2010 REPORTS
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2010 RESULTS HERE

LAS VEGAS (July 16) -- Team owner and rider JT Bennett believes he has assembled his strongest team ever to contend for the title of the 2010 GEICO Powersports AMA EnduroCross Series, which starts Saturday at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.

From '09 championship runner-up Geoff Aaron to Pro class contender Kyle Redman and wildcards Ryan Rodgers and Wally Palmer, Bennett has high hopes for his GEICO Powersports-clad group in the six-race series, which brings the obstacles of outdoor enduro racing into arenas around the country.

"We're definitely dreaming big," said Bennett, who will contest the Open Amateur class this year to allow himself time to support his other team riders when the Pros begin. "I honestly believe we can get all four of our guys into the main event at every race, which is a pretty tough deal. We have that kind of talent."

Leading the charge for the yellow and black is 37-year-old veteran Aaron, who is entering his fourth AMA EnduroCross campaign. The 10-time U.S. Trials Champion scored one win in 2009 and pushed eventual champion Taddy Balzusiak of Poland to the penultimate race of the season. 

"We added Geoff in the off-season and it's pretty special to see that No. 2 plate in our pit," Bennett said. "No one thought Taddy would be challenged last year but Geoff came alive and really gave him a run. We only expect him to get better in 2010. He has the passion and the drive of a 10-time world champion and he's certainly a great asset to this team."

Added Aaron, "I'm up for the season. I started off feeling my way along, making the main event here or there. Then I started making the mains and finishing ninth or 10th. I worked my way up from there and by last year I was on the podium a lot. I'm hoping to keep that upward trend going this year, but Taddy is a tough, tough rider."

Aside from Balzusiak, Aaron expects a big challenge from teammate Redman, a 20-year-old Californian who finished sixth in the world rankings last season.

"Kyle's young but he already has a ton of experience," Aaron said. "He's an extreme enduro specialist and he's raced a bunch in Europe and done really well against guys with twice as much time in the sport. I believe he's at a point in his career where we'll start seeing him in all the mains and even hitting the podium once in awhile. He's good."

Hailing from Dover, Pa., 29-year-old Rodgers already has one EnduroCross world title to his credit having won the Open Amateur championship in 2007. He backed up that performance with a second-place result in the '09 Open Amateur standings while also racing as a Pro, where he finished a respectable 15th overall.

"A top 10 finish would be a good result for me," Rodgers said. "You've got guys coming into this series from every outdoor discipline there is and all of them are top-notch riders. It's a huge accomplishment just being one of the 12 riders to make the main event. I'm going to keep my goals in check and see what happens."

Crowd favorite Palmer, an aggressive-riding 23-year-old from New Jersey with a hardcore accent, is a multi-time gold medalist in International Six-Day competition that could surprise his peers in EnduroCross this season.

"Wally is wide open all the time," Bennett said. "He's right on the edge of being in control and he's very, very fast. That's why the crowd loves him so much. His biggest stumbling block is his own aggression at times, but when he puts it all together he's awesome.

"Like I said, everyone on the team is capable of taking the trophy. It's going to be a great year and it all starts right now. We're excited."

Amateur action begins at 10 a.m. PDT with the Pros taking the track at 2:30 p.m.

Conntact: Geiger Media at 281-354-5769 or rob@go2geiger.com.

Please visit www.geicogarage.com for more information.

 

 

JG Off Road Team Grabs Podium Finishes at Grueling  Motorcycle-USA.com Snowshoe GNCC

Snowshoe, W.Va. (June 28, 2010) -- With the $10,000 prize on the horizon, the GEICO/JG Off Road/ Monster  Energy Kawasaki team was ready to take on one of the toughest tracks of the 2010 GNCC season, the Motorcycle-USA.com Snowshoe GNCC, round nine of the series. When the day was done, team co-manager JT Bennett came away with a strong second place overall finish in the morning race, and XC2 Pro Lites rider Scott Watkins clinched third.

"Snowshoe provided all the expectations we were looking forward to," Bennett said. "It was fast, muddy and technical. I really enjoyed the morning race and it was great being back on the podium. I'd like to thank everyone who put effort into the race and also for the team."

The sun was shining over the picturesque Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia when the morning race lined up. The Snowshoe GNCC has a unique start, with riders lining up on the paved road right outside of Snowshoe Village. The track was one of the most intense of the 13-stop tour, with a 27-mile track that riders would have to navigate with great skill to finish.

In the two-hour morning race, Womens rider Ashley Crouch was able to pull that long anticipated holeshot and make it around the first turns of the course in first place until KTM's Maria Forsberg was able to maneuver around her. When Defending Champion Mandi Mastin passed her, Crouch settled into third place, riding with Leann Bange until Crouch fell down a hill, flooding her bike. It took Crouch a little bit of time to get going again, but she was able to catch back to fourth place to finish for the day.

"When I went up that last big hill, I caught up with Mark Weiland and stayed with him," Crouch said. "I knew he'd help me along. I ended up with fourth and I'm happy with my race. It was rough and slick and really technical."

When the flag waved for the start of the Pro Race, Jimmy Jarrett rocketed off the start, and came in as the overall leader by the end of the first lap on time adjustments. Unfortunately, Jarrett took a few shots to his still-recovering arm, and he slowly fell back to mid-pack in the XC1 class, before deciding to step out after the fourth lap to prevent re-injuring his arm.

Meanwhile, teammate Scott Watkins battled with Monster Energy/FAR's Jason Thomas, Jesse Robinson and Justin Williamson in the XC2 class. Watkins battled back and forth between 3rd and 4th. Watkins was able to move into third for good by the 5th lap to finish 3rd in XC2 and 10th overall.

"This race has a really different start with us lining up on the blacktop and mixed in with the XC1 riders and I knew it would be a fast start," Watkins said. "I didn't want to use all my energy to start out because I didn't want to get tired at the end. I rode at a steady pace and tried to go as fast as I could without making silly mistakes. I made good points for the end of the year and maybe some extra money too!"

"The race started out just like we thought it would with Jimmy and Scott in front," Bennett said. "Unfortunately, Jimmy took a few shots to his arm. Scott was able to pull through and get us another podium for us and we're proud of him. We're looking forward to the two months off to recoup, but we'll be ready to get back to GNCC racing in September."

JG Off Road would like to especially thank "Momma" Lisa Shaffer from GEICO for traveling out to watch the team this weekend.

Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.

Watkins would like to thank his additional sponsors Shoei, Smith Optics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.

Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.

Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, Ohlins, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.

The team will have a two month break from the GNCC season as the series starts it's summer break. It will resume September 10-11 in New Berlin, NY for the Can-Am Unadilla GNCC. The team travels next to the  DP Brakes Wolverine OMA in Mesick, Michigan on July 10-11.

 

GEICO/ JG Off Road/ Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Changes Luck at John Penton GNCC

Millfield, OH (June 6, 2010) --The GEICO/ JG Off Road/ Monster Energy Kawasaki Team battled the aftermath of torrential downpours this weekend at the Wiseco John Penton GNCC In Millfield, OH, to come through with some of their best finishes of the 2010 season with XC1 rider Jimmy Jarrett finishing 4th in the class and overall, XC2 Pro Lites’ Scott Watkins finishing second in the class and 6th overall, and Womens rider Ashley Crouch finishing fourth. 

A string of strong storms moved through the Millfield area Saturday night, battering the ground with heavy rain that continued into Sunday morning.The race was delayed and then cut down to two hours, as rivers coursed through parts of the track. But by the time the team was ready to race, the rain had stopped, and the sun was out, accompanied by some wind. Team Manager JT Bennett stood by to cheer the group on to their finishes under improved conditions.

“I hate for it to sound like a cliche, but when the skies open up, the team steps it up a level, and that happened again today,” Bennett said. “The skies opened up and both Jimmy and Scotty really pulled through on the day.  It was really another day of attrition but both guys stayed consistent. For all 110 pounds of Ashley being out in the mud, it couldn’t have been an easy task and she did a great job. I was very happy to see that.”

In the Pro race, Jarrett came from a dead last start to pull ahead to fourth behind FMF KTM’s Cory Buttrick in 1st, FMF Suzuki’s Josh Strang in 2nd and Am-Pro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley in 3rd.

“It was gnarly and nasty out there but made my way through pretty easily,” Jarrett said. “I was 4th or 5th after the first lap and I saw some guys up ahead. I was by myself most of the day but saw Whibley for awhile. I just rode all day by myself, and just picked riders off one by one for a couple of laps and then settled in for fourth.”

Watkins also mounted a come-from-behind charge, moving from 5th all the way to 1st by the third lap until Privateer Jesse Robinson was able to make his way around when Watkins buried his bike in a nasty puddle. Watkins got his bike out of the mud, and chased after Robinson. Watkins finished second with Monster Energy/FAR/Andrews Cycles Jason Thomas in third.

“Everything turned out well,” Watkins said. “I had a good start into the woods in the top five. Since it was just a two hour race, there was really no time for catch-up. I just tried to get to the front and hope for the best. I made it up all the tough hills and through the major puddles and got into the lead on the last lap. The Racer Productions team gave us some new challenges this year, and I was able to make some good decisions. I’m happy to make it out of there.”

In the AM race, Crouch  was able to move ahead of typical challengers Leeann Bange and Shelbi Rolen to come in 4th behind KTM’s Maria Forsberg in 1st, Samantha Steiner in second, and Defending Champion Mandi Mastin in 3rd.

“My race was alright but super muddy,” Crouch said. “I was last off the start once agan and after that I just tried to catch everybody. I crashed quite a few times, which made me pretty tired put I got two laps in and ended up finishing fourth. I did better than the last race so I can’t complain.”

“Hopefully we’ll take this with us to the next round, with the guys finishing in the top 10 and Ashley beating girls she’s having a points battle with,” Bennett said. “Snowshoe will be another tough race, and I expect some good things out of those three riders again.”

Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.

Watkins would like to thank his additional sponsors Shoei, Smith Optics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.

Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.

Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, Ohlins, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.

Watkins and Jarrett travel next to Clay City, Kentucky for the FMF Whiskey Run on June 12-13. The John Penton GNCC airs on VERSUS on August 29, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.

 

GEICO/JG Off Road Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Battles Tough Track at Mountain Ridge GNCC

Somerset, PA (May 23, 2010) --The GEICO/JG Off Road/ Monster Energy Kawasaki Team traveled to Somerset, Pennsylvania for the Moose Mountain Ridge GNCC to battle a field of tough competitors on an even tougher track this weekend.

But while the technical track was highly challenging, the team toughed it out,  with XC2 Pro Lites’ Scotty Watkins finishing 5th in the class and 12th overall, Womens rider Ashley Crouch finishing 6th, and Marc Weiland finishing 5th in the Masters B/C 50+ class. Team Co-manager JT Bennett rocketed off the start to second place, but some bad luck locked him out of his usual top 10 spot in the Sportsman A class.

“It was rough with all the rock, but it had a nice bottom to it and it wasn’t too bad to ride,” Bennett said. “I’d like to thank the GNCC guys for all the hard work this weekend. For all the rain we had, they made sure everyone could get around the track. It’s a lot of work with the rain. Nobody can control Mother Nature.”

The rain pummeled the Pennsylvania track on Saturday after the ATV race finished, and did it’s work on the track for Sunday. The rain rolled over the rocks, creating little creeks through the track as the riders got ready to set out for their day of racing.

Crouch, Bennett and Weiland rolled out in their classes in the 10 AM race. Crouch battled with KTM-mounted Kelly Hall and the Yamaha of Leeann Bange for a position in the top 5, sneaking in on the second lap, and then settled into 6th for the day. Crouch was in high spirits leaving the track, but bummed she wasn’t able to capitalize on her successes throughout the season.

Bennett had a strong start in the AM race, running second until a flat tire put him back to 8th. Bennett got back on the track fast though, thanks to a rear wheel and fresh tire from Defending Champion Paul Whibley. But a rock sent Bennett tumbling back to 29th for the day. Weiland had better luck in the Masters B/C class was a strong 5th place finish.

In the Pro race, Watkins spent most of the day battling with KTM’s Steward Baylor. Watkins started out in 6th and moved up to 4th, then 5th for the day, and leaving him looking forward to two solid weeks on Ohio tracks.

“That race made me glad that I live in Ohio, because I don’t think Pennsylvania has anything good worth riding on,” Watkins said. “The conditions were really rough and my hat’s off to anyone that did well. There were some fun conditions. We have two Ohio rounds coming up back-to-back and I’m looking forward to that and I always feel good at Millfield. I’m hoping for bigger and better things.”

“It really was a day of attrition,” Bennett added. “You really had to snake your way through. But everyone’s doing pretty well. Overall we got beat up this weekend. We’re looking forward to Millfield to redeem ourselves.”

XC1 Pro rider Jimmy Jarrett opted out of this weekend’s race to allow more time for his shoulder to heal but will return at the team’s next event, the Rio Grande, Ohio OMA, held this weekend.

Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.

Watkins would like to thank his additional sponsors Shoei, Smith Optics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.

Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.

Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, Ohlins, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.

The team travels next to the Maxxis Coal Miner XC in Rio Grande, Ohio on May 29-30.

 

JG Off Road’s Crouch, Watkins Finish Strong at Yadkin Valley Stomp GNCC

Yadkinville, NC (May 9, 2010) -- The GEICO/JG Off Road/ Monster Energy Kawasaki team traveled to Yadkinville, N.C., for round six of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, the Motorcycle-USA.com Yadkin Valley Stomp.

Womens rider Ashley Crouch, battled from a dead last start to third, while JT Bennett barely missed the podium to finish in fourth in the AM race. In the 1 PM race, Scott Watkins and Jimmy Jarrett battled the elements. Jarrett unfortunately crashed in the second lap, landing on his previously injured shoulder. Watkins forged on to finish 5th for the day.

“We’re bummed to see Jimmy go down and take a shot on his shoulder,” said Bennet. “ He’s working so hard to get healthy.  It was a little bit of a letdown but it was nice to see Scott hang in for 5th place in those conditions and Ashley got 3rd. We’ve got to do our homework. We’re doing well when conditions are wet and technical and it seems like everyone else can go just as fast in the dry. We need to work on our setup for the dry stuff.”

Crouch’s bike fired last off the start line, but quickly began catching riders as she moved up the pack. She caught up to Defending Champion Mandi Mastin, Shelby Rolen and Leeann Bange. Crouch settled into fourth behind Kelly Hall, until Hall crashed in a tight wooded section, and she was able to take over third. Crouch finished the day in third behind KTM’s Maria Forsberg and Mastin.

“I’m really happy with my finish,” Crouch said. “I need to pick it up a little more but I’ll get up there soon.”

Bennett, meanwhile, battled for 3rd after a rough start, but thought he was battling for 5th or 6th when he crossed the finish line just seven seconds behind third place to finish fourth.

“It was a hard fought battle,” Bennett said. “I had a bad start, and I got caught up in some of the dust, so I came around in 5th or 6th on the first lap. Then, everything started working. I hooked up with the guy who finished third, and we worked up to third place. I didn’t realize we had caught some people in front.  I thought we were battling out for 5th or 6th. I felt strong on the bike. It took me a lap to get going, but those last 3 laps were great. The Racer Productions crew threw in a mile of enduro section that was awesome. It was handlebar tight for a mile. That was right up my alley. We want to thank the Racer Productions crew for doing a nice mix of trail and technical stuff out there. It was fun. The dust out on the open was ridiculous, but hard to prevent it when it was so dry out there.”

Watkins was fourth going into the woods off the start, but crashed early in the lap and fell to 6th. Watkins worked his way up to 5th place to finish out the day.

“I never really felt really comfortable today,” Watkins said. “I don’t know what it was. The track conditions were kind of slick and it was hard to keep the bike up. I didn’t feel like I was losing or gaining any time from the guys ahead of me and it was kind of a shame I wasn’t running with them since we were running about the same speed. I Didn’t make any real mistakes. It was good to get out of there in one piece. I hope for a better finish at Somerset.”

Jarrett was last off the start, and in the second lap crashed in a dusty corner, landing on his shoulder. Jarrett escaped without re-injuring his shoulder too much.

“I’m just trying to get that thing better and that’s the last thing I needed,” Jarrett said. “After that, I came back and rested. We have a weekend off before Somerset, and if I have to take another weekend off to get this arm better, we’ll do it.”

Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.

Watkins would like to thank his additional sponsors Shoei, Smith Optics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.

Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.

Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, Ohlins, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.

The team travels next to the Moose Mountain Ridge in Somerset, PA., on May 22-23.

 

JG Off Road Strengthens at Acerbis Loretta Lynn GNCC

Hurricane Mills, TN (April 25, 2010) – The GEICO/JG Off Road/ Monster Energy Kawasaki Team had one of its best showings of the 2010 Can-Am GNCC season as all four riders had solid finishes at the Acerbis Loretta Lynn GNCC held this weekend in Hurricane Mills, TN.
Torrential rain had doused the track on Saturday, leaving conditions to be a stark contrast to the dry Big Buck round two weeks prior. But the muddy and rutted track saw a strengthened team with Scott Watkins landing on the podium with a second in XC2 and Jimmy Jarrett finishing in seventh in the XC1 class in the 1 p.m. pro race. In the 10 AM race, JT Bennett finished fourth overall in his favorite conditions, and Ashley Crouch finished fourth in the Womens class.
“It was a good weekend for us,” Bennett said. “The first four rounds of the season proved that we can get beat up a little but we will put the work in to get back on top.”
Watkins ran the majority of the race in second place, battling for the lead with Kailub Russell and Jason Thomas at first. The three riders switched in and out of the top three positions and when the two lap board came out, Watkins cruised to an easy second place finish behind Kailub Russell, with Jesse Robinson finishing in third.
“I had one of my better starts today,” Watkins said. “Being in the lead lets me know I have a shot at winning one of these things. It was a tough race, but I had a great day.”
Jarrett recovered from a tough start to move his way into the middle of the pack. Jarrett settled into a battle with Watkins, Russell and Thomas and pulled away to battle with Russell.
“I picked a pace that I thought my shoulder could handle,” Jarrett said. “It felt good to push out there with someone; it really helped me keep my mind off my shoulder. I’m really happy I finished.”
In the 10 AM, race, Bennett fired off first in the Sportsman A class, grabbing the holeshot. But Bennett got rutted in one of the early turns, and was hosed down with a good dose of mud by the half-dozen riders that got past him. Bennett chased down the rest of the field, moving quickly into 5th and then 4th overall to finish the race.
“It was a really fun day,” Bennett said. “I was frustrated those first two laps and my helmet was about two pounds heavier than it should be because of all the mud, but the track started tacking up and the bike was working better. I’ve been working out hard and it’s really starting to show out there.”
Crouch had another solid ride in the Womens class, battling once again with KTM rider Maria Forsberg and Defending Champion Mandi Mastin. Crouch started the race in third behind the two riders, and when Forsberg pulled away, she stuck with Mastin.  Leeanne Bange began to edge up though, and after Crouch crashed in the final lap, she settled with fourth for the day.
“I’m pretty happy with my day,” Crouch said. “I did a lot better today than I did at the last race so I’m glad.”
Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.
Watkins would like to thank his additional sponsors Shoei, Smith Optics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.
Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.
Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, Ohlins, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.
The team heads next to the Rekluse HangMan XC OMA May 1-2 in Hanging Limb, Tennessee.

 

Watkins Nabs Second at OMA Opening Round

Medford, IN (April 18, 2010) --  The GEICO/JG Off Road/Monster Energy Kawasaki OMA crew headed to the Hill Jack Cross-country National, presented by Johnny Signs Graphics, in Medora, Indiana, on April 17-18 for the opening round of the Parts Unlimited OMA series, and while this is the first time the series has visited that venue, Scott Watkins had no qualms battling to a solid second place finish.
The day broke clear and when the time came for the Pro race, the team saw optimal conditions, with plenty of sunshine, 65 degree temperatures, and a perfectly primed track with plenty of creek crossings and some hill climbs.  Watkins and teammate Jimmy Jarrett both started the race strongly and as Jarrett battled up front with Defending Champion Paul Whibley and Am-Pro Yamaha’s Thad DuVall, Watkins moved from a 5th place start to push into second place. From there, Watkins was able to hold strong in second to finish behind DuVall.
“Today went alright,” Watkins said.  “It didn’t start off really well.  The track was really tight track and I was kind of nervous because I knew guys were going to take off and get in front. But I didn’t make any mistakes really, and I felt like I was riding fast. I’m on the 450 now, so that’s new and different. I worked my way up past Jordan Ashburn to put up in second. I’m definitely pumped to get second. I still haven’t won one, so it’s something I’m shooting for and pushing myself for. Second is always good too.”
Jarrett was able to battle in the front of the pack, until he cross-rutted and hit a tree, smashing his radiator.
“Everything was going ok,” Jarrett said. “I was up front with Paul and Thad where I wanted to be, and I felt like we had a fast pace. When I smashed the radiator, I knew my day was over. My shoulder was feeling pretty good today. It was actually feeling better that it has, and I was pretty excited about that. I can tell it’s getting stronger. The track was a little bit of everything and it was actually pretty fun.”
Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.
Watkins would like to thank his sponsors, GEICO, JG Off Road, Moose, Shoei, Smith Optics, Pirelli tires, PG Graphics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.
Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.
Results: 1st - Thad Duvall, 2nd - Scott Watkins, 3rd - Jordan Ashburn

The GEICO/JG Off Road/Monster Energy Kawasaki team travels next to the Acerbis Loretta Lynn GNCC, round five of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series.

JG Off Road's Crouch, Watkins see Strong Finishes at Pirelli Big Buck GNCC
Jarrett Has Strong Start, Pulls out after 2nd Lap

Union, SC (April 11, 2010) - After a full day of hot temperatures and even drier conditions at round four of the Can-Am GNCC series, even little 7-week old Connor Bennett had to say that, "mud and rain is where it's at."
But although the conditions weren't quite what the GEICO/JG Off Road/ Monster Energy Kawasaki team had hoped for, it was another decent showing for the team at the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC in Union, S.C.
"It definitely would have been nice to have had some water," said Team Co-manager JT Bennett. "The woods flowed really nice but it was really tough in those open sections. Connor put up with the dust just like all of us, but he said he isn't coming to another race unless it rains!"
Bennett himself made it out to the 10 AM race, despite the conditions being the antithesis of what he likes to ride in, and put out a strong effort in the Sportsman A class to finish 10th in the class, and 10th overall.
"On a good note, even though it was dusty I didn't get as tired out there," Bennett said. "I'm working hard at home and we're going to keep working to get up there on the podium."
Also in the 10 AM race, Crouch pulled out another great race with a seventh place finish in the Women's class. Crouch now sits in third in the point standings behind KTM rider Maria Forsberg and Defending Champion Mandi Mastin.
While Jarrett is still having a few shoulder issues, he had a fantastic start in the 1 p.m. Pro race, nearly taking the holeshot, and settled into first place for the first lap before deciding to pull out after the second lap for the race.
"The start was good," Jarrett said. "My shoulder felt fine after the first lap. I knew I was going slow and when Thad [DuVall] passed me I picked up the pace and followed him around. My shoulder doesn't hurt; it's just weak right now. I'm going to a specialist on Wednesday so hopefully it doesn't require surgery. I'm going to work on that and get ready to compete in the OMA's this weekend."
Watkins agreed that he'd like to see another muddy track like last the last round but even in the conditions, he pulled through to finish 5th in the XC2 class and 14th overall.
"The start was about average for me," Watkins said. "I was in about the top 5 and I was pretty happy with that. I especially wanted to be up front because of the dust. I felt a little off today and was sliding around on the loose gravel. I was 5th most of the race. Those guys were really on it today, and I wasn't, but it is what it is. I'm going to stay busy on the off weekends leading up to Loretta's. I won there last year so hopefully we'll get the same results."
Jarrett and Watkins will compete this weekend, April 17-18 in Medora, Indiana for the opening round of the OMA season.
Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.
Watkins would like to thank his sponsors, GEICO, JG Off Road, Moose, Shoei, Smith Optics, Pirelli tires, PG Graphics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.
Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.
Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, House Forcepower, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.
The Pirelli Big Buck Bike Premiere will air on July 4, 2010 at 3 p.m. and will repeat on July 6th at 5:00 p.m on VERSUS.

 

Watkins lands on the Podium, Crouch gets 3rd at FMF Steele Creek GNCC
Jarrett Still Recovering from Shoulder Injury

Morganton, N.C. (March 21, 2010) - The JG Off-Road/GEICO Powersports/ Monster Energy Kawasaki team had another solid weekend at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC in Morganton, N.C. Ashley Crouch took 3rd in the Women's class in the 10 a.m. race, while Scott Watkins finished 3rd in the XC2 class. XC1's Jimmy Jarrett started the XC1 race strongly, but the shoulder he injured at round 2 began to act up and Jarrett decided to pull out of the race after the second lap.
Team Manager JT Bennett was back to his racing ways and even decided to throw his hat into the ring at the 10 a.m. race, finishing 13th in the Sportsman A class and 13th Overall, despite having not been on a bike since before Thanksgiving. Also making his first GNCC appearance was Gretchen and JT's newborn son, Connor Thomas, who even got his first ever GNCC roost while helping Gretchen pit for JT. Connor even helped cheer on Jarrett and Watkins through the Pro race from the window of the JG Off Road/ GEICO rig.
The day started off bright and slightly cooler than Saturday's ATV race, and Crouch started in second off the line behind KTM's Maria Forsberg, as the Women's class ran into the woods. Crouch was able to stick close to Forsberg until lappers interrupted their battle and Forsberg could check out. From there, Crouch began to battle back and forth with Defending Champion Mandi Mastin until Mastin was able to pass on the 3rd lap. Crouch played it safe until the end of the race to finish 3rd.
"It was really rough out there, and I was having some problems with arm pump but I'm really happy about my finish," Crouch said. "I'm looking forward to Big Buck in three weeks."
Unfortunately for JT, a vocal supporter of rainy races, the rain held off until the finish of the 10 a.m. race., but the conditions suited Watkins as he roared around the 11.2 mile track. And during the midpoint of the races, he was knocking on the door for second behind Monster Energy/ FAR/Andrews Cycles' Jason Thomas. The rain continued to steadily fall on the track, and due to deteriorating conditions, the race was called after the 5th lap, with Watkins in third place.
"I had a decent start and the bike and I ran really well throughout the race," Watkins said. "My goal when I started the race was to get on the podium, and I accomplished that. It took me a couple of races to get in the groove but I really pushed myself today and the atmosphere was really good under the tent. I think that JT wish he had gotten some mud out there today too."
"We definitely worked hard in the two weeks after the General GNCC," Bennett said. "Jimmy wants to finish with the checkers, and his shoulder held out for two laps but it started to deteriorate. We have three weeks until the next race so that'll be a good break to get it healed. I had a ball out on the bike today, and hopefully by midseason I'll be back on the podium. It was a great day for the team, and we were thrilled to see Scott back on the podium and Ashley with a third in the Womens class."
Jarrett said his arm wasn't sore when he started the race, but felt more like it was a little "dead." But Jarrett was able to finish the first lap in 5th overall after a mid-pack start. By the second lap he had fallen slightly to 9th place, and then decided to pull into the pits.
"The first lap was fine, but then I just felt like I was sitting on my bike, riding around," Jarrett said. "But we're looking at three weeks until the next race for the shoulder to heal."
Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.
Watkins would like to thank his sponsors, GEICO, JG Off Road, Moose, Shoei, Smith Optics, Pirelli tires, PG Graphics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.
Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.
Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, House Forcepower, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.
The Steele Creek bike race premieres on VERSUS on June 13th at 2:30 p.m.
The JG Off Road/GEICO Powersports team has 3 weeks until the next race, the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC in Union, S.C., on April 11th.

 

JG Off Road Racing/GEICO Powersports Team Has Highs and Lows at General GNCC
Crouch Finishes 2nd in Women's, Watkins 6th in XC2, Jarrett DNF's after injury
Washington, GA ( March 7, 2010)—The JG Off Road Racing/GEICO Powersports Team saw mixed results at the second round at the Maxxis General GNCC, with Jimmy Jarrett having to pull out of the race halfway through the first lap after a first turn tumble left him with a separated shoulder while XC2 Pro Lites rider Scott Watkins finished 6th and Ashley Crouch, in the Women’s Class, finish 2nd.

Jarrett and Yamaha’s Charlie Mullins and Barry Hawk went down in the first turn after the start, and it took Jarrett a few moments before he was up again. Although medics wanted Jarrett to pull out of the race after the crash, Jarrett waved them away and hopped on his bike to salvage the time he had lost. But midway through the first lap, Jarrett pulled back into the pits.

“That crash was a bit scary,” said Team Manager JT Bennett. “At first we weren’t sure if he was ok, and then he got back on his bike. After he came in on the first lap we talked about it a bit, but he was in some pain. He had it checked out and it’s pretty bruised but we plan to have him back in two weeks.”

XC2 Pro Lites rider Scotty Watkins had a strong start to the race, and moved up from 7th place to 5th before settling into 6th for the finish.

“I felt good all day,” Watkins said. “I made a few changes after Florida but I would like to be up front. Sixth place isn’t what my team is working for, but I’m in one piece and healthy which is good.”

“We gave Scotty all of our support out there and he was able to bring it home with a 6th place finish,” Bennett said. “He had a good ride but he wants to be up in front. He’ll be working hard these next two weeks.”

In the 10 a.m. race, Ashley Crouch has an incredible run, leading the first two laps ahead of Defending Champion Mandi Mastin and KTM’s new female rider Mandi Mastin, and finishing second.

Scotty would like to thank his sponsors, GEICO, JG Off Road, Moose, Shoei, Smith Optics,  Pirelli tires, PG Graphics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.

Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.

Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.

Watkins would also like to thank Shoei.

Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, House Forcepower, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.

The JG Off Road/GEICO Powersports team travels next to the FMF Steele Creek GNCC in Morganton, North Carolina on March 21.

The Maxxis General GNCC will be televised on Versus on May 30th at 5:00 p.m.

 

JG Off Road Racing/GEICO Powersports GNCC Team Starts Season Strong
Lake Wales, Florida (March 2, 2010) – The JG Off Road/GEICO Powersports GNCC Team started the  2010 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country season in strong fashion, with Jimmy Jarrett finishing 4th in the XC1 class, Scott Watkins finishing 8th in the XC2 Class and Ashley Crouch in 4th in the Womens Class at the Parts Unlimited River Ranch GNCC, in Lake Wales, Florida.
An early morning rain shower created muddy conditions on the track, but early threats of thunderstorms had passed away by the start of the 1 p.m. race. High winds moved through the area as the storm passed around the track, and kicked up sand as the riders prepared to start the race.
Jarrett launched off the XC1 start line first and barely missed the $250 MotorcycleUSA.com holeshot award to Yamaha’s Paul Whibley. The two battled wheel-to-wheel until Jarrett was able to move ahead of Whibley to lead the first few miles of lap 1. Jarrett settled back into 5th place until the final lap, when he powered ahead to 4th.
“I was really nervous on the start line because when I was practice starting, it was taking me a couple of kicks,” Jarrett said. “I had a great start and the battles were really good out there. I felt strong all day and this is a strong finish going into Georgia.”
Watkins recovered from a 15th place start in the XC2 class to move up into 6th place by the second lap and 5th by the third lap.
“I took off pretty far back in the pack,” Watkins said. “I knew if I didn’t get up as fast as I could I’d be stuck in the rest of the day. It was like someone took the rug underneath of me with two laps to go.  By the last lap I was just spent. Hopefully I can turn things around for a better showing in Georgia.”
Scotty would like to thank his sponsors, GEICO, JG Off Road, Moose, Shoei, Smith Optics,  Pirelli tires, PG Graphics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.

“We couldn’t ask for a better start from Jimmy,” said JT Bennett, co-manager of the team. “This Florida track deteriorates fast, and even if you are in the best shape of your life, it can still take a toll on you. Scott came through on about the 4th lap and said he wasn’t having fun anymore, and I can understand that, I’ve had those days. But Scott stuck it out and we’re really proud of all of our riders.”
Crouch battled arm pump and blisters to come in fourth against competition like KTM’s new rider Maria Forsberg and WMX rider Sarah Whitmore.
After the start, Crouch started to catch riders until she hooked up with multiple Defending Women’s Champion Mandi Mastin. Crouch sailed to a fourth place finish in the class.
“I’m pretty proud of my ride today,” Crouch said. “Last year I got a third place here, but this year I competed against Maria and Sarah. I’ll definitely have to step it up with Maria here this year.”
Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank their sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.
Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.
Watkins would also like to thank Shoei.
Crouch would like to thank sponsors JG OFF Road, GEICO, Silkolene, Fasstway, Rekluse, Spruill Honda Kawasaki, Scott Goggles, Vee Rubber, House Forcepower, PMP Sprockets, Tucker Rocky, One Industries and OGIO.
The JG Off Road/GEICO Powersports team will stop at the Alligator Enduro on Thursday, March 4th in Daytona, Florida before traveling to the Maxxis General GNCC in Washington, Georgia for the Sunday, March 7 bike race.

JG Off Road Racing Announces 2010 GNCC and Endurocross Lineup
Allison Park, PA (February 23, 2010)— The JG Off Road /GEICO Powersports team, headed by Gretchen and JT Bennett,  is proud to announce the 2010 team lineup for the  Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series and the GEICO Endurocross Series.
“Even though the industry is struggling like it is, Gretchen and I are still staying positive and are happy to have a solid lineup for the GNCC and Endurocross series,” JT Bennett said.  “We can’t wait for the season to start.”
Ohio natives Jimmy Jarrett and Scotty Watkins will return for the second year on the team to compete in the GNCC series. The two have been training in Florida since early February to prepare for round one of the GNCC series, The Parts Unlimited River Ranch in Lake Wales, Florida, on March 2. They will also be competing in the OMA Series which kicks off April 17.
Jarrett had a strong 2009 season in the XC1 class, and finished fourth overall. Jarrett will be aboard a Kawasaki 450. Jarrett has a long list of racing accomplishments, and holds five GNCC amateur championships, four OMA Championships and has earned five ISDE Gold Medals.
Watkins, who finished fourth in the XC2 Pro Lites Class and tenth overall in 2009, will return to the XC2 class on a Kawasaki 250F four-stroke. Watkins grew up racing in the GNCC series and holds two GNCC amateur championships.
Sixteen-year-old Ashley Crouch has also joined the JG Off Road team for the GNCC series. Crouch finished third in the Women’s class last year with eight podium appearances and three wins.  Crouch will be aboard a Kawasaki KXF250.
For Endurocross, Ryan Rodgers returns for his second year on the team, and will be competing in the Expert class. Rodgers has raced for 20 years, and grew up racing District Six in Pennsylvania. Rodgers raced the GNCC series as an amateur and later as a Pro before he began competing in the Endurocross series. This is Rodgers’ third year on the team. Rodgers will be on a Yamaha YZ250.
Geoff Aaron has joined the team this year and will ride a Christini / KTM in the Endurocross series. Aaron is ranked #2 in the series, and won his first Endurocross in 2009.  Aaron has the option to race AWD equipped 250 or 300 XC 2-stroke KTM’s with Factory Connection suspension and KTM Hard Parts motors. Aaron will kick off his season at the Erzberg Rodeo in Austria June 3-6 before the Endurocross season begins on July 17 in Las Vegas at the Orleans Arena.