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The Sparton GNCC Race Report
Sparta, Kentucky, May 31, 2008
William Yokley finished 3rd Overall today in
a hot KY race. There were 216 total
entries with 22 XC1 Pro Riders. Team Rider
Mark Notman finished 17th Overall and 4th in the
26 rider XC2 Pro Am Class.
William on the Podium after the Sparta
race. |
Summary
With rain in the forecast, I thought it was
going to be another one of those days in the mud
with lots of bottlenecks and frustrations.
But the rain went around for once and we had
perfect track conditions for the day. It
was a scorcher though, with the temps in the
90’s and high humidity. I was pounding the
waters like they were going out of style in
preparation for a hard run.
When the green flag flew, my Honda started
immediately; what an advantage to have one that
cranks for a change! I was off to a 3rd
place start going into the woods; I couldn’t
have been more pleased with my position with
this being a mostly tight, technical track with
limited passing opportunities. Brandon
Sommers was leading the pack on lap 1 and made a
mistake, allowing Bill Ballance and I to get
around. Later in the lap, Bill blew by a
turn and I was able to take the lead. With
Adam McGill hot on my tail, I had to keep my
head down and play it smart. I lost the
lead going up a hill, but regained it when
McGill tagged a tree. He passed me again
in a field section and pulled away a little bit.
Toward the end of the 2nd lap, I was able to
pick the pace up and get back on his heels as we
made our pit stops. With a great stop,
thanks to my crew, I led once again. I led
most of the next lap; everyone was running hard
and I knew it going to be an interesting day.
Ballance caught up to me as I began to have some
rear brake issues; sometimes they would work and
sometimes not. I tried to keep it smooth
and not mess up, but Bill took a better line
through a mud hole and passed me. After a
couple of miles, he started inching away,
leaving Brandon Sommers and me battling for 2nd.
I was able to hold off Brandon until about 2
miles from the finish. I came into a turn
a little hot and threw the bike sideways; my
wheel actually dug in and tried to wreck me.
I did save it but Brandon got by; we battled to
the finish and I did get side by side a couple
of times, but in the end I finished up a close
3rd. Congratulations to Bill and Brandon
for a good ride, and to all the fans who were
cheering me on.
My teammate Mark Notman got off to a great
start going into the woods in 3rd. He got
into a good rhythm and halfway through the 1st
lap moved into 2nd, and started pushing for the
leader. Mark started getting arm pump and
started having trouble holding on, so he slowed
the pace and tried to work it out. He got
passed for 2nd but his arm pump was gone, so he
tried to pick the pace up and battle back.
The 4th place rider was right on him on the last
lap as he tried to stay cool and make no
mistakes. He was passed as they were
battling through some lappers, and finished just
short of the podium in 4th place in the XC2 Pro
Am class and 17th overall. All in all it
was a good points day.
The National Guard Yokley Racing Team had a
good weekend. It was hot and humid, and
fitness played a large part of the success.
I want to throw a big thanks out to Marc Spataro
and Moto Pro Training for all his help and
guidance. Marc has developed a fitness
program for Mark Notman and me that has allowed
us to push hard all day, no matter what the
conditions. I want to keep him a secret,
but that wouldn’t be fair! I also want to
thank the KY National Guard for their neat
displays, support, and providing the Color Guard
presentations; without the Guard’s support, I
would not be where I am. We go to
Yadkinville, NC in 3 weeks, and it should be
good and hot there. I can’t wait and I’ll
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, Axcalibar Axles,
Streamline, Powermadd, Moto Pro Training and
ATVRiders.com.
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