Brian Wolf, 2009 Ironman GNCC
- Updated: October 29, 2009
By Brian Wolf
Photos by amy McConnell
The Ironman marked the last round of GNCC racing for 2009; this year has been full of achievements but heading to the track I kept my focus as I wanted to get yet another win. As always it was cold and wet as we got setup for a weekend of racing. I was excited to get the race underway but sad that the season was coming to an end. I knew what I had to get done on Saturday and would not settle for anything less than giving 110%.
I was calm at the starting line as we watched the sky divers drop in, the national anthem was played and before I knew it the green flag went up. I did not get a great jump off the line and all in all the first lap of the race was one of the toughest I had to overcome all year. I got hung up on the Ironman hill climb on the first lap which set me back. Of course our reaction as a racer is to make up as much time as humanly possible as soon as possible. I think I made more mistakes in that first lap of racing than I have made all year combined!
I charged hard all day and frankly, it felt like it took forever to get back in striking distance of the leader. I was able to stick a pass in the last lap which would lead me to my eighth victory of the season with a ninth place overall for the day. I could not be happier with the way the last race of the year unfolded. Sure, I would have liked to lead it from beginning to end but the XC2 class is filled with many talented riders and I am just happy to be a part of it all.
All in all this season was filled with many great accomplishments, I had the chance to meet many great people and one thing I am most proud of is earning the number eight plate for 2010. I am already anxious to head to Florida for round number one and start all over again! I cannot have done this without my support system; I cannot thank my wife Annie enough for her support – she is the best, my team for doing a great job all year, my fans for their continued support and of course my sponsors: GT Thunder, HLS Suspension, HMF, ITP, Fly Racing, PowerMadd, Flexx, HiPer, Tire Balls, JB Racing, Precision, Albright Motorsports, XCountry Photos, and State 8.
