New Class For GNCC

| October 2, 2006

Racer Productions, producers of the Suzuki Grand National Cross Country Series, announces a new class for the 2007 racing season. The XC 2 “Lites” class will join the existing pro class, now called XC 1, as a way to promote the next generation of off-road stars through the GNCC ranks.

“We’re setting up a class to help younger riders gain experience as pro GNCC racers without having to battle World Champions like Juha Salminen every week,” says Racer Productions’ Jeff Russell. “Racing is a mental game, and the new class should provide a nice bridge between building experience without losing confidence.”

The class also allows teams to develop and showcase 250 four-stroke bikes for pro off-road racing, as the 250 two-strokes are still the bike of choice in the XC1 pro class. The top GNCC factory teams have already shown an interest in the new class and are expected to place several XC2 riders into the field with support.

The class will start on the second row of the GNCC starting grid, 1 minute behind the XC 1 pro class (all times will be adjusted for overall results). The XC 2 engine displacement is limited to 125cc for two-strokes and 250cc for four-strokes. The XC 2 purse will guarantee payback for the first five positions, while the XC 1 pro class will continue with a guaranteed payback for the top ten. The entry fee for the XC 2 class will be $50, with the XC 1 pro class remaining at $100.

By Jason Weingandt