Photo By: Shan Moore
McGill...
Photo By: Shan Moore
McGill is looking for a moto win this weekend
- Round five of the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series returns to the historical Loretta Lynn Ranch this weekend, April 30 to May 1, for the annual Part's Unlimited Loretta Lynn's GNCC. After two weeks off of racing, the series resumes in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. with more emphasis than ever on competition.
The Loretta Lynn's course provides a mixture of rolling hills and valleys with the added elements of slippery rock and mud holes along the way. Being an Amateur National Motocross Championship track as well, Loretta Lynn's incorporates a tamed-down moto section into the woodsy course.
Defending champion Chris Borich currently sits on top of the point standings, housing three of the four wins this year. With one win under his belt, Warnert Racing's Adam McGill doesn't plan on going away any time soon. McGill has put in a tough fight all year long, leading several laps and consistently finishing in the top five every round. Can-Am teammate Chris Bithell has posted almost identical finishes to McGill - with the exception of a win - putting Bithell only six points back from the second spot heading into round five.
Ballance Racing's Taylor Kiser has been a silent sleeper in the mix, hanging back in fourth place in the points chase; but don't count him out for an overall podium spot by the end of the season. Kiser has finished well inside the top five each weekend but has yet to make the podium a consistent occurrence. Kiser sits a mere seven points back from the third place of Bithell heading into the historic Loretta Lynn's GNCC.
Walker Fowler has a substantial lead over the rest of the field in the XC2 division, sweeping the series so far. Fowler seems to have his Ballance Racing Yamaha on another level in the Lites class, consistently finishing inside the top ten overall and even breaking into the top five at the last round.
Photo By: Shan Moore
McGill...
Photo By: Shan Moore
McGill is looking for a moto win this weekend
The real action has been taking place behind the leader, though, as Greg's ATV & Cycle's Gabe Phillips, DeRisi Racing's Eric Hoyland, Parker Jones and Aarol Bright are all within a fifteen-point stretch from second to fifth place. A mere four points separate the second and third positions of Phillips (80) and Hoyland (76), with Jones and Bright tied at 66 close behind. These guys have been mixing it up back and fourth all season long, each of them holding at least one podium position so far this year.
In addition to the regularly scheduled races, this event will feature the first round of the three round 50cc series on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., followed by the Part's Unlimited Dinner upon completion of the races.
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., the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.
To get to the track, take I-40 to Exit 143, then to Route 13 North to Loretta Lynn's Ranch.
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. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com .