On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the opening event of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, wrapped up at the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina. Despite the chilly weather, the competition on the track remained heated throughout the weekend.
In the afternoon race, Ricky Russell of AmPro Yamaha seized the $250 Steel City Medical Center XC1 Open Pro Holeshot Award, starting his day on a strong note. However, Jonathan Girroir of FMF/KTM Factory Racing quickly took the lead from Russell early on in the race.
Girroir maintained his lead with Russell trailing closely behind for the initial four laps. However, Russell slipped back to sixth place by the last lap, while Steward Baylor of Rocky Mountain Red Bear made significant moves from sixth to clinch second place by the final lap. Girroir secured his second career overall win, finishing 11 seconds ahead of Baylor.
Grant Baylor of Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green faced a challenging start from the 14th position but managed to work his way up, ultimately claiming third place on the last lap.
Jordan Ashburn of Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing initially held third place on the last lap but was overtaken by G. Baylor, finishing fourth overall.
Evan Smith of Blud Lubricants/Scott Goggles/FXR showcased an impressive performance, climbing from 13th place to secure fifth overall and in the XC1 Open Pro class. Ricky Russell, after a promising start, finished sixth in the XC1 class and eighth overall.
Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Trevor Bollinger faced a tough start, initially placed tenth and dropping to 14th on the second lap.
Despite the setback, Bollinger fought his way back to seventh in the XC1 class and tenth overall. Dante Oliveira of FMF/KTM Factory Racing maintained a consistent performance, finishing eighth in the XC1 class.
JS7 Sherco Racing’s Josh Strang faced difficulties at the start but managed to break into the top ten of the XC1 class by the end of the race, finishing ninth. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski rounded out the top ten XC1 class finishers.
Defending National Champion, Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig DeLong, faced challenges throughout the race, finishing 11th in the XC1 class and 14th overall.
In the XC2 250 Pro category, FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers’ Angus Riordan emerged victorious after a thrilling battle with defending champion Liam Draper of AmPro Yamaha. Riordan crossed the finish line just 2.2 seconds ahead of Draper, with Grant Davis of FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers securing third place in the class.
Dakoda Devore of Devore/KTM/FXR/SRS Suspension claimed the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win after a steady climb from third place on the opening lap.
Jhak Walker of Halls Cycles/Walker Builders LLC/O’Neal held the lead initially but settled for second place. Dustin Simpson of Destructo Racing/Dixie Fuel/Prescription Tune Suspension secured third place in the class.
Jason Tino earned the Top Amateur honor, finishing 18th overall and first in the 250 A class. Nicholas DeFeo and Gavin Simon rounded out the Top Amateur Podium, finishing second and third respectively in the 250 A class.
In the morning race, WXC racers kicked off the event, with Rachael Archer of Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki securing the win after an early battle with Brandy Richards of FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers. Korie Steede of Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing claimed second place, with Richards settling for third.
Cade Henderson emerged victorious in the Sportsman A (12-24) class, securing first place overall.
The Bike Youth race, modified due to the schedule, saw Caleb Wood claim the overall and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. (14-15) class win. Travis Lentz secured the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class win.
The Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida, will host the second round of the 2024 Progressive GNCC Racing Series on March 2 and 3, 2024. ATVs and Micros race on Saturday, while Motorcycles race on Sunday. For more information, visit the GNCC Racing website.