After Mother Nature dropped off several inches of rain and hail Friday night on the Millfield, Ohio area, the John Penton GNCC track conditions were anything but perfect. The course soon became a series of deep ruts in the soft mud, slick clay hillclimbs and a constant logjam of riders; quickly becoming a difficult task for all.
However, a little inclement weather couldn't stop Five-Time GNCC Champion Bill Ballance from taking the points lead for the first time this season. He proved his determination with a huge Ballance style holeshot. His lead would not last for long as new GNCC phenomenon, Adam McGill, and Scott Barron would battle their way from the Pro-Am class to take the lead within the first lap. Suzuki's William Yokley also worked his way up to ride in the sloppy roost of these two Pro-Am riders.
Suzuki's William Yokley battled...
Suzuki's William Yokley battled through the mud to a hard earnedand deservedpodium finish.
Struggling way back in the pack was Alba Actions Chris Borich trying to hold his current points lead. Luck was not on the side of Borich. His overheating Honda 450R simply did not have the juice to power him to the front of the pack. He managed to salvage the race with a sixth place finish - his worst finish of the season so far. Borich now trails Ballance by 13 points.
Late in the race, the action was still hot with Yokley and Ballance battling hard to retake the lead. Eventually, the two pro Yamaha and Suzuki riders were able to pass McGill and Barron. On the last lap, Ballance pulled out some tricks and put his YFZ in front and lead the way to the checkers. He was followed by McGill in second and Yokley for third.
Chris Borich's lost the points...
Chris Borich's lost the points lead for the first time this season when his Honda overheated.
On the podium, Ballance had a smile that went from ear to ear. "It's time to get this train back on the tracks," exclaimed Ballance. He added that he knows that the rest of the season will be a tough battle, but he was happy to be in the points lead.
McGill, who had battled his way from the farther back Pro-Am ranks and passed 17 Pro riders to take second overall said, "The track was complete chaos. When I caught up to the Pro's, I just tried to follow their lead so that I did not make any mistakes." This was McGill's first overall podium appearance.
GNCC Pro Points Standings
1. Bill Ballance 177 YAM
2. Chris Borich 164 HON
3. William Yokley 146 SUZ
4. Matt Smiley 121 POL
5. Chris Jenks 104 HON
6. Brandon Ballance 100 YAM
7. Andris Lagzdins 86 ROL
8. Bryan Baker 80 HON
9. Michael Houston 68 HON
10. Rhett Butler 65 HON