“Racing is back, Yamaha GNCC University registration is open, and the resilience of the powersports industry was on display this past weekend as many appreciated the opportunity to get back outdoors and enjoy the sport we love while still respecting the space and wishes of fellow race fans,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s Motorsports group marketing manager. “We celebrate podiums and championships at the end of a race day, but it is the time spent at the races on the whole that we take away as precious memories. That’s why Yamaha GNCC University is such a special event, as it offers the next-generation of racers the opportunity to build not only memories, but also their race skill-set alongside past champions and legends of the sport.
At the GNCC University, students undergo a master class of off-road racing fundamentals led by current racers, GNCC veterans, and top racing mechanics, highlighting sportsmanship, training, proper nutrition, and race preparation, along with hands-on technical riding instruction. And the faculty is world class!
Instructors for the ATV Classes include XC1 Pro ATV rider Johnny Gallagher (celebrating 26 years racing at a pro-level), five-time GNCC XC1 Pro ATV champ Walker Fowler, 12-time WXC ATV champion Traci Pickens, retired Pro ATV racer and Walker Fowler Racing mechanic Mark Notman and XC1 Pro ATV racer Josh Merritt.
Motorcycle classes are led by Randy Hawkins, 7-time AMA National Enduro champion and AmPro Yamaha Racing team owner; Jason Raines, five-time AMA National Hare Scramble champ; Layne Michael, XC1 Open Pro motorcycle rider; Michael Witkowski, XC2 250 Pro motorcycle rider; Becca Sheets, WXC motorcycle and undefeated class leader and fellow WXC racer Rachael Archer.
With the resumed GNCC season, Yamaha announced new ATV bLU cRU championship bonuses for eligible racers in various classes, all of whom are automatically entered to win a new YFZ450R. For more information on the bLU cRU program, click YamahabLUcRU.com