Byrd Flies to Victory at GNC Year Ender at Loretta's

The last GNC race of the season was held at Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch, in Hurricane Mills, Tn. In case you've never been to Tennessee in August then I have one word for you, "Hot!" With the heat index well into the hundreds and the humidity level sky high, I earned a new respect for these quad riders. Despite the desert like weather conditions, almost a thousand riders came out to strut their stuff—one of the largest turnouts to a GNC race ever.

Joe Byrd dominated the weekend on board his Honda 450R despite a nasty over the bars spill during practice that required a few stitches on his forehead. The "repaired" Byrdman was on a warpath and managed to pull off the holeshot in the first moto. He stayed on the gas the entire moto with John Ironman Natalie on his rear the entire race. Byrd held him off and took the first place spot.

As the pros lined up for the second moto, the fans swarmed the fence line to get a glimpse of the holeshot. Coming out of the gate, Byrd ripped past the rest of the field. Natalie got caught up and he took a face plant to the ground handing the Byrdman a commanding lead. Initially, Pat Brown trailed in second place until Travis Spader was able wrest the position away from him. Doug The Digger Gust eventually landed in third as Byrd massacred the field and took the green, white, and checkered flags.

On the podium there was nothing but laughter and congratulations as Byrd took the First Place Trophy with Spader in second and Gust rounded out third. After Byrd took his trophy and sprayed the fans with champagne, Natalie was brought on stage and awarded Blingstar's National Champion Trophy.

Weekend top 10 Final Results:
1. Joe Byrd (7)
2. Travis Spader (30)
3. Doug Gust (55)
4. Jeremiah Jones (2)
5. Keith Little (12)
6. Jason Dunkelberger (19)
7. Patrick Brown (199)
8. Jason Luburgh (8)
9. Matt White (32)
10. John Natalie (13)