TEAM ITP Tires RACE REPORT

Photos by Amy McConnell

 It’s always an interesting adventure to compete at a brand
new venue. When the  2012 Grand National Cross Country tour arrived at Park
Mammoth Resort in the  rolling hills of south-central Kentucky, everyone was
faced with trying to learn  new trails and figure out an ideal machine setup.
Racers and mechanics took  their closest guess — because no pre-riding is
allowed in GNCC racing — and then  hoped for the best when the green flag
flew.
 



Luckily
the Team ITP Tires riders had a  number of options to choose from when it came to ATV  
tires. And whether they chose  from the Holeshot Tires or QuadCross XC tire line, they knew
they’d have the traction,  handling, ride and durability to help them make it to
the top of the results  sheets.


 



Doing
just that was Dave Simmons  (Yam), who captured yet another overall amateur
morning race victory. On what  turned out to be a mostly tight and technical
course, Simmons led the way ahead  of nearly 240 other athletes in a wide
variety of classes. This performance  marked the fifth time in a row he’s won
the Super Senior 45+ class in 2012, and  was his third morning overall of the
season.


 



Also
waving the flag for ITP tires and  graybeards alike on this hot and somewhat dusty day
was Glenn McConnell (Yam),  who was once again victorious in the Masters 50+ and
16th overall.  That’s four wins in a row now, and McConnell is
closing in on the points lead  despite skipping the season opener.


 



Also
making a podium appearance  following the morning race was Angel Atwell (Hon).
She finished third in the  Women’s division and was ninth overall, and currently
holds second place in the  season standings by just two points.


 



ITP’s
top Youth division rider,  Jordan Digby, was not in attendance at Mammoth.
Unfortunately, Jordan crashed  while racing at an ATV Motocross National the
previous weekend and broke a leg.  But he’s a tough kid and we’re sure he’ll be
back soon.


 



Patrick
McGuire (Yam) put in another  great showing in the afternoon’s very competitive
XC2 Pro Am class. The  Valencia, Pennsylvania, native crossed the finish line in
fifth place and now  stands a close second in the points race.


 



Possibly
the most disappointed rider  in Kentucky was Adam McGill (Hon). He was running
right up front in the premier  XC1 Pro class after three of five laps when he
was sidelined with mechanical  issues. Even so, he’s still in championship
contention, owning second place in  points.


 



The
series regulars now get to learn  and explore another new venue with the
Limestone 100 in Springville, Indiana, May
  12-13.