Russell and Duvall Set to Battle at Amsoil Snowshoe GNCC

After a mechanical issue forced him out of the race after just five laps, Tely Energy Racing/KTM's Steward Baylor Jr. is looking forward to a better race come this Sunday afternoon. However, after suffering from an intermediate tear to his MCL this past weekend, it seems as though Baylor Jr. will be pushing through some pain as he tries to tackle the Snowshoe Mountain.

Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Josh Strang has had two great back-to-back performances after finishing second at round seven and a fourth at round eight. Strang is hoping for another podium finish before the GNCC Series takes its summer break. After earning the win at Snowshoe back in 2011, Strang is looking to return to the center of the podium.

Last year's Snowshoe Winner AmPro Yamaha's Ricky Russell did not have the start to the season he hoped for. As mechanical issues left him out of the top ten at the first four rounds, R. Russell rebounded for a third-place finish at Camp Coker. This Sunday, R. Russell is hoping to conquer the mountain once again and stand in the center of the stage.

FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Josh Toth has been on a winning streak in the XC2 250 Pro class, with four straight victories. However, Trail Jesters/KTM's Ben Kelley remains at the top with the points lead. Toth put in a great ride at Snowshoe last year, finishing second overall. This year Toth is hoping to once again land on the overall podium and earn valuable points towards defending his XC2 championship.

Coastal Racing/Husqvarna Teammates Craig Delong and Pascal Rauchenecker currently hold the third and fourth spots in the XC2 250 Pro class. Delong has finished on the podium at the last three events, but is hoping to stand in the center after the race this Sunday. Rauchenecker suffered a hand injury and missed round seven, but he is back now and ready to battle at the front of the pack this weekend. M&E Honda/Fly Racing/Alpinestar Austin Lee rounds out the top five in the XC2 250 Pro class.

On Sunday, June 24, the motorcycles will take to the woods of West Virginia following the same race schedule of youth racing action, starting the day off at 8 a.m. Women and amateur riders race at 10 a.m. and the pros and top amateurs will start at 1 p.m.

This event will also play host to GNCC's second Fantic eMTB race on Friday, June 22, at 6 p.m. Fantic eMTB Racing will feature seven classes, with no pre-qualifying: Pro, Schoolboy (12-18), Junior (19-29), Vet (30-39), Senior (40-49), Masters (50+), and Women. Class 1 Pedal Assist Bicycles with a motor-powered speed of 20 mph and motor wattage of <=750 watts eligible only. Bicycle helmet and eye protection are required.

Local riders expected to compete this weekend on motorcycles will be Kenny Hawkins (Super Senior A 45+), Thad Workman (Open B), Corey Tolliver (Vet C 30+), Wesley Lantz (Senior C 40+), Tyler Titchnell (250 C College 18-24), Billy Evans (Super Senior C 45+), Garrett George (4-Stroke B Lites), Scott Haynes (Masters B 50+), Paul Leftwich (Masters C 50+), Landon Tharp (65 10-11), Sean Wishart (Super Senior C 45+), Michael Gum (Open C College 16-24), Thomas Alkire (250 C Jr. 25+), Kasey Belt (Junior A/B 25+), Matt Bruffey (Open B), and Kiefer Galiano (65 7-9).

All local riders are invited and encouraged to compete in the event, as GNCC Racing offers classes for riders of all skill and experience levels. The amateur race entry fee is $50, and riders can sign up at the track or pre-enter. To learn more about GNCC Racing, refer to the GNCC 101 webpage.

Adult (12+) gate admission is $25 for the full weekend and $15 for kids (6-11), with kids five and under free for the full weekend. Gate admission includes pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge in addition to a free ski lift ticket, so fans can enjoy the race action below as they glide through the sky.

For a complete schedule of the weekend's activities, including live music, a graduation commencement, mountain biking, and more, please visit the Amsoil Snowshoe GNCC event page on the series website by clicking here.

The 1 p.m. Bike Pro race will be broadcasted live in its entirety on RacerTV.com and can be viewed as archived video online by visiting the GNCC Live page online. A highlight show featuring the event will be aired on the NBC Sports Network on Saturday, July 28, at 1:00 p.m.

For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.