GNCC Round 9

Mountain Ridge

Somerset PA.

Well here we are once again in the home stretch of another GNCC race series. The racers have been working during the summer break to keep in shape for one of the most sought after prizes in the cross country racing which would be a safe and hopefully rewarding finish. After talking to many riders over the summer it was clear who had been playing the game to win and who just wanted this season to end.

Adam Mcgill has been racing nonstop all summer and vows to be in the top five for the remaining races. Adam has always had a great outlook even when things don't go his way. Back a few races ago Adam was beat in the last few feet from the starting line and although he was visibly upset he said from the podium "I hate it but if I am going to get beat I guess id rather be beat by the seven time champ". William Yokley has become a father two times over during the summer break and between cleaning the healthy twins he has dialed in the Monster energy Kawasaki to its prime. There are other riders out here also who have become determined that the crown of  king of the hill is not going to be far from their grasp in the near future. Chris Bithel has become a favorite rider for many as he blasted past most of the veterans in the series in just a few short years to get in the mix for a podium finish. Bithell was just gaining momentum back in 04 and has come to the front to claim his place. Another champion in the making is the awesome talent of Chris Jenks. Jenks has had his share of highs and lows but I can assure you that the summer was not much of a break for him. Chris trains with long time friend Eric Lemely and I can bet Eric didn't pamper Jenks either. Along with catching up on some local races Jenks made quite a few laps around his practice track.

But I guess the story that most are chatting about has to be the Borich and Ballance battle. This pair of dominant racers have been going round and round for a few years now but most would agree that Borich has finally settled any problems and became focused on the champions crown. Bill Ballance has took the time off from the series to get his own issues figured out and before the race he stated that the factory Yamaha is tuned just right and the are looking for a great day of racing. Chris Borich claimed to have a great break with maybe a little vacationing but not forgetting what waited for him in the GNCC series. Borich will get his crown, its only a matter of time.

So with all that said Ricky Towery raised the green flag after the ten second call and for a moment the world was in slow motion. Who will be this years Pro class champion is the question running through my mind but in just that same thought I notice Chris Borich slipping through turn one and letting me know who to look for.

Bill Ballance seemed to get a rather non-typical slow start but wasn't shy with the throttle as he blasted up into the to second turn somewhere in the top ten with brother Brandon in tow. Adam Mcgill was right in the top five and William Yokley had the mid pack covered. The track was a rather wide-open desert style course with rock gardens and some tense sections. Notice I didn't say tight sections because most I talked to say it wasn't nearly GNCC style enough. That translates to not enough woods. So with everyone into the deep sections of the track rumors are that William Yokley pulled from behind to get up with the top five and then centered a large sharp rock which stopped the quad and sent him over the bars. Yokley, although dazed and confused returned to the fight after some new goggles and a short pep talk to himself. Chris Jenks would find yet another mechanical problem that would end his day. Something happened to the swinger linkage from what we understand and with help from some bystanders Jenks even rolled his quad onto its top to get a better look at the problem. With all the excitement coming down to the wire a very happy Chris Borich rolls through the checkers and secures another win for Team East Coast Honda. Following close behind was Chris Bithell who grabbed the second spot long enough to fight off Bill Ballance who placed third. Bithell trucked his hardest and at one point had the lead but the pressure and endurance got the best of him. Ballance and Borich are now separated by one point and Bill Ballance has the advantage but Borich has the most wins and we know that can factor in when it comes right down to it. Adam McGill was tossed off into the trail right in front of Borich but was able to get back into the fight and came out in fourth. Mighty Matt Smiley took the fifth place spot and I have to say its good seeing him back in his groove again.

The morning racing was all about Can-Am. The big utility boys finished their homework over the break and came to the rock garden prepared for a fight. Micheal Swift brought home the first place overall and I really wouldn't expect anything other than this from such a talented racer. Swift is a dang good name to describe how this fighter does business. The other spots were open for a tied time spread. You heard me right the second and third spots overall had been clicked in the same time and Scott Kilby ties with teammate Clifton Beasley. I don't think they care about that though because both get wins in their classes and both get to stand side by side on the stage for the Can-Am podium sweeper. Congrats to Can-Am for their victories at Mountain Ridge.

The women of the GNCC racing series held their own but the regulars didn't seem to be in the right form for this track. Traci Cecco would suffer bad luck most of the day and end up in the fifth position with Kristen Atwell grabbing fourth place. Jennifer Albright had a great start but would have to settle for third as experience was dominating the track. A long time friend Stephanie Parton has been kind of silent this year and steadily building her program. Stephanie has been consistent but unlike years past she hasn't gotten the results that she was custom to. Stephanie will gladly take third place and probably because its in front of fifth. Figure that one out yourself. So Angel Atwell makes another morning race hers and this brings her first win of the season.

The times are changing and many racers are past the high spots for now and some are just getting there. I suppose that Bill Ballance wants more than ever to get the eighth title so he can get out of everyone's hair and let the youth of the series battle it out. But I just don't know if this will be his chance. Will he get a chance? Borich had a very determined look on his face and made a definite statement on the podium to the nay Sayers of the series. Bill Ballance is an icon in the GNCC series and has been the best possible example of a true champion but he may be left with lucky seven. Who says that's not good enough? If it has the name Ballance attached to it its the best or it's just like the rest!

Our next race is in Unadilla New York at the world famous Motocross track so don't miss a minute of our coverage there and if you can come on out and say hi.

Until we meet again, take a child riding. They never forget it!

RS