The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer:
Motorcycle Race Report
Steward Baylor Earns Second Overall Win of 2023
BECKLEY, W.Va. (September 18, 2023) – The second day of racing at round 10 of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, (GNCC Racing) saw intense and rough racing conditions due to rain showers at Summit Bechtel Reserve.
In the XC1 Open Pro class, Craig DeLong of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing secured the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award, but AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell quickly took the lead after the first lap. Russell faced tough competition from other XC1 riders as they raced through the muddy course.
Steward Baylor of Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy/KTM Racing worked his way from fourth to first position by the fourth lap. He managed to maintain his lead despite pressure from Delong, finishing with a 1.7-second advantage. This victory gave Baylor his second overall win of the season and also put him in the points lead ahead of Delong for the upcoming round on October 8. Russell finished third overall.
“Man, I’m feeling good. I really, really thought I could break Craig, and that was my intent, but man….we just went back and forth,” said Baylor. “I mean the passes for the lead; it was back and forth. Those last three laps, hell, the whole race you could throw a blanket over us. One mistake and it would have been over.”
Baylor continued, “I tried to put a heater down, I was sending it with two to go, trying to put a gap on those guys. I looked back and I was like “Shoot, he’s matching me.” I gotta say, I expected it from Ben, but not Craig. Hats off to him. That kid has elevated this summer, and this whole sport right now, it’s a good time to be a fan. It’s going to come down to the wire.”
In the XC2 250 Pro Lites class, Jonathan Johnson of Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing dominated the race, leading from start to finish. Despite the muddy conditions, Johnson comfortably secured the victory. Angus Riordan of RPM/FMF KTM Racing finished second, while Liam Draper of AmPro Yamaha took third and maintained his points lead heading into the next round.
Throughout the day, the top riders battled fiercely, with aggressive passes and constant position changes. Other notable performances included Joseph Cunningham of Team Green Kawasaki winning the Top Amateur honors and Rachael Archer of AmPro Yamaha securing her second GNCC WXC National Championship.
The race also recognized Jacob Hefner, a military veteran from West Virginia, as the AMSOIL Moto Hero for his outstanding service and community contributions. Hefner received several prizes for his dedication.
For detailed event results and current points standings, please refer to the official GNCC Racing website.