American-based Australian Josh Strang will contest the final round of the Japanese National Cross Country (JNCC) series this Sunday in Nagano.

The American-based Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series continues its alliance with the JNCC, with Strang and Chris Bach to compete in the season final at the Jigatake Ski Resort located in Omachi City.

Strang will make his third trip to the JNCC finale with the support of his Rocky Mountain ATV/MC racing team, aboard an RG3 Japan Kawasaki KX250F.

“I’m excited to head to Japan again this year,” Strang said. “It will be a quick trip, but hopefully a fun one to finish off the year.

“The Japanese are always really helpful and fun to hang out with and I’m looking forward to catching up with friends from when I lived in Australia.”

It is a tradition for JNCC President Masami Hoshino to invite GNCC riders to the season finale in exchange for Japanese riders that will compete in the opening round of the GNCC series.

In March, Hoshino has sent several Japanese riders and crew members to the opening round of the GNCC Series at the Westgate River Ranch Resort in Florida over the past few years.

The three-hour AAGP in Japan follows the same format as an American GNCC.