Another one bites the dust. That was the recurring term around the paddock as round 11 of the of the Grand National Cross Country series headed to Mount Morris, Pennsylvania, just across the fence line from the infamous High Point Raceway. Very little rain over the last several weeks led to one of the dustiest race days in recent memory. If riders weren’t keeping up with changing air filters mid-race, their chances of finishing diminished greatly. Many riders fell victim to the dust, while others were able to hang on for some career best finishes. Round 12 heads to Glenn Jean, West Virginia, for the Mountaineer GNCC, October 12th and 13th.
Evan Smith is smiling now. That’ll all change in the next three hours.Layne Michael choosing his start position during opening ceremonies.Evan Smith wouldn’t get the greatest start but would charge through the pack all race long.Brody Johnson snags the holeshot in 250A.Layne Michael navigates the dust, rocks and roots on his way to a season best 4th place.Jake Froman would be in the top 3 all day in the XC3 class.Smith had to fight through the silt berms along the 12-mile course.Chris Venditti was back in action after a shoulder injury at round 2 in Georgia. Chris would finish 9th in XC1.After a mid-pack start, Jonathon Johnson would fight his way into the top 5, until the dust claimed his Kawasaki, ending his day early.Pin it Brody!!!The dust robbed power out of Froman's 125.Triston Landrum charged for over three hours, ultimately landing him 3rd in 250A and on the amateur podium for the afternoon.Cope Beckert made his presence known throughout the race, taking 3rd in Open A.Jason Lipscomb ran inside the top 5 of the XC3 class, until the dust claimed his 125.Watch out for those lappers, Evan.Evan Smith on the podium in XC2.Brody Johnson 2nd in 250A, 2nd overall amateur, and 15th overall. | Kyle Wolfe photoTriston Landrum 3rd in 250A, 3rd overall amateur, and 17th overall. | Kyle Wolfe photoJake Froman with the XC3 win!
