GNCC Rd. 1 Vero Beach, FL

Team Fun Mart Cycles/Maxxis/ktmhutt.com rider Shane Watts opened 2007 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series with a dominating win at Rd. 1, held in the deep sands and palmetto roots of Florida on March 6.

Coming into the event as a total under dog, despite strong results in the off-season races, Watts completely blew the field apart by charging to a 2 minute victory over David Knight and Garrett Edminsten, re-affirming himself as a serious Championship threat to all of his competitors.

“What an excellent start to the season,” Watts exclaimed following the race. “I got a decent start, and then pulled some nice lines in the first few corners which placed me in 3rd going into the first tree section. Not long after that I moved into the lead and just rode a steady pace. I was stoked with how I was able to significantly gap the field during the second half of the 3 hour race. For 2007 I have had to purchase my bikes and parts, so my motivation was high to take the victory for all of those enthusiasts out there who are in the same position as myself. I’ve always had a strong fan base of supporters cheering me on, but this year it seems to have grown 10 fold, so this victory was for them.”

“Of course now I wouldn’t be in the position of being able to race if it wasn’t for the sensational support of the following companies; Fun Mart Cycles, Maxxis tires, ktmhutt.com, Progrip goggles and grips, Spectro oils, Shift apparel, GPR stabilizers, DeCal Works graphics, Dirt Tricks sprockets, Race Tech suspension, Bullet Proof Designs radiator protection, Flexx handlebars, Synergy seals, Cycra plastic, Clarke fuel tanks, Alpinestars, FMF, and E-line guards.”