Couple of Top Five Finishes in Talladega Alabama Mud

Talladega, AL

Round Three

March 8th, 2026

A Couple of Top Five Finishes in Alabama Mud

 

At the 2026 Talladega GNCC, the Liqui Moly Factory Beta team navigated a race of attrition through Alabama mud that reached “skid-plate depth.” Veteran Josh Strang led the team with a strong race, securing 4th overall and 4th in the XC1 Open Pro class, which has propelled him to 8th in the points standings. Cody Barnes overcame an issue early on in the race to salvage a gritty 9th-place finish in the XC1 class. In the XC2 250 Pro division, Jhak Walker secured a 4th-place class finish in brutal conditions, maintaining a slim one-point lead over Brody Johnson for 2nd place in the XC2 season standings.

Results:
Josh Strang » 4th Place » XC1 Class

Cody Barnes » 9th Place » XC1 Class
Jhak Walker » 4th Place » XC2 Class

Factory 480 RR

“Yesterday was a total grind; the conditions were tough, with the rain turning the track into a slick, rutted mess. It was one of those days where you had to be smart with your lines and just keep moving. I’m really happy with how the Beta 480 RR handled the technical sections; things are definitely starting to click, and the momentum is building. We’re heading in the right direction. Huge thanks to the team!

Factory 480 RR

“It was a rough go at round three. I was in a good position after lap one, but the train went off the tracks. I’m still learning every weekend at the races to be better! Thanks to Denny, my mechanic, for all the hard work getting these bikes ready for these gnarly conditions!

Factory 250 RR

“Talladega was an absolute battle of survival with the mud and those deep ruts. My Beta kept pulling through it all, and while I always want to be on the box, walking away with a fourth in class keeps us right in the thick of this XC2 championship fight.”

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