The Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series kicked off its season with the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina, on February 18, 2024. Despite the cold weather, the event witnessed intense competition, highlighted by Jonathan Girroir’s remarkable performance. Girroir, racing for FMF/KTM Factory Racing, captured his second career overall win after taking the lead early in the race. He managed to maintain his position at the front, finishing 11 seconds ahead of Rocky Mountain Red Bear’s Steward Baylor, who secured second place with a strong final lap push.
Ricky Russell of AmPro Yamaha had a promising start, winning the Steel City Medical Center XC1 Open Pro Holeshot Award, but fell back to finish eighth overall. Grant Baylor from Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green showcased determination, fighting his way from 14th to secure a podium finish in third place.
The race also saw competitive performances from other riders. Jordan Ashburn of Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing finished fourth, while Evan Smith achieved a career-best fifth overall. Other notable riders included Trevor Bollinger and Dante Oliveira, who made significant comebacks during the race. Josh Strang, on his new JS7 Sherco Racing bike, and Michael Witkowski also had noteworthy finishes.
Defending National Champion Craig DeLong faced challenges, including a crash late in the race that relegated him to 14th overall. The event set a thrilling tone for the 2024 GNCC season, showcasing the high level of competition and the resilience of the riders.
Adding to the initial summary, the GNCC season opener at the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck event also featured thrilling competition in other classes.
In the XC2 250 Pro class, an intense duel unfolded between FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers’ Angus Riordan and defending champion, AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper. The lead switched back and forth throughout the race, culminating in a narrow victory for Riordan by just 2.2 seconds over Draper. Grant Davis secured the third spot on the podium, making it an exciting class to watch.
The FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class saw Dakoda Devore of Devore/KTM/FXR/SRS Suspension claim victory after advancing from third on the opening lap. Jhak Walker, who led for the first three laps, finished second, while Dustin Simpson landed the final podium position.
Top Amateur honors went to Jason Tino, who finished 18th overall and first in the 250 A class. Nicholas DeFeo and Gavin Simon completed the Top Amateur Podium, finishing second and third in the 250 A class respectively.
The WXC race witnessed FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers’ Brandy Richards taking the initial lead, but Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer eventually overtook her to win the first WXC bike race of the season. Korie Steede and Richards rounded out the top three.
Youth races also highlighted promising talents, with Caleb Wood defending his Youth Overall Champion title in the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. (14-15) class. Travis Lentz claimed victory in the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class, showcasing intense competition among younger participants.
The AMSOIL Moto Hero award was presented to Cold War Veteran Paul Burfeind for his service, recognizing his contributions and participation in the Warrior Class.
The event set a compelling stage for the series, moving next to the Moose Racing Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida. The diverse outcomes across various classes and the competitive spirit displayed by participants underscored the GNCC’s reputation as a premier off-road racing series.
VP Racing Fuels Big Buck Results and Points Standings
Union, South Carolina
Round 1 of 13
Sunday, February 18, 2024
XC1 Pro Event Results:
- Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
- Steward Baylor (KAW)
- Grant Baylor (KAW)
- Jordan Ashburn (GAS)
- Evan Smith (HQV)
- Ricky Russell (YAM)
- Trevor Bollinger (HQV)
- Dante Oliveira (KTM)
- Josh Strang (SHR)
- Michael Witkowski (HON)
*Overall National Championship Standings:
- Jonathan Girroir (30)
- Steward Baylor (25)
- Grant Baylor (21)
- Jordan Ashburn (18)
- Evan Smith (16)
- Angus Riordan (15)
- Liam Draper (14)
- Ricky Russell (13)
- Grant Davis (12)
- Trevor Bollinger (11)
*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2024 National Champion.
XC2 250 Pro Event Results:
- Angus Riordan (KTM)
- Liam Draper (YAM)
- Grant Davis (KAW)
- Joshua Toth (HON)
- Toby Cleveland (HQV)
- Thad Duvall (KAW)
- Jonathan Johnson (BET)
- Jesse Ansley (KAW)
- Brody Johnson (HON)
- Ruy Barbosa (HON)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:
- Angus Riordan (30)
- Liam Draper (25)
- Grant Davis (21)
- Joshua Toth (18)
- Toby Cleveland (16)
- Thad Duvall (15)
- Jonathan Johnson (14)
- Jesse Ansley (13)
- Brody Johnson (12)
- Ruy Barbosa (11)
See the full 2024 season schedule at GNCCRacing.com
