Ashburn Holds Off Baylor to Claim Old Gray GNCC Victory

The Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series, an AMA National Championship, rolled into Monterey, Tennessee for Round 6, The Specialized Old Gray GNCC, where an exciting day of motorcycle racing unfolded across the rugged and historic course on Sunday, May 3. With favorable conditions welcoming racers, the Old Gray terrain set the stage for intense battles and standout performances as the nation’s top off-road racers tackled the demanding layout. As the championship fight continues to heat up, The Old Gray’s bike race delivered pivotal moments, with competitors pushing the pace and showcasing their endurance in the hills of Tennessee.

Phoenix Racing Honda’s Jordan Ashburn and Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Steward Baylor put on a thrilling battle at the front of the pack during the three-hour pro race at the 2026 Old Gray GNCC. The duo pushed each other from the opening laps, navigating the rugged Tennessee terrain with speed and precision while keeping the intensity high throughout the race. Ashburn maintained a slight edge during key moments, but Baylor remained within striking distance, applying constant pressure and capitalizing on every opportunity to challenge for the lead. In the end, Ashburn held strong to secure the overall victory, with Baylor crossing the line just behind him after an all-out effort in one of the day’s most exciting showdowns.

AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell delivered an impressive charge through the field, steadily working his way forward to earn a third overall finish. After starting outside the early lead group, Russell found his rhythm as the race wore on, making key passes and capitalizing on his experience in the demanding Old Gray terrain. His ability to maintain a strong pace and push through the pack showcased his veteran race craft, ultimately securing him a well-earned spot on the overall podium.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski rounded out the top five overall finishers at round six of the 2026 GNCC Racing Series with solid, hard-earned performances. DeLong secured a fourth-place finish after running a consistent pace throughout the three-hour race, staying within reach of the front-runners while managing the demanding Tennessee trails. Just behind him, Witkowski put together a determined ride to claim fifth overall, battling through the field and maintaining momentum in the latter stages of the race.

FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Jason Tino put together another great performance at The Old Gray GNCC, capturing his second-straight XC2 250 Pro class win while also earning an impressive sixth overall finish. Tino maintained a strong and consistent pace throughout the race, positioning himself well among the top overall contenders as he battled through the demanding Tennessee terrain.

AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper put together a strong ride to finish seventh overall after starting back in 10th on the opening lap. Draper steadily worked his way forward throughout the race, making key passes and maintaining a consistent pace to gain valuable positions against a competitive field.

Phoenix Racing Honda’s Angus Riordan and Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jhak Walker completed the XC2 250 Pro podium with strong rides, finishing second and third in class while securing eighth and ninth overall, respectively. Riordan delivered a consistent performance throughout the race, keeping himself in contention among the front-runners and maintaining a steady pace to lock in the runner-up spot. Walker, meanwhile, put together a determined effort to earn third in XC2, battling through the demanding conditions and continuing to push forward over the course of the race.

Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Josh Strang continued to showcase his veteran experience with a 10th overall finish and seventh in the XC1 Open Pro class. Battling through the challenging conditions, Strang remained consistent throughout the race, using his knowledge and strength to secure another solid top 10 result.

As for FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley and Grant Davis, both were running inside the top 10 at the beginning of the race, but an early crash put Davis out of the race, whereas a last lap crash also set back Kelley making both unable to finish within the top 20 overall and score any points at round six. Kelley now sits third in the points standings.

Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Josh Toth was awarded a GNCC Sportsmanship award at the start of the race in Tennessee for his efforts at last round, The Dukes, when he halted his race to assist a fellow racer who had gone down in front of him. As for his race, Toth was only able to complete five laps of racing before having to retire for the day.

Coming through to take the Top Amateur honors at The Specialized Old Gray GNCC was Hunter Smith who earned the 250 A class win and finished 15th overall. Ryan Piper would come through second on the podium with a 17th overall finishing position and a second-place finish in 250 A. Brayden Baisley 18 overall and first in 4-Stroke A Lites.

The WXC class delivered another exciting race as FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Brandy Richards and AmPro Yamaha’s Danielle McDonald battled at the front from start to finish. The two frontrunners traded the lead multiple times throughout the race, each capitalizing on different sections of the course and pushing the pace at every opportunity. Richards ultimately managed to edge ahead when it mattered most, using her experience and late-race charge to secure the win. McDonald stayed within striking distance the entire time, applying constant pressure and turning in an impressive ride of her own to finish a close second after an intense back-and-forth duel.

Caleb Johnson put in an outstanding ride in the AM Bike race, with the 150 B Schoolboy (12–17) competitor charging to an impressive third overall finish against a deep and competitive field. Johnson maintained a strong pace throughout the race, ultimately earning one of the top overall spots of the day. Just behind him, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Korie Steede delivered a solid performance of her own, rounding out the WXC class podium with a third-place class finish and securing fourth overall.

The Specialized Old Gray GNCC Results and Points Standings
Monterey, Tennessee
Round 6 of 13
Sunday, May 3, 2026

Overall Event Results: