Wisp GNCC, McHenry, MD 2003
- Updated: June 28, 2003
Chris Borich rolls on the throttle and shifts up after pulling out of pit lane.
The Wisp GNCC
McHenry, MD
June 28, 2003
By Bonnie Hamrick
At Round Nine of the GNCC Series hosted at Deep Creek’s “The Wisp” Ski Resort, Bill Ballance was out for a challenge that he didn’t expect. The pro pits were lined across the pavement at the versatile Wisp facility. The track promised to hold tough hill climbs, treacherous rock sections, as well as hot, dusty pavement. Last year’s toughest obstacle, no doubt, was the many flat tires plaguing just about everyone in the pits. This year’s mission was to be easy in the spiked rocky sections to avoid the pit falls of flat tires.
While Bradly Page was being interviewed in the trailer, he talked about what has been going on with his year so far in the 2003 season. “It seems like I start out pretty good and get a few good laps in, but then I make a few bad decisions at bottlenecks. Things have just seemed to back fire on me every time I try to make a good move this year.” Page has run into some serious bad luck this year starting with the transition of moving to a four stroke machine to the pro production class. Page decided that the key to doing well at the Wisp was not getting flat tires. After Page, Bill Ballance talked about his good luck, taking seven out of eight overalls so far in the season. “I have just had some good luck on my side and have been able to finish all the races. The crew has been working extra hard; my bike has been holding up at every event.”
This scene was very familiar in the pits. Pit crews changed numerous tires every lap. This pit crew unfortunately had to change a tire every lap!
Many times during the race Borich rode side by side with either Smiley, Ballance or Yokley. After it was all over Borich seemed ready for another two hours of wheel to wheel racing.
Enough talk, let’s race!
The holeshot went to Nac’s Racing’s William Yokley from the pro production class. Chris Borich (East Coast ATV), Matt Smiley (Team Safari) and Bill Ballance (LRD/Maxxis) followed. The pros raced across the dusty ski slopes around the long, grueling track. On the first lap, Borich and Smiley were right together, leaving Yokley to pit for goggles and Page and Duvall having to stop to change flat tires. Page talked about the goal of not having flats at the Wisp, but a left rear flat plagued him on the very first lap.
Before the white flag went out, Ballance and Borich were just together at three miles to the white flag. With the pit crews ready to pit their riders, Ballance came coasting into the pits with a broke chain. Borich crossed the white flag first with Smiley within distance for a close battle. Third place was none other than Yokley, but with a flat tire hindering his speed, fourth place was sure to gain a position. Santo DeRisi (Duncan/DeRisi Racing) was riding smart in fourth, having had no flat tires during the course of the race, he was able to move into third place with just a lap to go. This is what GNCC racing is all about. The elements play a factor like no other race series. Ballance got back out on the track, but was several minutes down from the overall leader, young-gun Chris Borich. Was the Champion going to get back in the front with less than a thirty minute lap to go?
Chris’ dad proudly displays what his son accomplished. That’s the GNCC Eagle Trophy presented to the Wisp’s Overall Winner.
When the checkered flag went out, Borich took his first 2003 Overall victory. He was all smiles as he stood on the podium holding the huge eagle trophy. Matt Smiley was just a minute behind for second overall. DeRisi was seven seconds off Smiley’s time to take his second podium finish in third overall. “The race was great. I don’t even feel tired,” Borich commented as he was crowned the overall winner. Borich battled with champion Bill Ballance all day, and was able to overcome him in the end. “I was all over him; I was waiting to make my move.”
Smiley’s day wasn’t as easy. “I got a good start, and I just had to fight the dust and rocks.” Smiley took the second overall finish and was glad to be back up on the podium. After consistently finishing on the podium in 2002, Smiley has only seen the podium twice this year.
Santo DeRisi was nothing but a smile while up on the podium. “I just want to thank my fiancée, Heather, for pushing me today, and my mom and dad, and pit man, Thad Cook, for having the Duncan Pits ready for anything. Thank goodness we didn’t get any flats today, unlike last year.” DeRisi improved his overall ranking by making his second third overall appearance on the podium. “It hasn’t been long since Rausch Creek, and I hope to be back up here after the break too.” Watch out race fans, because DeRisi is on the move this 2003 season!
Ryan Wuebbling, Team Kawasaki’s KFX V Force 700 rider, had to be towed in by Buren Hamrick at the end of the race. Wuebbling’s quad was in such bad shape that the results were already posted before Mr. Hamrick could get him down the slopes. Tough break.
Morning race
Riding the chair lift over the racing course, one could see the fast ski slope sections of the track as well as a few tight, rocky woods sections. Off the start, Stephanie Parton took the holeshot, and wasn’t looking back. In the Four Stroke Novice 16-24 year old Class, Will Cashion took the lead and was ready for another class victory after taking round three’s Steele Creek class win.
Parton was able to race a flawless race to take her to yet another morning race overall finish. “I am just glad to be up here again. I want to thank my husband mainly for keeping my quad together so well. It runs awesome.” Parton was all smiles after the race as she was able to get back in the front of the points race with Traci Cecco. Cecco was able to finish second overall after getting a mid pack start and getting by Nicole Pennycook and Angel Atwell.
Overall PM Finish Results 203 Entries
Place AMA # Racer City, State Class Nbr Brand Laps Elapsed
1 560093 Chris Borich Sunbury, PA Pro 004 LEG 4 02:01:01
2 001618 Matt J. Smiley Saylorsburg, PA Pro 002 LRD 4 02:02:11
3 002697 Santo Derisi Casar, NC Pro 006 ROL 4 02:02:18
4 421923 William Yokley Tompkinsville, KY Pro Production 003 SUZ 4 02:02:38
5 787989 Chad Duvall Williamstown, WV Pro Production 007 HON 4 02:04:09
6 506842 Todd Knippenberg Cumberland, MD Pro Production 011 HON 4 02:04:16
7 321979 James Wahl Sinking Spring, PA 250 A 738 LEG 4 02:07:02
8 342522 Johnny Gallagher Aurora, OH Pro Production 014 LON 4 02:07:08
9 003118 Jason Luburgh Zanesville, OH Pro Production 873 CAN 4 02:07:18
10 548407 Bradley Page Tompkinsville, KY Pro Production 005 KAW 4 02:08:13
11 331335 Curtis Crump Hubbard, OH Pro Production 013 YAM 4 02:08:43
12 003540 Michael Krachun Neshanic Stanton, NJ Pro Production 021 HON 4 02:09:10
13 001678 Michael Houston Hickory, NC Pro Production 296 HON 4 02:09:27
14 630977 Bill Ballance Oakland, KY Pro 001 LRD 4 02:09:36
15 465536 Gregory Trew Middleburg, FL Pro Production 009 HON 4 02:10:06
16 592928 Kim Kuhnle Newbury, OH Pro 033 POL 4 02:10:47
17 561315 Jeff Stoess Crestwood, KY 4 St A 176 CAN 4 02:11:19
18 002425 Brandon Ballance Oakland, KY Pro Production 019 LRD 4 02:12:58
19 452371 Jared Huffman Fleming, OH Pro 056 HON 4 02:13:13
20 397475 Jared Gruca Massillon, OH Pro 027 LON 4 02:13:30
21 006290 Gregg Stewart London, KY 4 St A 043 HON 4 02:13:34
22 386551 Joshua Ribley Martinsville, IN Open A 232 HON 4 02:13:43
23 005780 Rob Hertz Brookhaven, PA Pro 012 LRD 4 02:13:49
24 314819 Sean Neidlinger Flagtown, NJ 250 A 045 LRD 4 02:13:51
25 005581 Darrell Maples Woodbridge, VA 250 A 040 LEG 4 02:14:52
26 006247 Harlen Foley Westminster, MD Vet 200 SUZ 4 02:14:52
27 505058 Blaine Shick Cranberry, PA 250 A 030 LEG 4 02:15:02
28 565598 Tyson Thomas Sunbury, PA Pro Production 016 CAN 4 02:15:27
29 532831 Joe Kish Roseville, OH Open A 900 HON 4 02:15:28
30 002302 Todd Rothermel Shamokin, PA 250 A 051 LEG 4 02:16:34
31 640419 Tom Hertz Brookhaven, PA 250 A 025 LRD 4 02:16:38
32 001983 Bryan Cook Casar, NC 4 St A 039 HON 4 02:16:40
33 493964 Doug Whitmer Prosperity, PA Pro Production 847 POL 4 02:16:40
34 372807 Steve Zapfe Millhousen, IN Open A 089 OTH 4 02:16:43
35 782559 Timothy Gale Orion, MI 4 St A 559 HON 4 02:17:00
36 003571 Travis Styles Marietta, SC 4 St A 093 HON 4 02:17:07
37 001623 Brad Macri Wheeling, WV Pro Production 029 HON 4 02:17:16
38 004870 Eric Davis Harrogate, TN Open A 047 HON 4 02:17:18
39 001696 Andy Klingworth Oldenburg, IN 250 A 434 OTH 4 02:18:34
40 475535 Bobby Ousley Cumberland Gap, TN Vet 160 CAN 4 02:18:44
41 003589 Dirk J. Decesare Mineral Ridge, OH 250 A 041 HON 4 02:19:00
42 627314 John Rowling La Grange, KY Junior 867 CAN 4 02:19:05
43 722525 Bill Hallenbeck Harrisville, PA Open A 057 HON 4 02:19:58
44 432152 Brian Schmid Colden, NY Open A 105 ROL 4 02:20:17
45 004151 Ronnie Earley Marietta, OH 4 St B 718 KAW 4 02:20:18
46 342749 James Shepard Granite City, IL Pro Production 067 POL 4 02:20:43
47 003441 Casey Fox Cameron, WV 250 A 032 ROL 4 02:20:58
48 002368 Michael Lucas Lykens, PA Open A 026 YAM 4 02:21:09
49 666857 Randy Ervin Oakland, MD Vet 479 HON 4 02:21:09
50 700973 Glenn Coriell Wheelersburg, OH Open A 035 HON 4 02:21:25
51 001598 Dan Yocabet Brownsville, PA Open A 517 ROL 4 02:22:37
52 004935 Cory Vickerd Holland, NY 4 St A 114 HON 4 02:22:42
53 637975 Rick Cecco Shamokin, PA 4 St A 042 CAN 4 02:22:51
54 T11819 Allen Howell Smithfield, PA Open A 038 POL 4 02:22:52
55 438136 Travis Hill Valencia, PA Pro Production 022 HON 4 02:23:13
56 001034 Bryan Hulsey Villa Ridge, MO Vet 018 KAW 4 02:23:39
57 304740 Mark Kunkel Ft. Myers, FL Vet 048 HON 4 02:23:54
58 668884 Jason Buchanan Vienna, IL 4 St A 442 HON 4 02:23:58
59 722363 Brian Notman Hubbard, OH 4 St A 054 HON 4 02:24:13
60 004143 Steve Lambruno Hambleton, WV 4 St A 858 HON 4 02:24:19
61 003538 John Houser Knoxville, TN Senior 104 HON 4 02:24:27
62 754094 Mark Rhodes Woodbine, MD 250 B 470 HON 4 02:24:39
63 430323 Kyle Helmick Fairmont, WV 250 B 128 HON 4 02:24:46
64 418033 Brad Whitehead Sinking Spring, PA Open B 227 HON 4 02:24:46
65 002985 Shane Benson Bruceton Mills, WV Open B 161 SUZ 4 02:24:56
66 661036 Lee Dickerson Middletown, PA 4 St A 573 SUZ 4 02:25:00
67 001605 Scott Smalley Tarentum, PA 4 St A 117 HON 4 02:25:23
68 540701 Richard Yaslik Youngstown, OH Vet 086 LON 4 02:25:33
69 003872 Cale Clarkson Minford, OH Open A 052 HON 4 02:25:42
70 003028 Justin Trevis Poland, OH 4 St B 999 HON 4 02:26:38
71 003880 Dave Grimm New Castle, PA Open A 173 SUZ 4 02:26:43
72 002987 Chad Miley Marengo, OH Junior 123 HON 4 02:27:22
73 540733 Cliff King Central City, KY 250 A 545 HON 4 02:27:22
74 003915 Bron Walker Poca, WV 4 St B 210 HON 4 02:27:49
75 740977 Ryan Lane Bicknell, IN 4 St A 044 HON 4 02:27:57
76 531318 Brian Hess Kossuth, PA Vet 610 HON 4 02:28:13
77 326312 Michael Novak Commerce Twp, MI 4 St B 356 CAN 4 02:28:32
78 191384 John Gallagher Aurora, OH Senior 064 PRD 4 02:28:34
79 568497 Travis Moats Blue Ridge Sm, PA 250 B 112 LEG 4 02:29:16
80 347284 John Cunninghan Jr Newville, PA Senior 070 GAS 4 02:29:27
81 347141 Wes Stone Port Carbon, PA Open A 149 ROL 4 02:29:48
82 001017 Curtis Forrester Elkton, MD Vet 061 HON 4 02:29:49
83 005526 Rob Zimmerman Mackinaw, IL Open A 727 HON 4 02:30:45
84 728648 Jon Swanson Leesburg, IN Vet 317 KAW 4 02:31:35
85 368423 Jarred Yoder Hartville, OH Open A 083 HON 4 02:31:52
86 T49531 Bryan Channell Kerens, WV 4 St A 423 HON 4 02:31:54
87 769155 Matt Lawrence Wiconisco, PA Open A 810 SUZ 4 02:32:12
88 001758 Chad Mellingen Swanton, MD Open A 889 HON 4 02:32:23
89 649635 Adam Mcgill West Union, WV Open A 890 HON 4 02:32:33
90 602479 Robert Fassinger Elizabeth, PA Senior 191 HON 4 02:32:53
91 003542 Steven Wilcox Kingsville, OH Vet 531 HON 4 02:39:01
92 001514 Thomas Barrett Charlotte, NC Pro Production 115 HON 4 02:59:58
93 537008 Ryan Wuebbeling St Charles, MO 4 St A 060 KAW 3 01:39:34
94 769663 Frank Grimplin Vanderbilt, PA Pro Production 024 HON 3 01:41:33
95 548149 Steven Holbert Mounnt Morris, PA Pro Production 125 POL 3 01:45:05
96 49261 Michael Heaster West Union, WV Open A 520 HON 3 01:46:41
97 030802 Ronald Martin Morgantown, IN Vet 036 HON 3 01:47:41
98 727799 Timothy Lenig, Jr Dalmatia, PA Open A 100 CAN 3 01:47:55
99 003645 Ryan Schockling Zanesville, OH 250 B 118 HON 3 01:48:09
100 005642 Mark Notman Hubbard, OH Open B 404 HON 3 01:49:37
101 005276 Matthew Clapp Sipio, IN Sport 650 HON 3 01:50:36
102 T49950 Travis Yeager Clarksburg, WV 4 St B 862 HON 3 01:50:39
103 004148 Eric Robinson Ligioner, PA Open A 441 HON 3 01:51:11
104 430322 Jeff Horton Monongan, WV Open B 803 HON 3 01:51:25
105 689912 Gabriel Baltazar Stafford, VA 4 St B 205 HON 3 01:51:56
106 386563 Mike Zimmerman Sinking Spring, PA Open B 098 LEG 3 01:52:00
107 490353 Steven D. Miller Jr Lykens, PA Open B 878 YAM 3 01:52:18
108 003554 Jeremy Benson Bruceton Mills, WV Sport 277 HON 3 01:52:54
109 546071 Charlie Dodson Glouster, OH Open B 484 HON 3 01:52:59
110 746254 Rusty Richards Racine, OH Open B 909 SUZ 3 01:54:01
111 003535 Brian Adams Lagrange, KY 4 St B 993 HON 3 01:54:26
112 756799 David Kyte North East, MD Vet 072 HON 3 01:54:59
113 731432 Michael Trapp Pataskala, OH Open B 265 GAS 3 01:55:00
114 001414 Travis Nichols Hardy, VA 4 St B 722 HON 3 01:55:18
115 685646 David Mccarroll Danville, IN Sport 116 HON 3 01:55:52
116 461624 Thomas Miller Buckeye Lake, OH Open B 505 HON 3 01:56:14
117 T49530 David Hardesty Aurora, WV 250 B 872 HON 3 01:56:15
118 512496 Richard Smith West Mifflin, PA Senior 721 HON 3 01:57:04
119 692087 Jeremy Rummer Columbus, OH 4 St B 148 HON 3 01:57:24
120 003562 Nathan Hankins Burlington, KY Sport 170 HON 3 01:57:33
121 001474 Mark Lane Fresno, OH Junior 066 HON 3 01:58:12
122 004150 John Coulter North Royalton, OH Senior 108 SUZ 3 01:58:31
123 527362 Brian Weber Gerrardstown, WV Vet 371 HON 3 01:58:52
124 001517 George . Hickey Newark, DE Junior 110 HON 3 02:00:56
125 231224 Warren Remick Martinsville, IN Senior 527 HON 3 02:01:11
126 004571 Michael Johannigman Grensburg, IN 4 St B 820 HON 3 02:01:53
127 539205 Brent Tower Dawsonville, GA Senior 431 HON 3 02:02:48
128 891019 Jimmy Hundspeth Connelly Springs, NC Junior 746 HON 3 02:03:56
129 429744 Gregory Blizzard New Windsor, MD 250 B 472 HON 3 02:04:27
130 731919 Adam Mallett New Concord, OH 4 St B 809 HON 3 02:04:33
131 003529 Chris Conklin New Martinsville, WV 4 St B 168 HON 3 02:04:42
132 749739 Shane Bonnell New Martinsville, WV 4 St B 136 HON 3 02:05:50
133 429717 Ryan T. Reed Sherrills Ford, NC Open B 152 YAM 3 02:06:27
134 004871 Kyle Miley Waldo, OH Junior 109 HON 3 02:08:15
135 001887 Andris Lagzdins Baltimore, MD Pro 015 ROL 3 02:08:46
136 534238 Jonathan Shaff Green Castle, IN Open B 311 HON 3 02:12:34
137 381740 Jeremy Hintz Lancaster, OH 4 St B 119 HON 3 02:12:44
138 618001 Daniel Koenig Grove City, PA Senior 129 GAS 3 02:14:37
139 004876 Jacob Jones Martinsville, IN Sport 633 HON 3 02:17:19
140 T50092 Jeff Auvil Montrose, WV Open A 467 HON 3 02:20:32
141 003277 Mitch Wright New Matamoras, OH Sport 468 HON 3 02:22:43
142 002693 Chad Lett Poca, WV Vet 282 HON 3 02:34:18
143 005803 James Whitlatch Kingmont, WV Open B 436 HON 3 02:36:31
144 581746 James Sanderford West Palm Beach, FL 4 St B 377 YAM 3 02:38:00
145 002630 Jerry Ellard Poca, WV Sport 139 HON 3 02:39:18
146 003904 Wayne A. Remick Martinsville, IN Senior 802 HON 3 02:43:15
147 465478 Brett Ekblom Taverneir, FL Pro 017 LEG 2 01:03:41
148 735792 Ray Lippencott New Philadelphia, OH 250 A 094 LON 2 01:05:12
149 479491 Scott Fleischhauer Mulberry, IN Pro Production 023 GAS 2 01:06:00
150 539499 Brandon Sturdivant Montrose, WV Open A 189 HON 2 01:06:49
151 526907 Brian Vasko Eighty Four, PA 250 B 185 LEG 2 01:09:36
152 749529 Scott Gibson Diamond, OH Vet 078 HON 2 01:12:08
153 T50087 Todd Bunnell Parsons, WV 4 St B 856 HON 2 01:12:38
154 435368 Dave Hogg Prospect, PA Open A 834 HON 2 01:12:51
155 406250 Jeffrey Spencer Finleyville, PA Open A 165 GAS 2 01:14:25
156 004845 Luke M. Decesare Mineral Ridge, OH 250 A 079 HON 2 01:16:38
157 002978 Wes Mcglumphy Belpre, OH Pro 028 ROL 2 01:16:44
158 668174 Jamey Wallace Martinsville, IN Open A 155 HON 2 01:17:16
159 610534 Roger Poage Saints Marys, PA Vet 461 HON 2 01:20:42
160 T50009 Samuel Beaumont Christ Church, NZ Senior 439 HON 2 01:26:51
161 022855 John Stewart Fairmont, WV Junior 145 SUZ 2 01:28:40
162 024523 John Cunningham Baltimore, MD Sport 156 HON 2 01:31:59
163 375425 Thomas Croston Millcreek, WV Open A 443 HON 2 02:06:08
164 003894 Kevan Thomas Brookfield, OH 4 St B 552 YAM 2 02:16:46
165 001622 Jim Vanloockie Ashtabula, OH Senior 063 HON 2 02:49:00
166 004273 John Natalie Holtzdale, PA Pro Production 487 HON 1 00:29:22
167 002408 Michael Benson Bruceton Mills, WV Pro Production 049 SUZ 1 00:30:52
168 002242 Todd Demaree Varsailles, IN 250 A 050 HON 1 00:31:29
169 621988 Jason Lewis London, KY Pro 500 SUZ 1 00:32:22
170 001496 Brent Sturdivant Montrose, WV 4 St A 199 HON 1 00:32:53
171 891038 Travis Fletcher Elkins, WV Open A 614 HON 1 00:33:08
172 004137 Richie Brown Dahlonega, GA Open A 550 HSB 1 00:33:15
173 588881 Noel Cook Kings Mountain, NC Pro Production 333 HON 1 00:33:36
174 438506 Kevin Wall Poland, IN Vet 082 ROL 1 00:33:39
175 469495 Jon Chambers Columbus, IN Vet 919 HON 1 00:34:09
176 506880 Michael Pellegrini Monongahela, PA 250 B 607 LRD 1 00:34:46
177 001631 Nathan Delabar Wheelersburg, OH 4 St A 097 HON 1 00:35:59
178 398582 T J Whited Waterford, MI 4 St B 323 HON 1 00:36:23
179 447791 Jeffrey Pichens Lemont Furnace, PA Open B 127 HON 1 00:37:54
180 491160 Justin Short Gamaliel, KY Open B 971 HON 1 00:38:21
181 891128 James Wright Glen Easton, WV Junior 805 HON 1 00:38:32
182 322871 Brian Crump New Waterford, OH Open B 422 YAM 1 00:41:57
183 002211 Jim Pinkston St Clairsville, OH Vet 103 YAM 1 00:42:36
184 004568 Kevin Page Tompkinsville, KY Sport 459 HON 1 00:43:52
185 329332 A Terry Brooks Hiram, OH Senior 455 YAM 1 00:45:30
186 003921 Terry Rowh Poca, WV Sport 147 YAM 1 00:47:59
187 T49894 Jason Lockhart St Albans, WV Sport 457 YAM 1 00:59:40
188 306679 Chris Jenks Washington, WV Pro 031 HON 1 01:14:37
DNF T49520 Jim Bitchell Irwin, PA Open B 986 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 001838 Joshua Boyer Daniville, IN Sport 715 YAM 0 00:00:00
DNF 735812 Justin Buss Wheatland, IN 4 St A 059 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 430243 Robert Conkle Chester, WV Senior 223 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 005978 Michael Davis Parkersburg, WV Open B 438 POL 0 00:00:00
DNF 49858 Kenneth Hill Westainster, MD Vet 960 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 701354 Ralph Johnson Blakely, PA 4 St B 198 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 362620 Jeffrey L. Kelley Pittsburgh, PA 4 St B 959 YAM 0 00:00:00
DNF 498198 Thomas Koontz Fayetteville, PA 250 B 427 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 005700 Derek Litterini Sutersville, PA 250 A 492 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 200046 Joseph Ruscoe Warren, OH 4 St A 077 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 571115 Michael Shelley Frostburg, MD Open B 215 KAW 0 00:00:00
DNF 004407 Peter Stadtmueller Erie, PA Junior 088 LEG 0 00:00:00
DNF 444650 Tom Tokay Belle Vernon, PA Pro Production 242 HON 0 00:00:00
DNF 891045 Donald Van Dyke Shadyside, OH 250 B 122 LEG 0 00:00:00
