MORGANTOWN, W.Va - The 42nd Annual AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship kicked off last weekend in Palatka, Florida where Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing/Bel-Ray's Josh Strang secured the first win of the season in the XC1 Pro class. With only a few short days left to recover from the first round Strang, hopes to repeat his success at the Maxxis Cannonball GNCC in Sparta, Georgia.
The Georgia terrain offers a much different experience than the Florida sands, but is also a brand-new venue placing everyone on an equal playing field. Strang will look to continue his success as the season wears on adding more podium finishes and overall wins to his resume.
N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha's Daniel Milner had a breakout performance last Sunday finishing second, ahead of some of the sport's biggest names. At the end of the three hour race Milner was in a head-to-head battle with three-time National Champion Kailub Russell, but ended up taking second place by a mere second.
FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Kailub Russell heads into this weekend hoping to reset his season after suffering from a first turn crash in Florida. The defending champion has the will to return to the top of the box on Sunday and will put up a fight to return to the top.
After leading the first part of the race last weekend, JCR Honda/Lucas Oil/Maxxis/FLY Racing's Chris Bach heads into the Cannonball GNCC holding the fourth place position in the points championship.
JCR Honda/Lucas Oil/Maxxis/FLY Racing's Trevor Bollinger can breathe a sigh of relief as he heads into round two with the XC2 Pro Lites points lead. However, Trevor has a talented fielded of riders behind him including Beta USA's Tegan Temple who finished the second at the opening round last weekend and Coastal Racing/Husqvarna/MSR's Craig Delong who currently sits third in the points championship.
Sunday's race schedule is as follows: Youth Bike racing begins at 8 a.m., followed by amateurs and women at 10 a.m. and pros and top amateurs at 1 p.m.
Adult (12+) gate admission is $20 for the full weekend and $10 for kids (6-11), with kids five and under free. Gate admission includes pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge.
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. Local racers expected to compete this Sunday will be Michael Beckett (Senior B 40+), Zach Beverly (4 Stroke B Lites), Woody Bramlett Jr. (Golden Masters 60+), Cordis Brooks (250 A), Forrest Busby (250 C 22+), John Cochran (Super Mini 14-15), Weston Detienne (250 C 22+), Father Mark (Masters A 50+) and son Joshua (4 Stroke A Lites), Judd Lott (250 B), Will Resler (250 C Schoolboy 12-16) and Brian Virgin (Super Senior 45+).
For a complete schedule of the weekend's activities, please visit the Cannonball GNCC event page on the series website by clicking HERE.
Tune into RacerTV.com on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST to catch LIVE coverage of the Pro Bike race at round two. For more information on GNCC Live coverage, visit racertv.com.
For more information on the series, visit the official website at gnccracing.comor call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCCLIVE.
