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International
Intrigue Comes to Unadilla
As America's
largest off-road racing series continues fall
swing
New York's Nathan Kanney (left) and
Briton David Knight will bring a battle
of international proportions to Unadilla
Valley Sports Center Sept. 27-28. |
NEW BERLIN, N.Y. (September 17, 2008) -- The
world’s best off-road motorcycle and ATV racers
return to Unadilla Valley Sports Center Saturday
and Sunday, September 27 and 28 for the Can-Am
Unadilla Grand National Cross Country (GNCC)
race.
The once-a-year event serves as Round 11 of
the 13-stop Can-Am Grand National Cross Country
tour, with riders from all over the world set to
compete in the Series' ATV and motorcycle
classes. Nearly 1,500 competitors are expected
to race, with several thousand spectators lining
the facility to catch the action.
"Unadilla
is truly a special event and pits thousands of
the world's best riders head to head on one of
the tour's most exciting off-road tracks," said
GNCC Trail Boss Jeff Russell. "The full-scale
Unadilla motocross track will be utilized as
part of the GNCC circuit, which makes for a
unique spectator experience that includes racing
on wide, sweeping corners, very steep elevation
changes and even big air.
"The track then winds into the deep woods,
which are characterized by New York's trademark
black loam," added Russell. "This is truly a
one-of-a-kind of event."
Leading the charge into Unadilla is the
Empire State's own Nathan Kanney. Kanney, who
makes his home to the south and east of Unadilla
in High Falls, N.Y, will be one half of an
international battle with current points leader
and defending GNCC Champion David Knight. "Knighter,"
as he's known, from Isle of Man, U.K. and Kanney
will pit their Red Bull-backed KTMs against each
other on Sunday. While Knight can sew up the
2009 title here, Kanney's goal is to play
spoiler on his home turf.
On four-wheeled machines, Kentucky ATV legend
Bill Ballance can numerically clinch his
unprecedented ninth title here. Ballance
finished second in the most recent race.
Interestingly, his sixth podium of the season,
which includes three victories, came while he
was recovering from two broken ribs sustained in
a crash during practice several weeks ago.
The points race is still close enough,
though, for Bryan Cook and Adam McGill to try
take the crown away from Ballance. McGill, who
won the most recent event, led the standings
early in the season before falling into a slump.
Top amateur and 4x4 riders will also compete.
In addition to the on-track track action,
Series sponsor Can-Am will have its full lineup
of ATVs on hand for free demo rides. Also, New
York's own Ten Man Push will play concerts on
Saturday at 8 p.m. and again on Sunday at 11:30
a.m. The concerts are included as part of
admission into the event.
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country
Series is the largest off-road racing series in
the United States. The top pro racers make a
lucrative living in the sport, reigning in
six-figure salaries and endorsements, as well as
a share of a $130,000 prize purse and more than
$3 million in contingency and bonus money. GNCC
events also offer classes for amateur riders of
all skill and experience levels. Four-wheeled
ATVs will compete throughout the day on
Saturday, September 13, and dirt bikes will race
on Sunday, September 14. Riders can sign up at
the track. The amateur racer entry fee is $40.
This weekend's race is also a full
points-paying event for the WNYOA Series. Also,
WNYOA will be arranging pee wee racing for 50cc
bikes and ATVs on a separate course. For more
information, please visit
www.wnyoa.net. The race is also being
co-sanctioned by the Atlantic Grand Prix (AGP).
Spectator passes are $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 on
the racing series, check out the official series
website at
www.GNCCRacing.com.
Fast Facts:
What: The
Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series
(GNCC), America's Largest Off Road Racing
Series. Cross-country racing is one of the most
physically demanding sports in the world. The
nearly three-hour long GNCC races lead as many
as 1,800 riders through tracks ranging from
eight to 12 miles in length. With varied terrain
including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and
motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of
both survival and speed.
When: September
27 and 28, 2008
Where:
Unadilla Valley Sports Center
Who: The
Can-Am GNCC Series pits the best of the best in
off-road racing against each other. More than
1,500 amateur racers are expected to compete on
custom-built dirt bikes and four-wheeled ATVs.
Top pro motorcycle riders include David Knight,
Barry Hawk, Jr., Charles Mullins, Jimmy Jarrett
and Shane Watts. ATV pro riders include Bill
Ballance, Chris Borich, Chris Bithell, Matt
Smiley and Adam McGill.
About GNCC Racing:
The Can-Am Grand National Cross
Country series is America’s premier off-road
racing series. The 13-round championship series
is produced exclusively by Racer Productions and
has run since 1973. Cross country racing is one
of the most physically demanding sports in the
world. The nearly three-hour long GNCC races
lead as many as 1,800 riders through tracks
ranging from eight to twelve miles in length.
With varied terrain including hills, woods, mud,
dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events
are tests of both survival and speed. GNCC
Racing will air weekly television shows on the
Versus network starting August 2. GNCC featured
sponsors include Can-Am, Parts Unlimited, Moose
Racing, Maxxis, Pirelli, Wiseco, Acerbis, Elka,
Geico, Klotz, FMF, ITP and Weekend Warrior, and
riders compete for over $3 million in series
prizes and contingency money. Associate sponsors
include Alpinestars, Cometic, HiPer Technology,
Laegers, Moose Utility Division, The National
Guard, Powersport Grafx, REM, Scott, Thor, Tire
Balls, Twin Air, Ogio, Rekluse, and MotoTee’s.
For more information log on to
www.gnccracing.com.
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