Adam McGill captured an exciting and emotional victory at the third round of the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, held under nearly ideal racing conditions at Morganton, North Carolina. After coming close numerous times during the last few seasons, McGill made the Steele Creek GNCC his first win since 2008. It wasn't easy, as his Can-Am/Warnert Racing teammate, Chris Bithell, also put in a strong performance at this event. Bithell had charged up from a mid-pack start to battle early leader McGill for first on the final lap, and at the checkers it was McGill topping Bithell by just four seconds.
Both riders were using ITP Holeshot GNCC tires on the front of their Can-Am DS 450s. McGill decided on ITP's QuadCross XC tire for the rear of his quad, while Bithell chose ITP's Holeshot XCR model.
Steele Creek was Bithell's third straight podium finish to start the season, putting him in second place in the XC1 Pro point standings. McGill's win, combined with fourth- and third-place finishes so far, moved him up to third in the standings.
ITP riders are enjoying considerable success in many other classes as well, most notably in the morning amateur races. Ageless Dave Simmons has won the Masters 50+ division at every event in 2011, in the process claiming overall victory at two out of three (and he was second overall in the other). Angel Atwell has been using ITP tires to put herself into a tie for the lead of the Women's class points chase, while Can-Am/Warnert's Lexie Coulter is just one point behind in third. Both of these fast ladies have taken a class win this season.
ITP is once again providing generous contingency and trackside support for GNCC competitors in 2011. For more information or to become Team ITP GNCC rider, see us at the events or visit http://www.itptires.com/racing.html.
Can-Am/Warnert Racing's Adam McGill (3) had everything going his way at Steele Creek.
Chris Bithell (4) came from behind to lead late in the race, but was four seconds behind Can-Am/Warnert Racing teammate McGill at the finish line.
Dave Simmons (206) has been the rider to beat in the morning amateur races, taking two out of three overall wins and three straight 50+ Masters class victories.
Angel Atwell (202) has used ITP tires to put herself into a tie for the points lead in the Women's class.
Women's class contender Lexie Coulter (204) won the opening round with her ITP-shod Can-Am/Warnert quad, and is only one point back in the standings.