GNCC Racing

World’s Largest Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Racing Series Returns to Pocahontas County June 22 and 23

World’s Largest Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Racing Series Returns to Pocahontas County June 22 and 23

Wednesday, June 12, 2019 | 1:10 PM
by:
Wednesday, June 12, 2019 | 1:10 PM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Kayla Bolton
(304) 284-0084
[email protected] 

World’s Largest Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Racing Series
Returns to Pocahontas County June 22 and 23
Local Racers Line Up to Compete Against Nation’s Best Racers

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 12, 2019) – The World’s largest off-road motorcycle and ATV racing series returns to Pocahontas County next weekend, June 22 and 23, for the 13th Annual AMSOIL Snowshoe GNCC, to be held at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe, West Virginia. This event serves as the eighth round of the 2019 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship.

The Snowshoe GNCC has a traditional
The Snowshoe GNCC has a traditional "Blackwater 100" start procedure on the paved road.  Ken Hill

The Snowshoe venue is a favorite stop for fans and racers alike, having earned the reputation as the toughest, most spectacular and most unique on the GNCC circuit. Set in the upscale ski village at Snowshoe, the race course offers a rough and rugged terrain, dense woods sections and scenic views. The rest of the racecourse consists of massive tree roots, mud bogs, rock gardens, steep up-hills and other obstacles that will make this stop a must-see on the tour.

Over 1,400 racers are expected to compete at the Snowshoe GNCC and the event will draw several thousand spectators from the surrounding community, as well as all over the U.S., ultimately bringing an estimated $1.3 million in revenue to Pocahontas County and surrounding areas. Riders will compete on highly tuned dirt bikes and four-wheeled ATVs, and the race will include top talents, such as U.S. National Champions and World Champions from Europe, Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand. 

Adam McGill is looking to earn a top three finish at his home state race.
Adam McGill is looking to earn a top three finish at his home state race. Ken Hill

This event offers a great opportunity for local racers to showcase their talents in front of their hometown crowd. West Virginia Native, Adam McGill will take on the course Saturday afternoon in the XC1 Pro ATV class. McGill has had an up-and-down season thus far in the 2019 year, but is looking to get back to the front of the pack at his home state race. Snowshoe is a race McGill always looks forward to, and next weekend he will be one to keep an eye on in the 2 p.m. Pro race. 

Another local racer, Kenny Hawkins from Elkins, West Virginia will be racing on Saturday in Sunday in the Masters 50+ classes. Saturday in the 11 a.m. ATV race he will be looking to earn another class win and improve his standings in the points as he currently sits third. Then on Sunday, Hawkins will compete on his motorcycle in the Masters A 50+ class at 10 a.m. and aim to earn another class win. Hawkins sits first in the points standings with a 19 point lead over second place. 

In Sunday’s 1 p.m. Pro race, West Virginia’s Thad Duvall is looking for redemption from last year after suffering a wrist injury which ultimately ended his day early on the mountain. This year, Duvall has been a force to be reckoned with as he has earned two overall wins thus far and will be aiming for his third this Sunday in his home state. 

Thad Duvall will be aiming to earn his third overall win of the season in front of his home state fans.
Thad Duvall will be aiming to earn his third overall win of the season in front of his home state fans. Ken Hill

Local racers expected to compete this Saturday on ATVs will be Levi Myers (College B 16-21), J.D. Brown (Junior A 22+), Kenny Hawkins (Masters 50+), Jared Little (Sportsman A/B), Bobby McCauley (40+ C), Richie McCauley (40+ C), Adam McGill (XC1 Pro), Franklin Moats (19+ C), Anthony Dean (40+ C), Chase Fittro (College A 16-21), Marcus Hefner (16-18 C), Tanner Talbott (College B 16-21), Cody Holcomb (Vet B 30+), Darius Dillard (24+ C), Zachary Phillips (Junior A 22+), Darren Radford (40+ C), Brent Sturdivant (XC1 Pro), Brody Livengood (XC2 Pro-Am), Branden Owens (College A 16-21), Chandler Burner (Junior A 22+), Kenneth Kelly (Vet A 30+) and Jeff Harvey (Senior B 40+). Saturday evening eMTB Local Racers: David Galiano (Amateur), Nate Annon (XC1 Pro), Colin Dierman (Masters 50+), Christopher Eddy (Youth) and Canon Kuneff (Youth). 

Also expected to compete this weekend on motorcycles will be Blake Barker (250 C College 18-24), Brier Burgess (250 C Schoolboy 14-17), Tyler Braniff (250 A), Ranger Burgess (85cc 7-11), Thad Duvall (XC1 Open Pro), Samuel Evans (XC2 250 Pro), Peyton Feather (85cc 7-11), Kenny Hawkins (Masters 50+), Landon Tharp (85cc 7-11), Kasey Belt (Sportsman B), Kevin Belt (Masters C 50+), Matt Bruffey (Junior A/B 25+), Kiefer Galiano (65cc 10-11), Joseph Peck (85cc 7-11), Michael Peck (Vet C 30+), Michael Gum (Open C College 16-24), Junior Smith (Open B), Sean Wishart (Super Senior C 45+), Isaac Cole (Open C College 16-24), Jameson Hardy (Open C College 16-24), Steve Lambruno (Vet A 30+), Rick Liller (Senior C 40+), Colton Meadows (65cc 7-9), Brenden Poling (250 A), Brady Myers (Open A), Brian Schell (Open B), and Ernie Martin (Vet B 30+). 

Four-wheeled ATVs will compete throughout the day on Saturday, June 22. Youth ATV racing begins at 8 a.m., then amateurs, 4x4 Pro and Women at 11 a.m., and the pros and top amateurs race at 2 p.m. Then at 5 p.m. round five of the Specialized Turbo eMTB GNCC National Championship will take place. 

On Sunday, June 23, the motorcycles will take to the trails of Snowshoe Mountain Resort following the schedule of youth racing starting the day off at 8 a.m., women and amateur riders’ race at 10 a.m. and the pros and top amateurs will start at 1 p.m. 

Snowshoe GNCC is often referred to as one of the toughest and most spectacular venues on the circuit.
Snowshoe GNCC is often referred to as one of the toughest and most spectacular venues on the circuit. Ken Hill

Spectator passes run $25 for adults and $15 for children (6-11), and kids five and under are free for the full weekend (Friday through Sunday), with pro pit access and pro autographs at no additional charge.

The 2 p.m. pro ATV race and 1 p.m. pro bike race will be broadcast LIVE on the Internet via Racer TV on www.racertv.com both days. A highlight show featuring the event will air on NBC Sports Network on Sunday, September 8 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.

About GNCC Racing

The AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized 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 2,400 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks, and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. The series draws talent from all over the U.S., Central America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised weekly on NBC Sports and RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.

About eMTB Racing

The Specialized Turbo eMTB GNCC National Championship brings off-road racing and pedal-assist or electric bicycles together for an eight-round championship produced by Racer Productions. Much like a typical cross-country racing event, these races feature varied terrain featuring hills, rocks, roots, and more but are limited to electric, or pedal assist model mountain bikes only. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.

How to Watch

Racer TV and NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) are the official homes for coverage of the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) events. All 13 rounds, from the season opening Big Buck GNCC in South Carolina to the finale at Ironman Raceway in Indiana, will air in 30-minute, taped-delayed telecasts on NBCSN, while Racer TV provides live streaming coverage of the 1 p.m. ATV and motorcycle races from each event. Catch all the action at http://www.nbcsports.com/ and http://www.racertv.com/.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.