Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 1
Although under the weather in the week leading into the Big Buck GNCC, Steede posted a standout ride in Union, South Carolina, picking up where she left off last year by leading a large share of the season-opening round onboard her Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition.
A small mistake late in the rain-affected race relegated the current WXC number one to third position on the podium, completing the race with a total time of 2:08.12 to deliver P3 at Round 1 and claiming valuable points in tough conditions.
“It’s always good to end Round 1 on the box,” recalled Steede. “I’ve spent the whole week sick, which I was super-bummed about, but overall I’m so happy with my riding. I led most of the race before making a silly mistake and going back into third. I had nothing left in the tank from there, but it’s going to be a really good year, and I’m excited about this start.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammate Craig DeLong was also impressive at the season-opening GNCC round despite the muddy conditions, with the former GNCC Champion powering his Husqvarna FX 350 to fourth place in the ever-competitive XC1 Open Pro Class and sixth Overall.
DeLong showed front-running speed throughout the race, leading the XC1 field during the early-to-middle stages, before settling into position. Fourth place also marks a strong points haul for DeLong, with Round 2 of the series taking place at the Wild Boar GNCC from February 28-March 1 in Florida.
“Big Buck was solid for me,” said DeLong. “I had a decent start and was kind of in that three-to-five range early, before being shuffled into the lead there for a little bit. I got passed and then tried to hang with the race leader, but a couple of small mistakes had that get away from me. I made a strong comeback after some crashes, but I’m happy to get out of here with a decent result given the conditions, and we’ll be ready for the next one.”
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Johnny Girroir, KTM
2. Jordan Ashburn, Honda
3. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
4. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
7. Ben Kelley, KTM
WXC Class Results
1. Danielle McDonald, Yamaha
2. Brandy Richards, KTM
3. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
West Hare Scrambles – Round 2
Also on track over the weekend was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing recruit Mateo Oliveira, with the Californian achieving second position in the Pro Class at the Cupid Classic Hare Scramble at Chaney Ranch.
The reigning WHS number one led the field for the opening four laps before surrendering the position after a pit stop interchange and a caught up in a technical creek section. The 23-year-old would ultimately cross the line in P2 onboard his Husqvarna FE 450.
Coupled with his opening round victory, Oliveira sits atop the Pro Class standings on 55 points – 12 clear of second position entering Round 3 in Nevada on March 14-15.
“I got a good start out here today, then ripped the moto track on the first lap and felt I had a good pace going,” said Oliveira. “We had some back and forth with Giacomo [Redondi] for a little bit, and then I pitted the lap before he did, which put him in front of me. I went to chase him down, but in the technical creek section here, someone was stuck in the main line, so I tried a different line and then I got stuck for a little bit as well. We got back going and wrapped it up in P2, which is a good salvage of solid points.”
Pro Class Results
1. Giacomo Redondi, Kawasaki
2. Mateo Oliveira, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Layton Smail, Kawasaki
