WASHINGTON, GA (March 14, 2011) – FMF Makita Suzuki’s Josh Strang improved his status in the 2011 Grand National Cross Country Series by taking a solid runner-up finish at the Maxxis General GNCC in Washington, Georgia in round two of the series. Teammate Josh Weisenfels injured his ankle in a practice crash before round one and did not compete.

Strang got a great jump off the start, rounding the first turn in second place. He quickly moved into the lead aboard his FMF Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 and began to gap the field of top professionals. Late in the race, however, the Australian off-road star missed a line in the mud and gave up the position to eventual winner Paul Whibley, the 2009 series champ.

“I couldn’t catch Whibs at the end – he was going good,” said Strang. “We’re just two races in and hopefully I’ll work the bugs out. These boys were going quick and it was a fun race. My team and my Suzuki were great today and I’m looking forward to the next round in North Carolina.”

Strang, the defending GNCC XC-1 Champion, sits second in the series standings after two rounds with 43 points, just two points out of the lead.

FMF Makita Suzuki’s next event is The FMF Steele Creek in Morganton, NC on March 26 – 27. For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com. Follow team updates on SuzukiScoopFans on facebook and SuzukiScoop on twitter.

Maxxis General GNCC XC1 Class Results:

1. Paul Whibley

2. Josh Strang

3. Thad Duvall

4. Cory Buttrick

5. Nathan Kanney

6. Charles Mullins

7. Garrett Edminsten

8. Jimmy Jarrett

9. Russell Bobbitt

10. Mike Lafferty

2011 GNCC XC1 Class Standings:

1. Charles Mullins – 45

2. Josh Strang – 43

3. Paul Whibley – 42

4. Cory Buttrick – 33

5.  Nathan Kanney – 32

6.  Garrett Edminsten – 28

7. Christopher Bach – 27

8. Mike Brown – 25

9. Mike Lafferty – 24

10. Thad Duvall – 22