KTM’s David Knight stunned everyone by winning the first round of the GNCC series in Melbourne, Florida yesterday. Knight clearly forgot his alarm clock as he was nearly last off the line and had to work his way through the field. Mad Man Travis Pastrana led the first lap before being passed by Knight and Ktm’s other rider Nathan Kanney, who was suffering from eating rotten chicken. Pastrana then conserved his energy for drinking Guiness with Knight later and would fade to an eventual 18^th overall. Kanney would drop to a respectable sixth at the flag. Suzuki’s Jimmy Jarrett, who was also sleeping on the starting line and had to fight his way through the field, would bring home the runner up honors. Third and the final podium spot for the day went to Florida native Garrett Edmisten who had a spectacular race with Barry hawk, just beating him at the line. Paul Whibley, still getting used to his new Suzuki, put in a good ride to finish off the top five. Yamaha’s Jason Raines finished seventh followed by Kawasaki rider Jesse Robinson and Husqvarna’s (Yes they have made a return to the GNCC series with the Scott Summers squad until the team receives their much anticipated BMW’s) Gordan Crockard in ninth.

Tenth place was the start of the XC2 racers with Thad DuVall riding his WR250 to the win after a great battle with Josh Weisenfels. Third in XC2 and keeping the Yamaha bosses smiling, was Dustin Gibson, who just beat Kawasaki’s Andrew Matusek.

Final Positions in XC1:

1. David Knight (KTM)

2. Jimmy Jarrett (Suz)

3. Garrett Edmisten (Kaw)

4. Barry Hawk (Yam)

5. Paul Whibley (Suz)

6. Nathan Kanney (KTM)

7. Jason Raines (Yam)

8. Jesse Robinson (Kaw)

9. Gordon Crockard (Hsq)

10. Charlie Mullins (Yam)

Final Positions in XC2:

1. Thad DuVall (Yam)

2. Josh Weisenfels (Yam)

3. Dustin Gibson (Yam)

4. Andrew Matusek (Kaw)

5. Takeshi Koikeda (Yam)

6. Wallace Palmer (Kaw)

7. Kevin Hoge (Suz)

8. John Barber (KTM)

9. Nick Gentry (KTM)

10. Brian Lawson (Yam)

 Brought to your by: Psycho Monkey