The penultimate round of the GNCC series started off strong with another hole shot. The track was in good shape with the rain from Friday night soaking in and creating some nice loam, although the creek was running a little high. I led most of the first lap although I lost a bunch of places when a fast line opened up after some tape was knocked down. I came through scoring back in fifth at the end of the lap but still within sight of the leaders. I felt good and was riding relaxed and picked off a few guys as the opportunity presented itself. By the fuel stop I was back battling for the lead with Charlie Mullins and Thad Duvall.
Photo By: Krista Shaw
With the heavy conditions we stopped twice for gas, so with two laps to go I was ready to battle for the win. On the last lap I had moved back into the lead and felt confident in my speed to carry me to the win. Then disaster struck. I ran out of gas. Not sure at this stage why. Lucky for me Jimmy Jarrett had problems and was right there where I rolled to a stop. He found and old beer can and we started ferrying fuel over to my bike. A couple of spectators arrived and lent a hand and I was soon back in the race, although the win had evaporated like the last of the fuel in the tank. With only half a lap to go to the finish the few cans of fuel were good to get me to the line in 4th.
This tightened up the race for the championship with Kailub Russell finishing the day in 3 rd which would leave me with a one point lead. But as we were ready to leave the track we were called into the promoter’s truck and told a protest had been lodged and that a time penalty was being issued and I was also being docked a position. The penalty was a result of a rule allowing fuelling outside of pro pits but only enough to get back to the pits. Because I went the half mile past the pits to the finish meant I breached the rule. Now the points lead lies in Kailubs’ hands going into the last round. It will be an exciting race.
1st: Charlie Mullins
2nd: Thad Duvall
3rd: Kailub Russell
