Last year marked the first ever Titan GNCC in Lafayette, Tennessee. It was one of the muddiest races in a long time, but this year brought the opposite as the riders fought the dust, and each other on the track. This race would spark one of the best battles in a long time for an Overall GNCC win.

When the flag flew it was defending series champ Paul Whibley jumping out front early to grab the holeshot. Whibley would lead a portion of the first lap with first time XC1 pilot Dennis Jonon right behind him. However, Chris Bach would work his way to the front to lead the first lap in front of Jimmy Jarrett and Charlie Mullins. Whibley faded back to 9th as Glenn Kearney, Cory Buttrick, Thad Duvall and Nate Kanney all began making their way through the pack.

Eventually Strang and Mullins both would put on a charge to take the top two spots overall while swapping for the lead several times. Cory Buttrick and Thad Duvall also had a close battle for the final spot on the podium.

In XC2, Brian Lawson grabbed the whole but it was Jason Thomas who jumped out front to lead the first lap over Jesse Robinson and Kailub Russell. Eventually Kailub worked his way into the top spot in XC2 and pulled away. As the race wore on Thomas stretched his lead over Jesse Robinson but started experiencing bike problems. This left the door open for Jesse Robinson to put his head down and try to make the move for second place. Steward Baylor also put in a charge to make a run at a spot on the podium.

Heading into the overall finish, it was going to be close but Josh Strang edged out Charlie Mullins for the overall. In the battle for third, Cory Buttrick went down at a creek crossing around the 9 mile mark and Thad would make the pass. A little later, the tables would turn as Duvall went down which allowed Buttrick to make the pass for third while Thad settled for fourth.

XC2 leader Kailub Russell finished fifth overall, while Jesse Robinson would come out on top of that three way battle for second. Jason Thomas rounded out the podium in third.

Glenn Kearney took fifth place in the XC1 class followed by Barry Hawk and Paul Whibley. Early leader Chris Bach went down and broke a finger but managed to finish the race and work his way back up to eighth at the end. Shane Obanion and Justin Williamson rounded out the top ten XC1 riders.

Steward Baylor ended up with a fourth in the XC2 class with Dustin Gibson, Nick Davis, Zach Nolan, John Maschino and Brian Lawson as the rest of the top ten.

Needless to say it was an exciting day of racing in Tennessee and Josh Strang has now extended his points lead. If he finishes in front of Charlie Mullins at the next round, the championship will be all his.

For full results, logon to www.gnccracing.com