Davis Digs Deep in Penton GNCC Mud
M
ud, grit and championship
tension defined GNCC Rac-
ing's return from summer break
this weekend at the legendary
John Penton GNCC, where Grant
Davis charged to his second
victory of the season. Out of
championship contention and
riding with little to lose, the FMF
KTM Factory Racing-backed Da-
vis led almost the entire race and
crossed the finish line nearly a
minute ahead of Red Bear Rocky
Mountain Kawasaki's Steward
Baylor Jr.
As usual, the John Penton
delivered its trademark mix of
medium-speed woods, techni-
cal sections and Ohio clay that
became increasingly treacherous
after heavy rain arrived Saturday
night. By the time the Pro bikes
lined up for their main event,
shortened from three hours to
two, the course had become a
slippery, energy-sapping chal-
lenge that tested every rider's
fitness, bike setup and mental
toughness.
Taking advantage of the dif-
ficult conditions, Davis took the
lead early, passing Phoenix Hon-
da Racing's Jordan Ashburn on
the opening lap to take control of
the race. Davis went on to extend
the lead to nearly two minutes
on lap four before easing off on
the final lap.
With Davis out of sight, the
next hour-and-a-half boiled down
to a battle between the main
championship contenders, es-
pecially Ashburn and Baylor. The
two entered the race separated
by just 12 points, with Ashburn
leading the series on 166 points
and Baylor, chasing his first-ever
GNCC title, sitting second with
154.
Baylor fell just after the start
and had to chase down the front-
runners: Davis, Ashburn, Phoenix
Honda Racing's Mike Witkowski
and Am Pro Yamaha teammates
Kailub Russell and Liam Draper,
all running nose-to-tail in a long
conga line.
WIND
IN THE
P52
In brutal conditions,
Grant Davis scored his
second win of the year.
PHOTOS: MACK FAINT
