Team GT Thunder I Wins Parts Unlimited GNCC Dealer Challenge

After 13 rounds of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, Team GT Thunder I was named the winner of the Parts Unlimited GNCC Dealer Challenge.

The GNCC Dealer Challenge is an incentive program designed to enhance the involvement of dealership support to racers in the GNCC series. Throughout the season, teams earned points every round based on each team member’s respective class-finish.

“GNCC’s Dealer Challenge is a great way for dealers to interact with amateur racers,” says Lazarus Sommers, CEO GT Thunder. “It’s always a pleasure to work with amateurs where you can really help their program in many ways – including parts selection, training, professionalism and the mind set for competitive racing.”

Dave Simmons led the way for Team GT Thunder I, earning a perfect season in the ATV Super Senior (45+) class. Glenn McConnell helped the team to victory as well, topping the Masters (50+) division. Senior A (38+) class-winner Tom Wright also claimed a class title. Brayden Shick put in a solid season for the team, finishing second in the Schoolboy (13-15) A/B division.

GT Thunder also fielded an additional team, which included ATV riders Blake Chirdon (College B), Blaine Martin (Schoolboy A/B), Thomas Ulrich (Schoolboy Novice) and Matt Pierce (XC2 Pro Am).

“It was great that both teams worked very well together, pitted together and helped each other out. Both GT Thunder teams did very well this year and I’m very fortunate to work with riders of this caliber and commitment,” says Sommers. “I am very proud of what they accomplished, but even more proud of the teamwork and professionalism that went into this effort from their end.”

Upon winning the Dealer Challenge, GT Thunder will be awarded a paid trip for (2) to Las Vegas for the 2013 Parts Unlimited Dealer Show and VIP Access to the Vegas Supercross.

The 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series concluded last weekend at the Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

2012 Dealer Challenge Top 10 Results: GT Thunder Team I, Millersburg, OH (948) Obermeyer Yamaha Team II, Jasper, IN (860) Performance Team I, Cookeville, TN (859) Appalachian Offroad I, Cross Lanes, WV (855) Team X, Coshocton, OH (832) DeRisi Racing Woodhead, Caser, NC (789) SICC Racing, Versailles, IN (780) DeRisi Racing Excel, Caser, NC (767)