Australian Josh Strang wrapped up the GNCC title for Suzuki in the USA on Sunday. Image: Shan Moore.

Australia’s Josh Strang has wrapped up the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series at ITP Power Line Park in St. Clairsville, Ohio, in the United States over the weekend.

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 Rockstar 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.

“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, Paul 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.

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.

Australian Off-Road Champion Toby Price finished eighth in his first ever round of the GNCC series onboard a KTM on loan from fellow Aussie Shane Watts.

XC1 Round 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 Championship 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)
9. Kenneth Gilbert (131)
10. Jimmy Jarrett (117/1 win)