April 12, 2007

Welcome to Quick Fill. We run rain or shine.

The weather keeps changing in South Carolina. At the start of this week it looked pretty grim with major chances of rain (mud, then), but now things look to be getting better here as everyone is ready to leave. I just looked at the forecast again, and now we’re looking at zero percent chance of rain Friday, 20 percent on Saturday and 40 percent on Sunday. That’s not bad. Then again, the first three races this year have been as dry as can be (and Steele Creek was several times hotter and more humid than it usually was) so maybe this will be a welcome change for all of you mud riders out there.

But, as I have found, the races you think are going to be bad turn out okay, and the races that are supposed to be okay turn out bad. Got that?

I don’t think we’ve had rain or mud at Big Buck in a long, long time. We’ll see how the place holds up, if it rains at all.

Classic Big Buck creek jump.

Big Buck is another one of those GNCC events that started off innocently enough, but has slowly but surely turned into a big deal. It’s kind of like Steele Creek or Power Line Park in that regard. We first went there because they were nice tracks with good locations (lots of riders in the Carolinas and Ohio), but things started to build much bigger than that. Now we get tons of spectators at all three events. Much of Big Buck’s growth has to be credited to the land owner, Henry Turner. The guy just loves this event, and he works all year long to promote it in the Greenville/Spartanburg area. That makes life easy on us. While we’re busy digging trenches in Florida, Hank is pounding the pavement getting the news crews pumped about Big Buck, or working on special events or ideas to make his race bigger. We’ve got some cool stuff cooked up. We have the Easter Egg hunt, the Guitar Hero Challenge (read about them here) and now, just announced, the Pirelli Tire Toss. Just got the email from Jeff Adams at Pirelli, who will make it happen:

I'd like to have a Pirelli tire toss sometime over the weekend, maybe around the Easter Egg Hunt? Pretty simple, we can have three classes (youth (up to 13), men, women) and have them throw a tire. Whichever goes the furthest wins a free tire for the adults, T-shirt or hat for the kids.

Well Jeff, that sounds good to us!

Now onto the actual racers. On Saturday, I’m really hoping to see someone mix it up with the Killer B’s of Borich and Ballance, who you know will be up front. The best bet, I believe, is Chris Bithell. Chris has wanted to become the third “Killer B” for about 18 months now, and he looks like he’s avoided any kind of a sophomore slump with his strong rides in both Georgia (third) and North Carolina (fourth). He didn’t hang with the dynamic duo for the whole race, but he was close to them for a bit, and that builds confidence and motivation. Plus, Chris does some practicing with Borich. No doubt he’s getting more and more hungry as he sees himself getting closer and closer to the leader’s pace. The rest of the guys, well, we’re waiting. Was Bryan Cook’s strong run at Steele Creek for real? At times Bryan has proven he can run with the best, at others, he is invisible out there. So maybe we’ll find out for real this weekend. Three others could or should be factors. Was Duane Johnson for real last year? He’s gotta step up soon. Chris Jenks, also, hasn’t been as strong this season as he was a year ago. And William Yokley is still dialing his machine, but, eventually you would think he would get it figured out.

Any of those four guys could be an instant contender on Saturday, or they could be just a step off the pace. And a lot might come with a good start. We’ll see.

And don't forget that Michael Houston guy. He um, let's see. He won the Big Buck last year! David Scearce photo

 

On bikes, I just don’t know how to slice it. I think anyone who is a fan of this series, or moreover, a fan of racing in general, should relish this moment. We’re approaching the one-third mark of this series, and it’s way wide open. Crazy wide open. We have at least a half-dozen guys that can win, and when I say that, I mean it, it’s not the completely ridiculous predictions you have to make for other series.

Look at this: Watts, Whibley and Hawk have already won. Kearney, Mullins and Knight should win one at some point. Care to pick a favorite between those boys? And we still have Edmisten as the points leader! This series is awesome right now. This is a very mental game, and any one of those guys can get on a roll, get some confidence, and start dominating. In case that does happen, you better enjoy this while it lasts. And if it lasts all year, well, I’ll be typing this in ALL CAPS and italics because I’ll be going crazy.

We have a lot of other classes out there besides pros. Luckily, I’ve got some reporters out there covering this stuff. Check our race reports link to read about our Amateur Bike races and Youth Bike races. Good stuff has been happening there. For example, we had a CRF150 make some history with an overall by Seth Murray. There was also a fantastic battle between two of the fastest young 85cc riders out there: Tyler McSwain and Aaron Plessinger. McSwain got the win. Remember those names into the future, both on a motocross track and in GNCC.

I’m still looking for help with Youth and Amateur ATV reports. We may have a solution, as our friends at www.quadzone.com have signed up as a media partner. They have tons of guys out there shooting and working at the races, so maybe we’ll come up with something this weekend. Every rider out there deserves it.

Jason Raines is back in Washington now, I'm sure counting the days until he can start riding again (but that's really not going to happen for another month or so). In the meantime he sent us this great update on the progress of the Am-Pro Yamaha factory team this season.

Well, the season is off and running and we have had some bumps in the road, but the team has been sorting things out and everything is coming together.
 
Vero Beach , Florida-Triton GNCC:
 
Round 1 of the series was in the deep sand of Florida, and all of the riders were pumped up and ready to go. The results weren't what they were looking for, but all in all it went well and they kept their heads held up high.
Barry Hawk got off to a mid-pack start and rode his heart out, but some bike set-up issues held him to a 8th place finish. It wasn't the way he would have hoped things would go, but he left Florida healthy and determined to better his performance.
Charlie Mullins got a decent start and was right with the lead pack most of the day, a few mistakes cost him a little time and it was tough for him to make up time, but he was solid during the entire race and his hard work and training paid off and he never faded. He finished just off the podium in 4th.
Thad Duvall, our XC2 rider, was blazing fast right off the start and was running up-front, but a few crashes and trouble restarting his bike cost him time and energy. He kept charging until a mechanical failure took him out of the race. Being the young soldier that he is, even after his day was over once he got back to the pits and they fixed the problem he kept raging on to get more riding time. He failed to score any points, but knew he had the speed to be a contender.
 
Washington , GA-General GNCC
 
After a few days of rest the team was back on the track in Georgia, hoping for better results.
Barry Hawk didn't get the best of starts but he is a very determined rider and was making up ground on the leaders. He made it into the top five very quickly and was looking impressive when disaster struck. He ran out of gas a half-lap before he was scheduled to pit. It was a devastating event that had us all puzzled as to why it happened. His bike was just running very rich for no apparent reason, which led to him running out of fuel. He was able to get back to the pits and get gas, even though he was out of a points paying position he charged for the rest of the race to get added test time in a race situation. He was understandably upset after the turn of events but you could see in his eyes that it just made the fire burn that much hotter inside him.
Charlie Mullins rocketed off to a decent start and had some intense battles throughout the day. He had a few hard crashes but was bound and determined not to give up. He was battling some set-up issues and made the best of it and charged all the way to a 5th place finish. He rode through a tough day and came away with a health body and a good position in the points standings.
Thad Duvall was a man on a mission and battled with the leader throughout the day. He logged the second fastest lap time of the race, only 3 seconds off the overall winner. He lost his front brake 3/4 through the race and had to settle down his pace a little but still managed to finish a very solid 2nd place in the class and 8th overall.
 

Thad Duvall on the Am-Pro WR250F

OMA Kentucky
 
The week in between rounds wasn't spent lounging around. The guys loaded up and went to the OMA race in Kentucky.
The result was a good testing session and a great confidence booster.
Charlie Mullins won the race and Barry Hawk finished 1-2. The team had a lot of steam heading into the next GNCC.
 
Morganton, NC – Steele Creek GNCC
 
The race was the first hot one of the year hovering around the 80 degree mark and there were riders overheating left and right. But our team was strong the entire race due to the many hours dedicated to training during the off-season.
Barry Hawk got a mid-pack start and by the time he got into good position the lead pack was gone. He kept his focus and put his head down and logged fast and consistent laps. He slowly reeled in the pack and once he caught them he fought hard to get into the lead. He battled back and forth and basically wore his competitors down until the last lap. He was still strong and everyone else was in survival mode, Barry and Glenn Kearney went back and forth for the entire last lap . Kearney was leading heading into the final turn. Barry had inspected the course very well and knew he could snake past him in the final turn if all went perfectly. He came up on the last turn and set himself up and when the time came he made his move. The result was a last turn pass to take a dramatic win!!!! All his work, dedication and will to never give up paid off. Barry now knows he once again can be a title contender for the long haul.
Charlie Mullins jumped off to a great start and rode with the lead pack from the beginning. The lead pack he was in set a blistering pace and was able to pull away from the rest of the field. He was looking poised for a great day but a nasty crash that left him a little dazed, and that slowed his momentum. He held strong and remained in the top 4 until the last lap. There, while running 4th and very close to the finish, he had an altercation with another rider. He was going through a corner and was cleaned off his bike by David Knight. Charlie was left lying on the ground knocked out. He slowly woke up and showed a lot of desire by remounting his bike and finishing the race. After all the time he lost he was still able to gather a 12th place finish. He was un-injured and other than being a little dazed is okay.
Thad Duvall had another great day and rode strong and motivated all day. He had a heated, bar banging battle with 5-time GNCC champion Rodney Smith. Thad never gave in and in the end finished a very strong 2nd place. Not too bad considering who he was up against.
 
The current points are:
Barry Hawk: 3rd overall
Charlie Mullins: 4th overall
Thad Duvall: 9th (XC2) 14th overall
 
The next round is in South Carolina this weekend and the team is working hard to keep improving!
 
Thanks to everyone for all their continued help and support,
-Jason Raines
 

Got some press for our Women’s bike points leader (and current champion) Amanda Mastin. Check out the press release.

Bel-Rayder Dominates Women’s GNCC Class

April 5, 2007- Within the last decade, there has been a noticeable evolution of the female athlete. This evolution is especially prevalent in women’s motorcycle sport with the increase of speed, skill and overall athleticism. Bel-Rayder Amanda Mastin or “Mandi”, as her friends and teammates call her, continues to push the limits of the sport by winning every race in her class this season.

Racing with the Bel-Ray sponsored GEICO/TDI Racing Team (http://www.tdi-racing.com/) Mandi began her winning streak at Round 1 of the GNCC series in Vero Beach, Florida. Starting strong, Mandi held the throttle open and placed first for a podium finish. Mandi pulled another women’s class win at Round 2 in Washington, Georgia by riding in second most of the day but putting in a good fight at the end to place first. Round 3 proved to be another success for Mandi as she battled through the rugged terrain of the North Carolina mountains and placed first in the women’s class and 13th overall!

Mandi, who was born and resides in Whitehouse, Ohio has been racing for over 17 years. Her father, an avid dirt bike rider, put her on her first bike when she was 5 years old. Growing up, dirt bikes and racing were just a hobby and a chance for her family to spend more time together.

But seven years ago, Mandi decided to take it to the next level and began competing both nationally and internationally. Currently she rides a Yamaha YZ125 and comments on fellow women racers, “I feel that as long as women keep riding and stick together, the future is very bright for women to continue to grow in and with the sport.”

This is the first season that Mandi and Bel-Ray have shared a partnership, although Mandi has been using Bel-Ray products for years. Mandi says, “I have raced for many years and throughout those years I have relied heavily on Bel-Ray products.” Currently she uses Bel-Ray Foam Filter Oil, Bel-Ray Super Clean Chain Lube, Bel-Ray High Performance Fork Oil, Bel-Ray Waterproof Grease, Bel-Ray 6 in 1 All Purpose Lubricant, Bel-Ray Super Dot 4 Brake Fluid and Bel-Ray H1R Synthetic-2 Stroke Racing Oil.

Good stuff. Now a new note from Chris Dudley, our finish-line scanner who was unfortunately struck by Glenn Kearney’s bike after the Steele Creek race.

Hey Jason,

  I hope that you can let everyone know that I am continuing to heal after my surgery on March 28. Things are moving pretty slow right now, but you know it will take a lot more than this to get me down. I am scheduled to get the stitches out this Wednesday, and I am not really looking forward to that.

I can't tell you how much it has meant to me to hear from the GNCC racers with well wishes and prayers. I think that is what has made such a rough time get a little easier. I got a call from Glenn Kearney last week and I have to say again, "this guy is sooo sweet!” He even sent me a care package which really made my day. It's like I told him on the phone, it's just one of those things that happened and no one is to blame. Thanks to the Racer staff for the really cute card. I was having a bad day when I got it in the mail and it actually made me laugh.

As most of you know our house burned while we were at the GNCC race in Florida. Progress on getting that house cleared out and a new one built is slow because of the weather and now I am sidelined for a while, but we have the motorhome and a lot of great friends that are taking the kids from time to time to give everyone a break. Thank you to everyone that has sent clothes and other items to our family. It has been greatly appreciated.

  Well, enough gloom and doom. I hope to see everyone in SC. Yes I will be there and ready to go. I won't be able to scan, but hopefully I will be doing something productive. Everyone have a safe trip, you are all in our prayers.

Take care,
- Kris Dudley- Finish-line scanner

Got this email. Anyone want to help?

I am looking to buy a used quick fill system. Will be available at the Big Buck race to purchase. Thanks  864-761-6297
David McEntyre

Here’s an update from Justin Monsrud, our fast Four-Stroke A racer from last year who had a nasty crash in pre-season training.

Hey Jason,
Just dropping you an email to let you know how I am doing. I just finished up my outpatient therapy at Sheperd's Brain Injury Unit in Atlanta. They have released me to start Mountain Biking and cycling but I am limited on how intense my rides are to make sure my blood vessels in my brain are all healed. I won't be able to start riding a dirt bike until Jan. 08 to decrease the risk of hitting my head, but I plan to race next season in the GNCC's.

See you at the races!
-- Justin Monsrud

Arctic Cat is pumped over the sudden and surprising success of Jesse West, who has pushed his ‘Cat to the front of the points in the Open 4x4 class after three races. They sent this press release.

Jesse West Leads GNCC Points Aboard his Arctic Cat

Thief River Falls, MN - Just three races into the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, factory Arctic Cat racer Jesse West launched himself from underdog to top dog, thanks to two podium finishes, including a win at the season opener in Vero Beach, Fla. Competing in the ultra-competitive 4x4 Open class for the first time in his young career, West combined his win in Vero Beach with a third-place in Washington, Ga., and fifth-place in Morganton, N.C., to lead the series’ championship point chase.

West’s remarkable start to the race season is especially impressive for two reasons: He’s piloting a stock Arctic Cat 650 H1 4x4 against a field loaded with highly-modified machines as large as 840cc; and it’s his first foray into GNCC racing, in a career that began less than one year ago in the World Powersports (WPSA) Quad Terrain Challenge races.

The 24-year-old from Thief River Falls, Minn., headed to the first race unknowing of the extent of the challenges ahead of him, but confident of his ability. West’s goals for his racing are to finish well while showcasing the performance durability of Arctic Cat’s engine, chassis and suspensions.

“My 650 H1 has a lot less horsepower compared to the competition,” said West. “Which means I have to out drive them. That requires a durable bike. When they’ve tried running my pace, they’ve broken down.”

His lack of experience cost West higher placings in the last two races, but that's part of the GNCC learning curve.

“I was leading the second race in Georgia by a nice margin, but I’d gotten three flat tires and had to slow down,” he said. “I’d used stock wheels in the previous race but the obstacles changed drastically in Georgia. I quickly learned bead-lock wheels are necessary, which we got just in time for North Carolina, but weren’t able to test before the race. I was in second place and catching the leader when the lug-nuts came loose, forcing me to stop for a repair ending in a fifth place finish.”

Chalk these up as learning experiences, of which there will undoubtedly be many this season.

Arctic Cat media spokesman Kale Wainer stated, “That’s part of why we’re racing; to learn, but also show consumers how competitive the 650 H1 can be compared to fully-modified bikes from other brands. Racing in these accelerated test conditions only helps Arctic Cat improve the bikes durability while maintaining their unmatched strength.”

West remarked on factory racing for Arctic Cat, “Racing is in my blood, it’s a passion, and a dream come true!”

With those guys all pumped up, they announced a contingency program for the series! Here’s what we know:

Arctic Cat Announces GNCC Contingency Programs

Thief River Falls, MN - More To Go On – That’s Arctic Cat’s claim and that’s what the company will pay Arctic Cat ATV racers who finish on the podium at the 2007 Grand National Cross-Country (GNCC) races. Payouts include $1000 for first place, $500 for second and $200 for third in the Open 4x4 (GNCC) and QTC Pro Stock (WPSA) classes.

“Arctic Cat is no stranger to racing, having dominated snowmobile race venues for more than four decades,” said Kale Wainer, Media Relations. “Now that we’ve showcased how competitive our stock ATVs are on the track, the company will take pleasure in rewarding our dedicated racers and teams with a lucrative contingency program.”

Three races into the 2007 GNCC series, factory Arctic Cat racer Jesse West launched himself from underdog to top dog aboard his stock 650 H1 4x4, thanks to two podium finishes, including a win at the season opener in Vero Beach, Fla. Competing in the ultra-competitive 4x4 Open class for the first time in his young career against dozens of highly modified ATVs, West combined his win in Vero Beach with a third-place in Washington, Ga., and fifth-place in Morganton, N.C., to lead the series’ championship point chase.

For complete details about the Arctic Cat ATV contingency program, contact Dawn Haugen at dhaugen@arcticcatinc.com.

I emailed Dawn myself, and she says more information is coming soon on how to sign up and get involved. I’ll post it as soon as I know it so ‘Cat riders can start grabbing some loot.

The Racer Productions crew is rolling in and out of the office as they all head to South Carolina. Just got a visit from Pat Crowe from the front gate staff, as well as Big John. And now our tech twins have stopped by, Mark and Chuck (aka Deadbolt). Surely you’ve all seen these two guys, who look remarkably similar even though they’re not related. Both Mark and Deadbolt went down to a motorcycle sound testing school in West Virginia a few weeks ago, and now that they’re both certified to do testing, they’ll be doing it again this weekend. Remember, once again we won’t be disqualifying anyone, but, it will be good to know where you really stand on the official scale.

Just a reminder that GNCC TV is almost here. The GMMI crew has been working super hard to get this year’s stuff out, and I’ve worked over the first two ATV shows and the opening bike round. It’s good stuff—especially the Georgia ATV race where Ballance and Borich get into it with each other. The action starts, well, this weekend! So set your Tivos and stuff and be ready for this Saturday, April 14 th at 3:00 pm. I’ve uploaded our TV ad from the magazines into a handy PDF you can print out and hang on your fridge, so get it here.

And that’s it. We’re off to the races and I hope you are, too. See you in South Carolina!

 

Rodney got himself a cover! See the newstands to get a copy.