Jordan Phillips Off to a Great Start in the 2017 Grand National Cross Country Racing Series

Mar 8, 2017

Jordan Phillips jumping at the GNCC round 1 in Union, South Carolina

Phillips gets air in the GNCC round 1 (Photo: Ken Hill)

Jordan Phillips opened his 2017 Grand National Cross Country Series (GNCC) campaign with a solid top 10 performance. Phillips is a K&N-sponsored 4x4 Pro ATV rider for the factory Can-Am X-Team. The AMA-sanctioned GNCC staged its opener in Union, South Carolina, the first weekend in March. Phillips’ first-round race aboard his Can-Am ATV was the model of consistency.

One of the unique aspects of GNCC racing is the fact that the course can be a bit of a mystery for the competitors.

“Upon arrival Friday afternoon I began walking the course,” Phillips said. “As most of you know there is no practicing or riding the track prior to race day. The course was fast and mostly dry. [There were] a few hidden stumps and rocks throughout the course that I knew I would have to watch for.”

Jordan Phillips roosting at the GNCC round 1 in Union, South Carolina

The South Carolina track was mostly dry for the early March race

Early season races in the GNCC can involve extremely variable weather and track conditions, and the season opener in South Carolina got off to a brisk start. “Saturday morning before our 10:00 AM race time, the temperatures were chilly, down in the 20s,” said Phillips. “The sun came out quick and that made a difference so it wasn't too bad.”

“When the green flag dropped, I rocketed forward and went into the woods in the top 5 of our class,” Jordan said. “I kept my head down and stayed with the leaders for the first lap. I experienced some arm pump and was trying to fight that off. I never could make any passes, but maintained 5th until the checkered flag. I also placed 9th overall out of 250 racers.”

The solid class and overall finish in South Carolina is an encouraging start for Phillips’ 2017 championship run. “Overall, I am happy with this [result] for the season opener,” said Phillips. “Thanks for everyone's continued prayers and support!”