Smith Rebounds at North Carolina GNCC

| March 25, 2002

Team Suzuki’s Rodney Smith bounced back after a second-round DNF to win round three of the Grand National Cross Country Series in Morganton, North Carolina, March 24. Smith took the lead from teammate Steve Hatch right after the start and then rode off with the win, his first of the young season.

Second place went to the opening-round winner Jason Raines, Yamaha, who came from behind after a bad start.

Third place was taken by National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty on the KTM 400cc thumper. This was Lafferty’s second consecutive time on the GNCC podium and is currently second in points, 12 behind leader Raines.

Suzuki’s Mike Kiedrowski and Yamaha-mounted Robbie Jenks rounded out the top five overall.

Hatch eventually pulled out of the race with an injured knee.

Results:

1. Rodney Smith (Suz)

2. Jason Raines (Yam)

3. Mike Lafferty (KTM)

4. Mike Kiedrowski (Suz)

5. Robbie Jenks (Yam)

6. Fred Andrews (Kaw)

7. Brian Garrahan (KTM)

8. Barry Hawk Jr. (Yam)

9. Chuck Woodford (Kaw)

10. 10. Randy Hawkins (Yam)

 

 

By Jason Weingandt