Paul Whibley wins GNCC Round 12 but Josh Strang wins the GNCC XC1 Title.

10 Oct: GNCC's race report and photos by Shan Moore, followed by Paul Whibley's - was late as a long drive home.

Paul Whibley claimed his first win of the year in Ohio. Photo courtesy of GNCC's Shan Moore.

Paul Whibley won the battle, but Josh Strang won the war at an exciting round of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series at ITP Power Line Park in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

Strang came into the Ohio round with a chance to wrap up the XC1 title early, needing to finish ahead of series rival Charlie Mullins to do so. After starting the race in last place, the FMF Makita Suzuki rider clawed his way into fourth position by the second lap of the race. Strang then spent the next two hours trying to find a way around Mullins, finally doing so a few turns before the finish to take third for the day and giving him the 2010 XC1 championship - his first-ever AMA national title.

Glenn Kearney got his best finish of the year with a second. Photo courtesy of GNCC's Shan Moore.

"This was the toughest race of my life," said Strang. "I didn't get the start I usually get, I couldn't find my rhythm and Charlie was riding really good. I finally just put my head down and rode as hard as I could and I got him just as we came out of the woods before the finish. It was a heck of a race and it's incredible to win the title." Meanwhile, at the front of the pack, Whibley and Glenn Kearney waged an equally fierce battle over first. Whibley got off to a great start, claiming the $250 MotorcyceUSA.com Holeshot Award on his on his AmPro/FMF Yamaha to start the race. However, it wasn't long before Kearney moved his 310cc-kitted Husqvarna onto Whib's rear fender, the two riders going back and forth for most of the three-hour race. Kearney made a few last-ditch pass attempts near the end of the race, but Whibley was able to hold on to take the win - his first of the season. "It feels great to win again," said Whibley. "I got a good start and about midway through the first lap I started getting in a groove. I really didn't want to have the lead that early but I was going a good pace and then Glenn caught me and we went back and forth. He closed on me near the end and I just had to push a little harder and it ended up being a pretty tough race, Glenn was going really well."

Josh Strang wrapped up the XC1 title in Ohio. Photo courtesy of GNCC's Shan Moore.

Kearney held on to finish second - his best finish of the year - after leading for much of the race. Kearney started out the year on the Husqvarna 250 TXC, but struggled to keep pace with the bigger 450Fs. The 310cc kit made a big difference in Ohio, putting him on more of an even playing field. "This year has been a real struggle, racing the 250 against the bigger bikes, but the new motor is really strong and I have to give props to Husky for make a great bike," said Kearney. Am Pro/FMF Yamaha's Barry Hawk Jr. had one of his best rides of the year, finishing fifth behind the Strang/Mullins battle. Behind Hawk came eight-time National Enduro Champion Michael Lafferty, who was making one of his rare GNCC appearances. Cory Buttrick took a nasty fall on the opening lap of the race, but the FMF/KTM rider rebounded to finish seventh, crossing the finish line five minutes in front of Australian Enduro Champ Toby Price, who rode a KTM on loan from Shane Watts.

Charlie Mullins battled all race with Strang. Photo courtesy of GNCC's Shan Moore.

Ninth went to former XC2 champ Justin Williamson, while fellow Kawasaki rider Kenneth Gilbert rounded out the top 10. In the XC2 division.

The Can-Am Grand National Cross Series will return on October 23rd and 24th for the series finale - the Amsoil Ironman GNCC, held in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

XC1 Results: 1. Paul Whibley (Yam) 2. Glenn Kearney (Hsq) 3. Josh Strang (Suz) 4. Charlie Mullins (Yam) 5. Barry Hawk Jr. (Yam) 6. Michael Lafferty (Hsb) 7. Cory Buttrick (KTM) 8. Toby Price (KTM) 9. Justin Williamson (Kaw) 10. Kenneth Gilbert (Kaw)

XC1 Standings: 1. Josh Strang (280/5 wins) 2. Charlie Mullins (248/3 wins) 3. Cory Buttrick (225/1 win) 4. Paul Whibley (220/1 win) 5. Chris Bach (191) 6. Glenn Kearney (189) 7. Nate Kanney (167/1 win) 8. Barry Hawk Jr. (154)

Race Brief ... from Paul Whibley

Launching off the line, the YZ drove me around turn one nabbing another hole shot. Cory Buttrick pushed past and took the lead as we dove into the woods. I was happy to have someone lead the way early on as there were a few mud holes that I didn't want to be first through. Mid way through lap one I got around Cory on one of the big hill climbs and retook the lead. I set a comfortable pace and opened up a small lead. As I completed lap one Katherine gave me a pit board saying I had about 10 second lead over the rest of the pack.

Glenn Kearney moved up to second and began closing in on me. I picked up the pace but soon my teammate Charlie Mullins was back there as well putting on the pressure.

Near the end of lap 3, I came in for fuel and Glenn and Charlie flew by opting to go one more lap before gassing. Leaving the pits in third I closed in on Charlie only to go down jumping one of the mudholes and lose sight of him. I picked myself up and pushed hard soon regaining sight of Charlie and pulling up on his rear wheel. A mistake came when he was trying to get around a lapped rider opening the door just enough for me to barge through. I took off after Glenn who had created a small lead. By the time we came back around to the pits I had Glenn within sight and when he stopped for gas I retook the lead.

The pace increased and with four laps to go it was still anyones race. Glenn pushed hard and was right on my rear wheel going into the last lap. Somehow over the last lap I managed to open up a small buffer, taking my first GNCC win of the season.

Feels pretty good to finally get back on the podium and notch up a win. Got to thank all the friends and fans who have stuck by me this year and continuously offered support and encouragement through the challenging times.

Big congrats to Josh Strang on claiming the series championship. His third place was enough for him to wrap up the title with a round to spare.

Paul Whibley is supported by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, Ohlins, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D

The AmPro Yamaha Team is supported by: FMF Kenda Yamalube Asterisk Cannondale CV4 Cycle Gear E-Batt EBC Brakes Factory Connection Fastway Gaerne GYTR IMS Jonny Signs Leatt Brace Matrix Racing Products Motion Pro MSR Pro-Clean Rekluse Scott Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Twin Air Wiseco ZipTy Racing

Paul Whibley about to relinquish his #1 Plate to Josh Strang. Photo courtesy of Paul Whibley.