Walker Fowler GNCC Rd 6 Race Report 2018

Race Report by Walker Fowler Racing

PERU, ​IN (May 17, 2018) – After being the only race that Walker Fowler didn’t win in 2017, the reigning champ headed into this past weekend’s X-Factor GNCC in Peru, Indiana with more pressure than ever. Welcomed rain showers fell during the 10 a.m. race and helped created a tacky base in the woods, but the fields remained dry and dusty creating a fast race course. After a big win at the last race and having an extra week to prepare between rounds, Fowler felt more than confident in his set-up and knew a good start would be key to the outcome of the race. Fowler took no time moving into the lead and grabbed the holeshot award along the way. As Fowler began to try and find his groove he realized he wasn’t alone – the top four guys were all wheel-to-wheel. With his competitors occupied with their own race and constantly swapping positions, Fowler kept his focus on maintaining a fast and safe pace up front.

The race remained close, but Fowler was able to gain a little breathing room on the last lap. From there he set his sights to upping his pace and creating a gap which was around 30 seconds. Around the eight mile marker on the fifth and final lap Fowler’s machine bogged down and lost power briefly – a sign he was low on gas.

All of the top guys used the same pitting strategy, so Fowler was sure that he had enough fuel to finish the race. He quickly put his quad into the highest gear it would run and carefully monitored his use of the throttle to prolong the little bit of fuel he had remaining. Fowler was able to make it to the last field section where the finish line was until completely running out of fuel just two turns away from the checkered flag. He quickly jumped off the quad and began pushing when two fans joined in the pushing efforts. By that time Fowler’s competitor had made up the time and was right there to steal the win away right in front of Fowler. Fowler was able to push his quad across the finish in second thinking it was a solo effort. However, the fans were still behind him and weren’t aware of the GNCC rule stating a rider must push the machine across the finish line without assistance, and a penalty was enforced – ultimately taking Fowler out of podium contention where he finished in fourth.

“I’m definitely bummed that our results continue to not reflect our efforts that we put in every weekend,” explained Fowler. “We’ll keep fighting these gremlins, we know we can still win races!”

GNCC Racing resumes on Memorial Day weekend with the John Penton GNCC. One of Fowler’s home state races, he has won the John Penton GNCC every year since 2014 and will look to add his first UTV win to his resume in three weeks. Fowler still maintains the points lead in ATV championship chase!

Current WFR Team Results:

Walker Fowler – XC1 Open Pro – 1st overall
Walker Fowler – UXC1 Pro Turbo – 5th overall
Vickie Fowler – UTV Women – 3rd