(TEN SECONDS)
WORDS: Jared Bolton // PHOTOS: Courtesy JNCC
Masami Hoshino began promoting enduro events in the Kanton Region of Japan in 1984, with the Hurricane Enduro named in honor of his friend, Bob Hannah. Masami even convinced Hannah to try out the event himself in 1987, and this would serve as the beginning of new challenges that would lead visitors to Japan off-road racing events.
Acting on the advice from visiting American racers such as Randy Hawkins and Scott Summers, the Hurricane Enduro would transition to a cross country style format known as the Hurricane AAGP. This proved to be successful, and Masami would begin a full series dubbed the Japan National Cross Country Series. Utilizing the same format and procedures as GNCC Racing in the US, the series exploded in popularity with hundreds of amateur racers competing alongside professional riders, just like GNCC.
We are deeply rooted in Moto—We’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.
Davey Coombs
Editor-in-chief & Founder
Racer X Illustrated
Subscribe Now
to continue reading X Rated
and other premium content from the pages of Racer X magazine
Get immediate access to this issue + 12 more issues
Subscribe or Renew for your FREE 2025 Racer X Calendar! (Subscribe now!)
Already have a subscription?
Login to your Account