GNCC Racing Round 12

ITP Powerline Park

St. Clairsville Ohio

What can you say when the evidence is stacked so high against you?

This was the question that was probably running through the mind of Chris Borich as he realized what had happened. The claim was that he was led astray by spectators in the last lap of probably the most crucial race in his career.

As if beating Bill Ballance isn’t hard enough, what could Borich do but face the difficult card at hand and just mark up this year’s championship battle to lessons learned.

The look on Bill’s face as he reached the rails at the end of the podium told me something had happened. Ballance does not smile much when he loses and surely not when it could mean another year of nail-biting races when younger talent is getting so close to his bumper. After waiting nearly 45 minutes the racer production crew came to a decision and Borich would be placed into third with an inflating points gap separating him from his goal.

Chris Borich had very little to say about the race day and for the first time in my experience of covering the series there were only two ATVs on the podium, as Borich decided to sit this one out. I would say that's poor sportsmanship but after the day's race ending I guess it doesn't matter.

Well its not set in stone but rumors have filled the void of "what will Bill have to do to get his eighth championship"? I think if the Champ keeps a cool, level head, like normal, he will see his dream of number eight come right to him like a big bass hooked deep on a Zebco 33. Y'all know what I mean.

So with Chris Borich's course mishap, how many others made use of the same trail? If the Racer Production crew had indeed been filming in the "suspect" area did they catch any other would-be trail busters?

Did I tell you that Chris Bithel took the second place position? This guy is on his way to a championship also. It might be a few years but I guarantee, with no set-backs Bithel will get there. Johnny Gallagher also had a great day. How long has it been since you heard that name? Gallagher raced his heart out and was up to fourth place in the first lap. He slipped off to sixth before the end of the day, but man, he was on fire. Its great to see you back racing like you want it, Johnny. Its amazing what you learn when you listen to the series champ isn't it?

Another racer had his day cut out for him and from the looks of it the podium isn't far away. Brandon Sommers , who just wrapped up a XC2 class championship, took the fourth place position and just missed the podium by 300 yards.

Brandon has worked so hard to get where he is and I think finally he is ready in mind, heart and soul to get into the toughest competition we have seen in years. Good luck, Brandon Sommers! You have what it takes my friend.

William Yokley blasted through the first turn on the heels of Bill Ballance and made an impressive first lap drive, but once again Mechanical gremlins stole the show for Yokley. The engine or possibly the tranny gave up way too early and left Yokley sitting in the trailer, pondering next year. When asked about his plans for 2008 William did tell us that the National Guard had stepped up to the plate for 08 but he wasn't sure what he would be riding just yet. I know one thing this guy takes it with a grain of salt and keeps on smiling. I mean, really, what can you do when the two little rascals are more fun to play with than a bunch of old sweaty men!

With everyone focused on the ensuing points battle I began to notice some familiar but out-of-place faces in the crowd around vendor row. First off KTM had an ATV tent set up about halfway down pro row and Tim Farr was tuning his beast.

Then, while walking around the Maxxis trailer I spotted Shane Hitt - and if that wasn't enough GNC series racer John Natalie was geared up to get onto one of Chris Borich’s back-ups and take the field also. I just don't know about all these guys crowding around. Its like when you have your favorite fishing spot and someone finds out. Itrsquo;s good to see such interest in our sport of cross-country racing and I am glad itrsquo;s a growing goal setter for so many racers across America. They just want to be like us, that's all!

Well, I think the morning classes raced?

Sure! Angel Atwell finished ahead for the second time this season. Traci Cecco made second place over all and a fellow by the name of Josh Konecheck from the 16-19 C class made it three on the podium.

Rick Cecco would wrap up the 4x4 open class championship with first place and Bryan Buchannon took second. The brothers in law Mike Swift and Cliffton Beasley made easy work of 4x4 limited and 4x4 lites which both have secured the class titles there also.

So, here we are, at the last race of the 2007 GNCC race season and I cannot even believe it. Tom the turkey is still gobbling, (although not for long) and Santa is loading his sleigh. Can you believe it? Where will we be a year from now? After Bill gets the eighth title who will get their first?

SLOW DOWN THE CLOCK PLEASE!

Come see us in Crawfordsville Indiana for some great times and good friendships.

Man, I love racing GNCC style!

Sosebee's out