GNCC University Returns to Snowshoe

May 3, 2012, 4:00pm

GNCC University Returns to Snowshoe Resort in 2012

Morgantown, W. Va. - Racer Productions, in conjunction with Yamaha Racing and Snowshoe Resort, is proud to announce the return of GNCC University to this year’s Motosport.com Snowshoe GNCC, round 8 of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series. Yamaha’s top off-road ATV and motorcycle racers will be on hand as instructors of this two-day riding school, beginning with orientation on Wednesday, June 20 and running through Friday, June 22.

Dean of ATVs, 9-Time GNCC Champion Bill Ballance, will lead this year's Yamaha Racing ATV instructors, including 2011 XC2 champ Walker Fowler, Taylor Kiser, 8-Time GNCC Champion Traci Cecco and Johnny Gallagher.

“Working with the students at GNCC U is a good reminder of how fortunate we are to be able to do what we love and it’s a great feeling to pass along some of our knowledge and skills to the younger racers and just give back to the sport,” said Bill Ballance. “Having this riding school at Snowshoe makes the event extra special and since we always seem to be pressed for time on race day, events like this give us time to relax a little and focus on helping out the students. We hope this will help to build our sport for the future!”

Led by Dean of motorcycles, 7-Time AMA National Enduro Champion Randy Hawkins, this year's Yamaha Racing bike instructors include 5-Time AMA National Hare Scramble Champion Jason Raines, 2009 XC1 Champion Paul Whibley, XC1 rider Jordan Ashburn, XC2 riders Brad Bakken and Jedediah Haines, and Women’s class rider Leeann Bange.

“Our team is very pleased to be a part of GNCC U once again this year and we feel fortunate to be able to give back to this sport and its younger generation of racers and riders,” said Randy Hawkins. “It’s always fun to get back to the basics and to be able to spend time working with students on all elements of woods racing. We’re excited to bring a few new instructors on board this year and we’re looking forward to another great week at Snowshoe!”

The panel of professional instructors will head several groups of students according to bike size and riding level to ensure each student is learning with a group similar to his/her riding ability. Students will learn proper navigation of up hills, down hills, grass tracks, woods, rocks and mud, as well as how to handle competitive starts. Students will also participate in lectures about sportsmanship, training, nutrition and mental preparation.

Reservations are on a first-come first-serve basis as there are only 40 spots each for both the bike and ATV disciplines - totaling 80 spots. Students must provide their own equipment and be at least 8 years of age, and machines must be 85cc or larger.

GNCC University is in session from June 20-22, 2012. Tuition, room and board—including meals throughout the school is $428 per student. Registration is now open through Snowshoe Mountain Resort. To reserve a spot, call the office at 877-441-4386 or visit www.snowshoemtn.com.

Yamaha will also have the ATV and SxS Demo program on site, as well as the YZ/WR Demo program for all qualified riders and spectators to test out both ATV and Motorcycle models throughout the race weekend.

Round six of the 2012 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series heads to Springville, Indiana, May 12 and 13 for The Limestone 100 GNCC. For more information, go to gnccracing.com.

About GNCC Racing:

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, 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 ten to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed and draw talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on NBC Sports Network. For more information, please visit gnccracing.com.