most gncc racers do not go wide, you have to fit between some unbelievably tight trails on some of those courses.
invest your $ into the best gncc/6ply tire money can buy, maybe some beadlock rims, a steering stabilizer, good grips, the biggest handgaurds you can find, and multiple pairs of gloves and goggles, it's rocky and very muddy at most races, you'll be able to get fresh gloves and goggles at your pit stops.
then consider shocks front and back, if you're over riding the stock suspension at your age ?
i've been to 4 gncc races in the last few years, very similar riding to hard core trails.
i'm so tempted to try and run one, but i wonder what class i'd be in ?
most almost 50 year olds are running the big, plush, sport 4x4's.
details on joining/racing will be on here:
The New GNCC Racing Online
pro rider tips:
PRO TIPS THAT WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER RIDER | News | ATV Action
and be sure to watch lots of gncc youtube vids, my favorite track i attended was "powerline park gncc" in ohio, look for "am quads", and "water crossing" < crazy chit in person