Pirelli Scorpion MX Tops the Podium at John Penton GNCC

Watkins Brings Home Solid Finish in XC2

Rome, Ga. – For the third time in 2009, the talented GEICO/JG Racing Monster Kawasaki duo of Paul Whibley and Jimmy Jarrett swept the top of the podium thanks to their premier Scorpion MX MidSoft tires at the John Penton GNCC in Millfield, Ohio.  Perfect conditions greeted the competitors for round eight of the 2009 Can-Am GNCC Racing season and what is shaping up to be a closely contested championship. In the XC2 class, third GEICO/JG Racing Monster Kawasaki member Scotty Watkins just missed out on the podium in fourth.

Whibley’s victory is his third of the 2009 season. After grabbing the $250 MotorcylceUSA.com Holeshot Award, Whibley quickly asserted himself at the front of the field. Jarrett latched on quickly to the rear fender of his teammate and the pair gapped the competition. Whibley was in top form on Sunday, setting the fastest lap of the race on the final lap of the 3-hour event and making a statement in the fight for the series title. He reassumes first place in the standings, three points ahead of FMF Suzuki’s Joshua Strang, while Jarrett has a firm grasp on fourth.

In the XC2 class, Watkins was solid all day. Despite missing out on the podium, he captured a strong top five finish that keeps him fourth in the point standings, just four points out of the top three. Privateer competitor Jake Korn proved to be a pleasant surprise for the Pirelli stable, bringing home fifth overall and solidifying his fifth place position in the season standings.

“Pirelli is achieving considerable success this season in GNCC,” said Pirelli Motocross Manager Josh Whitmire. “Not only has the Scorpion MX family of tire been winning in the XC1 class, but is has been a presence at the front of the pack throughout the series, including the amateur ranks. The company is grateful for all the support it has received this season in GNCC competition and would like to thank all of its competitors for choosing Pirelli.”

After a couple weeks off, Can-Am GNCC Racing continues on to round nine of the 2009 season with the MotorcycleUSA.com Snowshoe GNCC on June 27-28 in Snowshoe, W.V.

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycle and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.