NEXT LEVEL O FFROAD ENJOYMENT
•
Mar 8-9: Trials Training Days
Mar 14-16: Downhill Southeast Mtn Bike Race
June 23-26: Family Camp
June 27-29: AMA/NextGen Mototrials Youth & Women's Regional Championship
June 30 - July 3: Invitational Teen Camp
Aug 8-10: 15th Annual Red Bull Kenda
Tennessee Knock Out Extreme Enduro
Oct 18-19: 33rd Annual 58K Fall Trial (STRA)
Dec 6: Xmas Toy Trial - Fun Gate Trial
July 26-27 September 13-14
November 1-2
www.ryanyoungtrialsschools.com
* All dates are subject to change Ryan Young Trials Schools at TTC: January 25-26 February 22-23 April 12-13 May 3-4
EDITORIAL
CONTRIBUTORS
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@onthepegsmagazine www.on-the-pegs.com
On the Pegs is covering the events, personalities, and machinery of GNCC, enduro, trials and more with beautiful photography in a free monthly digital magazine.
To get involved or send content, email stephanie@onthepegsmagazine.com
HAMMER NUTRITION MOSSY ROCK TRIALS TEAM LAUNCHES, REDEFINING TRIALS COMPETITION
A new era in trials riding has arrived with the launch of the Hammer Nutrition Mossy Rock Trials Team (HN/MRT), a groundbreaking team that prioritizes peak performance while giving riders the freedom to choose their motorcycle brand all while pitting together. HN/MRT allows its riders to compete on the bike that best suits them while uniting under Hammer Nutrition’s fueling expertise to optimize performance.
HN/MRT features 13 dedicated riders across Arizona, Wyoming, and Montana, competing in classes ranging from Junior Clubman up to Senior Expert Sportsman. The HN/ MRT roster includes: Adam Martinson, Kade Steely, Dallin Steely, Trent Caley, Joe Baker, Brian Frank, Derek Martinson, Ross Toeckle, Kevin Jacks, Dan O'Neill, Mike Diesburg,
John Farrell, and Dan Larson.
Hammer Nutrition: Founded in 1987 by Brian Frank, Hammer Nutrition has been a trusted leader in endurance sports nutrition for over 38 years. The company provides a comprehensive range of fuels, supplements, body care products, apparel, and accessories, all designed to help athletes reach their highest potential.
Mossy Rock Trials and OffRoad: Established in 2011 by Dan Larson, Mossy Rock Trials and Off-Road began as a small repair shop dedicated to reviving vintage bikes. Today, it is a premier authorized dealer for TRS and Beta Trials Bikes, supplying top-quality trials accessories, apparel, and components to riders across South Central Montana.
Beyond nutrition, HN/MRT ensures its riders are equipped
with premium performance gear—S3 apparel for peak comfort and durability, and Hebo helmets & boots for toptier protection.
Additionally, the team is supported by Maxima, Twin Air, and Trick Bits. This flexible yet cohesive team structure and partnerships allows each athlete to ride with confidence.
Follow HN/MRT’s Journey
As HN/MRT enters the 2025 season, the team is ready to redefine trials competition. Follow their journey and stay updated on race results, rider highlights, and upcoming events.
if you’re viewing this as the digital version, click each product to be taken to its website where you can buy direct
2023-2025 KTM / GasGas / Husqvarna *black, red, orange, or Husky blue available
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slap noise substantially reduced with a stiffer slider durometer. The special raised chain backing plate keeps the drive train at maximum Power efficiently and the stock suspension action more consistent in moto or off road racing.
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2025 SUMTER NATIONAL ENDURO KICKS OFF THE YEAR WITH TIGHT TRAILS & DEEP WHOOPS
This was my first time at the Sumter Enduro, and it kicked off the 2025 National Enduro Series with a BANG! Riding a new bike—without proper setup time—on
BRIAN PIERCE WORDS & PHOTOS
unfamiliar terrain was an eye-opening experience. The singletrack was tight and the whoops were deep, but the stoke was HIGH!
Keep Endurance in Enduro
I was happy to see the 63 miles laid out on the route sheet. Enduros have been getting shorter in length, as well as becoming sprint speed style test sections. The test sections laid out in Sumter did have some higher speed sections, but the tight thickets and deep whoops forced most riders to tame their speed.
The thing I liked most about the Sumter Enduro was that it is a true test of attrition. The last three tests were all ten miles long. Just over halfway through the fourth test, the first of these ten mile tests, I started seeing riders hanging out on the side of the trail. As the tests wore on, less riders were starting tests, and more riders were hanging out trail side. This could be a multitude of things, but I believe hydration and nutrition are the main factors. As I try to discuss nutrition with more racers,
they continue to stare at me blankly.
An enduro is an endurance event, and as endurance athletes, we have to consume calories throughout the event to have the desired energy to make it to the end. The push back I get is that some racers don’t like to ride with food in their stomach. If this is the case, there are two things you can do. The first is to train your body to function with food in your stomach, and the second is to leverage liquid carbs. I would prefer you do both, helping your body leverage real food lightly throughout the day, while supplementing the extra calories and carbs needed from gels, powders, or bars.
We also can’t forget the importance of electrolytes on how the body functions. Sodium helps us retain fluid and with nerve function. Potassium helps with muscle
function & cellular fluid balance. Magnesium helps with energy production and electrolyte balance. Chloride is a hydration partner working in tandem with other minerals and electrolytes.
A hydration and nutrition plan is simple, but simple doesn’t mean easy. Start by practicing what you want to ingest on riding weekends, and then work toward race weekends. Iterate and evolve as you learn what works for you, or doesn’t. Starbursts or Skittles taste great, and they make you feel like you’re doing something, but snacking on those simple sugars throughout the day are not enough to fuel you for a proper enduro.
Tightest Single Track and Deepest Whoops EVER
Leading up to the Sumter Enduro I watched a lot of videos on youtube. I asked questions and tried to understand what I was riding into. I’m here to tell you none of that prepared me for the tight thickets in Test One and Test Three. I have no idea what type of trees they were, but the trail that was weaved through them was twisty, grabby, and straight up mean. I wonder if the club members who laid it out did so on foot, specifically so they could
craft a special pattern of crazy for us lucky riders.
I also had no idea whoops could get as deep as they did in the South Carolina single track. If you watch the footage from Test One, you can see the moment I drop into the first deep whoop section. My speed instantly slows, and you can almost feel the tension as my brain tries to assimilate what the hell just happened.
I never truly got comfortable through the Sumter whoops. Now that I’m home, and working with Brian Storrie again, I believe the GasGas was pretty unstable. This is also exemplified by how much better the bike tracked in third gear. I was still running stock gearing (14/47) and was trying to stay in second gear due to the tall gearing. This caused the bike to rev pretty high in second gear, keeping the chassis tight and the suspension captive. Once I figured out how to keep the bike in third gear, and lower revs, the suspension freed up, creating a much more stable chassis. You either win or you learn.
What’s Next?
The next few weeks are going to be more testing and more riding. The GasGas, after everything we’ve been through so far, still has under 15 hours on it. The suspension and chassis feel like they’re breaking in, which is great for getting a setup to create a balanced bike. I’ve reached out to Nate at DDC Racing and ordered a longer chain and a 50T rear sprocket.
The Cajun Classic National Enduro is next up on the National Enduro Series calendar in April. There are a
few TSCEC Enduros between now and then, but I feel I need to keep getting used to the bike with intentional practice, versus trying to go race. We shall see how the schedule nets out, as I still need to get the radiator tabs welded back into place properly.
PHOTO
Creating a Balanced Bike & Finding the Proper Gearing
After the way I rode at the Sumter National Enduro, I knew Brian Storrie and I needed to get together again. I wanted to keep working out the kinks of the way I was getting along with the EX350F. We worked on bike balance and gearing, and I can tell I am gaining confidence, along with the ability to attack more. We are nowhere near done, but I know we have the
WORDS & PHOTOS
Adventure Moto GasGas in a much more stable place for me to continue to grow.
WHAT I DID WRONG BEFORE SUMTER
Storrie and I had the chance to get back together before Sumter, but I chose to go play ride at Barnwell Mountain. I forgot the purpose of the year in that decision, and the
BRIAN PIERCE
true goal of becoming the best racer I can become for the year. Due to this, I missed out on another session with a very capable racer and coach to help me be as prepared as possible for the Sumter National Enduro.
Now that we’re back together, and making the changes we made during this session, we know the bike wasn’t set up well for Sumter. What we did during our first coaching session made sense, but it wasn’t the end all be all of the process. The suspension and chassis were still breaking in, and our first session was at a property that didn’t emulate Sumter. There were more properties in the NTX area that were closer to Sumter (speed, sand, and whoops) that would have allowed us to fine tune gearing (47T --> 50T) to then settle on more appropriate suspension settings.
CREATING A BALANCED BIKE
A balanced bike is a bike that works with a rider as they ride over terrain. Terrain in this case is a very vague word since there are so many different types of terrain dirt bikers get to enjoy. This is where bike setup testing can be so crucial.
Dirt bikes rolled off the showroom floor are put together from a crate that keeps everything as streamlined as possible. Unless you shop at a detailed dealer, the chances of a GasGas on the east coast being the same as the west coast is highly likely. It’s then up to you, the rider, to set up your bike to work the best it can for you and the terrain you’re going to ride on.
Storrie and I talked a lot about cockpit setup in the first
Click or scan to watch Brian's YouTube video
video, as well as free sag and rider sag. The cockpit is your contact point to control the motorcycle, so making sure it’s set up for you, and your riding style, is imperative.
Free sag and rider sag are compared to figure out if you have the proper shock spring for your rider weight. If you compare free sag and rider sag and numbers are off from what your manufacturer recommends, you’ll need to get the proper shock spring. It’s also a good guess the front springs are going to be wrong as well. Once you know the springs are right for your rider weight, rider sag is a part of the balanced bike equation.
Storrie and I checked free sag and rider sag again because the GasGas is still breaking in. The bike didn’t handle well at Sumter, nor did it look good warming up on this day, so this was a great place to start. Due to the front end tucking, and a free sag of 35mm and a rider sag of 100mm, we removed a round of preload to help the rear of the bike settle more. This helped a ton, and I felt I could immediately attack more.
We actually adjusted gearing next to make sure the engine was more settled so the suspension had the ability to move with less forces of the motor on the chassis. More on gearing in a few.
As the bike settled more with the gearing changes, the front end was still tucking. Storrie decided we should remove high speed compression to help the bike settle even more. This was specific because of the way the bike would dive, and tuck, as I was braking up to the entrance of a turn. He mentioned that opening up the high speed compression here lets the rear end free up more under those braking loads, keeping the rear balanced with the front more.
As we left, I made a call to Jorli at Astra Offroad. He and I have chatted handlebars a lot over the years, and he also has a lot of knowledge and experience. When I purchased the 27mm rise bars for the new bike, he was hesitant and believed they would be too low for the four stroke. At that time, I told him I needed to feel it for myself. Now that I have felt it for myself, and we’re still feeling the front end is heavy, I have ordered the Astra 38mm Gemini
handlebars for the EX350F. Once they come in, I am going to test them as we have other changes. I’ll warm up and do a moto as the bike is. I’ll then come in, swap out the bars and do another moto. We’ll have Storrie watch me and follow me, and use my anecdotal thoughts to discuss the difference, and possible improvement.
CHOOSING PROPER DIRT BIKE GEARING
The 2024 GasGas EX350F came with 14/47 gearing. This is a high gearing for non-moto, and as I learned in Sumter, trying to keep the bike in second gear with this gearing kept the engine too revved up for the chassis and suspension to move freely. As I mentioned at the beginning, I should have met with Storrie to sort this out
The axle block, when turned, is roughly two teeth on the rear sprocket.
Yes, I'm sitting, not standing.
instead of head off to play ride. Let my mistake be your lesson.
The reasons to go to a larger rear sprocket are interesting, and aren't made as a random decision. By adding a 13T countershaft sprocket, I could spend less money, and a 13/47 (3.615) would get close to the same gear ratio as a 14/50 (3.571). The reason to go up in the rear is to let the chassis and suspension move more freely. A smaller countershaft sprocket keeps the chain closer to the swingarm, binding up the chassis and suspension. Where a larger rear sprocket creates more space between the chain and swingarm, allowing the chassis and suspension to move more freely. Science is crazy, and my mind is blown.
The reason a freely moving chassis and suspension matters is because that allows the bike to stay more stable. This is why Storrie had us adjust the gearing in the middle of balancing the bike. He knew if we messed with the suspension before the gearing, we’d create a situation we’d eventually have to undo once gearing was properly adjusted.
I also have to say “properly adjusted gearing” sounds weird, so what the heck does that mean? If first gear is truly designed for riding through the pits, and second gear is to be treated as your lowest gear while riding, we have some work to do.
“Properly adjusted gearing” is the best gearing for you, the rider, and the bike and terrain you’re riding on. Since we want the bike to move as freely as possible, we need to stay in the gear that allows that as much as we can. We also want to limit shifts because limiting shifts mitigates the chances of a mis-shift.
For the 350F bikes, and the terrain we have in North Texas, we have settled on a
50T rear, keeping the 14T countershaft sprocket. The 49T worked really well in third gear in most situations, but we heard some bogging as we shifted into fourth gear. This is due to the spacing of the 350 XC/EX transmissions and why Storrie recommends me, and many others, going to a 50T rear.
As with the Astra Handlebars update, I have a 50T DDC Sprocket on the way, along with a beefier, longer chain. This will allow me to give Storrie his 49T aluminum sprocket back, upgrade to a 50T chrome plated chromoly steel sprocket, while also using a proper chain breaking tool (first time for everything) for installation.
WHY AM I DOING ALL THIS NOW?
There was a time in the early 2010's where I became a AA racer in TSCEC. It only lasted for two years, and from the vantage point I have now, I don’t know that it was totally warranted. But it’s the way the points worked out, so I was bumped up at the time and given my chosen row of 23.
I want young racers to not make the mistakes that I did
back in the day. I just rode, and because I rode a lot, I was gaining speed. That is the natural cycle of doing the same thing over and over again, but it also has its limitations. I never worked on building a better foundation to stack that speed on top of. Due to that limited experience and knowledge, I was never able to expand past the speed and ability that I had accumulated.
Now that I am racing again, and taking the time to build a foundation through testing, knowledge, and coaching, it’s glaringly obvious to me how little I knew about bike setup and bike control. My youth at the time, and a lifestyle that allowed me to ride as much as possible, got me to my ‘at the time’ peak potential; This isn’t repeatable. In my mid-forties, I can no longer rely on my twenty year old exuberance, and weekend freedom, to build back up to being a capable racer. I have to build a wider foundation based on technique and proper bike setup.
This is why quality mentors and coaches are so important. If a coach is trying to get you to do what they did to “ride fast”, you’ll never be your best self. A good coach helps
Talent doesn’t create a fast racer, skill creates a fast racer. As a rider accumulates more skills, they're seen as talented. Don't desire to be seen as talented, desire to be seen as skilled.
Riding pics are hard to find from "back then" apparently.
you understand why technique matters, what a baseline setting is used for, and calls you out on your bullshit. From there, it’s a constant ebb and flow of building a strong foundation, and then stacking knowledge and experience on top of that. As you grow as a racer, you need to constantly be widening your foundation by coming back to the basics so you can continue to stack more experience and more knowledge.
If you’re only working on the tip of the performance pyramid, eventually you’re going to run out of pyramid to sharpen. So if/when you feel you’ve reached your peak, don’t immediately look for a new coach to tell you the same things with different words. You need to head back down to the bottom of the pyramid and widen the base with the basics.
This allows you to become the best racer YOU can become. In this case, you are a special snowflake, because there is only one YOU. When you force yourself to emulate someone else, instead of asking why a racer has a certain setup or technique, you’ll always fight to make their success your success. When you understand the why behind the basics, you can build yourself into a racer who understands who they are and why they do what they do. This will allow you to stop holding yourself back from becoming the fastest, and most skilled, racer you can become.
BikeBodyMind - a framework I created in 2024.
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BOLT'S LUCK CONTINUES IN HUNGARY
WORDS
SUPERENDURO
The dust has barely settled after the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship stormed into Budapest, Hungary, for Round 5, bringing one of the most challenging and unpredictable tracks of the season. And a cloud of dust. The dry and slippery surface kept riders on edge, leading to dramatic shake-ups across all classes. From Timed Practice surprises with the same best lap time for Mitch Brightmore and Jonny Walker heading into the SuperPole to stunning race wins and a title fight intensifying in multiple categories. The night in
PHOTOS
FUTURE7MEDIA & LUKAS NAZDRACZEW
Budapest delivered non-stop action for fans worldwide!
On the dry and slippery Budapest track, in Timed Practice Jonny Walker (GBR) and Mitch Brightmore (GBR) posted identical times down to the thousandth of a second: 31.404! Based on regulations, the second-best time became the deciding factor, favouring Mitch Brightmore, who earned the final SuperPole run. Meanwhile, Championship leader Billy Bolt slightly struggled in Timed Practice, only managing 4th place, setting the stage for an unpredictable night of racing.
The Budapest SuperPole session saw an incredibly tight battle for the top SuperPole spots, with Jonny Walker (GBR) setting the fastest time at 31.721 seconds, narrowly edging out Billy Bolt (GBR), who clocked in at 32.154 seconds. Mitch Brightmore (GBR) secured 3rd place with a 32.216-second lap, making it an intense showdown where top 3 SuperPole riders finished within half a second of each other!
The first turn in Budapest allowed for an aggressive line, and Jonny Walker took full advantage, diving wide to shut
ROUND 5
the door on Mitch Brightmore. This move led to a crash involving Mitch Brightmore and Dominik Olszowy (POL), forcing both riders to fight their way back through the pack.
At the front, Billy Bolt grabbed the Holeshot, quickly setting a blistering pace and pulling away from the field.
Walker tried to chase him down, but couldn’t close the gap, securing second place.
Ashton Brightmore ran strong in third, while Toby Martyn (GBR) was having his best race of the season in fourth place, until a massive case on the biggest jump ruined his momentum.
Race penalties played a major role, as several riders – including Bolt and Walker –received 10-second penalties for jumping under yellow flags. However, these penalties didn’t affect the top 3 because their lead was large enough.
Bolt took the win, Walker finished second, and Ashton Brightmore claimed third. Diogo Vieira (POR) surprised with a strong fourth place finish. Martyn finished the race in 10th, while Olszowy DNF’d due to a throttle issue sustained in his early crash.
In the reverse-grid second final, William Hoare (GBR) grabbed the holeshot, while Billy Bolt (GBR) got stuck in the rock section, forcing him into a tough battle from deep in the pack.
Jonny Walker (GBR), starting from the second row, executed
ABOVE:
BELOW: Dominik Olszowy
a brilliant opening lap, quickly making his way to the front. Once in the lead, Walker controlled the pace flawlessly, delivering a historic victory for Triumph—their first-ever SuperEnduro race win!
Meanwhile, Bolt charged through the field, recovering to second place, but ran out of time to challenge Walker for the win.
Hoare held strong to secure third, putting in an impressive ride. Ashton Brightmore (GBR) finished fourth, followed by Dominik Olszowy (POL) in fifth and Mitch Brightmore (GBR) in sixth.
Heading into the last final,
PREVIOUS: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57)
Race start
(501)
Walker was in prime position for the overall victory, but a mistake at the start changed everything. He lost control entering turn 1, crashing and dropping to the back of the pack.
This opened the door for Bolt, who took early control of the race and never looked back, securing his fifth overall win of the season.
Mitch and Ashton Brightmore battled fiercely for third place, but Walker mounted a heroic comeback, eventually passing Ashton to take third.
In the end, Mitch Brightmore defended second place, while Walker’s third-place finish was just enough to secure second overall for the night. Ashton Brightmore completed the podium in third.
Billy Bolt secured first place, continuing his dominant season with another overall
victory and extending his championship lead. Jonny Walker finished second, making history by securing Triumph’s first-ever SuperEnduro race win in the second final. Ashton Brightmore claimed third place, delivering another strong podium result as he continues to establish himself among the top names in the series.
Bolt remains in control of the Championship. Walker’s breakthrough win proved he is still a serious contender, while Mitch and Ashton Brightmore are gaining confidence and speed with every round. Mitchell Brightmore secured fourth overall, showing strong consistency despite a tough start. William Hoare finished fifth, delivering his best result of the season and proving he is capable of fighting within the top group.
Eddie Karlsson, Dominik Olszowy, and Cooper Abbott (USA) remain in the fight, all still within striking distance in the Championship standings. Karlsson has shown great potential throughout the season, while Olszowy has delivered moments of brilliance but struggled with misfortune. Abbott continues to improve round by round, keeping himself in contention for a strong finish to the season.
With only two rounds remaining, the battle for second and third place in the Championship is more intense than ever. Walker is feeling the pressure, the Brightmores are proving to be real threats, and Hoare’s performance suggests he is ready to challenge for more.
OVERALL
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)
2. Jonny Walker (TRI)
3. Ashton Brightmore (GG)
4. Mitch Brightmore (GG)
5. William Hoare (HSQ)
6. Cooper Abbott (SHR)
7. Diogo Vieira (GG)
8. Eddie Karlsson (STR)
9. Dominik Olszowy (RIE)
10. Alfredo Gomez Cantero (BET)
William Hoare (80) Pro Podium
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BOLT CLAIMS 5TH CONSECUTIVE SUPERENDURO CROWN!
ROUND 6
SUPERENDURO FUTURE7MEDIA WORDS PHOTOS
It was Billy Bolt’s night. Taking place in Newcastle, UK, round six of the 2025 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship saw the hometown hero take three wins from three starts to secure the world title – his fifth in a row. It wasn’t plain sailing for Bolt, Jonny Walker and the Brightmore brothers, Mitch and Ashton, made it a night to remember with some of the closest racing seen so far this season.
The SuperPole shootout in Newcastle was by no means a guaranteed win for Billy Bolt (GBR). A couple of errors while pushing hard on the technical track saw the Brit come close to falling from his machine.
Despite the mistakes, Bolt claimed SuperPole by an impressive one and a half seconds from Mitchell Brightmore (GBR). Jonny Walker (GBR) took third, with William Hoare (GBR) delivering an excellent lap for fourth.
Delivering a flawless performance on the demanding UK track, Billy Bolt led the
first Prestige race from holeshot to the chequered flag.
The race for second place was fought out between the Brightmore brothers, with Mitchell moving into second after the start, and Ashton soon taking third after passing Jonny Walker.
Walker then found himself under pressure from Eddie Karlsson (SWE), with the two swapping positions through the race.
With Bolt taking a commanding race win by over 13 seconds, Mitchell Brightmore claimed second, with brother Ashton a further 17 seconds behind. Walker held on for fourth, just two seconds ahead of Karlsson.
For the reversed-grid second race, it was Dan Mundell (GBR) who took the holeshot, but he was soon passed by Walker on lap one. Bolt took his time to make his way up through the field. Avoiding any mistakes, he moved into
RIGHT: Husqvarna Factory Racing's Billy Bolt (57)
second place at the end of lap one. A mistake by
Bolt halted his progress, but at the same moment, Walker came off his Triumph while jumping across the tyres.
After remounting, both riders found themselves together on track, fighting for the lead. Eventually Bolt got ahead and began to open up an advantage. With Walker second, the Brightmore
brothers were neck and neck for third, Dominik Olszowy (POL) was just behind, piling on the pressure.
Bolt held on to take his second race win of the night and with it, secure his fifth consecutive FIM SuperEnduro World Championship title. Walker held on to finish as runner-up, just over two seconds ahead of Ashton Brightmore in third.
It was Walker who took the holeshot in race three, before opening up an early lead on lap one. However, he soon found himself under pressure from Bolt and the Brightmore brothers, with the race lead changing hands multiple times. Bolt, who had already secured the world title, wasn’t holding back. Despite a couple of errors, he regained his composure to move into the lead when the leaders hit lapped traffic. Bolt took the win to make it a perfect night in Newcastle. Walker held off the hard-charging Brightmore brothers to take second place, Ashton got the better of brother Mitchell for third.
In a fitting end to the night, Bolt secured the overall win at round six to claim the 2024/2025 title. Walker placed second, and with the Brightmore brothers completing the event on equal points, it was Mitchell who rounded out the podium places due to his runner-up finish in race one.
“It’s been an incredible night here in Newcastle tonight," said an excited Bolt. "I know I came here into my home round with a good advantage but you can never take things for granted in SuperEnduro. The boys were pushing really hard tonight, especially in that last race – I think they thought that as I had won the title, I might ease off a little. Of course, I gave it my all as usual and was able to come out with three race wins. The crowd here have been amazing and I want to thank everyone who has supported me this season. Five titles in a row is fantastic. There’s still one round to go and you can be sure I won’t be backing down there either, I’ll be looking to finish the series on a high next weekend in France.”
“I’ve come away with P2 tonight, which I’m really happy with, especially after
ABOVE: Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team's Jonny Walker (22) BELOW: Rieju Factory Racing's Dominik Olszowy (501)
a tough race one, finishing fourth," said Walker. "I struggled a little with the track tonight as it was quite difficult and everyone was on fire! I’m feeling great though after strong results in the second and third races, and I’ve extended my gap to third in the championship. I’m looking forward to the final round in France next week!”
Although the championship title is decided, the battle for the remaining places rages on into the final round. Walker, in second, holds a 27-point lead over Ashton Brightmore in third, with brother Mitchell fourth, just 12 further points back.
Round six of the SuperEnduro World Championship also featured an Expert class, with
national riders fighting it out on the same track as the pros. Dominating the category, Sherco-mounted Jack Price (GBR) took the holeshot in both races before carrying that advantage to the finish line to make it two race wins out of two. Second overall went to the experienced Paul Bolton (GBR), who stepped away
from the commentary booth for his home race to showcase his skills on track. Jack Spencer placed third, thanks to his 4-3 race results. Also on track, and trying his hand at SuperEnduro for the first time was renowned mountain bike racer Brendan Fairclough (GBR). The Rampage star secured a best result of 12th in race one.
OVERALL
1. Billy Bolt (HSQ)
2. Jonny Walker (TRI)
3. Mitch Brightmore (GG)
4. Ashton Brightmore (GG)
5. Eddie Karlsson (STK)
6. Dominik Olszowy (RIE)
7. Tim Apolle (BET)
8. Harry Edmondson (TRI)
9. Diogo Vieira (GG)
10. Cooper Abbott (SHR)
AG Beta Racing Team's Ramón Godino Gómez (11) Race Start Prestige podium finish
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KELLEY TAKES FIRST XC1 POINTS
XC2 250 PRO SWEEP OVERALL PODIUM AT SEASON OPENER
KAYLA BOLTON ACTIONSHOTS81 & MACK FAINT
Sunday morning of the VP Racing Big Buck GNCC, round one of the Progressive Insurance Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, was met with a brief thunderstorm and rain. The decision was made to combine the 8 am and 10 am amateur races, to preserve the track as best they could. The sun appeared bright in the sky as the rain headed out of the area, and racing was underway at 10 am on Sunday, February 16.
This season opener in South Carolina was anything by ordinary. As the green flag flew for the front row, XC1 Open Pro, it was the 2024 National Champion, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir grabbing himself the $250 Landers KTM XC1 Holeshot Award. Misfortune would strike Girroir as he found himself stuck on a hill and suffering from some bad luck at the first round.
Some riders who would have luck on their side at round one was the trio of XC2 250
Pro racers, Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Nick DeFeo, Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Toth and FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Angus Riordan. DeFeo would start his day by claiming the $150 Landers KTM XC2 Holeshot Award, and battle at the front of his class throughout lap one before moving into the lead position. With adjusted time, DeFeo would lead the overall before physically gaining the lead position.
DeFeo would continue to push himself through the slick, muddy conditions to come away with his first career Overall and XC2 250 Pro class win at the 2025 season opener in South Carolina. His teammate, Toth, would follow and earn second overall and in the XC2 class while Riordan held onto third overall on the day and third in the XC2 class, making it the first-ever XC2 250 Pro class sweep for the top three overall positions.
After steadily making his way towards the front of the pack, FMF KTM Factory Racing
Ben Kelley would carefully make his way into the XC1 Open Pro class lead with two laps remaining. Kelley would ultimately cross the line fourth overall on the day, but he would earn the XC1 Open Pro class win to start the year.
“The conditions today were super muddy, rutty and slippery," explained Ben. "You needed to ride measured, not push too hard and get stuck, while not being too careful and getting caught. I was a bit cautious at the beginning and that created a long day battling the XC2 boys, but overall I am content. I had a good off-season, I’m feeling good, so I’m ready for the heat in Florida.”
Coming through fifth and sixth overall were two, 250 A competitors, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Joseph Cunningham and Precision Off-Road/Viral Optics/Husqvarna’s Gavin Simon. Both Cunningham and Simon would push themselves through the conditions to score a top 10 overall finish position on the day.
Lyndon Snodgrass would be the second XC1 Open Pro racer to take the checkered flag, while finishing seventh overall on the day. Snodgrass had a good start to the day and would even hold the lead on the opening lap, but he would find himself in fourth for the next two laps. Snodgrass pushed his way back up and would finish second in XC1.
The defending XC2 250 Pro Class Champion, FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Grant Davis would run at the front for the first part of the race before encountering some problems later in the day. Davis would finish the day fourth in class and eighth overall.
Phoenix Racing Honda teammates Cody Barnes and Michael Witkowski would round out the top 10 overall finishers on the day at Big Buck, while Barnes finished fifth in the XC2 class and Witkowski earned the last spot on the XC1 Open Pro podium in third.
Finishing just outside of the top 10 overall finishers in 11th
was Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Josh Strang. AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell made his return to GNCC Racing and would finish 14th overall and fifth in XC1 on the day. Bi-Con Services/ Ryder Lafferty and Girroir would finish sixth and seventh in XC1. After a good start to the day, Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn would complete four of the five laps at round one.
Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Steward Baylor would be seen pushing his bike through the
facility back to his pits after completing three laps, while other top competitors like Enduro Engineering Triumph Racing’s Ricky Russell, AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper and Racecraft Racing Team’s Thad Duvall would also only be able to complete three laps at round one. Unfortunately, Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong was only able to complete two laps before having mechanical issues that forced him to retire from the race early.
In the XC3 125 Pro-Am class it was James Jenkins getting
the early lead after Luke Brown earned the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales Holeshot Award. Jenkins would hold the lead as they came through on the opening lap, with Brown working his way back up to second. Jenkins continued to place a gap over the rest of the XC3 class and would earn the round one win. Brown crossed the line second, while Isaiah Brown battled back to finish third in the class.
Phoenix Racing Honda’s Joseph Cunningham took home the VP Racing Big Buck GNCC Top Amateur honors on Sunday afternoon as he finished fifth overall on the day and first in the 250 A class. Gavin Simon finished sixth overall on the day, and second in the 250 A class, earning himself the second place on the Top Amateur podium. Lane Whitmer would come through 15th overall on the day and third in 250 A to take the last spot atop the Top Amateur podium.
As the morning bike race took off it was Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Rachael Archer getting through the first turn to earn the $100 Landers KTM WXC Holeshot Award. Archer would continue to lead the way for the duration of the race, continuing her winning ways and taking the early points
EVENT RESULTS
XC1
1. Ben Kelley (KTM)
2. Lyndon Snodgrass (HSQ)
3. Michael Witkowski (HON)
4. Josh Strang (BET)
5. Kailub Russell (YAM)
6. Ryder Lafferty (HON)
7. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
8. Jordan Ashburn (GG)
9. Steward Baylor Jr (KAW)
10. RIcky Russell (TRI)
XC2
1. Nicholas DeFeo (KAW)
2. Josh Toth (KAW)
3. Angus RIordan (KTM)
4. Grant Davis (KTM)
5. Cody Barnes (HON)
6. Jhak Walker (BET)
7. Brody Johnson (HON)
8. Jason Tino (GG)
9. Jesse Ansley (KAW)
10. Hunter Bush (KAW)
lead in defending her National Championship. Second overall in the morning race went to Colton McQuarrie in the 150 B Schoolboy (12-17) class, while third overall would go to Gary Fridley in the Super Senior A (45+) class.
With Archer taking the WXC class win, Enduro Engineering’s Shelby Turner would battle her way her way back up towards the front of the class and make the pass for second in the WXC class.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Korie Steede would have a good start to the day, and battle at the front of the class for the majority of the race. Steede would continue to hold a podium position until the checkered flag came out and she crossed the line third in the class. FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers Brandy Richards and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Tayla Jones would round out the top five WXC class finishers at the season opener in South Carolina.
“I got off to a really bad start,” reflected Steede. “Made my way into second or third, Brandy [Richards] and I were battling really hard out there. I got stuck a bunch of times after not choosing the ideal tire, especially at the end there. I’m relieved to finish on the podium as I had no idea where I was, so starting off like this is an excellent way to begin the season.”
WXC
1. Rachael Archer (KAW)
2. Shelby Turner (GG)
3. Korie Steede (HSQ)
4. Brandy Richards (KTM)
5. Tayla Jones (HON)
6. Addison Elliott (KAW)
7. Ellie Winland (YAM)
8. Ava Silvestri (GG)
9. Addison Harris (KTM)
10. Carly Lee (KTM)
GIRROIR ON TOP AT WILD BOAR
BOLTON MACK FAINT WORDS PHOTOS
The final day of the Moose Racing Wild Boar, round two of the 2025 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, continued on with sunny and warm conditions along with some exciting, heated racing throughout the day.
As the ten seconds call was made and the green flag flew, it would be Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn earning himself the $250 Landers KTM XC1 Holeshot Award. However, it wouldn’t be long for AmPro Yamaha’s Kailub Russell to return towards the front of the pack as he was hungry to battle for that overall win.
Russell would make his way into the lead on the opening lap, but he would have to face a hard battle with FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Jonathan Girroir for the remainder of the race. Russell and Girroir would swap the lead position for the next couple of laps before Girroir could make the pass stick for the last three laps of the race. Girroir would push himself on the last lap, coming through to take the Florida win by eight seconds over Russell who returned to racing this year after a four-year hiatus.
FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Benjamin Kelley would claim third overall on the day after some unfortunate mishaps set him back from challenging for the overall win on the day. Kelley would maintain and push himself forward throughout the day after getting shuffled towards the back of the pack off the start.
Teammates, and XC2 250 Pro competitors, FMF KTM
Factory Racing Lander’s
Grant Davis and Angus Riordan continued to battle for the entire three-hour race, swapping the lead position on several different occasions. Davis would hold on to grab the XC2 win and fourth overall on the day while Riordan finished second in XC2 and fifth overall at the Moose Racing Wild Boar.
AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper would battle back to finish inside the top five in XC1 after crossing the line eleventh on the opening lap. Draper put his head down and pushed through the sandy terrain steadily making his way up through the riders as he crossed the line sixth overall on the day and fourth in XC1. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski continued to battle mid-pack throughout the day as he finished fifth in XC1 and seventh overall on the day in Florida.
Lyndon Snodgrass would put in a good ride as he battled within the top five for the majority of the race. Snodgrass would receive a one position penalty for receiving gas outside of his designated pit area, therefore making his sixth in the XC1 class and eighth overall on the day.
Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cody Barnes would come through to round out the top three XC2 250 Pro class finishers and ninth overall on the day, while Enduro Engineering Triumph Racing’s Ricky Russell rounded out the top 10 overall finishers and earned himself a seventh in XC1.
After earning the holeshot award, Ashburn would come through to finish eighth in XC1, followed by Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong and
AmPro Yamaha's Kailub Russell (557)
Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede (444)
FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander's Grant Davis (1)
FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander's Brandy Richards (198) James Jenkins (337)
Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Steward Baylor finishing ninth and tenth in the XC1 Open Pro class.
In the XC3 125 Pro-Am class it was Jayson Crawford jumping out to grab the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales Holeshot Award, but at the end of the day it would be James Jenkins coming through to take the class win after holding the lead position for the duration of the race. Luke Brown would battle his way up to second on the day, and Riley Messer rounded out the top three XC3 finishers in Florida.
The Moose Racing Wild Boar Top Amateur honors would
KAYLA
PREVIOUS: FMF KTM Factory Racing's Johnny Girroir (1) ABOVE:
EVENT RESULTS
XC1
1. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
2. Kailub Russell (YAM)
3. Ben Kelley (KTM)
4. Liam Draper (YAM)
5. Michael Witkowski (HON)
6. Lyndon Snodgrass (KAW)
7. Ricky Russell (TRI)
8. Jordan Ashburn (GG)
9. Craig DeLong (HSQ)
10. Steward Baylor Jr (KAW)
XC2
1. Grant Davis (KTM)
2. Angus Riordan (KTM)
3. Cody Barnes (HON)
4. Josh Toth (KAW)
5. Nicholas DeFeo (KAW)
6. Jason Tino (GG)
7. Jonathan Johnson (HON)
8. Jhak Walker (BET)
9. Alexandre Gougeon (KTM)
10. Huter Bush (KAW)
WXC
1. Brandy Richards (KTM)
2. Tayla Jones (HON)
3. Korie Steede (HSQ)
4. Rachael Archer (KAW)
5. Rachel Gutish (RJI)
6. Carly Lee (KTM)
7. Addison Harris (KTM)
8. Ellie Winland (YAM)
9. Addison Elliott (KAW)
10. Eden Netelkos (YAM)
go to Joseph Cunningham as he came through to earn 16th overall on the day and earn the 250 A class win. Gavin Simon would come through right behind Cunningham to take second in the 250 A class, and on the Top Amateur podium as he finished 17th overall. Lane Whitmer would come through 19th overall to round out the top three in the 250 A class, and atop the Top Amateur podium at round two.
As the WXC class took off in the morning race it was Rocky Mountain Red Bear Team Green Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer grabbing the $100 Landers KTM WXC Holeshot Award to get started, but she would soon feel the pressure from FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Brandy Richards. As the class emerged from the trail and headed towards timing and scoring on the opening lap, it was Richards leading the way and place a substantial gap over the rest of the field. Richards would continue to lead the way for the remaining laps, earning the win in the sandy terrain.
After starting back in the fifth place position on the opening lap, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Tayla Jones would steadily work her way up through the field making the necessary passes to land her a spot on the podium. On the last lap Jones would make a final push, and finish second in the WXC class as she makes her return to GNCC Racing this season. Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede would battle towards the front of the pack for the majority of the day going between second and third in the class. As the checkered flag flew, Steede would round out the top three WXC finishers.
BOU ADDS NORWAY TO HIS ROLL OF HONOR
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Trial Team) took his fourth consecutive victory and the first ever at new World Championship venue Stavanger. Top in Q1 and fastest in Superpole, Bou tore into his opposition in the opening three Sections of the Final and had his latest win secured with three rides to spare.
Bou scored just one mark in the opening three sections of a Final that turned quickly into a battle for the podium between Gabriel Marcelli (Repsol Honda Trial Team), Jaime Busto (GasGas) and Alex Canales (Montesa).
Canales was a surprise qualifier from Q2, where he dropped only three marks compared to four for Matteo Grattarola (Beta) and two fiascos for Benoit Bincaz (Sherco). But X-Trial debutant Canales failed all six Sections in a challenging Grand Final and had to be content with fourth.
But there was nothing to choose between Marcelli
and Busto for second. A failure for Busto in Section Two where Marcelli needed just two marks left him with ground to recover. But Busto made that up in Section Three, when Marcelli failed, and as the only rider clean in Section Five. Marcelli held his nerve, though, with a clean in the run-off, while a dab for Jaime Busto was a costly end to his night. Bou now leads Busto 95 points to 64, with Marcelli third on 51.
Matteo Grattarola (Beta) put in his best finish in his three appearances this season so far with fifth but will have been frustrated to let slip his place in the Final after totalling just one mark more than Gabriel Marcelli in Q1 and finishing just seven tenths of a second short of Alex Canales in Q2. Meanwhile with his worst result of the season so far, Benoit Bincaz drops from only three points back to fourteen in arrears of Marcelli and the medal rankings. Local riders Sondre Haga (GasGas) and debutant Mats Nilsen (TRRS) completed the eight-rider field.
Toni Bou (first): “I am very happy to have added this event to my roll of honour and to be Stavanger’s first winner. Truthfully I started the Final in very good form and was able to really cement an early lead. But the Sections were very slippery, more so than usual. The team has done a great job again so I must congratulate them.”
Gabriel Marcelli (second): “I am happy with this second place which is my best result of the season so far. Really I
wasn’t quite at ease tonight but the second place is good news for the Championship.”
Jaime Busto (third): “I am relatively satisfied because initially I wasn’t sure if I would make it to the Final. I gave it everything and I only missed out on second place in the runoff. So I have to be pleased.”
In the women’s trophy, Berta Abellán (Scorpa) made it back-to-back victories. Just six days on from the inaugural Round in Barcelona, X-Trial
Stavanger proved more close-fought, as Abellán and Andrea Sofia Rabino (Beta) could only be separated by a tie-break on time in each of the two Rounds. In Round One Rabino came out on top, but on total time over the five Sections Abellán took top spot by just three tenths of a second. Denisa Pechackova (TRRS) completed the podium on six marks, meaning she and Rabino are tied for second, thirteen points behind Abellan going into the Final Round in Tallinn in April.
Completing the field in Stavanger, home debutant Huldeborg Barkved (TRRS) took fourth ahead of Naomi Monnier (Montesa) and Alice Minta (Beta) after the three
were tied on eleven marks apiece.
Berta Abellán (first): “I am very pleased with this win because it was very tricky. The level of the Sections was lower so we were all very equal. I hope that I will win in Tallinn too to claim this first FIM World Trophy.”
Round Six of the 2025 World Championship comes from Wiener Neustadt in Austria on 15th March.
OVERALL
1. Toni Bou (MON)
2. Gabriel Marcelli (MON)
3. Jaime Busto (GG)
4. Alex Canales (MON)
OVERALL WOMEN
1. Berta Abellán (SCO)
2. Andrea Sofia Rabino (BET)
3. Denisa Pechackova (TRRS)
4. Huldeborg Barkved (TRRS)
5. Naomi Monnier (MON)
6. Alice Minta (BET)
SERIES STANDINGS
1. Toni Bou
2. Gabriel Marcelli
3. Jaime Busto
4. Alex Canales
5. Matteo Grattarola
6. Benoît Bincaz
7. Sondre Haga
8. Mats Nilsen
DRAPER ENDS GIRROR'S 22x WIN STREAK
COURTESY USSE ART PEPIN WORDS PHOTOS
Fans of sprint enduro knew it was just a matter of time before Am Pro Yamaha’s Liam Draper got his overall win in the US Sprint Enduro Series. But most didn’t expect it to come at the expense of FMF KTM Factory Rider Johnny Girroir, who, up until this race had amassed 22-straight daywins going back to his defeat by Zach Osborne in 2023 at South of the Border MX in South Carolina.
Though it was by the narrowest of margins, Draper won both days of the event to take the overall by 6.394-seconds after two days of racing at Outback Raceway in Laurinburg North Carolina. Meanwhile, Sunday’s win came by a whisker over one second.
In all, each rider won six tests over the course of the two
LEFT: Liam Draper (198)
days, however, it was Draper’s brilliant ride in Saturday’s final test that made the difference.
“That last enduro test I did the best I could and laid it all out there,” said Draper. “I was going to die trying to beat Johnny; it was some of the closest racing I think I’ve ever had. We went into the last Test 7.10 th s of a second apart, so super close and I got into the lead at one point and then he got it back from me, but yeah I just rode the last test the best I could and laid it all out there. I was going to die trying to beat Johnny.”
Girroir was disappointed at his streak coming to an end, but the practical KTM rider knows that all things must on to an end.
Phoenix Honda’s Cody Barnes battled FMF KTM Factory
Racing Team Landers’ rising star, Grant Davis. In the end, Davis came out with the final step of the podium, proving the 19-year- old’s recent successes in National Sprint weren’t just flukes. Davis also won the Pro 2 class.
“I’m happy with how I rode,” said Davis. “The entire course was deep sand and I need to fix some of my mistakes and I’ll be better. I lost the front end twice and that’s what kind of did me in for the overall for on Saturday.”
Barnes, riding a 450 this year instead of his usual 250, missed the podium by four seconds, although he topped Davis in four tests.
Cody talked about how rough the sandy course got. “It got really chewed up and lot of tree roots got exposed and it
crossed us up,” said Barnes. “We ended up getting a lot of big breaking bumps and it ended up being s super fun track like big sandy corners, so the track was a lot of fun the track definitely got really chewed up and a lot of tree roots exposed.”
FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Cooper Jones came out on top of a monumental battle Red Bear Team Green Kawasaki’s Collier Martinez; the two separated by lass then two minutes at the end of the weekend.
ABOVE LEFT: Grant Davis (22)
ABOVE RIGHT: Johnny Girroir (1)
BOTTOM: Pro podium
OVERALL - PRO 1
1. Johnny Girroir (KTM)
2. Liam Draper (YAM)
3. Cody Barnes (HON)
4. Craig DeLong (HSQ)
OVERALL - PRO 2
1. Grant Davis (KTM)
2. Gavin Simon (HSQ)
3. Cooper Jones (KTM)
4. Collier Martinez (KAW)
5. Dominick Morse (HSQ)
6. Toby Cleveland (HSQ)
Toby Cleveland (Hsq) was seven second back in ninth, while Colton Shields (Hsq) won the Pro-Am class with a 20th overall finish.
Landers KTM’s Brandy Richards dominated the Pro Women’s division, winning all 12 tests of the weekend. Rockstar Energy Factory Racing’s Korie Steed was second near three minutes back.
“The only crash I had was in the first test of the first day,” said Richards. “I just kind of lost the
front end and then after that I kind of just stayed up pretty much full time and just flowed. The enduro I would say was like 70% sandy and then there was also like some hard packed black dirt there with a bunch of nasty tree roots. But it was mostly sand.”
Phoenix Honda Racing’s (Hon) Tayla Jones rounded out the podium followed by Bonecutter Sherco Racings, Rachel Gutish in fourth and Ellie Winland on her Yamaha in fifth.
OVERALL - PRO WOMEN
1. Rachel Gutish (SHR)
2. Korie Steede (HSQ)
3. Tayla Jones (HON)
4. Ellie Winland (YAM)
5. Jocelyn Barnes (HSQ)
Girroir back on top at fox squirrel ridge
At the previous round of the 2025 US Sprint Enduro Series in North Carolina, Am Pro Yamaha’s Liam Draper claimed his first-ever win of the series, handing FMF KTM Factory Rider Johnny Girroir his first sprint enduro defeat in the last 22 races.
This weekend’s Fox Squirrel Ridge Sprint Enduro in Pelham, Georgia, looked like more of the same as Draper led the event after the first four tests, while Girroir got off to an uncharacteristically slow start.
Girroir got stronger as the event wore on, eventually winning every test but one on Sunday to claim the overall win. Meanwhile Phoenix Honda Racing’s Cody Barnes squeezed by Draper for second overall with a great ride on Sunday.
“I started off not hitting my marks on Saturday and then I made a little adjustment and crushed the last two tests,”
said Girroir. “That gave me a little confidence and I rode good today, although Liam and Cody were fast too. The first couple of tests we were half a second apart. Cody won the first test yesterday and then he crushed today’s last enduro test.”
On Saturday, Phoenix Honda Racing’s Cody Barnes jumped out to the early lead, winning the first cross test and tying Draper for the win in the second cross test. The enduro test was Barnes’ Achilles Heel on Saturday, however, as the Honda rider lost a lot of time in the roots and ruts.
Draper took control after three tests having won the first enduro test (test two) by four seconds ahead of Barnes and two seconds better than Girroir.
RIGHT: FMF KTM Factory Racing's Johnny Girroir (1)
Girroir picked up the pace in the third cross test, moving in position to challenge Draper. The final enduro test of the day was a game changer for both Girroir and Draper as Draper took a big fall while Girroir had one of his best rides of the day, leaving Girroir with Saturday’s win, 13 seconds ahead of Draper, even though Draper won three of the six tests compared to only two for Girroir.
“I started off well in the first test and then kind of just lost my groove,” said Girroir. “I wasn’t really flowing with the track. Then in the fifth test something clicked, and I had a good test and that carried over into the last test. Unfortunately, I hit the ground but that's racing.”
Barnes was a close third to Draper on Saturday, finishing just 0.740 seconds behind the Yamaha rider, with Rockstar Energy Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong in fourth and FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ rising star Grant Davis coming in with fifth.
On Sunday, Girroir was on form from the start, easily winning the first five of six tests while Barnes and Draper fought it out for second for the day and second overall for the weekend.
Barnes went into the final enduro test with a twosecond lead over Draper and wound up turning in the fastest enduro-test time of the weekend to grab second for the day and second overall.
In the overall results, Girroir went home with the first place, followed by Barnes and Draper. DeLong was fourth with FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ rising star Grant Davis in fifth. Davis was also the top Pro 2 rider, with Husqvarna-mounted Toby Cleveland sixth overall and second in the Pro 2 class. FMF KTM Factory Racing Team
Landers’ Cooper Jones was seventh overall and third in the Pro 2 class.
“My weekend was good then bad then good again and then it just kept going around like that,” said Davis. “I couldn't stay off the ground and had some bike issues with my fuel pump, but other than that at the end of the weekend I started putting in some good times.”
“It was a good weekend,” said Barnes. “There was some tight racing with Liam and Johnny all week. On day one, I had some struggles in the enduro test but was able to turn that around today so I’m happy about the weekend. I actually
Toby Cleveland
Cody Barnes
Liam Draper
TOP TO BOTTOM: Grant Davis
had a problem with my rear brakes in that last test but I managed it to get through it.”
Phoenix Honda Racing’s JoJo Cunningham finished first in the Pro-Am class and eighth overall. Meanwhile, Gavin Simon (fourth Pro 2) and Coastal Racing GasGas’ Layne Whitmer (second Pro-Am) rounded out the top 10 overall.
“The tracks actually got way rougher than what I thought they would,” said Cunningham. “I think I only had one spill and of course it was in the last cross test when I was trying to make up time. Other than that it was a good weekend.”
In the Pro Women’s division, Phoenix Honda Racing’s Tayla Jones took the win by over a minute ahead of Reiju USA’s Rachel Gutish and Rockstar
Energy Factory Racing’s Korie Steede.
“I'm super pumped to be back in the middle of the podium,” said Jones. “Unfortunately, Korie had a big crash and that made the weekend a little bit less tight but honestly, I had a great weekend. The tracks were gnarly out there and towards the end it got super rough. It was wild, but these girls were ripping the whole time.”
The top Amateur award went to Olin Daniels (Kaw) with an impressive 12th overall finish.
OVERALL
Johnny Girroir (KTM)
Cody Barnes (HON)
Liam Draper (YAM)
Craig DeLong (HSQ)
Grant Davis (KTM)
Toby Cleveland (HSQ)
Cooper Jones (KTM)
JoJo Cunningham (HON)
Gavis Simon (HSQ)
Layne Whitmore (GG)
TOP: Tayla Jones
BOTTOM: Pro podium
