Summer break over for GNCC racers

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series kicks off its Fall Swing Sept. 13-14 at Snowshoe Mountain in Snowshoe, WV on an all-new race course.

The race through the rugged slopes of Snowshoe serves as Round 10 of the 13-stop GNCC tour. Nearly 1,500 ATV and motorcycle competitors from all over the world will compete, with several thousand spectators lining the facility to catch the action.

This is the second-consecutive year in which the GNCC Series has competed at Snowshoe.

“We had a lot of feedback from racers and fans after last season’s event and we have responded,” says event director Tim Cotter. “GNCC Trail Boss Jeff Russell and his experienced team have spent many hours creating what we think is one of the most demanding and exciting tracks on the circuit.

“Each GNCC race is a unique expression of what we like to call a ‘Racing Festival’. No other ski resort holds a dirt bike or ATV race of this magnitude. Snowshoe’s hotels, shops and restaurants will house racers and spectators, with the victory podium assembled at the center of the Snowshoe Village. Surrounding that, the track features 12 miles of trails that wind up and down the ski slopes, with a ski chair lift shuttling fans down to remote sections of the track.”

Bill Ballance is looking for his fourth straight win.

Racers are coming off a long summer break and are ready to turn their attention back to the track. Eight-time defending GNCC champion Bill Ballance has turned the tables on his younger competition by winning three races in a row to take over the series points lead. As Ballance fights for his record-breaking ninth GNCC crown, West Virginia’s own Adam McGill is ready to mount a challenge in his home state.

McGill led the standings early in the season before falling into a slump, one he hopes to break here at Snowshoe.

Spectator passes are $15 for the full weekend, which includes access to the Pro pits and the Pro autograph session. For more information on the racing series, check out the official series website at http://www.gnccracing.com.