Grant Davis Clinches Mason-Dixon GNCC Victory in Dramatic Finish
At the Parts Unlimited Mason-Dixon GNCC, Grant Davis made history by becoming the first rider to secure the GNCC Overall Championship from the second row in the XC2 class on a 250 four-stroke. The nearly three-hour race showcased intense competition, especially among the XC1 division, where Davis faced formidable challengers including Ben Kelley and Stu Baylor.
Davis emerged victorious after a nail-biting finish, winning by a narrow margin of approximately 10 seconds after time adjustments. Despite Kelley crossing the line first in real time, Davis’s 59-second adjustment – due to his later starting position – secured him the overall win.
"I’m pissed," Kelley commented after his second-place finish, which also cost him the GNCC overall points lead to Davis. Both riders exhibited their frustrations over missed opportunities, emphasizing the race’s competitive intensity.
Davis reflected on the race, stating, "I got off to a good start and quickly took the lead in XC2. I was pushing hard, battling with XC1 guys, and at one point, I lost significant time after getting stuck. I thought I had lost it, but I never gave up."
Kelley, acknowledging his struggles, stated, "I didn’t have a good start. The track was tough, with XC2 riders right behind us. I kept fighting and thought I had it, but I fell with just a quarter-mile to go. I was super close to the win."
The results underline the razor-thin margins in GNCC racing and the relentless competition among elite riders. Davis now holds a lead in the championship, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the season.
