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Can-Am/Warnert
Racing’s Chris Bithell Claims First GNCC Win of
The Season at Unadilla
Chris Bithell
Clifton Beasley |
New Berlin, NY – As the engine of the #3
Can-Am DS 450 roared and smoke billowed from the
stage, Warnert Racing’s Chris Bithell celebrated
his first GNCC Pro win of the season with a huge
burn-out. Bithell’s victory made history for
both Warnert Racing and Can-Am as this was the
first time for the Warnert team and the Can-Am
DS 450 to claim the number one spot on the GNCC
Pro podium.
Bithell was obviously
ecstatic over his win. “We have worked really
hard all season long and to finally take the win
feels awesome. I knew we could do it!” Chris
said excitedly. “I checked the pit board on the
third lap and saw that I was in second and I
couldn’t believe I was that far up front, so I
just put my head down and concentrated on doing
my best out there.”
Chris Bithell
Michael Swift |
Despite his
post-race enthusiasm, at one point things looked
a little sketchy as to where Chris would end up
crossing the finish line. “I was running low on
gas in the last lap and the bike was sputtering
a bit and had actually stalled only two turns
from the finish line. I knew Bill Ballance was
right behind me and I had to get going again or
he would pass me and win it,” Bithell explained.
“Bill ended up coming up behind me and bumping
into me, and right at that moment the quad
started again and I took off,” Chris said with a
sigh of relief. Bithell was then feeling some
pressure from Ballance, but in the next corner,
Ballance threw his chain, which gave Chris a
little breathing room as he crossed the finish
line in first place. “I feel bad for Bill that
that happened so close to the finish like that,
but on the other hand, I’m really glad that I
won!” exclaimed Bithell.
Chris Bithell
was not the only Warnert team member who had
something to celebrate. Warnert Racing’s Michael
Swift, who wrapped up the 4x4 Limited
championship at the last round, claimed his 10th
win of the season. “I may have the championship
wrapped up, but I still want to go out there and
win the last couple of rounds,” said a
determined Swift. “I’ve had a great season, and
the Warnert team has done a fantastic job. I
couldn’t ask for anything more,” he concluded.
Meanwhile Cliff Beasley, who had the
4x4 Lites championship in the bag at round nine,
was still going strong as well, taking home a
solid second in his class. Teammate Scott
Kilby, who has been riding solidly all season
long, took second place in the 4x4 Open class.
On October 11th, Chris Bithell hopes to put
Warnert Racing and the Can-Am DS 450 on the
podium once again at round 12 of the GNCC, which
will be held at Powerline Park in St.
Clairsville, OH. Bithell took second place
overall at Powerline last year and this year he
is eager for even better results, with his eye
on another possible win.
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