GNCC Round 3
3-29-2008
“Steele Creek”
Morganton, NC

          Up a hill then down a hill, then up another hill then down another hill.  That was course description for the race in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.  We were blessed with sunny skies and temps soaring in the 80’s on Friday while we walked the course and inspected what we had to work with.  However the tables turned sometime in the night and rain came and it continued thru the day on Saturday for all three races.  With fuel prices sky rocketing even for diesel I expected the turn of Indiana people to drop a little however it did just the opposite.  We were represented very well as a state and had several fellow racers in the top ten in their class.  Our Youth riders were all over the 90 Limited class 8-11 with Lee Smith and Cole Setser taking 2nd and 3rd with Dylan Taylor rounding out the class in 10th in the 12-15 class.  In the 90 Mod 8-11 class Logan Merriman was 5th and is looking for a championship this year!  Charlie & Sadie Weltch were representing well taking 4th & 9th in the 6-11 70 CVT Class.

For the AM race we had 13 people in the top 10 from Indiana and several others who had some issues with the mud and hills in the South East.  Todd Scott made his first showing at the nationals and did it in style taking the win the in 24+C Class with Matt Schmitt taking second.  Tyler Bostock thought Todd was on to something so he won the First Year Racer class 16-24 with Chad Trisier as the runner up.  David Burton showed 2nd place in Georgia was no fluke as he came out and pulled another 2nd place finish here with Eric Hamblen taking 6th in the 20+C Class.  Michael Marley had the win wrapped up till he a tree jumped in front of him and dropped him back to a 3rd place finish with Zach Humprey in 7th for the 16-19 C Class.  Austin Johnson was 5th in the Schoolboy class and Wayne Remick was 6th in the Super Senior’s.  Andrew Langston muscled his Ute to a 7th place finish in the 4X4 Limited class.  Michael Schooley was 10th in the 30+C.  Our very own John “Luppy” Lupinsky had a great ride taking 7th place in the 36 + C Class.  NICE JOB JOHN, THE HARD WORK IS STARTING TO PAY OFF!!!!!

The PM guys went to the line knowing they were up against a very rough course as it had taken its toll on several of the morning class riders.  Josh Ribley was 8th in the Pro Am class and is making that KTM move out in the woods.  For the College A class they could just change that to the Indiana Boys class as we have several there.  Nathan Wallpe and Parker Jones were the front runners on the day with Jonathan Fugate taking 10th.  Andy Klingworth showed he’s looking to be the King of the Junior A Class by taking a 2nd place finish.  Tyler Moore had a strong showing in the Junior B class with an 8th place finish and Jon Chambers was 5th in the Vet B class.  In the Sr B 40+ class Team IXCR members Sandy Ruth and Ric Phillips were 2nd & 4th and both had great races.  NICE JOB GUYS. 

The Nationals take a week off and then head back down to Union, South Carolina for a run at the Big Buck which is one of my favorite tracks.  And don’t forget that IXCR will be back the following weekend at Lawrence County holding round 2.

Tighten those bolts and get in some seat time as the heart of the racing season is upon us.  Get a toe up on the competition and put down the doughnuts and pick up the dumb bells.  Step away from the TV and step towards the trails that have been neglected all winter long.  It’s racing season people, get out there and enjoy it!!!!!

Until next time, stay between the trees!
Garon Davis
Racer Representative