Racing
2004 ATVA/AMA
Grand National Cross-Country Series
Bill Ballance Wins a Muddy Florida Grand National Cross Country
Apr.
6 – The conditions at the Hurricane Grand National Cross Country series
race in Palatka, Florida, Feb. 29-March 2 were familiar: wet and muddy.
And the winner was too: defending GNCC Champ Bill Ballance (above). But to hear Ballance tell it, it's what he was riding that made all the difference.
After several close calls, the Kentucky rider claimed a win on his Yamaha YFZ 450.
"This is the most fun bike I've ever ridden, and it's the most comfortable I've ever felt on a bike," says the four-time GNCC champ.
Ballance won a torrid battle with the elements and the competition at the Hurricane. His stiffest competition came from Florida's favorite son, Greg Trew. Greg put together his first career podium finish with a second place.
Third went to the winner of the season-opening Lone Star GNCC, William Yokley. Yokley, like a pack of others, led the race at some point. Due to the muddy, swampy conditions, there were numerous changes in the conditions throughout the race, but when it counted, Ballance was out in front.