Team UXC Racing Report: Snowshoe GNCC

Coming into the historically tough Snowshoe GNCC in the mountains of West Virginia, Team UXC Racing’s Michael Swift prepared for the worst. His Can-Am Renegade X xc had been specially prepped to take on the long high-speed sections as well as the many rock gardens littering the lower sections of the course.

“We started into the dirt from the paved section third in our class and passing to first place before the two mile marker,” says Swift.

Swift was also able to catch and pass the open class riders before the five-mile mark on the first lap to try and pull away just a little. The plan was to pit early to insure enough fuel in case of any possible mishap that could prevent a pit late in the race. The second lap around was the scheduled pit and with a brief stop for fuel the second place rider in the U2 class was able to slip by. After getting back out in front of his class Swift made a line choice that narrowed too much for the Renegade to squeeze through. This kept the Team UXC racer behind his competition.

This is where the race turned a direction that was surprising for every racer. The two card was thrown on the finish line, which most would consider two laps to go. The white flag should have been thrown in the first half of the double check point but it was not. Essentially there was no white flag. Thinking there was one more full lap and time to reel the front rider in, Swift looked for fresh goggles and just held his position until he could get clean eyes for a pass. It wouldn’t come though as upon the next pass through the finish line the checkered flag was thrown.

Amidst the confusion the race had ended and so did the chance to pass for a first place finish. Swift would end the day with a second place finish and second overall for the day.

“It was very disappointing, but we will take this and move forward, ” says Swift. “I do wish to give props to my Evans coolant and Outerwears radiator cover for keeping the Team UXC Can-Am Renegade X xc running cool all day. I also want to give a shout out to Rob Smith for his great run and first morning overall victory!”

The Team UXC number 640 of Don Higbee made a great run at the Snowshoe course and with a steady pace he managed a fifth place finish. This keeps the Casper Wyoming native second in the points chase and ready for a summer break.

“We made a great start and even took over the class lead for a brief time,” says Higbee. “Keeping steady on this brutal course was our plan and just surviving the day made it worth the effort.”

Both Swift and Higbee will be racing the Heartland Challenge and have made plans to Iron Man the Infamous Baja 1000.

Team UXC Racing would like to thank their sponsors for the 2013 season: