JOSH STRANG REPORT By Mike Webb File Photo-Shan Moore
We just got back from the Yadkinville GNCC, round 6 of the series. It was a really tough day for the team, but that is part of the menu in the GNCC’s. Josh got off to a great start despite a little drama in the pits prior to the race. We had a situation with the rear wheel right before the start and the team pulled together and got everything fixed just as Josh was going to the line.
Josh and Charlie hooked up just like at Loretta’s and started to pull a gap on the field. We had planned to pit at the end of lap 2 so we let Josh know. I gave him the word at the 8 mile marker and he put his head down and pulled about 7 seconds on Charlie going into the pits. Unfortunately that’s when things went way wrong, Josh said he swapped a bit off a breaking bump and clipped a tree with his left hand which pulled him off the bike, he held on with his right hand and in doing so he grabbed a handful of throttle which sent him straight into a tree.
The crash was at speed and Josh is damn lucky he survived, he lay on the ground for quite a while trying to get his breath and his bearings before slowly making his way back to the pits. Once back in the pits Shane Nalley and Chris Wolf went to work and straightened out the severely bent front end and Josh got back on after loosing nearly 10 minutes. He regrouped the next lap and then started getting back to speed as much as he could and worked his way back up to ninth overall and more important 12 valuable points towards the championship.
Josh was really bummed after the race and the team reminded him that you win championships on your worst day and today he overcame extreme adversity to get the points he got. File Photo-Shan Moore
I want to send a huge shout out to the top pro riders that actually took the time out during the race to stop and let the team know that Josh was down and hurt. Charlie Mullins stopped at our pits and said Josh was down and it was serious as did Glen Kearney. And Paul Whibley actually stopped and waited to make sure that Josh was OK on the trail and was passed by another pro during this time. I didn’t get to thank Paul after the race and I can’t thank Paul enough, it’s a great testimony to these top pro’s that they will take the time during the race to do this.
I don’t recall one rider stopping to see if Mike Allessi was OK after his massive crash last year during the nationals, these off road guys are hero’s in my book.
Cheers,
Mike
Below: Paul Whibley, Glenn Kearney and Charlie Mullins all went out of their way to help the injured Strang when he clipped a tree at speed.
Thanks to all the riders, Charlie, GK, Whibs and any others, Josh's Mum and I rest easier when we know the top blokes have concern for each other. Thanks heaps guys, and good luck to each & everyone of you. Best regards Vince Strang
WARNING: Much of the action depicted in this magazine is potentially dangerous. Virtually all of the riders seen in our photos are experienced experts or professionals. Do not attempt to duplicate any stunts that are beyond your own capabilities. Always wear the appropriate safety gear.
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