Photography: Matt Ware

The 2009 GNCC harescramble in Snowshoe, West Virginia proved to yet again be a course to be reckoned with on the tour.  Known for being a battle to the finish, this year was not exception.  The course was littered with the toughest hills and mud holes of the season but Jason Thomas of Monster Energy FAR conquered the course to score his first GNCC XC2 class win since Yadkinville in 2008 and get his much deserved time in the spotlight.  “I went into this race the same as every race, focused and ready to ride.  I wanted to win and luck was on my side” said Jason while celebrating the big victory.  While Jason has had much success in the U.K., he continues to build his career in the GNCC by being a top competitor at every race and proving that he’s out to be the fastest man on the track. 

The MotorcycleUSA.com Snowshow GNCC has earned the reputation of being the toughest and most unique race on the GNCC tour.  Near vertical hills and deep mud pits make this course an ultimate test for racers.  No stranger to tough terrain, Thomas felt prepared for Snowshoe after growing up riding on similar tracks in his home outside of the Welsh forest. “I excel on tougher tracks.  I didn’t change my riding style for Snowshoe.  I thought I was riding at home today.  The track was just like back home with more lines.  My Yamaha worked awesome.  I had so much fun out there.”  He made every effort to show he was out to prove himself.  Thomas dominated the track on all three of the 20 miles laps in hopes of catching the XC1 riders and a strong finish in the overall standings. 

Team owner Fred Andrews of Monster Energy FAR Andrews Yamaha couldn’t have been more please with Thomas’s performance on Sunday.  “Jason got the start and never looked back.  By the end of the third lap, Jason was just under 6:00 minutes ahead of the second place finisher.”  Thomas’s decision to join the Monster Energy Andrews Yamaha team has helped him excel on the track.  “I joined [Monster Energy Andrews Yamaha] because they were the best team in the lites class.  I’ve learned how to be a more well rounded rider and it’s helped me succeed.”

This win locks Thomas in 3^rd place in the overall standings for the XC2 class.  So where does Thomas hope to be following the break?  “I expect to be on the top step.  We are back on track I know and I always finish a season better than I start. This is just what I needed before the summer break!”  His performance at Snowshoe is just the start of what he has planned.  Jason Thomas is here to make his mark on the GNCC and will do anything to make it happen.