Snowshoe Round of GNCC Series Delivers Thrilling Showdown
SNOWSHOE, W.Va. (June 23, 2025) – The Snowshoe round of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series showcased the extremes of racing as competing riders faced challenging terrain combined with stifling heat and humidity. This event, set against the stunning backdrop of a ski resort, proved to be a rigorous test of endurance and strategy.
Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Toth secured the overall victory after three grueling hours of racing, edging out his teammate and team owner, Stu Baylor, by a mere three seconds. Toth’s win came amidst a fierce battle, as both riders navigated the punishing course, including mud bogs, boulders, and tree roots reminiscent of GNCC’s tough Blackwater 100 origins.
Baylor, exhausted but candid, reflected on the punishing conditions: "Man, that was everything I had… I blew the quick connect off my drink system so I had no water all day. It was absolutely brutal." He expressed his frustrations about pit crew challenges, which hindered his ability to maintain momentum. "I was cramping by lap two, losing 20-30 seconds at Howard’s Hole," he added, acknowledging the stakes of the competition.
Despite the adverse conditions, Ben Kelley finished third overall, maintaining a crucial edge in the series standings over Grant Davis, who placed 11th after struggling with a mechanical issue. Kelley’s podium finish puts him back at the forefront of the GNCC Overall series lead as the championship enters its summer break.
The Snowshoe race underscored the grit and resilience required in the GNCC Series, with riders pushing their limits to secure critical championship points. As the series pauses for the summer, competitors will regroup, readying for the challenges that lie ahead.
Key Results:
- Josh Toth (Kawasaki)
- Stu Baylor (Kawasaki)
- Ben Kelley (KTM)
Championship Implications: Kelley regains the overall points lead, while Davis’s struggles highlight the competitive nature of the series.
