Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128202
Q) ~"""'...J 1...I1...-II1......... 2003 Grand National Cross Country Series . GNCC stars young and old set their sights on the 2003 Championship By JASON WEIGANDT PHOTOS BY RAYMOND GUNDY Lseems everyone wants to win the AMA Grand National Cross Country Series Championship now. Last year's series was the most competitive ever, with an amazing seven different winners in 13 rounds. The increased competition can be traced to the series' steady growth. GNC spectator interest and TV coverage ( ia one-hour shows on the Outdoor Life Network) is unprecedented in off-road racing, and the series constantl attracts bigger and better venues. What began three decades ago as a regional off-road series has now grown Into i'\merica's number-one offroad series, which means more riders, more teams af)d more support. The GNCC title js the most prestigious in offroad, which creates the most competitive field. Here's a look at the teams ana::rrders hoping to contend for a GNCC title at the end of the season. Tealll· Alii-Pro Yalllaha Yamaha's factory off-road effort will join FMF Suzuki with its own l8-wheeler in the pits this season. In 2002, Yamaha enjoyed its best ONCC season in years, and now it's ready to mount a number-one plate on the new hauler's walls. No rider heads into the '03 season with greater expectations that Jason Raines. The 24-year-old Washington native had last year's titie all but won until he broke his leg at the Wisp ONCC and watched his points lead evaporate. In just a few years, Raines' maniacal training program has elevated him from unknown to contender to would-be Champion. But he will have a new obstacle to tackle in 2003: the pressure of knowing he's the favorite for this year's crown. Last year Raines shocked the world by running away with the series opener in Florida. This year wins are expected. If he can get his troublesome leg back to 100 percent, Raines' biggest threat comes from the mental side. WiD he lose his confidence if the season doesn't begin as well as it did last year? Can he handle the pressure? No one knows for sure, but the competition hopes Jason doesn't come out as strongly as he did last season. If he does, the friendly young pilot will emerge as the next ONCC Champion. Raines is joined by Barry Hawk, a seven-time ONCC ATV Champion who is coming into his own on bikes. After sporadic results over the last few seasons, Hawk stepped up late last year, winning the High Point ONCC and finishing second at the penultimate round of the series in Ohio. Hawk says he grabbed an extra jolt of motivation during last season's summer break, and it's paying off. With luck on his side. he could walk off with ONCC overall title number eight in 2003, only this one on two wheels. The Am Pro squad is managed by six-time National Enduro Champion Randy Hawkins, who now races in player/coach mode. Tenth in last year's series, "The Javelin" still has some speed left in the tank, as he nearly won enduro title number seven last fall. But even if Hawkins doesn't win any races, his considerable influence on his teammates could be enough to help them capture a title. Ohio's Robbie Jenks will also ride with Yamaha factory support, pitting under the Sport Cycles Yamaha banner. Last year Robbie showed flashes of brilliance with two podium finishes. When he gets a good start, he can run with anyone. Jenks needs to become a more versatile rider before he can be considered a title threat, but his first career ONCC win looms just around the comer. ne..,.,s