From the gncc, something completely different. Buttrick To Race JNCC Morgantown, WV (October 4, 2010) - The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series celebrates its strong alliance with the Japan National Cross Country Series with the announcement that it will send XC1 rookie sensation Cory Buttrick to represent the GNCC at the final round of the JNCC series, the AAGP, at the BigDeer Circuit on November 21st near Hiroshima. Buttrick, winner of this year's John Penton GNCC, will compete in the race as guests of the JNCC Series, and will be accompanied by his father Dennis Buttrick and KTM factory mechanic Tony Hall. "It's a great honor to be selected to the team and I look forward to representing America and the GNCC in Japan," said Buttrick. "I think it's really cool to get to go over there; I enjoy traveling and this is a great opportunity to race and to see another country." Buttrick follows GNCC racers Josh Strang and Kailub Russell who competed in the AAGP in 2009, a race that was won by Russell. Defending GNCC champ Paul Whibley won the 2006 edition, Charlie Mullins came out on top in 2007, and Nate Kanney was victorious in 2008. It is a tradition for JNCC President Masami Hoshino to invite GNCC riders to the event, in exchange for Japanese riders that will compete in the opening rounds of the GNCC series, and he sees the continued cooperation of Japanese and American racers as a way to boost racing in Japan. In March, Hoshino accompanied a contingent of Japanese riders and crewmembers that competed in the opening round of the GNCC Series at the Westgate River Ranch Resort in Florida. "I cannot show my appreciation enough for the GNCC Series," says Hoshino. "They have also chosen great racers from GNCC for the AAGP, so in Japan, enduro riding will rise." The three-hour AAGP follows the same format as an American GNCC round, and the race winner receives 100,000 YEN. The racers head to Japan on Wednesday, November 17. GNCC organizer Racer Productions will also send Media Director Shan Moore on the trip to send back reports and photos, so look for updates all week long on GNCC Racing.com.
A tradition for quite a few years, that 1 or 2 top GNCC riders make the trip to Japan. Dirt bike cultural exchange!
I always have a hard time picturing any off road area big enough to ride in Japan. Less then 90% the size of California with 3.5 times the population. 875 people per square mile in Japan. I guess we are pretty spoiled here in Oregon - only 39 people per square mile and I think it is too crowded! It would be cool to ride there!
