MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (Dec. 6, 2007) -Racer Productions, the producers of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC), has announced the 2007 GNCC season generated 18,630 entries, a 12.11 percent gain compared to the 2006 tour, making it the largest season in series' history. The 2007 series averaged 1,433 entries per race. Since GNCC rules dictate a rider can only race one motorcycle or ATV class per weekend, the entry numbers represent the actual number of racers who attended the races, as opposed to fewer riders entering multiple classes.
"These are amazing numbers," said GNCC Trail Boss Jeff Russell. "Even with concerns over gas prices and the economy, the series still drew more racers than ever, and that's why we say this is America's largest off-road series. If it keeps growing like this, we're going to need a lot of room.
"We may put the pits for these races in a Wal-Mart parking lot," joked Russell.
The series is growing at a faster level than ever before. From 2002-2006, the series grew at a 25 percent rate, but then added an additional 12 percent just this season alone.
Grand National Cross Country Entries Historical comparisons:
Youth Youth
Year Total Bike Quad Bike Quad
2007: 18,630 9,073 6,987 1,643 927
2006: 16,373 7,861 6,624 1,221 667
2005: 15,578 7,755 6,330 1,129 364
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series just wrapped a full season of coverage on the Versus Network, and will return to television in 2008. The 2008 season begins with the Triton GNCC in Vero Beach, Fla., on March 1 - 4.
About GNCC Racing
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1973, 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 1,800 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles, competing for more than $3 million in prizes. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. GNCC featured sponsors include: BRP Can-Am, Parts Unlimited, Moose, Maxxis, Pirelli, Wiseco, Acerbis, Elka, GEICO, Klotz, FMF, ITP and Weekend Warrior. Associate sponsors include Alpinestars, Cometic, HiPer Technology, Laegers, Moose Utility Division, The National Guard, Powersport Grafx, REM, Scott, Thor, Tire Balls, Twin Air, and MotoTee's. Media Sponsors include Racer X Illustrated, ATV Rider, ATV Sport, ATVRiders.com, Quadzone.com, Dirt Rider and ATV Insider. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.
About Racer Productions
A West Virginia-based motorcycle and ATV event production company, Racer Productions has been a leader in the off-road racing industry for more than 30 years. It's repertoire of events includes the 13-round Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, since 1973; The Kawasaki/Monster Energy High Point National in Mount Morris, Pa., since 1977; The ATV Dirt Days at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn., since 1985; The U.S. World Motocross Gran Prix at Steel City Raceway in Delmont, Pa. in 1987; The Monster Energy/Kawasaki Steel City National, since 1988; The ATV Stampede National Motocross at High Point Raceway, since 1994; The Wrangler ATV National Motocross at Oak Hill Raceway in Decatur, Texas, since 2006; The AMA Pro ATV Open at Steel City in 2007; as well as numerous other amateur motocross events. In addition, Racer Productions staffs the prestigious Air Nautiques/AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn's Ranch, since 1982. For more information, please visit www.racerproductions.com.