The following is a press released issued by Racer Productions and GNCC Racing:
GNCC Racing Announces Project GNCC ISDE 2003
Morgantown, WV – GNCC Racing, a division of Racer Productions and producers of the AMA Grand National Cross Country Series, has formed “GNCC ISDE 2003,” a project that will provide full support for the 2003 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) U.S. Trophy Team, which has been dubbed “America’s Team.” GNCC ISDE 2003 will raise funds through sponsorships, product sales and other efforts to provide equipment, transportation, and support for the team.
“We’ve always known that the world’s best off-road riders race here in the United States,” said America’s Team manager Jeff Russell. “As a former ISDE rider, I know that the support of GNCC ISDE 2003 will be a great boost to our team’s chances to bring home the World Championship.”
The AMA previously announced the members of the team, which will compete in the 78th ISDE, scheduled for November 3-8, 2003, in Forteleza City, Brazil:
Rodney Smith, team captain (Suzuki) – four-time and defending champion of the AMA Grand National Cross Country Series, three-time AMA National Reliability Enduro champion, three-time AMA National Hare Scrambles Champion, winner of multiple ISDE gold medals, and former Brazilian National Motocross Champion.
Fred Andrews (Kawasaki) – two-time and defending Champion of the AMA National Hare Scrambles Series, former AMA National Reliability Enduro 125cc Champion, former AMA Grand National Cross Country Series Champion, and three-time South Africa Enduro Champion.
Mike Lafferty (KTM) – five-time and defending champion of the AMA/FMF Racing National Enduro Series.
Mike Kiedrowski (Suzuki) – four-time AMA U.S. Motocross Series Champion, and a member of three winning Motocross des Nations teams for the U.S.
Jason Raines (Yamaha) – former ISDE Gold Medallist.
Ty Davis (Yamaha) – Three-time and defending champion of the AMA Hare & Hound Series, two-time overall AMA National Enduro Series Champion, former ISDE Gold Medallist, and four-time class winner and three-time overall winner of the Baja 1000.
Jeff Russell, team manager – former ISDE Gold Medallist and AMA National Enduro Champion, and Trail Boss for GNCC Racing.
Smith, Andrews, Lafferty, Kiedrowski and Raines were the top five finishers, respectively, in the 2002 AMA Grand National Cross Country Series.
“With this combination of world-class riders, it’s clear that America’s Team is serious about contending for the 2003 ISDE World Championship,” said the AMA’s Hugh Fleming. “And thanks to the generous participation of GNCC ISDE 2003, our riders are sure to have world-class equipment and support as well.”
America’s Team will make its U.S. debut at The Hurricane AMA Grand National Cross Country event, scheduled for March 4, 2003, in Palatka, Florida.
The ISDE is one of the world’s oldest and most historic motorcycle events. Although the U.S. has never won an ISDE World Championship, Team USA finished sixth overall in 2001 and was presented the Watling Trophy, awarded to the country that puts forth the best effort under adverse conditions.
For more information about supporting America’s Team, call GNCC Racing at 724-992-0680 or visit www.gnccracing.com. For complete package details about the AMA Travel excursion to the 2003 ISDE, call AMA Travel & Tours at 614-856-1900 extension 1196.
