The Big Buck GNCC Race Report Union, South Carolina, April 12, 2008

William Yokley finished 10th Overall and 8th in the XC1 Pro Class today in wet conditions.  There were 224 total entries with 24 XC1 Pro Riders.  Team Rider Mark Notman finished 30th Overall and 15th in the 32 rider XC2 Pro Am Class.  William also placed 1st Overall in the UTV (Utility side by side 2 man) Race run right after the Pro main event.

Summary

It’s been a very busy two weeks since the last race getting everything ready for this weekend.  Not only did we prep and test my Honda, but we had to get my Polaris RZR ready for the first UTV race of the season.  The RZR is a great machine right off the showroom floor, and all we did was install Elka long travel suspension, Douglas wheels, Tire Balls, ITP Tires and a set of HMF pipes on it.  My mechanic Ronnie fabricated front and rear bumpers, and some side panels which made a great sponsor billboard.  317 Graphics made some really cool graphics to finish it off.

The Big Buck race track features a lot of hills with rutted out trails, and a pretty big jump that launches you over a creek.  We arrived Friday evening after traveling through rainstorms and high winds all the way.  The rain continued through Sat. morning, and eased off just before the main event.  I got a decent start and was in 11th as we headed into the woods, where I immediately came upon a narrow one line trail.  As riders jockeyed for position, all heck broke loose and I got hammered from behind, knocking me sideways and into another bike.  Our front wheels got locked together and we were hung up big time.  When I finally got unlocked and under way, I was back in about 22nd place after losing a minute or so.  I passed my way to 11th at the end of lap 1.  I had to change goggles and gloves at my fuel stop due to the muddy conditions.  Bill Ballance and I worked our way up together for the next 2 laps, with Bill finally getting away from me on the last lap.  I finished 8th in the Pro Class; not exactly what I wanted but a good points day none the less.

My teammate Mark Notman had a pretty difficult day.  After a mid pack start, he worked his way up to 9th going into lap 3.  About halfway through the 3rd lap, he felt a sharp pain up his side, making it extremely difficult to breathe.  He was forced to drop back and just try to finish; he ended up in 15th for the day.  Mark was hurting after the race; it’s a good thing he’s young and recovers quickly!

After the race, I put some fluids back in me, and got ready for the first UTV race of the season.  This is a new venue for the GNCC Series this year with 4 races scheduled.  I had very little time to practice the Polaris RZR at home, and was not sure what to expect.  Sixty machines started the 1 hour race on this shortened 3 mile course with lap times about 5 minutes.  These machines are wider and heavier than my regular race bike, and passing was going to be interesting.  We have to carry a passenger and my mechanic, Ronnie Wade was pressed into service to ride with me.  We got the hole shot and led going into the woods; so far so good.  We got into some tight spots trying to pass lappers, and had to be patient while trying to stay out front.  We had a blast racing the RZR; the machine ran flawlessly and was plenty fast with the stock 800 cc engine.  I did test out the bumpers several times, and shattered a cedar fence post after bouncing through a ditch; did I mention that these things are tough?!  We finished 1st Overall with big smiles on our faces, and the crowd all seemed to enjoy the action.  I think the GNCC folks have hit on another successful event.

We head to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in TN in 2 weeks.  Loretta’s is the closest track to home for me, and I always like racing there.  See you there!

Yokley Racing Team Sponsors are:  The Army National Guard, Rocky Mountain ATV, Polaris Industries, ITP Tires, Elka Suspension, Roll Design, HMF Exhaust Systems, IMS/Roll, Tire Balls, Andrews Cycle, Douglas Wheel Technology, Baldwin Motorsports, CGR, O’Neal Clothing, Panolin Lubricants, IMS, Hinson, 317 Graphics, Intense Fabrication & Design, Tsubaki Chains, Hardkor, Shoei Helmets, Axcaliber Axles, Streamline, Powermadd and Moto Pro Training.