Contact: Rachel Fluharty
RachelF@gnccracing.com
304.284.0084
For Immediate Release
Strang Has a Hold on XC1 Class Going Into Acerbis Loretta Lynn GNCC
Suzuki Rider Leads by 42 Points
Hurricane Mills, TN (April 23, 2010) - FMF Makita Suzuki's Josh Strang has his fist clenched around the XC1 class with a four-race win streak that he will want to capitalize on this weekend, as the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country makes its way to Tennessee for the Acerbis Loretta Lynn GNCC, held in Hurricane Mills, April 24-25.
The longest win streak in the XC1 Pro bike class is held by Juha Salminen who won the last six rounds of the 2006 season and the Loretta Lynn GNCC could be where Strang pulls his fifth win in a row, unless one of Strang's many challengers breaks his streak.
Am-Pro Yamaha's Thad DuVall is Strang's newest challenger. DuVall saw his best race in two years at the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC, and challenged Strang to the end. DuVall said he hoped that would be the start of more wins. The young rider has plenty of speed, but hasn't been able to stay consistent the entire race, either by crashing, or with mechanical issues.
Obermeyer Yamaha's Charlie Mullins and Defending Champion Paul Whibley are also waiting for their first wins of the season. While Mullins has consistently placed in top positions, Whibley has had a few struggles. But at Big Buck, it looked as though the Am-Pro rider was starting to put it together, and could contend for the win at the popular Tennessee track this weekend.
Privateer Chris Bach, who currently sits fourth in points, is also campaigning for another podium spot as well as FMF KTM's Cory Buttrick and Husqvarna's Glenn Kearney. FMF KTM rider Nathan Kanney, Am-Pro Yamaha's Barry Hawk Jr., and Kawasaki-mounted Kenny Gilbert have also clocked in at the top 10 and will be in contention in the XC1 pack.
In the XC2 class, FMF KTM's Kailub Russell has been able to take up where Jason Thomas left off after round one, embarking on his own win streak, with three wins this season thus far. While Thomas succumbed to the elements in South Carolina to land in fourth, fellow KTM rider Steward Baylor Jr., was able to become the youngest rider to land on the XC2 podium, along with still hard-charging Jesse Robinson. GEICO/JG Off Road/ Monster Energy Kawasaki's Scott Watkins will also be on the lookout for a win, as he took the winning spot there last year.
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.
For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.
To get to the track, take I-40 to Exit 143, then take route 13 North to Loretta Lynn's ranch.
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 eight 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. GNCC Television on Versus, now back on DirecTV, returns April 25. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.
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