Coming into the final round, only six points separated DeRisi Racing's Braden Henthorn and McGuire in the championship chase so fans watched in anticipation hoping for a showdown between the championship contenders. Unfortunately, Henthorn experienced a first-lap mechanical issue that ended his hopes of bringing home the title.
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GNCC XC2 Pro-Am ATV Podium (left to right)
Matt Hanna (2nd), Landon Wolfe (1st), Joshua Merritt (3rd) |
Maryland's Landon Wolfe served notice that he is one to watch for the future by taking the win in his first-ever XC2 race, moving up from the College A division for the finale. Wolfe started off the day mid-pack and steadily moved his way up, eventually taking over the lead from McGuire on Lap 4.
Greg's ATV & Cycle's Matt Hanna battled with Wolfe the final two laps and came up just a few seconds short at the finish. Hanna took home the second place spot, which was enough to secure third in the season standings. Rounding out the podium was Ohio's Josh Merritt in third place, matching his season-best finish from Powerline Park.
McGuire came through the checkers in fifth, which was more than enough to clinch the XC2 Pro Am title.
"Once dad told me Braden (Henthorn) was out of the race, I just tried to ride smart and not tear up the bike," said McGuire from the podium.
Indiana's Marshal Goings earned his first-ever Top Amateur Award with 15th overall for the day. Moving up from the morning race at Round 11, Goings also earned his first College A class win, ahead of Jay Shadron and the rest of the stacked field of young riders.
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GNCC Morning Podium (left to right)
Rob Smith (2nd), Dave Simmons (1st), Kevin Trantham (3rd) |
In the morning race, GT Thunder's Dave Simmons put an exclamation point on an already-impressive season by earning his ninth overall win in thirteen rounds. U2 class-winner Rob Smith secured his first-ever trip to the overall morning podium, finishing second behind Simmons on adjusted time. It was 4x4 Lites winner Kevin Trantham who rounded out the overall podium with third place.
