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AMA Suzuki Grand National Cross Country Series
Parts Unlimited/Moose/Maxxis/Wiseco/Klotz/FMF/Pirelli/ITP
Rejuvenated KTM Factory Off-Road Squad Attacks GNCC Series
New riders, coordination and transportation for pros and amateurs
their strongest team ever in 2005, and sights are focused squarely on the Suzuki Grand
National Cross Country Series, America’s largest off-road racing series. 2005 delivers a new
KTM semi truck, a new team coordinator and a ten-time World Enduro Champion to the
GNCCs, which kick off next weekend in Gilmer, Texas.
Six-time AMA National Enduro Champion Mike Lafferty and ten-time World Enduro Champion
Juha Salminen headline KTM’s 2005 factory efforts. “There are so many good riders in the
GNCC this year, but from our side of the table, it’s going to be really fun,” says new KTM
Factory Off-Road Coordinator Jack Penton. “Let me just say this: a man doesn’t win ten world
championships like Juha did without learning something. And Michael is as strong physically
as he’s ever been, and mentally, he’s better than ever. I can’t wait to go racing next weekend!”
Salminen made his mark on GNCC racing by landing on the podium in a one-off appearance
in Ohio last year. After conquering Europe, the Finish rider is ready to tackle America full-
time. Lafferty missed most of last season with a torn ACL, but he’s back with a renewed
commitment to a series he nearly won in 2002 and 2003.
“No one questions Mike’s speed,” says Penton. “And Juha has made a major commitment to
get into the kind of physical shape needed to race for three hours.”
KTM’s expanded efforts include support for 2000 GNCC Champion Shane Watts and rising
Ohio star Robbie Jenks. All of the riders will have access to the brand-new KTM Factory Off-
Road Semi. And the truck will not only serve as pit for the pro riders, but also as a haven for
any amateur competing in the GNCC Series on a KTM.
“I have a lot to do, and I’m fine with that,” says Penton of his new job. “We have multi-time
National and World Champions, and they have great mechanics. The guy who really needs
me is the 200 C-class rider who can’t get his bike started in the morning. In off-road, we’ve
done that our whole lives: helped people and kids and regular guys who don’t normally get
attention. That’s how it’s done off-road, and that’s what we’re going to do this year.
A hospitality area will be located by the brand new KTM Off-Road semi, which will offer a full
barbeque layout for KTM riders and families. Technical assistance for our loyal customers will
also be offered in the form of technical seminars, customer start line support, tips, and
guidance. An emergency spare parts assistance program will also be set up so that KTM
riders can purchase 2004-2005 model parts at the races.
GNCC Team Profile: KTM Factory Off-Road
#20 Mike Lafferty – Millville, New Jersey
Six-Time AMA National Enduro Champion
Machine: KTM 450EXC
Mechanic: Alan Randt
#111 Juha Salminen – Finland
Ten-time World Enduro Champion
Machine: KTM 250EXC
Mechanic: Anti Kallonen
KTM Factory Off-Road Support
#10 Robbie Jenks – New Straitsville, OH
Machine: KTM 250EXC
Mechanic: Ray Jenks
#124 Shane Watts – Australia
2000 GNCC Champion
Machine: KTM 200EXC
Team Manager: Ron Heben
Team Coordinator: Jack Penton
Team KTM Off-Road Official Sponsors:
Michelin, Motorex, Braking, FMF, WP Suspension, Motion Pro, RK Chains, Excel Rims,
Twin Air Filters, KTM Hard Equipment, Nissan, NGK Spark Plugs, Aussie Grills/Meco,
Moto-Tassinari, IMS, TAG, SDG, Ogio, VP Fuels, and Enduro Engineering.
The AMA-sanctioned Suzuki Grand National Cross Country series is America’s premier off-
road racing series. The 13-round series is produced exclusively by Racer Productions. One
of the most physically demanding sports in the world; the nearly three-hour long cross-
country races lead as many as 1400 riders through tracks ranging from eight to twelve miles
in length. With varied terrain including hills, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross sections, GNCC
races are tests of both survival and speed. GNCC featured sponsors include Suzuki, Parts
Unlimited, Moose, Maxxis, Pirelli, Wiseco, Klotz, FMF and ITP, and riders compete for over
$1.3 million in series prizes and contingency money. Associate sponsors include Moose Utility
Division, Scott, Alpinestars, Öhlins, Cometic, Outerwears, Race Tools, Twin Air, SFB Racing,
Thor, Racer X Illustrated, Motion Pro, Moto-Tee’s, Warrior and Laeger’s.
and all other Honda related terms are property of Honda America Corporation.