Josh Strang wins GNCC
America's premier off-road title has been claimed by the Aussie, continuing the international domination of the eventAustralia’s Josh Strang has become the second Australia to win the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series in America.
The Suzuki rider finished third in last Sunday’s penultimate round in Ohio behind outgoing champion Paul Whibley (Yamaha) and his countryman Glenn Kearney (Husqvarna), which was enough to build an unassailable lead in the standings ahead of main rival Charlie Mullins (Yamaha).
But Strang’s ascension to champion-designate wasn’t seamless, and it certainly went down to the wire.
Strang started the two-hour race in last place, and then had to claw his way back through the pack.
Once he had picked his way back to fourth on lap two, he then spent a large chunk of time trying to find a way around Mullins, finally doing so a few turns before the finish to take third – and his first-ever AMA national title in his fourth year of Stateside competition.
“This was the toughest race of my life,” said Strang. “I didn't get the start I usually get; I couldn't find my rhythm and Charlie was riding really well.
“I finally just put my head down and rode as hard as I could and I got him just as we came out of the woods before the finish. It was a heck of a race and it's incredible to win the title.”
Strang has now continued the international stranglehold on the GNCC title, and the last local rider to claim the spoils was the now retired Rodney Smith in 2004.
Since then Juha Salminen (2005-2006), David Knight (2007-2008), Whibley (2009) and Strang have been the victors.
Shane Watts was the previous Aussie GNCC champion in 2000.
Meanwhile, the Australian off-road champion Toby Price (KTM) was eighth in his GNCC debut in Ohio, and will stay in America to compete in the final round on October 23-24.
XC1 results:
1. Paul Whibley (Yam)
2. Glenn Kearney (Husq)
3. Josh Strang (Suz)
4. Charlie Mullins (Yam)
5. Barry Hawk Jr. (Yam)
6. Michael Lafferty (Husa)
7. Cory Buttrick (KTM)
8. Toby Price (KTM)
9. Justin Williamson (Kaw)
10. Kenneth Gilbert (Kaw)
XC1 Standings:
1. Strang (280/5 wins)
2. Mullins (248/3 wins)
3. Buttrick (225/1 win)
4. Whibley (220/1 win)
5. Chris Bach (191)
6. Kearney (189)
7. Nate Kanney (167/1 win)
8. Hawk Jr. (154)
9. Gilbert (131)
10. Jimmy Jarrett (117/1 win)
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