Morganton, N.C. (March 18, 2010) - After two rounds of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series, a scorching battle has broken out between Yoshimura/Suzuki backed Chris Borich and Yamaha's Taylor Kiser, as the two are tied for the points lead.
Borich might have had a relatively easy time clinching the 2009 championship, but it is apparent that more riders are stepping up for the challenge of the 2010 title. With the Florida round, Borich clinched his ninth straight win dating back to last season, but Kiser dashed his hopes for 10-straight in Georgia when Borich was unable to pull out his typical come from behind charge.
Can-Am's Adam McGill has made an easy transition to the DS450, as he as strong as he was in 2009 on the KTM. He is still looking to break out of third place while his teammate Chris Bithell has been leading early charges to the front of the pack. Yamaha's Bill Ballance has also reappeared on the podium with a third in Georgia.
Not to be left out is the rest of the hard-charging crowd of riders, like Yamaha-mounted Jeffrey Pickens, National Guard Polaris/Yokley Racing's Jarrod McClure and FRE KTM's Bryan Cook and Yamaha's Johnny Gallagher, Donnie Ockerman and Brandon Sommers.
In the XC2 Class, Brian Wolf and Josh Kirkland have resumed their battle for dominance, but in Georgia, Walker Fowler, last year's top amateur, took his first XC2 win, after knocking himself out at the Florida round just a week prior. Fowler still has time to make up points and if he continues to show as he did in Georgia, he will be tough competition. Also on the radar is Kevin Yoho and Parker Jones, who have both finished on the podium so far this season.
Spectator passes run $15 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On both Saturday and Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., beginner riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.
The track is located at the Steele Creek campground. From Interstate 40 West, take Exit 105 to Highway 181 North 13 Miles.
For more information, check out the official series website at www.gnccracing.com or call 304-284-0084.
About GNCC Racing
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1979, 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 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. Riders compete for more than $3 million in prize money, which draws talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on the Versus Network starting April 25th. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.