UNADILLA CROSS-COUNTRY: Round nine of the GNCC Series
(2/10/2009)
In dramatic fashion, Chris Bithell fought off a hard-charging Bill Ballance to nab his first victory of the season, at round nine of the GNCC series at Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin, New York. Can-AM’s Bithell started the race near the back of the pack, while Yamaha’s Bill Ballance and KTM’s Taylor Kiser led the way. Bithell, as well as Team Excell Motorsport’s Bryan Cook and Suzuki’s Chris Borich, made their way through traffic to set up one of the best GNCC finishes ever! Late in the race, Bithell gambled with a lap-early pit stop, and took the lead from Ballance. On the last lap, Ballance closed the gap on Bithell and the duo banged bumpers throughout the final few miles. Flying through the last corner Ballance rammed the back of a stalling Bithell causing Ballance’s chain to come off and crack his engine case. Bithell re-fired and crossed the finish line to claim his first victory of the season, as well as Can-Am’s first XC1 GNCC victory! Kiser followed for second, Cook in third and Borich finished in the fourth spot. In a valiant effort, Bill Ballance and crew pushed his locked up YFZ450 up the final hill towards the finish line. Ballance had to push through the finish by himself, but still managed to salvage a top-five finish, an effort that could very well win him his ninth consecutive title at round ten in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Check out more photos and updates on all of your favorite GNCC racers to follow.
Chris Borich took his factory Suzuki LT-R450 to a fourth overall finish. He also sits in fourth place in points behind Ballance, Adam McGill and Bryan Cook.
Ballance was in a heated battle with a lapper midway through the race. It didn’t last long, but this might have been the most excited this racer has ever been.
Despite muddy conditions for most of the day, racing action was as good as ever at Unadilla!
OVERALL RACE RESULTS Unadilla Valley Sports Center, New Berlin, N.Y. 1. Chris Bithell DS450 2. Taylor Kiser 450XC 3. Bryan Cook TRX450R 4. Chris Borich LT-R450 5. Bill Ballance YFZ450 6. Don Ockerman YFZ450 7. Brandon Sommers YFZ450 8. Matt Smiley TRX450R 9. Jeff Pickens TRX450R 10. Tyler Lenig YFZ450
PRO (XC1) Points Standings (After 11 of 13 rounds) 1. Bill Ballance, YAM 232 2. Adam McGill, KTM 200 3. Bryan Cook, HON 195 4. Chris Borich, SUZ 191 5. Brandon Sommers, YAM 190 6. Taylor Kiser, KTM 164 7. Matt Smiley, HON 152 8. William Yokley, HON 151 9. Jarrod McClure, HON 146 10. Ryan Lane, HON 136
WARNING: Much of the action depicted in this magazine is potentially dangerous. Virtually all of the riders seen in our photos are experienced experts or professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts that are beyond your own capabilities. Always wear the appropriate safety gear. Copyright 2008 Hi-Torque Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Console Login
