The first ever GNCC Horses versus Horsepower shootout will take place this weekend at the West Gate River Ranch, site of the opening round of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series. The River Ranch hosts a Saturday rodeo in their 1200-seat arena every Saturday night, and this weekend two top GNCC ATV pros will compete in the barrel race on their race ATVs. Nine-time GNCC ATV Champion Bill Ballance will run his new Yamaha YFZ450 around the barrels, as will Warnert Racing Can-Am's Chris Bithell.

The riders are timed as they race around three barrels set up in a triangle. Ballance and Bithell will compete against horse and rider teams for the fastest time.

"I can't believe we're going to do this," said Bithell, winner of last years GNCC race at Unadilla. "I know my Can-Am DS450 has plenty of horsepower, so I think I'll be okay. Should be fun!"

The Saturday night rodeo is a full professional event. It begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night, tickets cost $15 for adults and $6 for children ages 5-12 and children under the age of 5 get in free. Monday night will mark the bike riders' turn at the barrels. GNCC racing is looking for bike volunteers to step up and run the barrels. Monday night's rodeo is an amateur competition. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-12 and children under the age of 5 get in free.

After the rodeo on Saturday and Monday, GNCC racing will hold a free outdoor dance concert for kids, with a DJ playing in the center of Western Town. Also, the WGRR saloon will be open for adults. Monday night's activities will begin with the Parts Unlimited Dinner -- free with GNCC admission -- at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Moose Racing Mechanics Challenge, also free, at 6:30 p.m. and then the rodeo at 7:30. GNCC will also hold another free outdoor dance party for kids in Western Town on Monday after the rodeo.