_GNCC Racing News
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Morganton, N.C. (March 18, 2010) - After two rounds of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, FMF Makita Suzuki's Josh Strang sits in the points lead, with a 14 point lead over the biggest surprise so far in the 2010 season, privateer Chris Bach. The two are the frontrunners of the season so far, but the big question is whether or not they can hold on to their lead going into round three, this weekend's FMF Steele Creek GNCC in Morganton, North Carolina.
Bach, who was last year's Top Amateur recipient in the Open A class, decided to make the move to the XC1 ranks, and has taken the class by storm with a second place finish in Florida, and a third in Georgia. North Carolina will be the proving ground for Bach to see if the first two rounds were simple luck or if he has the power to run up front.
Several top-runners like Obermeyer Yamaha's Charlie Mullins, Defending Champion Paul Whibley and JG Off Road/GEICO Powersports Jimmy Jarrett ran into tough luck at either the Florida and Georgia races, leaving the path open for other riders to make their way to the front of the pack. With a water-hole taking out his chances for a win in Florida and a first-turn crash in Georgia bouncing him to fourth for the day, Mullins hasn't been able to show the consistency he had in 2009. Defending Champion Paul Whibley ran out of gas in Florida giving him a dismal start to the season, but he recovered in Georgia with a second. While Jarrett had a strong finish in Florida, he pulled out midway through the first lap after the same first-turn crash that took Mullins down, resulting in a separated shoulder.
With a two week break after Georgia, these riders should return for the March 21st race in top form, allowing for a more even playing field for the entire XC1 class.
Rigid competition has overtaken the XC2 class, with Monster Energy/FAR/Andrews Cycles' Jason Thomas taking the points lead by 4 points over Defending Champion Kailub Russell. Then, Jesse Robinson, a privateer who moved down from the XC1 class this year after losing his factory ride with Husaberg, has ruffled the ranks with two strong rides, a second in Florida and a third in Georgia.
Spectator passes run $15 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.
The track is located at the Steele Creek campground. From Interstate 40 West, take Exit 105 to Highway 181 North 13 Miles.
For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.
About GNCC Racing
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1979, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. Riders compete for more than $3 million in prize money, which draws talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on the Versus Network. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.
