Racing

A Look Inside The Pits At The John Penton GNCC

A behind-the-scenes look at the Ohio GNCC

May 31, 2018

The beauty of off-road racing in America is that it doesn’t require a special pass to get into the pits. The average fan has free rein to roam the paddocks and talk to the riders and mechanics. The fans can also check out the factory bikes. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look around this year’s John Penton paddocks thanks to photographer Darrin Chapman.

Under the FMF KTM Factory awning sit the KTMs of Ben Kelley and Josh Toth. Toth and Kelley finished first and second in the XC2 250 Pro class.Darrin Chapman

The overall trophy at this year’s event was this vintage Penton 125 Six Days gas tank.Darrin Chapman

The event namesake, John Penton, was on hand to sign autographs and talk to fans. Penton was the founder of Penton motorcycles and he was inducted into the Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in 1998.Darrin Chapman

Before the race, Kelley talks strategy with his mechanic Mike Hall.Darrin Chapman

Kailub Russell wheelies to the line before the start of the afternoon race. Kailub’s bike failed to fire when the flag dropped to start the race, so the KTM rider was forced to work his way up from last to third overall at the finish.Darrin Chapman

KR4/Husqvarna’s Cory Buttrick put in another consistent race in his home state of Ohio, finishing eighth in the XC1 Open Pro class.Darrin Chapman

After having a consistent start to the season, JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger found himself outside of the top five in the XC1 Open Pro class at round 7.Darrin Chapman

Josh Strang was exhausted after the race. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider put up a fierce battle on the final lap keeping Kailub Russell from making a pass. Strang ended the event in second, with Russell in third.Darrin Chapman

John Penton awards Thad Duvall with the overall trophy for winning this year’s John Penton GNCC.Darrin Chapman

Josh Strang won the $250 All Balls Holeshot award.Darrin Chapman