Morgantown, WV – Racer Productions, producers of the Suzuki Grand National Cross Country Series, announces a new class for the 2007 racing season. The XC 2 “Lites” class will join the existing pro class, now called XC 1, as a way to promote the next generation of off-road stars through the GNCC ranks.

“We’re setting up a class to help younger riders gain experience as pro GNCC racers without having to battle World Champions like Juha Salminen every week,” says Racer Productions’ Jeff Russell. “Racing is a mental game, and the new class should provide a nice bridge between building experience without losing confidence.”

 The class also allows teams to develop and showcase 250 four-stroke bikes for pro off-road racing, as the 250 two-strokes are still the bike of choice in the XC1 pro class. The top GNCC factory teams have already shown an interest in the new class and are expected to place several XC2 riders into the field with support.

The class will start on the second row of the GNCC starting grid, 1 minute behind the XC 1 pro class (all times will be adjusted for overall results). The XC 2 engine displacement is limited to 125cc for two-strokes and 250cc for four-strokes. The XC 2 purse will guarantee payback for the first five positions, while the XC 1 pro class will continue with a guaranteed payback for the top ten. The entry fee for the XC 2 class will be $50, with the XC 1 pro class remaining at $100.

The AMA-sanctioned Suzuki Grand National Cross Country series is America’s premier off-road racing series. The 13-round series is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The nearly three-hour long GNCC races lead as many as 1800 riders through tracks ranging from eight to twelve miles in length. With varied terrain including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. GNCC featured sponsors include Parts Unlimited, Moose, Maxxis, Pirelli, Wiseco, Klotz, FMF, ITP and Tire Balls, and riders compete for over $3 million in series prizes and contingency money. Associate sponsors include Moose Utility Division, Scott, Acerbis, Alpinestars, Cometic, Outerwears, Twin Air, Polisport Plastics, Thor, Motion Pro, Hyper Wheels, Elka Suspension, MotoTee’s, Weekend Warrior, Race Tools, Powersports GrafX, EK Chain and Laeger’s. Media Sponsors include Dirt Rider Magazine, ATV Sport Magazine, www.ATVRiders.com and Racer X Illustrated. For more information log on to www.GNCCRacing.com.

 

 

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