GNCC Season Opens with Muddy Big Buck Battle
UNION, S.C. — The 2026 Progressive Insurance Grand National Cross Country Series commenced with the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC, where challenging conditions transformed the course into a treacherous test of endurance.
The Pro Bike race witnessed a grueling battle through muddy ruts and deep water. Jordan Ashburn (Phoenix Racing Honda) surged ahead at the start, maintaining a strong lead until the closing laps. However, Jonathan Girroir (FMF KTM Factory Racing) exhibited remarkable tactical skill, reeling in Ashburn before making a last-lap pass to secure the overall victory. Ashburn finished second, with Nick DeFeo (Rocky Mountain ATV MC/Red Bear/Kawasaki Team Green) rounding out the podium in third.
Post-race, Girroir remarked, “The conditions were super gnarly… I focused on staying steady, and overall, I’m stoked on my day.”
Steward Baylor Jr. (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC/Red Bear/Kawasaki Team Green) delivered an impressive performance, climbing from 12th to finish fourth in the XC1 Open Pro class. Angus Riordan (Phoenix Racing Honda) also demonstrated resilience, finishing fifth overall and second in the XC2 250 Pro class.
The top ten featured intense competition, with Ryder Lafferty (Morning Duck Motor Company/JDP/Moose Off-Road) claiming seventh, and Liam Draper (AmPro Yamaha) earning eighth after starting strong with a $250 XC1 Holeshot Award. Ben Kelley (FMF KTM Factory Racing) finished ninth, while Mike Witkowski (Phoenix Racing Honda) rounded out the top ten.
In the WXC class, Danielle McDonald (AmPro Yamaha) secured victory, efficiently navigating the challenging terrain. Brandy Richards (FMF KTM Factory Racing) finished second, followed by Korie Steede (Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing) in third.
Notable finishes in the 8 AM Bike Amateur race included Hunter Hawkinberry sweeping the overall win and the 4-Stroke C Lites class. Numerous youth racers also competed, with standout performances from Phillip Arnold in the YXC1 Supermini Sr. class and Jase Jackson in the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. class.
The event epitomized the brutal nature of GNCC racing, setting the stage for a competitive season ahead.
