ohio 45761
740 767 3740 office740 767 3660 fax740 707 7336 cell
www.fasttraxxracing.com ;
Till next time, God Bless Your Heart and All Your Vital Organs!
Thanks, guys. That's it for Quick Fill. Enjoy your summer and come on back here next week!
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