American Honda Returns To GNCC Racing in 2011

Shan Moore | January 27, 2011

After several years of absence, American Honda has announced it will be returning to east coast off-road racing in 2011. American Honda Motor Company’s Powersports Division will be supporting GEICO/JG Off-Road team in three different series: the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, the Off-Road Motorcycles and ATVs (OMA) series, and the AMA EnduroCross Series.

GEICO/JG Off-Road, which has been running Kawasaki machinery over the last few years, will be backing Jimmy Jarrett, Scott Watkins, Geoff Aaron, Kyle Redman and Ashley Crouch in the three series. Jarrett and Watkins will focus on both the GNCC and OMA Series, while Crouch will devote all of her time in the GNCCs. Aaron and Redman will be seeking the AMA Endurocross Championship.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to work with American Honda and bring them back to GNCC racing,” said GEICO/JG Off-Road team co-manager JT Bennett. “We would like to thank American Honda and Ray Conway for the hard work they put in to make this deal work for both American Honda and GEICO/JG Off-Road, and we look forward to a thrilling season. With five riders on our team competing in the various championships aboard Honda’s proven CRF250R and CRF450R models, we’re going to be a hard team to beat. We’re looking forward to a long relationship with Honda.”

The GEICO/JG Off-Road will first see action at the opening round of the OMA series in Tuscumbia, Alabama, February 20. Meanwhile, the GNCC opener is at River Ranch, Florida, March 8.

“We are very pleased to have GEICO/JG Off-Road carrying the Honda banner at a large assortment of off-road events in 2011,” added Ray Conway, American Honda’s Motorcycle Sports Director. “This is a well-organized and proven team, and we’re looking forward to what they will accomplish in the coming season.”