Morgantown, W. Va. ”“The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series returned to pre-recession numbers in 2012, generating the second largest total of rider entries in the 35-year history of the series. With almost 18,000 entries this season, GNCC added 1,700 riders from 2011, nearly topping the all-time high mark set in 2007.

Highlighting the healthy 2012 season was the Unadilla GNCC, bringing an impressive 1,880 racers to New York’s well-known motocross venue and rewriting the GNCC history books with the highest-ever rider turnout. Furthermore, the Ironman GNCC brought in the largest number of racers the venue has seen in its 18 years on the GNCC schedule.

“We are thankful for the many racers and families that have put their trust in the GNCC Racing team, making this series the most competitive and entertaining off-road motorcycle and ATV series in the world,” said Tim Cotter, GNCC Director of Events.

The 2012 GNCC champions will be honored at this year’s GNCC Awards Banquet January 11 and 12 at the Waterfront Place Hotel and Convention Center in Morgantown, W. Va. The Top 10 ATV/UTV racers in each class will receive awards on Friday, January 11 and the bikes will celebrate on Saturday, January 12. Reservation details will be available shortly. For more information, please visit the 2012 Awards Banquet Page.

About GNCC Racing:

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 1,500 riders through tracks ranging in length from ten to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed, drawing talent from all over the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs every week on NBC Sports Network. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.