(11/7/11) - The first weekend in November marked the end to the GNCC Racing season. The weekend would include a first ever double header for the bikes, as they needed to make up two rounds that were missed due to rain. The ATV racers were there to make up the single round that was flooded out at the famous Loretta Lynn's Dude Ranch. The racers were treated to a great weekend of weather and racing.
The battle for the XC-1 Pro Class Championship was already settled with Twin Air's Chris Borich wrapping up the title at the Ironman GNCC. This, however, did not take away from an exciting race that would decide the final top three for the season. All the riders wanted to end the season on a high note and put in a great effort to carry them into next season. The battle was for third place in the final standings between Taylor Kiser and Twin Air rider Chris Bithell. Adam McGill, another Twin Air rider, held down second in the points with a solid gap to third.
As the race began it was clear that Kiser and Bithell both wanted that number three plate for 2012. They quickly charged to the front. Kiser would lead the way with Bithell right behind. Kiser would lead for the majority of the race. At one point Bithell would take the lead only to have Kiser overtake him. While this was going on Borich and McGill would have a battle of their own going for the third and fourth positions on the course. As this battle intensified they would catch the two leaders.
Entering the final lap Kiser would still hold the lead. He would make a costly mistake in the woods, colliding with a tree, which would drop him back to the number three spot. Meanwhile that mishap would put McGill in the lead with Borich hot on his heels. They would enter the motocross track with McGill out front. Borich made his move on the inside of a turn right before a whoops section. That was all Borich would need to take his ninth victory of the season. McGill would hold on to second after a late pass attempt two corners from the finish by Kiser. Kiser would round out the podium. Bithell would hold on for fourth.
After a great season of racing Twin Air riders would earn the top two spots in the final standings. Borich had another great season with nine wins and the XC-1 Championship. Adam McGill would finish with two wins and second overall. McGill was the only rider to challenge Borich for the points lead all season. Between the two of them they won 11 of 13 races. Bithell would finish the year in the number four spot. Bryan Cook, another Twin Air rider, would finish the year in seventh. Twin Air would like to congratulate our riders in the XC-1 Pro Class for a great season.
In XC-2 action the top three at Loretta Lynn's would also be the top three in the final standings, Walker Fowler, Gabe Phillips, and Eric Hoyland. Twin Air sponsored Eric Hoyland finished off a great season with his seventh visit to the podium this year. With all the great talent in the XC-2 class this year it will be interesting to see who moves up to the XC-1 Pro Class for 2012.
The morning races would see a battle for the 4x4 Open class come down to the wire. Twin Air riders Michael Swift and Bryan Buckhannon were set for a fierce battle for the championship. Unfortunately a mechanical incident would drop Swift from contention. Buckhannon would go on to win the race and claim the Championship. Swift would finish the year in second. U2 class champion Cliff Beasley would take another convincing victory. Mike Penland would take another second place finish in the 4x4 Super Senior class. He would finish the year in second.
Twin Air would like to congratulate all the 2012 GNCC Championship winners and all of our sponsored riders for another great season of cross country racing, GNCC style.
Twin Air USA is leading the way in performance with ATV Dual-Stage Foam Air Filters. You can contact us at (800)749-2890 or visit our website at www.twinairusa.com.