GNCC Awards Banquet Gallery

Doogie

• November 29 2008
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Cranberry, PA – Nov 28, 2008 – GNCC Awards Banquet

By Chuck DeBault

Another Grand National Cross Country race season has come and gone. The 2008 series had amazing high points and moments of sheer frustration. But for one evening all the competitiveness and frustrations of racing was forgotten about.

To honor the top ten riders in each class the annual awards presentation was held at the Four Points Sheraton in Cranberry, PA. Over 600 racers and families showed up to pay homage to class winners and those who stand out in the sport.

The XC1, Pro Class was a presentation that would not soon be forgotten. In the tenth spot an exuberant William Yokley offered up a 12 minute sermon of his love for racing and his extended family including the Coombs family. As the roster continued up the line, each pro offered up a heartfelt explanation of how great they felt about their season.

The number one rider (with his amazing ninth National Championship) was none other than Bill Ballance. His was award was a diamond encrusted ring along with a crystal trophy and a handshakes from all his peers. Ballance also surprised everyone when he announced that the upcoming 2009 season would most likely be his last. He explained to the crowd on hand that he wanted a tenth straight championship and finish his career on the top.

In the amateur ranks, the Women’s Class was a display of some of the fastest beauty on the planet. Traci Cecco and Angel Atwell held the top two spots. Accepting the top spots in the 4×4 Open class was Bryan Buckhannon and Scott Kilby.

Yamaha took home the GNCC Manufacturer of the Year Award, while Johhny Gallagher was awarded the GNCC Sport Ambassador Award.

One of the highlights of the event was the “Hot Bod” contest. Adam McGill, Brandon Sommers, Jason Hooper, Arron Margaria, Jeff Pickens and the unlikely nominee of Garon Davis danced and pretty much displayed why they race for a living instead of working on Broadway… At the end it was noted that no one had chest hair and a request went out to a more than willing William Yokley to come on stage and show the rookies what it takes to look mature. In the end Garon Davis with his ‘80s dance moves and reenactment of a sick turtle won him the top honors.

As always the after party was a great time and everyone relaxed, danced and had fun until very late in the evening. Inevitably as the night wore on, small groups broke off to chat and talk about the upcoming 2009 season.

For those willing to rise early, the Pro rider meeting was at 8:00 a.m. where issues surrounding walking the track, AMA licensees and other matters were discussed. This was followed immediately by the amateur, youth and UTV riders meetings.

The evening was a great representation of the entire GNCC staff and Racer Productions. Congrats go out to all the winners in each of their classes!