For Immediate Release
GNCC Racing Mourns the Passing of Long-Time Competitor John Gallagher Sr.
Photo By: Amy McConnell/XCountry Photos
Morgantown, W.Va. (December 15, 2009) - The
Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series has lost one of its most
loyal family members. Aurora, Ohio's John Gallagher Sr. passed away
tragically on Monday in a work-related accident. He was 63-years-old.
No one in the 35-year history of GNCC Racing has competed in more GNCC
events than Gallagher, and probably no one has won more, either.
Gallagher competed and won on both ATVs and bikes for a large portion
of his career. Most recently, he won the 2008 Super Senior (50+) ATV
Championship and finished third in the class in 2009. The entire GNCC
Racing family mourns the passing of Gallagher, and the racing community
is urged to keep John Sr., his wife Maryellen, and children John Jr.
and Brooke in their thoughts and prayers.
Gallagher's racing days date back to the origins of the GNCC
Series, and he often cited series' founder Dave Coombs Sr. as a close
friend. Gallagher's loyalty to the series and frequent championships
resulted in a factory ride with Polaris beginning in 2006, where he
delivered more Super Senior Titles and also helped manage the
manufacturer's racing program. In 2004, Gallagher collected the ATVA
Vet-Senior Rider of the Year award at the AMA Sports Banquet in Las
Vegas. Gallagher also introduced his son John Jr. into racing at a
young age. Johnny Gallagher Jr. won a GNCC Youth Championship and now
competes in the premiere XC1 pro division for Yamaha, finishing tenth
in the 2009 rankings.
Photo By: Amy McConnell/XCountry Photos
Funeral
arrangements have yet to be announced for Gallagher. Information will
be posted on GNCCRacing.com as soon as it is available.
For more information, check out the official series website at www.GNCCRacing.com or call 304-284-0084.
About GNCC Racing The Can-Am Grand National
Cross Country Series is America's premier off-road racing series.
Founded in 1979, the 13-round championship is produced exclusively by
Racer Productions. Cross country racing is one of the most physically
demanding sports in the world. The grueling three-hour GNCC races lead
as many as 1,800 riders through tracks ranging in length from eight to
12 miles, competing for more than $3 million in prizes. With varied
terrain, including hills, woods, mud, dirt, rocks and motocross
sections, GNCC events are tests of both survival and speed. For more
information, please visit www.gnccracing.com. |