In the XC2 Pro Lites Class, the series turned upside down once former series leader Rodney Smith injured his groin in West Virginia. The five-time GNCC Champion has failed to finish the last two races, handing the lead over to Red Bull KTM's Justin Williamson. That class is stacked, with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki FAR riders Scott Watkins and Josh Weisenfels in the hunt, as well as Am-Pro Yamaha's Thad DuVall and PowerSport GrafX KTM's Dustin Gibson and Kailub Russell.
The Elka Yadkin Valley Stomp GNCC begins with ATV racing on Saturday. Youth riders race at 8 a.m., followed by the showdown with the Utility and 4x4 Classes as well as the Women's class at 10 a.m. Yamaha's Traci Cecco is looking to lock up yet another Women's title this weekend. The XC1 and XC2 pro classes race at 1 p.m., with East Coast ATV's Chris Borich holding back Yamaha's Bill Ballance in the chase for the GNCC #1 plate.
Bikes race on Sunday, with Youth racing at 8 a.m., a 10 a.m. morning race, and a three-hour race at 1 p.m. for XC1, XC2, A and B classes.
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series is the largest off-road racing series in the nation. The top pro racers make a lucrative living in the sport, reigning in six-figure salaries and endorsements, as well as a share of a $130,000 prize purse and over $3 million in contingency and bonus money. GNCC events also offer classes for amateur riders of all skill and experience levels. Four-wheeled ATVs will compete throughout the day on Saturday, September 14, and dirt bikes will race on Sunday, September 15. Riders can sign up at the track. The amateur racer entry fee is $40.
Spectator passes run $12 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On both Saturday and Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., beginner riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m. For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.
Directions: I-77 to Exit 73A to Highway 421 South. Go 10 miles to Exit 256, Unifi Industrial Road. Turn left, go 1.2 miles to end of road. Turn right on old Rte. 421. Go 2/10 mile, turn left on Myers Rd. Go 1 mile, race track is on left.