CanAm GNCC ATV Awards Banquet Four Points Sheraton Cranberry, PA November 23, 2007

GNCC Banquet Links Photo Gallery

The banquet began shortly after 5:00 pm, but the ceremonies and after party lasted long into the night. The top 10 racers in every class of the GNCC were honored with awards and the top 5 in each class were also given contingencies that consisted of Ogio Bags, Thor riding boots, Maxxis and ITP tires, embroidered jackets, and goggles among other prizes. Also, random class champions were awarded additional prizes. LeeAnn Kirkland grabbed a full set of Elka Shocks, Walker Fowler was given a set of Tire Balls, Traci Cecco received a set of Hiper Wheels, and Scott Sleppy was awarded a Laeger Steering Stem just to name a few of the special prizes. Also, Racer Productions handed out other cool prizes through out the evening camcorders, cameras, and digital picture frames.

The top ten racers received either awards and their was a room packed full of contigency prizes given out to the top five class finishers

In addition to the regular awards, there were also ten special awards handed out where the recipients were chosen by votes cast by their peers. Youth ATV racer, Jesi Stracham took home the “Hard Luck” award, ATV Insider Magazine won the award for “Media Excellence” and Jeff Miller won the “Good Samaritan” award. Miller’s compassion on and off the track is what earned him the award. Miller took it upon himself to help raise money for his number one competitor, Travis Styles, after he wrecked at Unadilla, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.

When it came time for the XC2 Pro-Am award introductions, Pro-Am champion Brandon Sommers had the crowd laughing when he was asked to introduce himself. Brandon spoke up and said, “I’m Bill Ballance…” Brandon’s plans for next year include finally being able to quit his day job and devote himself full time to racing for Yamaha.

Pro XC1 ATV Class (left to right) Bill Ballance, Chris Bithell, Adam McGill, Taylor Kiser, William Yokley	Women ATV Class (left to right) Traci Cecco, Angel Atwell, Kristen Atwell, Stephanie Verkade

Rita Coombs gave William Yokley an ear full when presenting him with the tabletop

Adam McGill was also in good spirits, even when he was questioned about his DNF during round 12 at Powerline Park. “Well, it was really hot that day, so I decided to go for a swim!” He said jokingly. “I felt kind of bad at first, but when I got out of the water and saw that everyone else was stuck, then I really didn’t feel to bad at all.” Adam concluded. Adam plans on giving it his all next year to hopefully find himself on the podium more often instead of in the water.

Barry Hawk presented Bill Ballance with his 8th #1 Plate, which broke Barry Hawk's Record of Seven. Bill also received a gold ring with one diamond for each championship

When it came time for Bill Ballance to accept his award, it was none other than seven- time GNCC Champion Barry Hawk that was on hand to do the honors. Hawk congratulated bill on his accomplishment and presented Bill with the #1 plate and a bottle of champagne. Bill also received a gold ring with eight diamonds to signify his record breaking eight-time championship. “I’m really looking forward to next year. Yamaha is already working on…some new set up stuff.” Said Bill, giving a little insight into what may be in store for the ’09 YFZ450. “Yamaha has been doing their homework. I was actually thinking about retiring, but when I see all the new stuff that’s going on, I want to stick around for a couple more years to see it all. The ’09 race bike will be on the track before the year is over.” Said Bill excitedly