Responsibility of the trail leader

Riding season is upon us and of course we are all going to either participate in a group ride or organize a group ride ourselves.  For the latter it is important to be a responsible trail or group leader.  Leading riders into unfamiliar areas can be fun and rewarding.  What follows are some helpful tips to make the group ride a success and everybody gets back to the staging area in one piece.

1.  Communicate

Before anyone loads a single piece of gear, have a get together and talk about the 3 W’s Who, What, Where.  Who is all going with you on the ride, this is also a good time to get an idea of everyones skill level.   The skill level of the riders involved leads into the next question.  What type of terrain is the group going to be riding on?  Depending on everyones skill level will depend on the terrain you will want to take the riders on.   And lastly, Where are are the riders going to ride?  The what somewhat dictates the where.  For example, do the riders want a challenge or a leisurely ride.  As the leader you will need to respect the riders skill levels and desires, especially if they are new to the area.  Remember a trail that seems easy to you may be very difficult for others and vise-versa.

2. Bring the right gear

As the leader you need to set a good example and at least require the bare minimum of safety gear before you allow anyone on the trail.  Other than the obvious, be sure to take along extra specialty gear for the area or conditions you might face on the trail.  For example, if your riding in an area that sees frequent afternoon showers, pack extra rain ponchos.  Also even though the other riders might bring other gear, as the leader make sure you have a basic first-aid kit.  Plenty of water is always a good idea as well.

3.  Know your route

Know the area well.  Know where the parking is, how much parking and the route you will take to get to the trail head as well as the trails themselves.  Especially with new riders to the area you want to instill confidence that you know your way around.  Make sure if it is a complicated area be sure to provide maps for everyone just in case someone happens to get behind.  Be sure to discuss how to read the map.

4.  Don’t get too far ahead

This one is simple.  Keep track of your group.  Stop at every fork in the trail and make sure everyone is accounted for and that everyone can see the proper turn.  If there are difficult obstacles it might be a good idea to stop and make sure everyone clears the section before proceeding, this can also be a good time to take a break if people need it.

5.  Action plan

Have an action plan for the extreme case of someone getting lost, breaking down, or getting hurt.  A good plan is to have everyone meet at a certain well known landmark or area at the end of the day.  This way when someone comes up missing it is easier to plan your search of the trail to find that person.

Every situation will warrant different tactics.  These tips should only serve as introductory guidelines as the leader or organizer of a group ride.

GNCC ATV Racing: Borich Wins At Muddy Loretta's

Mother Nature, mud bogs and even a class of fellow Pro Class racers couldn’t prevent Yoshimura Suzuki’s Chris “Big Finish” Borich from posting his third straight Pro class victory on the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series. In using a style that has become more his trademark and not just a game of chance, the Pennyslvania-based pro came from behind and passed late in the race to secure the win the Round 5 overall at the Acerbis Loretta Lynn’s GNCC in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. GNCC Racing said the ATV racers described the course as “wet and muddy” and said an “all-day rain pummeled” the dude ranch in the middle of Tennessee. Despite the dismal conditions and three other riders contesting him, Borich proved his resiliency and also made it clear he is the man to beat in 2010.

Chris Borich was all smiles after posting his third consecutive GNCC ATV Pro class win. (Courtesy Acorn Woods)

Borich summed up his performance in a GNCC Racing press release, by saying, “I worked back up behind McGill, and I picked a line that he looked like he was going right and then he came back the other way and we kind of came together and I was able to get around him. It’s great to get another win, and I had a lot of fun battling these guys.”

Borich has now won four of the first five races and has extended his points lead over Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser by 22 points (145 to 123).

Rounding out the Pro class podium were Adam McGill (Can-Am) and Donald Ockerman (Yamaha). McGill led for two laps and held the leave before Borich passed him late in the race. Ockerman put in his best race of the year to find a spot on the podium. Kiser salvaged a fourth-place ride to stay within striking distance of Borich for the points overall and is 30 points ahead of McGill, who sits in third.

In a GNCC Racing press release, McGill summed up his day with, “It was crazy out there. Someone would go up a hill and the mud would fill in the ruts and you couldn’t tell how deep they were, so it was kind of scary, but it was good to get out front and be in the hunt.”

Biggest Movers 1:

As long as Borich keeps passing for the win on the final lap, he’ll always deserve a spot on this list. McGill deserves credit for charging from fourth place after lap one to first place during the final lap. Despite dropping a spot to Borich, he still put in one heck of a race to earn a podium visit. Two other pros get kudos from me for their late-in-the-race efforts. The first being Ockerman, who moved from fifth on Lap 2 to third on the final trip around the soaking-wet Loretta’s course. His 32:29.656 time on Lap 3 was the fastest of the day and ensured he made the podium!

Let’s not forget about Bicknell, Indiana’s Ryan Lane, who rode his Honda to fifth place in the horrible conditions. It was Lane’s first GNCC race of the year and he moved from ninth place after the second lap to fifth by the time the checkers flew. There’s one word for that: Awesome! Johnny Gallagher also gets a thumbs up for effort as he charged to sixth on his YFZ. He moved from ninth after Lap 1 to sixth place by the end of the race, which was good enough for his best finish of the season.

Biggest Movers 2:

This spot is usually reserved for those who go the other way, sadly, in the final results. Unfortunately, Can-Am’s Chris Bithell made the list. He sat in fourth place at the end of Lap 2, but couldn’t complete the final lap and had to settle for 12th in the class and 84 overall. It was his second finish out of the top 10 this year.

After putting in finishes of seventh, seventh, fifth and six in the first four races, Jeffery Pickens was in position (third place after first lap) to post his top finish of the year, but fell three places after another lap. By the end of lap three the pro dropped to eighth place, for his worse finish of the year. However, on the flip side, the Pennsylvania race has to be relieved with an eighth place (as opposed to a DNF) in a mud race. And that fact that he’s still in the top five in the Pro class points race.

5-for-5

Six racers have posted 100 points (perfect scores) by winning all five rounds in 2010. Four riders fell off the list after the Loretta’s mudfest.

• 90 Modified (12-15) – 1 PIT 003 LEVI COEN 1 1 1 1 1 100
• 4×4 Lites – 1 CAN 233 KEVIN TRANTHAM 1 1 1 1 1 100
• U2 – 1 CAN 206 CLIFTON BEASLEY 1 1 1 1 1 100
• Utility Senior (45+) – 1 CAN 709 FORREST WHORTON 1 1 1 1 1 100
• Schoolboy (13-15) A/B – 1 HON 239 BRADEN HENTHORN 1 1 1 1 1 100
• Women Novice (15+) – 1 HON 244 CHEYANNE SHADRON 1 1 1 1 80

Super Simmons

Dave Simmons just keeps impressing me. He’s in the 50+ class and has won four straight morning overall, including this sloppy race in Tennessee. And that’s with several classes of 4x4s breathing down his neck! Round 2, didn’t register because he won the Sportsman A/B class (non-points class). However, the last three event did, as the Ohio racer beat every other a.m. participant and 50+ competitor to the finish line. Had he raced in Florida, he may be on the “100 list” above. An interesting side note: Class points leader Donnie Pruett has yet to win the class in 2010, but still has 82 points and a 22 point lead over Simmons.

Another note from this class (according to Ken “Pappy” Hill on Facebook): You can help support Super Senior (50+) competitor Glen Pritchard (West Hamlin, W.Va.), who is dealing with an illness, by buying a T-shirts. They retail for $20.00. To order: Send an e-mail to: Cre8tivedesigns1@gmail.com (Brandon Sturdivant) Include: Name, quantity, sizes and shipping information. When order is received you will receive an e-mail giving you payment information. All Proceeds will go to Glen’s medical expenses.

Loretta’s XC1 Results (According to GNCCracing.com):

1. Chris Borich (Suz)

2. Adam McGill (CAN)

3. Don Ockerman (Yam)

4. Taylor Kiser (Yam)

5. Ryan Lane (Hon)

6. Johnny Gallagher (Yam)

7. Brandon Sommers (Yam)

8. Jeffrey Pickens (Yam)

9. Sloan Jackson (Hon)

10. Todd Demaree (Suz)

XC1 Standings:

1. Chris Borich (145/4 wins)

2. Taylor Kiser (123/1 win)

3. Adam McGill (93)

4. Don Ockerman (73)

5. Jeffrey Pickens (72)

6. Bryan Cook (69)

7. Johnny Gallagher (67)

8. Chris Bithell (66)

9. Bill Ballance (58)

10. Brandon Sommers (54)

Borich rode part of the three-lap race without goggles as the muddy course made for difficult racing conditions. (Courtesy of Acorn Woods)

XC2 Results:

1. Gabe Phillips (Yam)

2. Eric Hoyland (Yam)

3. Kevin Yoho (Yam)

4. Walker Fowler (Yam)

5. Josh Kirkland (KTM)

6. Mark Notman (Yam)

7. Ian Laufersweiler (Hon)

8. Blake Kramer (Suz)

9. Nathan Beyers (Hon)

10. Michael Lancaster (Hon)

XC2 Standings:

1. Brian Wolf (110/2 wins)

2. Kevin Yoho (101)

3. Walker Fowler (95/2 wins)

4. Josh Kirkland (92)

5. Gabe Phillips (88/1 win)

6. Parker Jones (68)

7. Eric Hoyland (66)

8. Blake Kramer (63)

9. Dustin Canipe (59)

10. Mark Notman (54)

On May 8, the Yadkin Valley Stomp Racetrack, in Yadkinville, N.C., will host the Round 6 of the GNCC series. For more info, visit GNCCracing.com.

Creamer Victorious At Ballance Moto-X

A few years back, someone once told me “Josh Creamer, would sign a contract for a cheeseburger.” I don’t know if they were making fun of him or just criticizing his approach to being a professional racer. Either way, that person’s opinion has proven to be erroneous. Creamer, who signed his first pro contract with Kawasaki in 2007, has more than lived up to his hype as one of the top pro ATV racers in world. First, he did very well with the Jimmy White-led Monster Kawasaki teams. Then he signed a full deal with Suzuki for 2010. This past weekend he earned his most  impressive overall at Round 2 of the ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA ATV MX Championships presented by Parts Unlimited. The Pro class win was Creamer’s first of the year and, more importantly, his first career Pro MX overall and first under the Makita Rockstar Suzuki team banner.

(Courtesy of Creamer/DeBault Photography)

The victory made the Pro class points a lot more interesting as Creamer pulled to within four points of teammate Dustin Wimmer, who has 88 points and the other Pro class victory in 2010. Creamer, who also scored some bonus cash for the grabbing the Moto 2 holeshot, told me he wasn’t particularly happy with how his practice session went, but was more than thrilled with the final result. “When it came to race time, we did what we had to do,” he said.

“The second moto we just checked out. It just worked out really well. I’d like to thank my whole team under the Rockstar Makita Suzuki tent, and Yoshimura and all the sponsors we have. Everything’s just going really well this year,” he elaborated in a Racer Productions press release.

Joe Byrd finished third overall for his podium of the season, but was knows he has a tough fight against the Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammates. He said in the www.atvmotocross.com release: “The race could have been better, but we had a couple gremlins bite us. My goggles broke in the first moto and I couldn’t see, so the first moto was definitely not good to me. The second moto was better. We came out second and then took the lead, and I had a good battle with Creamer but I screwed up and he passed me back.”

Chad Weinen’s 6-3 finish was good enough for fourth place and keeps him in striking distance of the points leader, just 15 points behind.

Josh Creamer leads Joe Byrd at Ballance Moto-X. (Courtesy of ATVmotocross.com/Michael Roth image)

Biggest Movers 1: Byrd, who said he’s in charge of a “true privateer program,” did well in Moto 2.  The longtime pro finished in the seventh spot in Moto 1. However, in the second moto, he challenged for the
win and actually held the lead for the first six laps before an error allowed Creamer to pass him. His 7-2 score put him on the podium.

Reigning Pro AMA ATV MX Champ Dustin Wimmer (Rockstar Makita Suzuki) also put in two impressive rides, considering he got off to sluggish starts in both motos. After lap 1 in the first moto, Wimmer was in seventh place. He recovered to move into third. In the second moto, Wimmer was in sixth place after the first lap, but moved into third place. However, this time he dropped to fourth before the flag was waved. The 3-4 finish was good enough for second overall and he retained the points lead heading into Round 3.

Also in Moto 2, Pat Brown showcased some speed on his Honda as he motored from 16th all the way to eighth place to salvaged a 12th place finish and avoid a horrible weekend. Nick Denoble and Cody Grant also deserve a little praise for their “never-give-up” attitude. Each rider gained at least five spots by the time the Moto 2 checkers flew.

Biggest Movers 2: John “Ironman” Natalie. The Can-Am/Motoworks won the Moto 1 holeshot and than went wire-to-wire to win it. That put him in position for an overall. However, mechanical trouble in the second moto hurt Natalie’s shot at the podium. He sat in fourth place after two laps, but his day ended shortly after that. Natalie’s 1-17 finish, resulted in an eighth-place overall.

Harold Goodman also had some Moto 2 trouble, dropping from seventh place after the initial lap to 13th at the end of the race.

Pro-Am 2-fer
The Kawasaki-mounted Joel Hetrick was a perfect 2-for-2 on the weekend in both his Pro-Am classes. Hetrick edged Casey Martin (Polaris) and Chase Sapp (Suzuki) in the Pro-Am Production class, notching a 1-1 moto scores for the win. He backed that up with another 1-1 moto combo in the Pro-Am Unlimited ranks to beat Jeremy Tulenchik (Honda) and Andy Travis (KTM).

Perfect Thus Far

These 17 amateur racers, who have won both rounds in 2010 and have the early class points lead, deserve a lot of praise for their early season efforts. They are:

• 450 A – Wesely Holifield, Petal, Miss.
• 450B – Bret Cusumano, Maple Shade, N.J.
• Open B – Mark Gehring, W. Springfield, Mass.
• 4-Stroke A – Chase Henry, Petersburg, Va.
• Vet 30+ – Josh Strominski, Cedar Lake, Ind.
• Vet 30+ C – Bryan Williams, New Port Ritchey, Fla.
• Women – Heather Byrd, Union City, Tenn.
• Women C – Kelsey Dyer, Quincy, Ill.
• Schoolboy Sr. (14-17) – Dallas Tapscott, Scottsville, Va.
• Schoolboy Jr. (13-15) – Brent Sellers, Willis, Texas
• 90 Modified (8-15) – Samuel Rowe, Menasha, Wis.
• 90 Production (8-15) – Clay Pearson, Cullman, Ala.
• 90 CVT (8-15) – Tyler Mack, New Ulm, Minn.
• 70 Modified (6-11) – Ryan Harness, Beebe, Ark.
• 50 Sr. (6-8) – Ethan Putty, Nortonville, Ky.
• 50 CVT (6-8) – D.J. Bassani, Sussex, N.J.
• 50 Limited Jr. (4-6) – Ethan Ahlm, Cumming, Ga.

AMA Pro ATV – Overall

Overall Nbr Name Moto 1 Moto 2 Points Earned

1. #9 JOSH CREAMER – HON, NORTH STONINGTON, CT 2-1 47

2. #1 DUSTIN WIMMER – SUZ, CENTER VALLEY, PA 3-4 38

3. #7 JOE BYRD – HON, UNION CITY, TN 7-2 36

4. #44 CHAD WIENEN – CAN, GALENA, IL 6-3 35

5. #84 THOMAS BROWN – YAM, SANGER, TX 5-5 32

6. #20 JOSH UPPERMAN – HON, LOUISVILLE, OH 4-6 33

7. #16 JEREMY LAWSON – WAL, LIVE OAK, FL 10-7 25

8. #13 JOHN NATALIE JR – CAN, HOUTZDALE, PA 1-17 29

9. #12 KEITH LITTLE – HON, SPRUCE PINE, AL 9-10 23

10. #123 NICK DENOBLE – HON, DE PERE, WI 11-9 22

11. #62 JEREMIE WARNIA – CAN, PARIS, FR 8-16 18

12. #99 PATRICK BROWN – YAM, PITTSTOWN, NJ 17-8 17

13. #708 HAROLD GOODMAN – HON, ROMULUS, MI 12-13 17

14. #18 CODY GRANT – SUZ, OAKLAND, KY 15-11 16

15. #79 CLAY HOLMES – HON, LEXINGTON, TN 14-12 16

16. #111 NATE MORELLO – KTM, PETERBOROUGH, NH 13-14 15

17. #10 GREG GEE – HON, SIMCOE, ON 16-15 11

18. #86 JUSTIN BUSH – KTM, BAXTER, TN 18-18 6

ATV Pro Class Points (For riders who competed at both rounds, Through 2 Rounds – unofficial)

Rank, rider, points (wins)

1. Dustin Wimmer, 88 (1)

2. Josh Creamer, 84 (1)

3. Chad Weinen, 73

4. Josh Upperman, 70

5. John Natalie Jr.,65

6. Joe Byrd, 61

7. Thomas Brown, 58

8. Jeremy Lawson, 53

9. (tie) Pat Brown, Jeremy Warnia, 39

11. Nick Denoble, 35

12. Harold Goodman, 33

13. Keith Little, 32

14. Greg Gee, 28

15. Nate Morello, 26

For complete Round 2 results from Ballance Moto-X, visit the Trackside RESULTS PAGE.

Get More AMA ATV MX CHAMPIONSHIP INFO HERE.

Can-Am GNCC ATV Racing: Round 4 Pirelli Big Buck Breakdown

Chris Borich is at it again. The reigning Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Pro ATV Champion won his third race of the year with yet another come-from-behind win at Big Buck in South Carolina. It appeared as though Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser might post his second win of the 2010 season, but Borich, using his GNCC expertise, survived the dust and used a passing line to get by Kiser on the final lap and notch the victory.

We heard from Borich at Round 3 that he’s confident he can win every round and knows when it’s time to charge to the front. Much like Steele Creek, Borich trailed but was racing comfortable in a position that would let him take the lead once the opportunity arose. He said he basically has to wait until he finds a passing line or the other riders makes a mistake. At Big Buck, it was the former, and Borich prevailed yet again.

From Left: Taylor Kiser, Chris Borich and Adam McGill on the Big Buck podium. (Courtesy of Yoshimura)

“I’m feeling really good the bike, and the Suzuki and Yoshimura programs are clicking right now. My Suzuki worked awesome from start to finish, and the Yosh power just hooked up and went to the front,” said Borich.  [Source: Yoshimura R&D press release]

GNCCracing.com reported that Borich said he used a clever line at Big Buck to get the lead. “On the previous lap, I saw this line going down a hill and I gained a lot of ground on Kiser there. I knew if I could find it again then I could make a pass there,” said Borich. “On the last lap, I saw the line and I just held it wide open and got around him him.” [Source: GNCCracing.com]

You can’t fault Kiser, who led the race from lap one to part of lap four. The young racer put in yet another solid performance and without the presence of his teammate, nine-time champ Bill Ballance (who didn’t race due to his injuries). He finished two seconds behind Borich and had to again settle for the second stair on the podium. He trails Borich by 10 points in the race for the pro title.

Third place went to Adam McGill, who recovered from a gut-wrenching performance at Round 3, on his Can-Am. After the first lap, he was in fifth. However, by the end of the race, he had scored another valuable podium finish. Coincidentally, fellow Can-Am racer Chris Bithell fell from third place on lap three to fifth on the final lap. GNCCracing reported that Bithell “waved McGill around” or could have possibly finished third himself.

The final top five spot went to KTM’s Bryan Cook. It was his second-consecutive fourth-place finish and he tallied another $250 Motorcycle USA holeshot award. Cook lost some ground between lap two and lap three as he dropped two positions, falling from third place to fifth place.

Pro Notes:

• 14 Pro class racers competed and only a dozen completed all four laps. Brandon Sommers (one lap) and Jarrod McClure (three laps) each had issues.
• Three XC2 Pro Am class riders comprised the top 10 overall (and 11 of the top 20 overall spots) at Big Buck.

Biggest movers: Not too many racers made serious place changes at Big Buck. A few guys improved their finish by moving up a couple of spots, but there weren’t as many as we might normally see. On the positive side, Borich, who moved from third (after lap one) to first on the final lap to snag the win deserves mention. McGill (podium) and Harold Goodman (career-best ninth place) also deserve credit for charging hard to earn good finishes.

Biggest movers 2: Cook (see above) and Jeffrey Pickens (who dropped from fourth after lap one to sixth at the finish) each had a shot to challenge for a spot on the podium, but each racer missed out in S.C. However, they are fourth and fifth in the class points race, respectively. I have a feeling one of these guys in going to have a top three finish this year.

Top Four Pro Quads (After Four Rounds):

How’s this for brand diversity in in the pro class? Borich and his Suzuki lead the class. Kiser on his Yamaha is second. A Can-Am (McGill) sits in third and is followed by a KTM (Cook). The top Polaris rider (McClure) is currently in 10th. Harold Goodman is the top Honda rider and he’s in 12th in the points race.

Fowler vs. Wolf:

Walker Fowler has won two races in the XC2 Pro-Am class this year, including posting his own come-from-behind win at Big Buck. Brian Wolf has also posted two victories in the class. However, he’s also finished second twice and that trumps Fowler’s 20th at the opener and fifth-place ride at Round 3. Though winless in 2010, Kevin Yoho (second) and Josh Kirkland (fourth by 1 point) are also in contention. All four of these riders would certainly make the Pro class a lot more interesting if they decided to move up! I know that highly unlikely, but it’s worth mentioning.

Who’s Really Leading?

In the 4×4 Open class, Daryl Rath has not won a class overall in 2010, yet the Minnesota racer currently sits in first place. Rath posted his best finish and overall of the young season, earning second in the class. He’s now one point ahead of reigning champ Bryan Buckhannon, who finished ninth at Big Buck. He has 72 points to Buckhannon’s 71. It was the Can-Am rider’s worst finish since a DNF at Round 7 in 2009. Let’s remember, however, that even that year Buckhannon rebounded (I say that because he also missed two other rounds that year) to win the class crown. Round 4 went to Zach Zakowski, who also has 71 points in 2010.

Women

I can’t help saying something about this class after each round. Why? First, they’re fast female racers. Secondly, it has to be the tightest points race in the series. KTM’s Angel Atwell posted her second win of the year, yet sits in fourth place 2 points behind Yamaha’s Traci Cecco (one victory) and Kristen Atwell. Can-Am’s Lexie Coulter is the class points leader with 73 and one victory. Let’s not forget Jennifer Albright, who sits in fifth, just four points behind Coulter.

Cheyanne Shadron is another young lady to keep an eye on. The 15+ class competitor is undefeated this year and has been super fast on her Honda.

Another Bithell

College A (16-21) is another class with a tight points battle. Four different riders have posted wins at the first four rounds of 2010. Jamie Bithell currently sits atop the points race with 76 (one win). KTM rider Aarol Bright has 73 points, a win at Round 2 and is in second. Two Yamaha-mounted racers sit in third and fourth, respectively. In third is Patrick McGuire, who won the Big Buck event and is just six points behind Bithell. Zachary Strong won the opener in Florida and has 68 points. Keep an eye on these young racers.

Super Fast After 50

Anyone remember Grandpa Putt-Putt? Dave Simmons is the exact opposite and probably should be called Grandpa Speedy. He has won three GNCC morning overalls on his Yamaha, yet only has 40 total points. How? He didn’t compete in Florida. His first overall in the Sportsman A/B ranks didn’t count for points. After moving to the 50+ class, the Pennsylvanian has won two straight overalls and has proven to be super fast.

80-point Mark

Only 10 racers have posted 80 points (perfect scores) by winning all four rounds in 2010. Here they are. How many will make it to The Ironman Finale with a chance a perfection?

• 90 Modified (12-15) – 1 PIT 003 LEVI COEN 1 1 1 1 80
• 4×4 Lites – 1 CAN 233 KEVIN TRANTHAM 1 1 1 1 80
• U2 – 1 CAN 206 CLIFTON BEASLEY 1 1 1 1 80
• Utility Senior (45+) – 1 CAN 709 FORREST WHORTON 1 1 1 1 80
• Schoolboy (13-15) A/B – 1 HON 239 BRADEN HENTHORN 1 1 1 1 80
• Schoolboy (13-15) Novice – 1 YAM 505 KEVIN MCKEOWN 1 1 1 1 80
• Women Novice (15+) – 1 HON 244 CHEYANNE SHADRON 1 1 1 1 80
• Sport (15+) – 1 SUZ 265 ROMAN BROWN 1 1 1 1 80
• College B (16-21) – 1 YAM 424 AARON GRABER 1 1 1 1 80
• Senior A (40+) – 1 HON 328 TOM WRIGHT 1 1 1 1 80

For more info, see GNCCracing.com

Reality TV Takes On Quad Racing With 'ATV-24/7'

‘ATV-24/7′ To Air in May

Digby Family ‘Tickled To Death’ By TV Coverage

April 9, Long Haul Productions, in cooperation with MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc. and the ATVPG, announced the launch of “ATV-24/7.” The all-new ATV reality show premiers May 15, 2010. Show producers told me each half-hour episode of “ATV-24/7” follows three racers — in real time — as they prepare for and race in the 2010 ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championships. This is good news for an sport that still seems to be viewed as the ugly, red-headed step child to dirt bike motocross (Supercross).

Not since the WPSA Powersports ATV Championship Tour, circa 2007, has the ATV motocross scene been so well represented on TV. At least that’s what I think the producers of “ATV-24/7″ are hoping to achieve. Sure, it’s a different approach to race coverage and it could be one that appeals to wider viewing audience. “We think ‘ATV-24/7’ will be watched not only by racing enthusiasts, but also reality TV viewers who, coincidentally, share similar demographics with powersports owners,” said John Daniels, Long Haul Productions president.

Dustin Wimmer (Courtesy of Yoshimura)

Think “Madhouse” meets “24” and you can figure out just what sort of feel the producers are trying to create. They want some “in your face moments” and real drama to convey just how competitive and authentic ATV motocross can be. It’s not just hicks riding four-wheelers, folks! Clearly, it will show just how competitive and challenging the pro ranks are. Yet, it won’t lose sight of the grassroots and amateurs by covering the youth racer, too.

“It’s sun up to sun-down coverage,” notes Executive Producer, Carey Bohn. “We are capturing what it takes to compete on — and off — the track…the gritty and the glamorous side of the sport…it’s a reality show that is truly ATV racing 24/7.”

Bohn reported that his camera men (Joe Harewicz and Brandon Boulay) are experts at capturing the essence of a scene and those “special moments.” These two photojournalists will use a combination of hand-held video cameras and steady cams to follow three ATV racers at seven different racing venues in 2010. The press release said the show could include split-screen edits with a digital clock ticking in the lower right corner and the compelling racers’ stories will be supported by a powerful, driving soundtrack.

Two-time Defending AMA ATV Pro MX Champion Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Dustin Wimmer, Motoworks Can-Am’s John Natalie Jr. and youth rider, Jordan Digby (see sidebar below), will each share the spotlight in this reality show.

The Episodes

“ATV-24/7” will being May, 15, an d run to the end of October and include seven episodes, according to producers. Six rounds will showcase the high-speed and thrilling action of the ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA ATV MX Nationals. Another episode will feature a stop on the ITP/BRP/CMR Championship Mud Races. Supporting sponsors of “ATV-24/7” include BRP/Can-Am ATVs, ITP Tires and Wheels and Amsoil, Inc. The promo PDF included with the press release said the a new episode will “air a minimum of three times per month” (or a total of 21 individual airings).

John Natalie Jr. (By Jerrod Kelley)

The show can be viewed on Direct TV (Channel 344 [ICTV]), Dish Network (Channel 230 [ICTV; MAVtv]. Other locations for the “ATV-24/7” include,  America One Networks, AMGTV Family Networks, Tuff TV Networks, Untamed Sports Networks and other regional sport networks to be determined. Airtimes and other viewing information will be released in early May, 2010.

Distributed nationally, the show will be on the top 100 DMAs through a comprehensive network of regional cable sports channels (Comcast, Cox and Time Warner), Dish and Direct TV, plus Fox Sports Net Regional Sports networks. It’s estimated that the “national footprint” (total households served) for “ATV-24/7″ will be in the 65 million HH range.

2010 Race & Telecast Schedule

SIDEBAR: The Digbys

Stan Digby, Jordan’s father, said the news that his son was selected for the show made all of them feel great. “We were at the Indy trade show and Carey Bohn walked up and told me about the show and that it may cover a couple pros and an amateur racer. I jokingly said ‘I knew where a good youth rider was’ and that’s when he pulled out a flyer that had a picture of Jordan and me on it. He then said, ‘that’s what I wanted to talk to you about [using Jordan].’ Finally, [In March] we got a phone call saying they were definitely doing the TV deal and that they definitely wanted to film Jordan. We were tickled to death. The exposure we can get out of it would be great for the sport and our son,” he added.

I asked Stand Digby if the family was at all suspicious of the coverage and how it could portray the sport and his family. He explained that they discussed the positives and negatives and know what to expect. “Me and my wife sat down in February and talked about the pros and cons. We understand that some folks — I call ‘em haters — may have bad things or whatever to say,” he explained. “I learned that from my daddy, when he ran for senate in the state of Mississippi, that even though you’re a decent person and doing good things, people can say bad things. The reception we’ve gotten since Saturday [when the news broke] has been 98 percent positive. Jordan deserves it no matter what anyone else says.”

Jordan Digby (Courtesy of Stan Digby)

Will the cameras make the Digby’s approach racing and parenting any differently? That’s a big, fat no! “We said we’re going to be real about this and not put on any phony story. The good Lord put us in this situation for a reason and we’ll go with it from there and hope for the best.”

When we discussed what this TV exposure meant to Jordan, Digby answered honestly and said, “He’s a little timid. But you have to know him. If he knows you, he’ll talk and kid and punch ya and hit up on you,” he explained. “He was worried about getting to the races and not being able to play with his friends and being interviewed all the time. He started racing the MX Nationals since he was four-years old, so we’re all familiar with how things work. We told him it’s not all about the cameras and said, ‘If we don’t need you to talk to us about bike setup, go do what you do, be yourself — ride bikes, play with your friends .’ He’s pretty excited about it. He has a little bit of this stage fright, like he’s going to be asked to go on stage and sing. However, he’s training his butt off right now. It’s a lot of roughness that goes behind the scene that people don’t see. He just wrecked hard yesterday on a big tabletop — did and end-over-end.”

Papa Digby said more on the subject of youth racing and parenting and how they interact. “The one rule is we never make him practice. He wants to win races and he wants to practice. Let me be honest, after a hard day’s work, I would rather come home and sit on the couch, but he comes in and says, ‘Daddy, I wanna practice, so that’s what we do.”

“Listen, I raced, I know how bad you can get hurt doing this, but I was never nervous when I did it. But watchin’ my  son race, that scares me. I’m proud of him, we put the time in and run the best of the best in terms of safety equipment. I can’t hold him back and I can’t prevent something from happening. We just put in 100 percent and if something’s going to happen, it’s going to happen. I’ll never say he can’t do what he loves,” Digby added.

“I see too many parents who make their kid do this or that, like ‘try that triple’ for example. I don’t want to walk out on the track and see him hurt or paralyzed because of something I made him do that he wasn’t comfortable with,” he said.

Just speaking with Digby over the phone gives me the sense that the producers picked the right amateur rider and family for its “ATV-24/7″ show.

June 2010 ATV Magazine – Power Steering Shootout

The latest issue of ATV Magazine (June 2010) is set to hit newsstands April 14 and it has a large 500cc Shootout inside. I got the byline on that shootout, but took the feedback from all the magazine’s test riders to compile the story. We tested five utility quads with power steering and came away with one winner. Give it a read and let us know your thoughts.

Excerpt: “For roughly a quarter of a century, from 1982 to 2006, the average ATV buyer seemed content with his or her machine and how it performed. Although many quad owners were used to driving automobiles with power steering, nobody seemed to care that their four-wheeler lacked a similar feature. That all changed in 2006 when Yamaha announced the 2007 Grizzly 700 and Honda said …” To read more pick up the issue or visit the web site.

Cover Gear: Scorpion VX-24 Impact Helmet & XDR Commander Jacket, Shift gloves and Scott No Sweat Xi goggle.

Cover Quad: 2009 Suzuki King Quad 500 AXi 4×4 PS

Rider: Jerrod Kelley

Photographer: Wayne Davis

For more info on the features and product tests, check out this virtual Table of Contents video from ATV Magazine’s Facebook page featuring a voice over from Editor John Prusak. Or visit ATV Magazine’s site for more info.

This issues features a 500-class Power Steering Shootout from Moab, Utah. Image by Wayne Davis.

ATV Motocross Nationals – Wimmer again!

Dustin Wimmer won the 2010 opener of the 2010 ITP Tires/Moose Racing AMA ATV Motocross Championship at Millcreek Raceway in Pell City, Ala., over the weekend. The Pennsylvania ATV pro and reigning two-time champ continues to impress with his outstanding performances. Despite not winning either holeshot, Wimmer (Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki) again proved he’s the most fit and fastest rider in the series with two impressive moto wins and another podium sweep. The scary part: He seems unbeatable when he gets off to a fast start like this (look at the previous two season if you want proof). Even a shoulder injury couldn’t derail him last year. If he stays healthy in 2010, he’s going to make it three in a row! That is, unless someone can match his conditioning and skill.

I don’t want to discredit Motowork Can-Am’s Chad Wienen, because his second-place ride was impressive on a first-year quad, but he isn’t yet on the level of Wimmer and nobody seems to be as comfortable on their quad as the champion. Even though his new teammate, Josh Creamer (Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki) earned a healthy $600 extra for his holeshot double and fastest qualifier awards, it was Wimmer who again proved to be the fastest when it matter the most. I can’t wait to see how Creamer and Wienen do once they get more comfortable on their machines.

I also think Baldwin Motorsports/PEP’s Josh Upperman has a good chance of battling for the podium at every event. His second-place in Moto 1 proves that!  And if I forgot to mention class vets like John Natalie and Joe Byrd, it would be foolish. These two know how to compete and are the most experienced in the series (including Harold Goodman), so they can never be counted out. Natalie just missed the stairs, finishing in fourth. Even fatherhood hasn’t slowed this cat down. Joe Byrd’s lackluster Moto 1 finish hurt his overall finish. I also think Jeremy Lawson (Walsh) has a chance to score a berth on the podium, but can he do it consistently?

Good News: Nineteen pro riders led to an almost full gate, which is about five riders riders more than I expected. Here’s to this many pros at every round in 2010!

Bad News: No Doug Gust. I’ve already covered this, but it goes without saying I (the ATV racing fans) miss Digger.

Biggest Mover: Flyin’ Joe Byrd. The former champ proved he still has the speed to compete for the podium, recovering from his 14th first-moto finish to post a fourth in Moto 2. However, it’s odd seeing him in blue.

Biggest Mover 2: Frenchman Jeremy Warnia (Can-Am) had the biggest bummer combined moto score at Round 1. After finishing fifth in Moto 1, he dropped to 16th in the second moto. Most importantly, he still finished and beat eight other riders. It could have been better, but it also could have been much worse.

Now That’s A Class! – The Pro-Am Unlimited class won the “award” for most entries with 43 riders. Adam Clark won it on his KTM. The runner-up class went to the Production B ranks (41 riders), which was won by a Suzuki-mounted Andy Civils of Duncansville, Pa.

Other 1-1 Finishers: Unofficially, 24 other riders accomplished a similar task as Wimmer. These riders each posted 1-1 finishes in Alabama to win their respective classes.

• 50 CVT (6-8) – Dj Bassani, Sussex, NJ
• 50 Limited Jr. (4-6) – Ethan Ahlm, Cumming, GA
• 50 Sr. (6-8) – Ethan Putty, Nortonville, KY
• 70 SS (6-11) – Corey J. Heath, Wadesville, IN
• 70 Modified (6-11) – Ryan Harness, Beebe, AR
• 90 CVT (8-15) – Tyler Mack New Ulm, MN
• 90 Automatic Sr. (12-15) – Chase Horton, Arcadia, SC
• Super-Mini (13-15) – Nicholas Gennusa, Holmdel, NJ
• Schoolboy Jr. (13-15) – Brent Sellers, Willis, TX
• Schoolboy Sr. (14-17) – Dallas B. Tapscott, Scottsville, VA
• Women C – Kelsey L. Dyer, Quincy, IL
• Women – Heather Byrd, Union City, TN
• Senior 40+ – Randy L. Hurst, Brooks, KY
• Veteran 30+ C – Bryan Williams, New Port Richey, FL
• Junior 25 – Josh R. Strominski, Cedar Lake, IN
• College 16-24 – Brian Johnson, Riverview, FL
• Production C – Justus Vance, Carthager, MS
• Production A – Nicholas F. Moser, Pipersville, PA
• 4-Stroke B – Chase M. Henry, Petersburg, VA
• Open C – Stevie R. Lloyd Jr, Forest, VA
• Open B – Mark Gehring, W Springfield, MA
• 450 B – Brett Cusumano, Maple Shade, NJ
• 450 A – Wesley Holifield, Petal, MS
• Pro Am Production – Chase Snapp, Tulsa, OK

Round 2 of the 2010 series is slated for April 17-18 at Ballance Moto X in Bowling Green, Ky. For more info, visit ATVMotocross.com.

2010 GNCC Pro ATV Recap – Round 3 Steele Creek

It took until nearly the final lap at the Steele Creek Grand National Cross Country race for Chris Borich (Yoshimura Suzuki) to find the the lead at Round 3, which was held in Morganton, N.C. However, at the checkers, the reigning GNCC Pro ATV champ scored his second victory of the young season. More importantly, he took the points lead from Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser, who earned a hard-fought second place and is just five points behind Borich.

Chris Borich sprays the bubbly after his Steele Creek GNCC win. Supplied by Yoshimura

Borich said in a Yoshimura release that he was happy with his start, but that he basically waited for someone to mess up. “I just sat back and waited for people to make mistakes, because it really was a one-line track. I was able to capitalize on some mistakes by other racers and come home with a victory. We’re going to keep getting that Yoshimura Suzuki back on the podium this year,” he said in the release.

Rounding out the Pro class podium, was nine-time ATV pro class champ Bill Ballance on his Yamaha YFZ. Ballance scored the Motorcycle USA Holeshot and led after the first lap. However, by the second lap on the 11.2-mile course, Ballance fell to second as Kiser took over the lead. That’s how it stayed until lap four when Borich got around both riders. He passed Ballance after he bobbled in the mud and then got by Kiser as the Yamaha rider was attempting to pass a lapper.

Biggest Movers, Round 3

Up: Jeffrey Pickens moved from 10th place into the fifth spot by the end of the race. The Yamaha-mounted rider continues to impress as his overall finishes have improved each round this year (8-7-6) and fifth was his best finish since turning pro in 2007. His previous best was last year’s John Penton where he earned sixth overall and sixth in the class.

Down: Can-Am’s tandem of Chris Bithell and Adam McGill each didn’t complete the entire race in N.C. After lap one, McGill and Bithell were tucked in sixth- and eighth-place, respectively. However, each proven pro made a hard charge and started to pick off riders. McGill moved into third after lap three (thanks to a blistering 26:51.078 lap time on Lap 2), but that was as far as he’d get as he didn’t complete lap four. Bithell climbed into sixth after lap 2, but he dropped out during lap three. The disappointing finishes dropped the Can-Am riders into fourth (McGill) and seventh place (Bithell) after three laps.

Heating Up? KTM’s Bryan Cook continues to improve on his orange machine. He earned fourth place at Steele Creek, which is much better than his debut race in Florida —where he took 10th in the class and 12th overall — and two spots ahead of his second-round finish. Is the podium next? Only time will tell.

Eight is Enough! Johnny Gallagher has notched eighth place in the class at each round. Then again, he finished 10th in the Pro points a year ago, so he’s ahead of last year’s pace, which saw him post 10-8-9 finishes at the opening three rounds.

You want close? Check out the ladies: The Women’s class is super close as three different riders have won a race and just six points separates sixth place from first. Traci Cecco, who currently sits in second place, notched her first win since the 2009 Ironman finale. Lexie Coulter, who has two A.M. podiums this year, sits in first place on her Can-Am.

Women’s points race:

1. Lexie Coulter, Can-Am, 56 (1)
2. Traci Cecco, Yamaha, 54 (1)
3. Jennifer Albright, Yamaha, 53
4. Kristen Atwell, Yamaha, 53
5. Angel Atwell, KTM, 50 (1)

Perfect So Far: According to my calculations, 10 riders remain perfect (winning their class) after the first three rounds of the 2010 series (That’s something even Borich can’t proclaim). Can they do it all year? This should either help cheer them on or make the target that much larger!

• 90 Modified (12-15) – Levi Coen
• 4×4 Lites – Kevin Trantham
• U2 – Clifton Beasley
• Utility Senior (45+) – Forrest Whorton
• Schoolboy (13-15) A/B – Braden Henthorn
• 20+ C – Chad Kilburn
• Women Novice (15+) – Cheyanne Shadron
• Sport (15+) – Roman Brown
• College B (16-21) – Aaron Graber
• Senior A (40+) – Tom Wright

Round four of the GNCC series is slated for April 11 at Big Buck Farm in Union, S.C.

Click here for more GNCC Racing info.

Canyon MX – Quad Practice (Thursday, March 25)

I’ve ridden in the woods, through mud and in the mountains, but nothing quite compares to riding on a motocross track. It’s a special feeling to ride as hard as you can, breathe properly, hang on and soar through the air (some jumps being larger than others). My first MX action on an ATV was back in 1998 aboard a custom 250R at Daniel Boone MX Park in London, Ky. Sure, I developed arm pump after one lap, crashed once and looked like a squid, but I’ll never forget my experience or that day on the track.

Consider yourself lucky if your local MX track lets ATVs ride on it. I know some tracks allow bikes and quads at the same time (which can lead to tricky situations at times). Other tracks don’t let ATV practice for fear of them tearing up the bikes’ lines. When I do hear that a track will allow quads to practice (even if it’s for one day), it makes me wish I could partake in the action. At the very least, spread the word to my ATV friends.

Today, Canyon MX [Arizona] announced it will host a quads-only practice night next Thursday, March 25, 2010. Canyon said the quad night is just “a trial practice so riders and racers need to show their support.”

Canyon MX is encouraging any of its forum visitors to come “get their feet wet” and “ride with the rest of its forum members.”

For more information on Canyon MX and its practice times, see www.arizonaquads.com

Choose One: Yamaha Raptor 700R SE or YFZ450R SE?

Early in the year, I was able to spend two full days riding the 2010 Yamaha Special Edition Sport quads (Raptor 700SE and YFZ405R), the Raptor 250 and a few with GYTR accessories. I’m not writing this to boast. No, this is more to gauge your thoughts as ATV enthusiasts and to possibly work your opinion into a larger blog post on ATVSport.com.

Would you rather own the 2010 YFZ450R SE or the Raptor 700R SE?

Here’s the big question: Which would you choose, the Yamaha YFZ450R or the Yamaha Raptor 700R for the sand? Why?

I probably would have leaned toward the Raptor 700 just two years ago, but with the updated YFZ-R, my opinion has changed. I love the 450R for its width, styling, low center of gravity and versatile sand skills. Although the Raptor remains a very comfortable and powerful choice for the sand – especially for climbing the big hills – I had more all-around fun on the YFZ450R.

Editor’s note — If you want to participate, just make a sensible comment and include your name, age, riding experience, current model and town. Even if you’re not a Yamaha fan, break it down in terms of 450 vs. 700 or overall comfort and convenience.

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