GEICO Racing Team at the Snowshoe ATV GNCC Race
Flornce, SC Edurocross ATV Race

The Endurocross team consisting of JT Bennett, Ryan and Eric Rodgers, and Josh McLevy put on a show again this weekend – keeping the GEICO bikes in just about every heat raced throughout the day. Eric Rodgers lead the way for the team with a win in the 2 Stroke Open Main Event, then took the top spot on the podium again for the Dash for Cash. Winning the Dash for Cash automatically placed Eric in the Expert Main Event, which he declined the spot to maintain the points lead in the Open 2 Stroke division. (Endurocross rules do not allow you to win an Open class if you race an Expert Main Event.) The other three guys placed well – Ryan (2), JT (4), Josh (6) in the 2 Stroke Open Main Event then forged on throughout the night by taking their bikes (and bodies) as far as they could by making it
to the LCQ. Although all three put forth an awesome fight, only 1st place moved on to the Main Event, and that rank went to Suzuki veteran, Ty Davis. The main event ended with Damon Huffman on top, followed by Bobby Prochnau and Ricky Dietrich.

Stadium Indoor ATV Race Track

While the GEICO Endurocross team was cranking out laps in South Carolina, team ATV member, Jennifer Albright was tearing up the race track in Snowshoe, WV. On the morning of Jennifer’s race fog covered the top of Snowshoe Mountain but temperatures were nearly perfect for racing. Jennifer found herself starting on row #1 due to her third place point’s standing and after rounding the first corner she started her move towards the front. She settled in and quickly found a rhythm for the 14 mile lap. After lap one the morning course was shortened to an unheard of 4 miles due to bottle necks which Jen knew would equal a long day of lapped traffic and wide open riding. It did not slow her down as she continued to push herself. Phil and crew delivered a flawless pit stop for gas and goggles and all that was left was the wait for the finish. After 2 hours and twelve minutes Jennifer took the checkered; she placed fourth in class and 8th overall. She was one of 9 riders in the morning event totaling 235 who completed all 11 laps. After yet another great ride she sits in third place in the point’s
standings.

Just a mere 9 hours after leaving the Florence Endurocross, the team – or should I say Ironmen, arrived at 4848’ above sea level atop Snowshoe Mountain for the GNCC. Ryan Rodgers was the first to take the track on Sunday racing in the morning Sportsman class. This is Ryan’s first GNCC back in a few years after winning the 250A class back in 2005. Ryan jumped right back into GNCC pace as if he never left and took a 3rd overall podium position. With little rest and a grueling 3 hour race ahead of them; Josh, JT and Eric lined up next for the 14 mile course. Josh raced his YZ450F and found himself battling bike issues. Josh was able to pull out a 12th place (XC1) finish after only being able to complete 2 laps. This finish currently has Josh sitting at 14th place in the points standing. JT
jumped back aboard his trusty zinger, not even changing the tires from the EnduroX the night before and hit the trails. Due to the length of the track and a stock tank – JT had to stop each lap for gas, which allowed him time to quickly catch his breath and head back out for more, pulling out an impressive 12th place (XC2) / 35th overall finish. Although JT has missed a few races due to injury, he is still able to hold on to 22nd place in points. Last but not least was Eric Rodgers, who also has been MIA from the GNCC circuit for a few years. Eric encountered a few mechanical issues early on in the race, but after his mechanic /dad (ex-GNCCer, Keith Rodgers) made the needed adjustments, Eric forged on to a 10th place (250A) finish.

The team would like to extend a special thanks to all of their sponsors: GEICO, MSR, MAXXIS, Lojak Yamaha, Rekluse, Gaerne, Factory Connection, SCOTT USA, Acerbis, HMF, Bel-Ray, and EBC Brakes. And of course a huge thank you to our fans.

The Endurocross series will continue on September 27th in Denver, CO. The South Carolina Endurocross will air on the VS network on October 5th at 6:00PM and again on October 9th at 5:00PM.

The GNCC series will continue on September 27th & 28th for the Can Am Unadilla GNCC. The Moose Racing Snowshoe GNCC will air on the VS network on December 27th at 3:00PM (ATV) and January 3rd at 3:00PM (Bikes).

About GNCC Racing:
The AMA/ATVA-sanctioned Grand National Cross Country series is America’s premier off-road racing series. The 13-round series is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The nearly three-hour long GNCC races lead as many as 1800 riders through tracks ranging from eight to twelve miles in length. With varied terrain including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. GNCC Racing airs weekly television shows on Versus (formerly Outdoor Life Network) every Saturday at 3 p.m. and Thursday at 4 p.m. beginning on April 14. GNCC featured sponsors include Parts Unlimited, Moose, Maxxis, Pirelli, Wiseco, Acerbis, Elka, Geico, Klotz, FMF, ITP and Tire Balls, and riders compete for over $3 million in series prizes and contingency money. Associate sponsors include Alpinestars, Cometic, EK Chain, HiPer Technology, Laegers, Motion Pro, Moose Utility Division, Powersport Grafx, Pro Clean, Race Tools, REM, Scott, Thor, Twin Air, Weekend Warrior, and MotoTee’s. Media Sponsors include Racer X Illustrated, ATV Rider, ATV Sport, www.ATVRiders.com, Dirt Rider and ATV Insider. For more information log on to www.GNCCRacing.com.

www.gnccracing.com
122 Vista Del Rio Drive,
Morgantown, WV 26508
304-284-0084