Round 9 of the Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Racing Series unfolded beautifully at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia, where the competition proved fierce and thrilling. Josh Toth of Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green emerged victorious after a grueling three-hour race, showcasing his skill and determination.
As top racers tackled the rugged course, Toth navigated from the second row, moving through the ranks to challenge teammates and competitors alike. A notable duel with fellow racer Steward Baylor ensued as they exchanged the lead multiple times. Despite grappling with back tire issues, Toth maintained his speed and crossed the finish line just ahead of Baylor once timing adjustments were made, securing both the overall win and the XC2 250 Pro class victory. Baylor finished second overall and clinched first place in the XC1 Open Pro category.
Ben Kelley from FMF KTM Factory Racing faced difficulties early on but rallied to finish third overall, securing second in the XC1 Open Pro. Jordan Ashburn from Flatrock Motorclub GASGAS Factory Racing and Grant Baylor from Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green also had impressive finishes, rounding out the top five overall.
In the XC3 class, Jonathan Johnson celebrated his fourth victory of the season, while Lane Whitmer earned Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC Top Amateur honors, finishing 15th overall. Notably, the event welcomed racers from Japan’s JNCC Racing Series, including Kazuto Yano and Yoshihiro Iwai, adding an international flair to the competition.
On the women’s side, Rachael Archer showcased her dominance by leading the WXC class from start to finish, furthering her hold on the national championship points.
As the GNCC series takes a summer break, participants have plenty to celebrate, with camaraderie marked by special honors awarded to military veterans Dakota Williams and Catrina Crump during the event.
This weekend’s races not only highlighted the competitors’ resilience but also fostered a sense of community, proving that the spirit of racing goes beyond the finish line. The next round of the series will take place from September 5-7, 2025, in Newburg, West Virginia, promising plenty of excitement in the upcoming races.