GNCC Heads to Yadkin Valley Stomp
Yadkinville, NC (May 6, 2010) -- FMF Makita Suzuki's Josh Strang has a new contender to deal with, as the 2010 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series makes its way to round six of the series, the Motorcycle-USA.com Yadkin Valley Stomp on May 8-9.
Strang had a four race win streak coming into the Acerbis Loretta Lynn GNCC, but Obermeyer Yamaha's Charlie Mullins stepped up to take his first win since the opening round of the 2009 season. Strang and Mullins battled until the final lap when Mullins' quick thinking around a line gave him an edge against the points leader.
Although Strang has a significant points margin ahead of Mullins, there are still several races left for competitors to gain ground on him. FMF/KTM's Nate Kanney returned to the podium at Loretta's, and privateer Chris Bach is still holding strong, taking fourth at Loretta's.
While riders like Cory Buttrick and Glenn Kearney have also had good runs so far this season, onlookers still expect a better showing out of defending GNCC Champion Paul Whibley. The Am-Pro Yamaha rider hasn't had the best luck on his new ride, only appearing on the podium twice so far in 2010. Whibley has suffered from mechanical problems and simple bad luck. In 2009, Whibley won five races, one of them the Yadkin Valley Stomp. Look for Whibley to be at the top of the pack this weekend. Also watch for his teammate, the always-fast Thad DuVall, the veteran Barry Hawk, and FMF KTM's rookie threat Cory Buttrick. Both Buttrick and DuVall have battled Strang this season.
In the XC2 class, FMF/KTM's Kailub Russell is furthering his own win streak, taking the win at the last four rounds. Russell has been challenged by the likes of privateer Jesse Robinson, Monster Energy/FAR/Andrews Cycles Jason Thomas, and GEICO/JG Off Road/Monster Energy Kawasaki's Scott Watkins. Watkins landed second at Loretta's. Also taking runs to the podium is FMF KTM's Steward Baylor Jr., the 15-year-old who became the youngest rider ever to land on the XC2 podium at round four.
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 ATV pro classes compete in a two-hour national on Saturday starting at 1 p.m., and the bike pro classes compete in a three-hour national on Sunday starting at 1 p.m.
To get to the track: 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 US-421. Go 2/10 mile, turn left on Myers Rd. Go 1 mile, race track is on left.
For more information, check out the official series website at 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 1,800 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles, competing for more than $3 million in prizes. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. GNCC Television airs on Versus, now back on DirecTV, every Sunday and Tuesday. For more information, please visit gnccracing.com.
