by: Kayla Bolton
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 3:20 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell Set to Compete in Japan National Cross Country Season Finale on Sunday, November 2
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (October 29, 2025) – Racer Productions, producer of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, is excited to announce that Eight-Time GNCC Champion, AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell set to compete on Sunday, November 2, at the Japan National Cross Country (JNCC) AAGP Sand Valley Hakkenden in Kimitsu, Chiba, Japan.
This year marks the 31st anniversary of the AAGP, which began as a standalone event prior to the creation of the JNCC series; much like the Blackwater 100 marked GNCC’s beginnings. From the GNCC Racing staff, Race Operations Manager Jared Bolton will escort Russell and the AmPro Yamaha team to Japan. Russell will race in the AA1 class in their PM race, while AmPro Team Manager Randy Hawkins will race in the Fun A class in their AM race. Randy’s son, Mitch Hawkins will race in the B class in the PM race, while Kailub’s son, Krue Russell will race on a YZ85 in their morning race.
Russell returns to Japan after having the opportunity to go back in 2009, and continue the tradition of attending the international event with fellow GNCC racers such as Paul Whibley, Robbie Jenks (2006), Jason Raines, Charlie Mullins and Rodney Smith (2007), Nate Kanney and Thad Duvall (2008), Josh Strang and Kailub Russell (2009), Cory Buttrick (2010), Jesse Robinson and Jason Thomas (2011), Rory Mead, Josh Strang (2013), Jordan Ashburn (2014), Chris Bach (2015), Trevor Bollinger (2016), Ricky Russell (2017), Craig Delong (2018), Andrew Delong (2019); and most recently, Steward Baylor (2023), Nick DeFeo (2024) and Mike Witkowski (2024) in being selected to represent GNCC Racing in Japan.
![Krue Russell will take part in the JNCC Racing aboard a YZ85.]()
Krue Russell will take part in the JNCC Racing aboard a YZ85. Mack Faint ![Kailub makes his return to JNCC after going back in 2009.]()
Kailub makes his return to JNCC after going back in 2009. Mack Faint ![Randy Hawkins and his son, Mitch Hawkins, will both race this year in Japan.]()
Randy Hawkins and his son, Mitch Hawkins, will both race this year in Japan. courtesy of JNCC
It is a tradition for JNCC President Masami Hoshino to invite GNCC riders to the season finale in exchange for Japanese riders that will compete in a single round of the GNCC series. Earlier this year, Kazuto Yano traveled to West Virginia and raced at the Snowshoe GNCC in June. Yano would race in the XC1 Open Pro class and finish 11th atop the mountain. Yoshihiro Iwai traveled over as well and raced in the Sportsman B (30+) class finishing 12th in the class.
A continued special thank you goes out to Yoshi Kawana for continuing to help the GNCC Racing Nation when they attend the JNCC race as he serves as their tour guide throughout the trip.
Find JNCC on Facebook, and be sure to look for updates on our GNCC Social Media channels starting tomorrow, October 30 through Monday, November 3, 2025.
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.
- Facebook: @gnccracing
- Instagram: @gncc_racing
- YouTube: @racertv
- X: @gnccracing
About GNCC Racing
The Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, is the world premier cross country racing series. Founded in 1975, the 13-round motorcycle and ATV championship and 10-round eMTB championship, is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. Cross-country racing is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. The grueling two and three-hour GNCC races lead as many as 2,800 riders through racetracks 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 live on RacerTV.com. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.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.
Media Contact:
Kayla Bolton
(304) 284-0084
[email protected]