McGill took his first win...
McGill took his first win of the year at Steele Creek
- After winning eleven of thirteen races in 2010, Chris Borich secured the Championship and rolled into the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series with more momentum then ever. Borich kept it going as he had a nine-race winning streak heading into the last round at the FMF Steele Creek GNCC. Unfortunately, after passing for the lead on the last lap, Borich experienced some mechanical issues that left his bike to sputter past the finish line in fifth place.
Foremost Insurance Warnert Racing Can-Am rider Adam McGill secured his first win of the season after battling with teammate Chris Bithell throughout the two-hour race. Bithell led a majority of the race until he lost his rear brakes on the last lap, giving McGill the opportunity to hammer out the win.
Round four of the 2011 Can-Am GNCC tour, the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina, takes place this weekend April 9-10. Now that the Can-Am duo has broken up the winning streak of Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Chris Borich, the playing field has evened back out to a championship chase that could be anyone's claim.
Another contender in the quest for the GNCC title is Ballance Racing Yamaha's Taylor Kiser, who currently sits fourth in the point standings. Kiser was docked a position at Steele Creek after choosing a bad line on the course but there's definitely possibility for Kiser to step up and get a moto win amongst the stacked field of XC1 riders.
Borich experienced bike problems...
Borich experienced bike problems at Steele Creek, finishing fifth - Photo By: Shan Moore
Ballance Racing's Walker Fowler has dominated the XC2 division so far, claiming his third win of the season. DeRisi Racing's Eric Hoyland and KTM rider Aarol Bright have been mixing it up in the top three with Greg's ATV & Cycle Yamaha rider Gabe Phillips and Honda rider Parker Jones edging out the top five in points.
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.
To get to the track, take I-26 to Exit 44, then to Highway 49 North 7 Miles and look for the signs.
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 1,800 riders through tracks ranging in length from 10 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. For more information, please visit www.GNCCRacing.com.