Jordan Phillips’ Run for the Podium in GNCC Round 6 Derailed by Tree Branch

Jun 1, 2017

Jordan Phillips racing in the GNCC round 6 in Peru, Indiana

Passing took time and effort for Jordan Phillips in the muddy conditions in Indiana (Photo Ken Hill)

In a wet and wild Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) round 6 in Peru, Indiana, Jordan Phillips’ hard-charging run for the podium was stifled by a tree branch. The already challenging X-Factor course was made even more brutal with the wet and muddy conditions that a storm front inflicted.

“The course had a mix of everything such as tight wooded sections, steep hills, off camber sections, and plenty of muddy areas,” reported Phillips. “Saturday morning before our 10:00 am race time, the temperatures were in the low 50s, which was a bit chilly.”

In the main event, Phillips got a great start off the line and was engaged in a fast and competitive fight for the podium. However, he soon found himself slaloming around stuck ATVs.

Rain and mud were the rule of the day in the GNCC round 6 (Photo Ken Hill)

“When the green flag dropped I rocketed forward and headed to the woods in 3rd,” said Phillips. “The first lap went smooth and I maintained 3rd. The second lap was pretty eventful with sport quads stuck everywhere. There were deep ruts everywhere. I picked a couple of bad lines and checked in 5th.”

Carrying good speed and picking better lines, Phillips found his way back to podium contention.

“The third lap was better and I moved up to 4th,” Phillips said. “However, a storm moved in and began pouring the rain during the entire last lap. I made a pass for 3rd.”

Things were looking good for a top-three finish but nature was not done influencing the outcome of the race.

A lodged tree branch took Phillips out of podium contention (Photo Ken Hill)

“With 3 miles to go I encountered a lap rider, and as I tried to make a pass I wedged a tree branch under my machine,” said Phillips. "It took me around ten minutes to free the branch. I put the hammer down and finished the race. By the checkered flag, I had to settle for 5th in 4x4 Pro and 10th overall.”

Phillips will be back in action in Athens, Ohio, for the seventh round of the GNCC series.

Jordan Phillips races a Can-Am Renegade 1000 which gets added airflow and protection from the K&N CM-8012 air filter. To find the perfect filter or intake for your UTV check out K&N’s online application tool.