Snowshoe, WV (9/10/2008) - The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) kicks off its Fall Swing this Saturday and Sunday at Snowshoe Mountain. America's largest off-road racing series will feature top riders on off-road motorcycles and ATVs at Snowshoe's all-new race course.

Spectator passes are $15 for the full weekend, which includes access to the Pro pits and the Pro autograph session. On both Saturday and Sunday, youth riders race at 8 a.m., beginner riders race at 10 a.m., and the top amateurs and the Pros race at 1 p.m. For more information on the racing series, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084. For more information on Snowshoe Resort, please check out www.snowshoemtn.com.

The race through the rugged slopes of Snowshoe serves as Round 10 of the 13-stop Can-Am Grand National Cross Country tour, with many racers expecting the toughest racing conditions they have faced all season. Nearly 1,500 competitors from all over the world will compete, with several thousand spectators lining the facility to catch the action.

This year's event marks the second-consecutive year in which the GNCC Series has competed at Snowshoe. To further add excitement to the competition, and to make the venue even more fan friendly, the race course has been completely redesigned.

"We had a lot of feedback from racers and fans after last season's event and we have responded," said 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."

In addition to full days of racing on both Saturday and Sunday, the race weekend also includes a golf tournament to benefit RiderDown Foundation on Friday, as well as a large midway, great food, as well as other activities for the entire family.

"Each GNCC race is a unique expression of what we like to call a 'Racing Festival,'" said Cotter. "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.

"This is truly a marquee event," concluded Cotter.

Racing action has been fierce this season, and with a long summer break under their belts, the riders will be hungry to get back on track.

In the ATV class, legendary Kentucky ATV rider Bill Ballance has turned the tables on his younger competition, showing that veteran poise easily trumps youthful exuberance. Ballance has won three races in a row to snag the Series’ points lead, a place he'd like to keep as GNCC racing moves into fall. As Ballance fights for his record-breaking ninth GNCC Championship, West Virginia's own Adam McGill is ready to challenge and his home state advantage will be strong at Snowshoe.

McGill led the standings early in the season before falling into a slump, one he hopes to break here. In addition to the Pro ATV racers, top amateur and 4X4 riders will compete.

About GNCC Racing:
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country series is America's premier off-road racing series. Founded in 1973, 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 1,800 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to 12 miles, competing for more than $3 million in prizes. With varied terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. GNCC featured sponsors include: Can-Am, Parts Unlimited, Moose, Maxxis, Pirelli, Wiseco, Acerbis, Elka, GEICO, Klotz, FMF, ITP and Weekend Warrior. Associate sponsors include Alpine-stars, BRP, Cometic, HiPer Technology, Laegers, Moose Utility Division, The National Guard, Ogio, Powersport Grafx, Rekluse, REM, Scott, Thor, Twin Air, and MotoTee's ATVRiders.com. For more information log on to www.GNCCRacing.com.

www.gnccracing.com
122 Vista Del Rio Drive,
Morgantown, WV 26508
304-284-0084