Results and video from round seven of the 2026 GNCC Racing Series headed to Ohio for the Kenda Tires Powerline Park GNCC, where ideal conditions and a technical course delivered a busy day of racing across the main pro classes. Steward Baylor Jr. came out on top in XC1 Open Pro, Angus Riordan took the XC2 250 Pro win, and Brandy Richards continued her strong WXC season with another victory.

XC1 Open Pro in a nutshell:

Steward Baylor Jr. claimed his second GNCC win of the season with a controlled but hard-earned ride at the front of the XC1 Open Pro field. The Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green rider led the majority of the race but never had it easy, with pressure coming from Craig DeLong and the rest of the front group throughout the day.

Baylor got himself into the lead early and then settled into his rhythm, but admitted Craig DeLong’s pace and line choice helped him understand where time could be gained on the Powerline Park course. Once he found his groove again around lap four, Baylor was able to regain control and ride the final part of the race with enough margin to take the win.

Craig DeLong finished second overall for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing after one of his strongest rides of the season. DeLong pushed his way to the front, briefly took the lead, and forced Baylor to respond. The Husqvarna rider said he may have pushed a little too hard once he hit the front, but he dug deep through a hot and physical final part of the race to secure the runner-up spot.

Kailub Russell completed the overall podium for AmPro Yamaha after a tough race from a poor start. Russell had to fight through traffic early and spent plenty of energy trying to bridge the gap to the leaders, but still managed to land back on the box with third overall.

Russell’s teammate Liam Draper was part of the same battle near the front, with the two AmPro Yamaha riders trading pace and pushing each other through the demanding Ohio terrain. Draper’s result added another strong showing for the team in the XC1 field.

Behind the top three, Josh Strang and Grant Baylor finished sixth and seventh overall, both collecting important points on a day where the Powerline Park track became rougher and more physical as the race went on.

Defending national champion Ben Kelley returned to racing after crashing at the previous round and finished eighth overall. Jordan Ashburn, winner of the previous two rounds, had a more difficult day in Ohio. After starting near the front, he slipped back to 10th overall by the finish, rounding out the top 10.

XC2 250 Pro in a nutshell:

Angus Riordan was the rider to beat in XC2 250 Pro, taking his second class victory of the season and fifth overall on the day. The Phoenix Racing Honda rider had endured a rough stretch in recent races, but Powerline Park marked a return to form as he worked his way back to the top step of the XC2 podium.

Riordan’s result was not just a class win either. Finishing fifth overall put him right in the middle of the pro conversation, ahead of several established XC1 names, underlining the strength of his ride in Ohio.

Brody Johnson finished second in XC2 250 Pro for Race Craft Off-Road/Husqvarna and also secured a top-10 overall result. Johnson spent the day near the front of the class and came away with another strong points haul in what continues to be a competitive XC2 field.

Jason Tino completed the XC2 podium for FMF KTM Factory Racing. Tino put together a consistent race in the rough Ohio conditions and pushed through to secure third in class, adding another podium finish to his season.

With Riordan winning, Johnson second and Tino third, the XC2 race again showed the depth of the class. The top riders were not only fighting among themselves but also mixing strongly into the overall order.

WXC in a nutshell:

In WXC, Brandy Richards took her fourth win of the season for FMF KTM Factory Racing after a race-long fight with Korie Steede and Danielle McDonald.

Korie Steede got the best start, grabbing the $100 Coppersmith Racing WXC holeshot award for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. She led the opening two laps and looked strong early, but Richards kept the pressure on and closed the gap as the race developed.

Richards made the move on Steede during lap three and controlled the race from there to the chequered flag. It was another important win for the KTM rider as the WXC championship battle continues to build through the middle part of the season.

Steede held on for second place after her strong start and early lead, adding another podium finish to her campaign.

AmPro Yamaha’s Danielle McDonald finished third after a difficult race in the rough and slick Ohio conditions. McDonald appeared to suffer a mechanical issue at one point and had to stop for minor bike work, losing time to the leaders. Despite that setback, she made it to the finish in third and continues to hold the WXC points lead after seven rounds.

The GNCC Racing Series now heads to Watkins Glen International on June 6-7 for a brand-new venue in New York. It will be the first GNCC event in the state since 2019, adding a fresh challenge as the championship battles continue in XC1, XC2 and WXC.

Images: Mark Faint