It’s been a solid, rapid start to the 2012 Grand National Cross Country Championship Series for a talented group of riders using ITP tires. The first two rounds took place within less than a week of each other, at River Ranch, Florida, and then Washington, Georgia.

In the morning wave of amateur division racing in Florida, Dave Simmons (Yam) won the Senior 45+ class and was second overall. Simmons is the defending 50+ Masters champion, but has apparently decided to drop down an age group and give the “kids” a run for their money.

Women’s class championship contender Angel Atwell (Hon) got things going with a hard-fought victory and fourth overall out of 145 morning competitors.

Among 61 Youth division competitors, Jordan Digby (Yam) was a fine 11th overall and third in the 90 Open (8-11) class. Jordan is the son of Stan Digby, who does a great job managing ITP’s trackside support effort.

ITP enjoyed a couple of inspiring performances in the afternoon racing as well, highlighted by Adam McGill’s second overall and second in the premier XC1 Pro class. McGill is now riding a Honda supported by the Precision/Moto X Perts/ITP/Lonestar/RG Motorsports team. McGill led much of the event but then suffered brake problems that hampered his efforts.

Patrick McGuire (Yam) was impressive in the XC2 Pro Am class, capturing the holeshot and winning comfortably while placing sixth overall out of 122 riders.

Just five days later up the road in Georgia, Dave Simmons moved one step higher on the morning’s podium by winning overall and dominating the Super Senior 45+ class by over 17 minutes.

Angel Atwell placed third in the Women’s class, while Glenn McConnell made his first appearance of the year a good one by holeshotting and winning the 50+ Masters event.

Jordan Digby repeated his third place podium finish in the 90 Open (8-11) class and was tenth overall Youth rider.

Adam McGill was once again in the mix at the front of the field and at one point led overall, but he was unfortunately sidelined due to a front brake and wheel bearing failure.

Patrick McGuire cemented his position at the top of the XC2 Pro Am point standings with second place in class and another top-ten overall placing (eighth). He also picked up a little more pocket money, courtesy of Motosport.com, at the end of the day thanks to his holeshot at the beginning of it.

The series now moves to Morganton, North Carolina, March 31 and April 1, for the FMF Steele Creek GNCC.

Photos by Amy McConnell, XCountry Photos

Adam McGill (2) was second overall at round one in Florida aboard his new Honda. Photo: Amy McConnell.

With a second and a first in the two rounds completed so far, Patrick McGuire (591) is solidly atop the XC2 Pro Am point standings. Photo: Amy McConnell.

Dave Simmons (201) captured yet another overall Morning ATV win in Georgia. Photo: Amy McConnell.

With a victory at round one, Angel Atwell (206) showed she is ready to contend for the Women’s class title once again. Photo: Amy McConnell.

Jordan Digby (88) is one of the Youth class riders to watch. Photo: Amy McConnell.

Glenn McConnell (816) did not race in Florida but won 50+ Masters in Georgia. Photo: Amy McConnell.