Bridgestone’s Barry Hawk Clinches 2003 AMA Grand National Cross Country Championship Title
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 3, 2003) -- Barry Hawk, riding a Bridgestone-shod Yamaha, clinched the 2003 AMA Grand National Cross Country Championship at the September 20-21 event in Sparta, Kentucky. Competing on a different brand tire for three seasons, Hawk switched to Bridgestone tires this season and now takes home his first GNCC title, the largest and most prestigious Off-Road Championship in the USA. Hawk clinched the title despite finishing second in the race to his Am-Pro Racing Yamaha teammate, Jason Raines, who was also riding on Bridgestones.

Hawk and his Bridgestones have dominated the competition all season, beginning with a win at the season opener in Florida. Four more wins followed, and Hawk claimed the championship with five wins and 278 points, clinching the title in the 11th round of the 13 round series. Two more races remain in Ohio and Indiana, and he is likely to add to these totals. Raines crossed the finish line at Kentucky, nearly one minute ahead of Hawk and now stands at second in the points race going into the final events.

Motorcycle / Kart Product Manager, Bob Graham, says, "This is shaping up to be a great season for our Bridgestone sponsored GNCC riders. Barry's switch to Bridgestones this year seems to have given him the extra edge he needed. Now it looks like Barry and Jason are going to give us a 1-2 finish, and Thad Duvall just won the Mini Class Championship. We're extremely proud to have been part of their success. Congratulations to all three for a stellar season."

Bridgestone / Firestone North American Tire, LLC is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information please contact, Leslie Maxwell, Martin & Company Advertising Public Relations Director, at 615/876-1822.