Morgantown, W. Va. (May 9, 2012) – After five rounds of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series in the books, it’s defending champ Chris Borich who leads the championship point standings heading into this weekend’s inaugural Limestone 100 GNCC in Springville, Ind. What separates Borich from the rest of the field isn’t necessarily the number of wins, but the consistency in results, as Borich is the only rider who has finished on the podium every round this season.
Precision/Moto X Perts/ITP/Lonestar/RG Motorsports’ Adam McGill currently trails Borich in the point standings in the second place spot. McGill is still working out the bugs of a brand-new program this season, and two separate mechanical issues have set him back in the points. Despite these setbacks and challenges, McGill’s actual ride time has proven him to be the most consistent runner-up to the champ so far.
Photo By: Ken Hill
The XC1...
Photo By: Ken Hill
The XC1 battles are epic this season
With the exception of Borich, each of the riders inside the top ten overall has at least one finish in the double digits, some having to do with mechanical issues and others due to rider issues, making the chase to November’s season finale an even more exciting battle. Ballance Racing Yamaha’s Taylor Kiser has experienced almost every aspect of racing in the two short months of the season. Round one was cut short after an injury; round three brought his first win in two years, and round four was ended early with a mechanical failure, but Kiser has still managed to only trail McGill’s second place spot by one point heading into this weekend’s race.
And then there’s Ballance Racing’s Walker Fowler, who came close to beating Borich last round after leading a majority of the two-hour race in Kentucky. Fowler, too, has a less-than-desirable sixteenth place finish under his belt but he has bounced back from the mechanical issue and continues to pressure the field of veterans that sit within striking distance of the rookie Pro racer.
Motoworks/Can-Am’s Chris Bithell has had a consistent run up until last round when he struggled with chain derailment issues, managing to salvage enough laps to land class points for the day. Bithell sits only seven points behind Fowler in the overall standings and since consistency is usually on his side, there’s a good chance we’ll see Bithell on the podium more times than not. Bowers Motorcycle/Coastal National Guard/Yokley Racing’s Jarrod McClure hasn’t missed a beat since he conquered the mechanical issues that held him back in the beginning of the season. The silent sleeper has posted two consecutive fourth place finishes, where he’s proven to be a contender in this year’s ultra-competitive XC1 class.
Photo By: Ken Hill
Who will...
Photo By: Ken Hill
Who will be the next Pro Am rider to score a repeat win?
The XC2 Pro Am division finally saw a repeat winner last round in Waynesburg Yamaha’s Gabe Phillips, as he topped points leader Eric Hoyland and DeRisi Racing teammate Braden Henthorn in a close battle. Tireballs-backed Patrick McGuire started off the season on fire, but the young rider has dropped off the podium recently, although he still holds second place in the overall standings. Greg’s ATV & Cycle’s Matt Hanna isn’t far behind the foursome as he rounds out top five in the overall standings.
Spectator passes run $15 for the full weekend, with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge. On Saturday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., amateur racers and the top utility and Women riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the pros race at 1 p.m.
To get to the track, take IN-37 to Old in-37, turn west and follow the signs to the Lawrence County Recreational Park. 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 1975, 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 ten to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed and draw talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on NBC Sports Network. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.