VP Fuels Big Buck GNCC

Pre race stuff: After a disappointing race at the last GNCC in North Carolina 2 weeks ago where the mud pretty much took me out, I was going into this race with way less pressure. I was truly just looking to have a ton of fun and remember what it’s all about and enjoy the terrain and being there with team KR4 Performance F.A.R. Racing  and my family (Grandma and Grandpa came up from Florida to watch me race).  My head was in a better place. I enjoyed talking to all my good buddies and taking advice from pros and seeing how amped up everyone was to be at a dry race for a change!

Race Day: I got off to a rocking start (Honda 2 stroke power) and was fourth heading into the woods! The first 3 turns went so well for me I felt confident and was really amped up and riding well. The bike hooked up awesome and I found a way to stay towards the front. It was a really dry and fast course so I got real bad arm pump about a half a lap in and ended up dropping back a little bit as I was trying to shake my arms out and relax. Unfortunately this took me longer than expected and I had dropped out of the top ten. I had a good get off and a tree found its way through my bike in a way to where I couldn’t lift it without taking the sapling out. So after about 2 minutes I finally got up and got going again. By then my whole class and the class behind me had gone by. I had a lot of ground to make up.  I kept going  hard but trying to relax at the same time.  My arms kept getting pumped up more and more, so I could feel myself slowing down and not being able to push as I would have liked. On the second lap I pulled over and took a break to stretch out my arms because I wasn’t going to be able to find my groove and attack like I know how. I also realized I was just out there for fun and I wanted to enjoy my ride.  

After that I started feeling really good. I had found my groove and was hauling the mail into my pit stop to fuel up, grab new goggles and some water.  After that I was charging hard and making up ground.  On the fourth lap I could feel my brake pedal not working properly - no rear brakes again…a reoccurring theme lately.  The next time I went past my pits my awesome KR4 mechanic Eric bent my lever out so it wouldn’t hit my skid plate, such a simple fix, but it took as almost 2 races to figure out the problem. I was pushing hard and felt great working my way through the pack.

I saw the white flag and I was excited because I was not too tired and wasn’t feeling any arm pump so I knew I could do something and turn this into a good race for me! I charged hard and towards the end of the last lap I had caught up to more guys in my class.

I had 3 more positions in my sight and was hot on their tails and then I realized there was 3 turns till the finish.  I tried to make quick moves but it was so one lined at the finsh section it was tough.  I didn’t quite get them and ended up 11^th , I was wishing for another lap because I knew I had enough energy left to put myself further towards the front.  I am really happy with my ride and result. I had fun and enjoyed the trail and I’m just thankful for being able to be out there giving it all I got!

Bottom line: This was my best GNCC race so far,  I had a blast and was happy to have a dry race. My Manchester Honda CR250 worked awesome (Thanks Eric and Aaron), I know many people keep telling me to get on a newer bike, but I love that thing. Huge thanks to F.A.R and the KR4 crew! They are awesome people and I can’t wait to do it again!  Props to Colin Keegan on his B250 win!

Thank you to my awesome sponsors Fly Racing, Kenda Tires, EKS Brand goggles, Manchester Honda, Magical GoGo, FMF, Panic Rev, of course the Fred Andrews and the KR4 Performance Team. A huge shout out to my entire family, Grandma & Grandpa, Oma and Opa, mom, dad, my sister (awesome pit crew member!)…you guys made this possible!

Thanks for reading! If you would like to help me with my racing effort, please visit my gofundme page at http://www.gofundme.com/747racing 

Hunter “747” Neuwirth

Gramps came up from Florida to watch!