Morgantown, W. Va. (September 29, 2011) - The
Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series is proud to celebrate its
continued alliance with the Japan National Cross Country Series with the
announcement of once again sending GNCC Racers to Japan. XC2 Pro Lites
front-runners Jason Thomas and Jesse Robinson will represent GNCC
November 20, in the final round of the JNCC series - the AAGP in
Aso-city, Kyushu-Kumamoto - located on the south end of Japan.
F.A.R
Husqvarna's Jason Thomas is an XC2 Pro Lites podium-regular, currently
holding second place in the championship standings with four races left
in the season. His GNCC mechanic Joey Maurer will accompany Thomas, as
the UK-Native visits Japan for the first time.
"I am really pumped
for the opportunity to represent GNCC in Japan this year," said Thomas.
"It's definitely going to be a different experience and I'm excited to
be a part of it."
Photo By: Shan Moore
Thomas (left) and Robinson (right) will race in Japan in November
Robinson, who has numerous podium finishes in the XC2 Pro Lites class -
including a race-win at round two, will also compete in Japan's AAGP as
a guest of the JNCC Series. Robinson was called upon to fill in for
injured Factory Beta rider Chris Bach in the XC1 Pro class for the
remainder of the season, but will ride a KTM in Japan.
"It's
a great honor to be selected for this opportunity to race in Japan,"
said Robinson. "This is something that I've always wanted to do and I
can't wait to get over there and experience the culture and represent
America in the JNCC Series!"
Robinson and Thomas follow GNCC
Racers Paul Whibley (2006), Charlie Mullins and Rodney Smith (2007),
Nate Kanney and Thad DuVall (2008), Josh Strang and Kailub Russell
(2009) and Cory Buttrick (2010). Since 2006, GNCC Racers have been
victorious in the Japanese AAGP.
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 the opening round of
the GNCC series. In March, Hoshino sent two Japanese riders and
crewmembers to the opening round of the GNCC Series at the Westgate
River Ranch Resort in Florida.
The three-hour AAGP in Japan
follows the same format as an American GNCC and the winner receives
100,000 YEN. For more information on the JNCC, visit http://www.jncc.jp/index.html.
The
Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series heads to St. Clairsville,
Ohio for the ITP Powerline Park GNCC October 8 and 9. For more
information on the series, visit www.gnccracing.com.
About GNCC Racing
The
Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier
off-road racing series. Founded in 1979, 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 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. Riders compete for more than $3
million in prize money, which draws talent from all over the U.S.,
Europe, Australia and New Zealand. GNCC Racing is televised and airs
every week on the Versus Network. For more information, please visit www.gnccracing.com.