MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - The 2015 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, is set to embark on its 41st annual season this weekend, March 7 and 8, alongside Daytona's "Bike Week" festivities in Florida. The Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka serves as the season opener for the 13-round championship series, where ATVs race throughout the day on Saturday and motorcycles line up for a full day of racing on Sunday through some of the most intense, grueling obstacles in off-road.
Following a record-breaking season in 2014 in terms of rider participation, fan attendance and a few history-making moments on the course, the 2015 AMSOIL GNCC season is one of the most highly anticipated championships to date. With its close proximity to Daytona (around 65 miles), the season opener typically draws many of the industry's biggest names, as the two-to-three hour pro races are a spectacle to see.
The schedule traditionally begins in the sands of Florida with a unique experience for GNCC racers and fans alike. However, the Rodman Plantation offers a variation of terrain that isn't typical for the sunshine state. The 6,000-acre property features a wealth of black clay mixed into the sandy terrain, with plenty of tight wooded sections and flowy field sections.
Since the season opener follows the cold winter months, GNCC offers a practice session for all racers, excluding Micro 50cc classes, on Friday and Saturday before the event. Keep in mind, the practice course will be separate from the race course but it will incorporate a small preview of what riders can expect on race day. The cost is $20 per rider and there is a specific schedule according to discipline and race time.
On Friday, Youth ATV practice will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a 2 - 4 p.m. practice session for all other ATV racers, including 10 a.m. classes and 1 p.m. classes.
On Saturday, Youth Bike practice will begin at Noon, followed by a 1 - 4 p.m. practice session for all other Bike racers, including 10 a.m. classes and 1 p.m. classes.
For a complete schedule of the weekend's activities, please visit the Wild Boar event page on the series website.
Saturday's race schedule is as follows: Youth ATV racing begins at 8 a.m., followed by amateurs, 4x4 Pro and Women at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and pros begin at 1 p.m. Following Saturday's afternoon race, 50cc Micro racing will take place at 4 p.m. On Sunday, Youth Bike racing begins at 8 a.m., followed by amateurs and Women at 10 a.m. and the top amateurs and pros begin at 1 p.m.
Adult (12+) gate admission is $20 for the full weekend and $10 for kids (6-11). Kids five and under are free. All admission includes pro pit access. Local racers are invited to compete at this event, as GNCC Racing offers classes for riders of all skill and experience levels. The amateur racer entry fee is $40 and riders can sign up at the track.
Tune into RacerTV.com on Saturday at 1 p.m. EST to catch LIVE coverage of the Pro ATV race at Round 1, and Sunday at 1 p.m. for LIVE coverage of the Pro Bike race. For more information on GNCC Live coverage, visit racertv.com.
The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series kicks off its 2015 season March 7 and 8 in Palatka, Florida with the Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC. For more information on the series, please visit gnccracing.com.
