Ballance, who took second place at Power Line, was exuberant in comments to gnccracing.com: “I just can’t believe it. I remember way back when we were struggling, it was hard to even imagine winning a championship, let alone all of these…I have the big target on me, and I have to make sure I say and do things right, because everyone is going to be watching me. So it’s been tough. It feels real good to be able to pull it off. The sport just keeps growing and growing. It’s good for all of us to try to be good role models and be good to these fans. That’s part of it. I love the sport and love racing, and with the way it’s elevating right now, it’s great to be part of it.”

Borich and Ballance were in a tight race for the championship early in the season. Borich began the year with a commanding win at the opening round, the Suzuki Orange Crush, taking the holeshot and never looking back to win by more than three minutes. Meanwhile, Ballance opened the season with some bad luck and an eighth place finish. By Round 5, each had two race wins, and the race to the championship was on. Borich carried the points lead into Round 7 when bad luck, in the form of a broken tie rod, struck shortly after he grabbed the holeshot. Borich battled his way to a tenth place finish, but Ballance regained his familiar overall lead with a second place finish in Round 7. Ballance then proceeded to reel off four straight wins before clinching the title with his second place at Power Line.

Though obviously disappointed that the championship eluded him, Borich was pleased with his performance at Power Line, telling gnccracing.com that “This track fits my riding style. It’s high speed, and I just let it all hang out.” Duane Johnson continued his awesome rookie-year performance, taking fourth place for the day and moving into third place overall in the series. Brent Sturdivant rounded out the top five. Overall, Maxxis riders took 7 of the top 11 slots at Power Line.