2011 GBC Heartland Challenge Presented by SAFRS ATV Endurance Racing Carlisle, Iowa August 20, 2011

GBC Heartland Challenge 10 Endurance ATV Race Report
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In the number two spot in the Pro Utility class was the FD Racing team. The team had fairly few issues and ran a smooth and consistent race to complete a total of 29 laps in 10:18:15.

The ATR / Zakowski Motorsports team was set on defending their Pro Utility title, but Lady Luck was not on their side for this year’s event. The team suffered several mechanical issues through the course of the race, and were running in last place in their class until the final lap. Kevin Trantham took control in the final lap and made one of the most impressive charges of the event. Trantham made his way through lappers and a rough track until reaching the number four spot behind the Msalga team. Trantham had closed the gap and was right on the grab bar of the number 112 machine, and in the final turn, just before the finish line, Trantham charged his way into the number three spot, finishing in a respectable third place in the Pro Utility class.

Without question, the most challenging class of the Heartland Challenge is the Ironman class, where a solo rider takes on the entire 10-hour event. For the 2011 event there were ten brave souls lined up at the start and while this year’s event saw its one female racer, Ashley Jones, entered in the Ironman class, it was another racer who would steal the spot light.

UXC Racing backed rider, Forrest Whorton, took part in the Ironman class last year, but a mechanical issue early in the race, kept him from taking the win, which he was convinced he could have done. Ever since the end of last year’s event, Whorton has wanted another shot at the Ironman class and this year the 52 year old racer came on strong and smoked the competition, many of whom were half his age, proving to everyone that age is just a number. With the help of the Carbo Rocket Sports Drinks representatives in attendance, and his family and friends, Whorton put in an incredible 25 laps in a time of 10:08:15, completing four laps more than any other competitor in his class. Whorton’s achievement earned him the respect of everyone in attendance, and he was the only competitor to receive a standing ovation when he took to the podium. “I have to thank everyone who helped me out and gave me support through the event. This was something I had wanted to accomplish for a while and to finally do it is just a really great feeling; and the support I received from everyone was what helped me to push through and win,” said Whorton.