Chino, CA (6/29/2009) - Going into this
race, everyone knew it was going to be tough.
The newly configured 20-mile (twice the length
of a normal GNCC event) course was a serious
track that featured everything. Big elevation
changes, mud, rocks, multiple lines and a neat
start in town, were just some of the features.
Before the event even started, many were comparing
this to the infamous Blackwater events of years
past.
Team Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki rider
Chris Borich rolled into the round nine event
of the Grand National Cross Country Series with
a healthy point lead. He also knew that one
mistake on a course like this and a healthy
lead could turn into a deficit in a hurry. Borich
and his Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki team
were prepared and they were all looking forward
to the event.
At the start of the race Borich was up front
but missed a turn in the middle of the first
lap. By the time he got back on course had fallen
way back to ninth place. He would have his work
cut out for him for sure.By lap three, Borich
had moved back into the lead of the XC-1 Pro
Class and was riding strong. The fuel injection
on his Rockstar/Makita/Yoshimura/Suzuki QuadRacer
R450 was a definite advantage. Borich seemed
to be getting traction in places where the others
were struggling. The Yoshimura power was a big
help as well. Some of the hills on this course
were nearly vertical so having a lot of power
on tap was important. As it turned out, that
extra power put him over the line in first place
less than a second ahead.
"We had a good time out there," Borich
said enjoying an ice cold Rockstar from the
victory podium. "I just wanted to get out
and not worry about the points. We're sitting
pretty right now. My Suzuki worked so good,
it never missed a beat and this was one tough
race."
The series will continue in September after
the Summer Break.
