World's Largest Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Series Returns to Snowshoe Mountain
SNOWSHOE, W.Va. (September 3, 2008) -- The world’s best off-road dirt bike and ATV racers return to Snowshoe Resort on September 13th and 14th for the second annual Moose Racing Snowshoe Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) race. The race through the rugged slopes of Snowshoe serves as Round 10 of the 13-stop Can-Am Grand National Cross Country tour, with many racers expecting the toughest racing conditions they have faced all season. Nearly 1,500 competitors from all over the world will compete, with several thousand spectators lining the facility to catch the action.
"Snowshoe is my favorite event on the tour," says Isle of Man’s David Knight, the current GNCC Bike Champion. "The rocks, the mud, the hills, the conditions are extremely demanding, which is what I like. Snowshoe really rewards a rider who handle technical terrain.
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 more than $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 13, and dirt bikes will race on Sunday, September 14. Riders can sign up at the track. The amateur racer entry fee is $40.
Spectator passes are $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. For more information on the racing series, check out the official series website at GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084. For more information on Snowshoe Resort, please check out www.snowshoemtn.com.
No other ski resort holds a dirt bike or ATV race of this size. Snowshoe’s hotels, shops and restaurants will house racers and spectators, with the victory podium assembled at the center of the Snowshoe Village. Surrounding that, the track features 12 miles of trails that wind up and down the ski slopes, with a ski chair lift shuttling fans down to remote sections of the track.
This year’s series has provided some of the wildest racing action in years. For Sunday’s dirt bike race, Knight has faced pressure from New Zealand’s Paul Whibley and Australia’s Josh Strang, who have each won races and sit second and third in points. The American racers, including Pennsylvania’s Barry Hawk, Ohio’s Charlie Mullins and New York’s Nathan Kanney, have logged consistent finishes all year and expect to contend for victory at Snowshoe.
On four-wheeled machines, Kentucky ATV legend Bill Ballance has turned the tables on his younger competition, winning three races in a row to snag the series’ points lead. As Ballance fights for his record-breaking ninth GNCC Championship, West Virginia’s own Adam McGill looks to take the crown away from him. McGill led the standings early in the season before falling into a slump, he hopes to rebound in his home state to get back into title contention. In addition to the pro ATV racers, top amateur and 4x4 riders will compete.
Fast Facts:
What: The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC), America's Largest Off Road Racing Series. 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 1,800 riders through tracks ranging from eight to 12 miles in length. With varied terrain including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed.
When: September 13 and 14, 2008
Where: Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Who: The Can-Am GNCC Series pits the best of the best in off-road racing against each other. More than 1,500 amateur racers are expected to compete on custom-built dirt bikes and four-wheeled ATVs. Top pro motorcycle riders include David Knight, Barry Hawk, Jr., Charles Mullins, Jimmy Jarrett and Shane Watts. ATV pro riders include Bill Ballance, Chris Borich, Chris Bithell, Matt Smiley and Adam McGill.
Note: Media members wishing to cover the event should contact Justin Anderson at 704-589-2100.
